Cloth diaper FAQs

General

  • A 2021 meta-analysis from the Life Cycle Initiative found that cloth diapers have a clear environmental benefit over single use ones when cloth diapers are used heavily and with a green washing routine.

    Sources:

    United Nations Environment Programme. (2021). Diapers in the Circular Economy: A Review of the Environmental, Health and Social Performance of Diapers. Retrieved from https://www.lifecycleinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/UNEP-D003-Nappies-Report_lowres.pdf

    Laville, S. (2021, November 20). Disposable nappies are a blight on the planet – but is cloth really the answer? The Guardian.

  • It may surprise you to learn that many parents report fewer leaks in cloth than in disposables due to their strong elastics and the ability to add extra absorbent boosters as needed.

    Cloth diaper leaks are prevented by ensuring a proper fit, using a good quality diaper (which is in good condition), using cloth-friendly diaper cream, and changing the diaper frequently. That said, the learning curve for cloth diapers can be steeper than for disposables. If you’re experiencing leaks, check the manufacturer’s website for troubleshooting tips or contact us.

    Still not convinced? Visit our diaper trial page to learn more about a risk-free 3-4 week loan of one of our diaper kits.

Purchasing

  • Cloth diapers can be a great way for families to reduce costs, especially by buying second hand. A typical family spends between $2,000 and $3,000 per baby for two years of disposable diapers. It’s possible to buy new diapers and accessories in the $700 range, and to buy a second-hand stash for $200. And remember; the diapers can be reused on a subsequent child or resold to make the cost-saving even greater.

  • There are a wide variety of different brands, styles, and materials, and each has advantages and disadvantages in terms of cost, ease of use, and ease of washing. Charlie Banana has a thorough article explaining the different styles.

    If you’re not sure what will work best for you, consider trying our Cloth Diaper Trial to test out different styles on your child.

  • Buying used cloth diapers is a great way to help the planet and your budget. In the Ottawa area, check Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and the Ottawa Valley Cloth Diaper Swap/Sell Facebook group. Just check that elastics are still stretchy and tight and not too loose (you can have the elastics replaced for ~ $5/diaper, but the price should reflect that).

    For covers and pockets diapers that use PUL material, check that there are no holes or delamination that could lead to leaking.

    We recommend sanitizing your new diapers before using them. Click here for our sanitizing procedure.

Using

  • Cloth diapers should be changed every 2 hours or once they are soiled with poop.

  • The simplest cloth diaper safe cream is coconut oil, which you can find at the grocery store.

    Avoid anything with petroleum jelly because it will cause your diapers to repel water, which will eventually cause leaks (particularly with synthetic fibers) if you wash them in cold or warm water.

    Zinc oxide may stain your diapers. Unfortunately, many creams that contain zinc oxide also contain petroleum jelly, rendering them incompatible with cloth diapers. Live Clean makes a diaper ointment that contains zinc oxide but is cloth safe.

    If you choose to use a cream that is not cloth diaper friendly (or you are unsure), you can use a disposable liner to protect the diaper from the cream.

Washing

  • Visit our wash routine page to learn more.

  • You can probably keep using the same detergent you already like. The only real rule is to avoid any detergent that contains fabric softener.

    Here are a few detergents that have been used successfully with cloth diapers:

    The Original Tide Powder detergent (orange box) from any big store that sells laundry supplies

    Country Save (powder) from The Extraordinary Baby Shop in Hintonburg

    Nellies (powder) from Costco, Nu Grocery, or Terra 20

    Start by using the amount of detergent recommended by the manufacturer.

  • While rare, smell issues can be frustrating and just plain gross. Check out our troubleshooting tips for help.

  • Try the Ottawa Cloth Diaper Service.