Balance the number of diapers your baby will use each day with how often you plan to wash them. Newborns use 10-12 diapers a day. By about eighteen months, toddlers go through about 6-8 in a day's time.

Our recommendation for washing every other day or every third day:

• Newborn and infant diapers.......................~24 to 36 diapers 
• Toddler diapers..........................................~18 to 30 diapers 
• Diaper covers......................................Between 6-10 covers if using diapers and covers exclusively. 

• Make sure that you are providing enough absorbency for baby's output of urine. If at each change the diaper is completely soaked, try adding a washable liner or doubler. 
• Make sure the diaper and liner are tucked completely inside the covering. 
• Adjust the diaper and/or cover so that it fits your baby's legs and waist snugly. 

Our recommendation for night-time diapering is either (1) the use of our Zippidy's fitted diaper lined with a doubler and covered with either our coverpants or a wrap-cover (such as the Proraps Classic or the Kushies cover) OR (2) the use of one of our all-in-ones lined with a doubler, or a tri-folded prefold.

What are my options for using diapers with a newborn?

For the "average-sized" newborn baby, either a newborn or small fitted diaper (with elastic at the waist and legs to contain liquidy b.m.'s) or newborn-sized prefold with a newborn-size wrap cover is a good option. For premature babies or newborns under six pounds, Kushies Newborn Ultras are a reasonable option. After baby's cord-site heals, small-size fitted or newborn prefolds with small coverpants or newborn or small wrap-covers are a nice fit. Infant Kushies are all good choices as well.

Will I have to presoak my diapers?

This is a matter of personal preference. Some parents and manufacturers feel presoaking is necessary. Others feel that diapers come just as clean without any presoaking--this is called the "dry pail" method. Still others use a dry pail to store wet and soiled diapers and then do a presoak in the washing machine before the wash cycle.

What about stains?

You may use your favorite stain remover on the rinsed soiled diapers if desired. Most stains will wash out in the wash or wear out with repeated washings. Some parents suggest that running your diapers through two complete wash cycles, first on cold and then on hot or warm, will keep them stain-free or at least lessen staining. Others choose to use a relaxed approach and accept the stains that go with the diapering territory.

How should I launder diapers?

Machine wash on warm or hot, based on the manufacturer's care label. Use half of the recommended amount of mild all-purpose laundry detergent, free of dyes, fragrances or any types of bleach. Add ~1/2 cup baking soda* or washing soda. Rinse twice adding ~1/2 cup to 1 cup white vinegar to the second rinse. Dry on regular cycle or air dry in the sunshine.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT USE BLEACH, IVORY SNOW, or any other PURE SOAP PRODUCT! This VOIDS all manufacturers' warranties.

*Feed-grade baking soda can be purchased at some feed stores or farmer's co-ops in 50 lb. bags at a fraction of the cost of regular baking soda.

To shorten drying time, toss a couple of dry towels in your dryer with the wet diapers.

How do I wash diaper covers to maintain the waterproofing?

Follow the manufacturer's directions for washing. Most covers can be machine washed on warm with the diapers or baby's laundry and then line dried.

Which diapers do you recommend?

We use each product we sell and recommend all of them. Consider your own lifestyle, preferences, and your baby's diapering needs before you decide. Some parents choose a combination of diapering styles, such as prefolds and fitteds with a few all-in-ones for outings. Others choose one style to use exclusively.

What about using diapers away from home?

Using cloth diapers away from home can be simple. Make sure to include your diapering essentials in your travel bag such as a Wet Diaper Bag, wipes for messy clean-ups, a changing pad or extra prefold for laying under baby's bottom, and of course diapers. Some parents buy a few all-in-ones just for this purpose. Flushable liners can also add convenience on outings.