Traveling with Cloth Diapers

Many families with babies use cloth diapers in their home to save money. But many choose disposable diapers when away from home because of the convenience. However, it doesn't have to be difficult to use cloth diapers when traveling. You just need the right items and a little preparation.

First of all, make sure you have the following items in your diaper bag:

• Cloth diapers, approximately 1 diaper for every 2 hours that you will be out;
• 1 - 2 diaper covers;
• Baby wipes, or wet washcloths stored in a sealable freezer bag;
• A changing pad;
• Trash bags; and possibly,
• Hand sanitizer.

With the improved diaper covers that are available today, leaky cloth diapers are rarely a factor anymore. However, it is still a good idea to carry an extra set of clothing for your baby, just in case. And of course, carry anything else that you normally would to care for your child while you're out.

Next, find a diaper bag that contains ample space to contain all of your baby's items. Professional cloth diapers are extremely bulky; so, you may need a larger diaper bag than usual. Make sure that the bag has a separate zippered component to store the dirty diapers. That way the smell will not get into the other cloth items located in the bag.

Of course, cleanliness can be an issue when changing cloth diapers. That's because the cloth does not absorb urine like disposable diapers. So when you handle the diaper you will likely get your fingertips dirty. However, you aren't always near a sink and soap when you're out of the house. That's where a hand sanitizer or a baby wipes will come in handy.

And probably the biggest challenge in using cloth diapers outside of the home is figuring out what to do with the soiled ones. Take a roll of small, scented trash bags with you. Just place wet diapers into one of the trash bags, tie it and store in the zippered section of the diaper bag designated for dirty diapers. For diapers containing fecal matter, dump into a commode if one is accessible. If not, tightly secure the diaper cover around the cloth diaper and it contents. Then double bag the diaper and place it into the diaper bag. Once you return home just empty the diaper into the toilet and place it in the diaper pail.

Now, traveling with cloth diapers can be simple. Keep a checklist in your diaper bag of all items needed when you are out. Utilize the list. That way you will be able to use cloth diapers with ease when you are traveling with your baby.