Gifts for a Cloth Diapering Mother-to-Be: What She'll Need and What She Won't

The popular phrase "Green is the new black" rings true especially for new parents. Parents today are not only concerned with having the best for their baby, but also with reducing their footprint on the world their children will one day run. This, along with the leaps and bounds make in the cloth diapering world in the last decade has lead to a rise in the use of cloth diapers. The diapering systems used today are a far cry from what grandma used to use. Gifting for a cloth diapering family can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

The Necessities
Every family who chooses to cloth diaper will need a few necessities. These include the diapers themselves, wet bags for outings and a diaper pail or hanging wet bag. Depending on the system used, a family may also need Snappi fasteners, diaper pins, wool wash and liners. A cloth diapering parent may not need any diaper cream at all. Most cloth diaper users find that many commercial creams stain diapers. Alternatives include breast milk or olive oil. If you choose to get some, you can follow the chart found on pinstripesandpolkadots.com to find a cream that is appropriate to use with cloth diapers.

Types of Diapers
There are four main categories that diapers fall into. The first category is All-in-One or AIO diapers. These diapers go on just like a disposable, but take a while to dry. Pockets are very similar, except that their absorbent layer is stuffed into the diaper. They go on and come off easily and dry quickly. These two are the most expensive, but newest and most convenient diapering systems.

Fitted diapers and Prefolds both require covers. Fitted diapers look like disposables, and close with either Hook and Loop Tape or snaps. Prefolds are rectangular diapers that are folded and then held in place by a cover, pins or a Snappi fastener. Some fitteds are more expensive than AIOs and Pockets, but many are quite affordable. Prefolds are the cheapest option, and can also be used as burp cloths then recycled into rags.

There are three types of covers commonly used with fitted or prefold diapers. Waterproof covers, such as those made from PUL, are a very common choice. They usually have Hook and Loop Tape or snap closures. They can be used several times before washing unless soiled. They are washed with the regular diaper laundry, although many manufacturers recommend air drying to prolong their usable life. Wool covers may come with Hook and Loop Tape or snaps, but they are more commonly seen as pull-on type covers. Wool is very breathable, known to keep babies warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Covers can be made from wool interlock, recycled wool sweaters or wool yard that has been crocheted or knitted. Wool covers must be hand washed, and generally do best when washed with a quality wool wash. Fleece covers are a synthetic alternative to wool. Just like wool covers, they are available with Hook and Loop Tape or snap closures and as a pull-on cover. They are breathable and can be hand washed, washed with diaper laundry or washed with regular clothes. Fleece can go into the dryer or can be air dried.

The Accessories
Although some parents use plastic grocery bags to hold soiled diapers when traveling with baby, many parents would rather use a wet bag. Wet bags are typically made from PUL, although some people like wool or fleece wet bags as well. These bags can have zipper, button or drawstring closures. Smaller ones fit right into the diaper bag while larger ones can be used as pail liners. Hanging wet bags are an alternative to diaper pails.

If the family has cloth diapered a child before, it is much easier to give gifts that they will use. If the family is new to cloth diapering, shopping for them can be an adventure. It is important for a family to try several types and brands of cloth diapers to find the ones that fit their child and lifestyle. Many cloth diapering families have a large rotation consisting of many different diapers. In order to avoid diaper laundry for 2-3 days, 24-36 diapers is the recommended standard stash for a newborn. If using diapers that require covers, most parents find that 4-8 covers is sufficient. It is common to use a diaper that requires a cover at home and then use AIOs or Pockets when out of the house. Other families use just one type full time.

Presentation Ideas
There are several cute ways to wrap or present a gift of cloth diapers. A crafty giver can create a diaper cake using 1-2 dozen diapers. Smaller gifts such as Snappi fasteners or liners can be tucked into the middle. Another fun presentation idea is to load the diapers into a lined basket for storage. Using the guide on pinstipesandpolkadots.com a laundry basket can be filled with diapers and appropriate detergents or washes.

With the concern over the environment rising and the difficulty of using cloth shrinking, many families find that using cloth diapers is a common sense decision. A little research and a small investment can lead to great rewards for the economy, the environment and for babies in adorable diapers.