Give a Gift Basket of Sample of Cloth Diapers, Diaper Liners and Diaper-Friendly Detergent

Mothers that are new to cloth diapering often have no clue whether to choose pre-folds or fitted diapers or what a diaper wrap is for. Give a gift basket with a sample of each to introduce a friend to cloth diapers. Add some other diapering supplies and you have the perfect cloth diapering baby shower gift. Here is a list of what to include and where to find it.

Cotton Pre-folds

100% cotton pre-fold diapers are super soft and super absorbent. A dozen high-quality, infant diapers can cost around $24. A six pack of Gerber infant pre-folds costs about $12.00 and are readily available at department stores. Many different brands are available on-line at stores such as Green Mountain Diapers.

Diaper Wraps

Include one or two diaper covers or wraps. These are used to put over the cotton pre-fold and keep the diapers from leaking. Bummis Super Whisper Wrap is available from many on-line stores and costs around $12. A diaper wrap can usually make it through several diaper changes before needing to be changed. Since the pre-fold is what gets soiled and wet, the wrap generally stays clean and dry.

Fitted Diapers

Fitted diapers are a little more expensive, but are a nice gift. They can cost $10 or more apiece. Fitted diapers are a little sleeker and less bulky than a pre-fold with a wrap. They come in plain white or fancy designs and are available from a variety of on-line stores. Many work-at-home mom businesses make and sell fitted diapers at Etsy.com.

Diaper Liners

In addition to diapers, Bummis makes diaper liners. These liners are a thin layer of viscose, which is wood cellulose. They are thin and flushable and are used to line a diaper to help with messy clean up. Simply remove the liner, throw it in the toilet, let it sit for a few minutes and flush. Liners help many people who are undecided about cloth diapering make the switch. Though they are disposable, they have much less of an environmental impact than disposable diapers. They cost around $6 for a pack of 100.

Detergent

Most diaper manufacturers will recommend certain detergents to wash the diapers. They prefer detergents that will get the diapers clean without leaving a build up. Detergent residue makes diapers less absorbent over time. Include a small bottle of a detergent that is recommended for cloth diapers, like Allens Naturally. Consult this chart from Pinstripes and Polka Dots to find a detergent that is available in your area.

What You Don't Need

No need to buy diaper pins since most modern cloth diapers fasten with snaps or Velcro. You also don't need to buy diaper cream. Most people who use cloth diapers swear that their babies seldom get diaper rash. Diaper cream can also make cloth diapers less absorbent.

Putting the Gift Basket Together

Pick up a cute basket at a dollar or department store, line it with a flannel receiving blanket and fill it with the diapering supplies. Tie a colorful ribbon on the handle. The basket will also serve as a place to store the diapers and supplies once they are in use.

For around $50, you can make a cloth diapering gift basket. Include some cotton pre-folds, a diaper wrap, a fitted diaper, some diaper liners and some good quality, diaper-friendly laundry detergent and the new mother can experiment with cloth diapers easily.