Due Tomorrow?

How many diapers do I need?
    There are three factors to consider about the number of cloth diapers you will need. The age of your child, the type of diaper (one size or sized), and how often you will be washing your diapers.  Smaller babies need more diaper changes and older babies or toddlers need fewer. Most cloth diapers are sized and need to be exchanged as the baby grows although there are some one sized diapers with snaps that open up as the needed (such as Bum Genius pockets).  Finally, you need to decide how often you intend to wash leaving leeway for lazy messy days or trips away from home. The following chart should help you decide:
Newborns need 10-12 diapers a day, 6-12 month olds go through 8-10 diapers a day and 12-24 month olds only need 6-8 diapers a day. Depending on the type of diaper you choose, here are my suggestions for washing every 2-3 days.

For newborns:
Prefolds and/or Fitteds with covers
24-36 diapers
4-6 covers (don’t need to change unless soiled)
1-2 wool or fleece covers are nice for
older/heavy wetters for overnight
4-6 doublers for naps and overnight
A few Pockets or AIO’s for outings

Pockets and AIO’s
(suggestion: 12 newborn prefolds and 3 newborn covers to avoid expensive small sizes of Pockets and AIO's)
20-30 diapers
equal number of inserts for pockets (usually included with diaper)
4-6 doublers for naps and overnight

    Infant prefolds make a good cheap insert for pockets or a doubler.  Adjust the number of diapers depending on the age of your child.  Most diapers are sized and you may need to but a new set at least once as your baby grows.  Check the sizing for each brand. Or, you may want to consider a one-size diaper. These usually fit from about 7-35 pounds, again, check the sizing listed for that brand.

Questions? email katrina@mysweetpickles.com
If you live in the Twin Cities area I can deliver diapers for orders over $100 or you can arrange to pick them up.Just use the coupon code LOCAL at checkout.

Thirsties covers and Pocket AIO's


What else do I need?
    You will need a diaper pail (trash can is fine) and two washable liners or two hanging diaper pails to hang off the changing table. These can be washed with the diapers so you’ll need two.  36 cloth wipes (2 for each change) are nice so you won’t have to throw the wipe in the trash but can throw it in the diaper pail and wash the diapers and wipes together. Wipe solution or spray will help with clean up. You will want a wet bag to store diapers in when out of the house.
    As your baby grows and begins to eat solid food, you will need a small trash can with removable liner next to the toilet and a diaper sprayer to deal with poopy diapers. Spray off the poop and deposit the diaper in the nearby small trash can, they can be wet, best so stains don’t set.
    Finally you will need a detergent recommended for cloth diapers, diaper cream recommended for cloth diapers, and it’s nice to have an essential oil/scented baking soda to deal with any diaper pail odor.
      Does all of this seem overwhelming to you? How about trying out cloth diapering with one of our packages that include covers and other accessories and a one week free of Do Good Diaper service? Look for the Packages link on the left. Do good Diapers will deliver to Twin Cities locations.