Cloth Diapers Information

There are so many reasons to use cloth diapers, but the most important one is your baby.

Here are some useful information to help you understand more bout cloth diapers:

Why Use Cloth Diapers?

The world of cloth diapering is overwhelming to say the least.  That's why when asked the question "why use cloth diapers?" we like to keep it simple:

  • Cloth diapers are less expensive than disposables
  • Cloth diapers are healthier for your baby
  • Cloth diapers are better for the environment
  • Cloth diapers are just as easy as disposables

Cloth Diapers Are Less Expensive Than Disposables

Your child will be in diapers for anywhere from newborn to 3 years.  Using an average monthly diaper cost for disposables of RM65 per month you are looking at spending approximately RM1,500 to RM2,300 on disposable diapers per child. 

A complete cloth diaper system for a child could start from about RM300-RM500 if you were to use one size pocket cloth diapers.  Keep in mind that cost could include more than one child.  If you use your diapers for two children you could save in excess of RM4,000 just by using cloth diapers.

Cloth Diapers Are Healthier For Your Baby

Disposable diapers contain chemicals such as Dioxin and Tributyl-tin (TBT).  These chemicals in various forms have been shown to cause cancer, birth defects, liver damage, skin disorders and genetic damage.

Why add more chemicals to your baby’s environment than absolutely necessary?  Cloth diapers are free of these chemicals.

Cloth Diapers Are Better For the Environment

Simply put disposable diapers require tons of plastic and trees to be manufactured; once they are used they sit in the landfills for hundreds of years. 

Cloth Diapers Are Just As Easy As Disposables

You won’t believe it until you try it.  Cloth diapers these days are made for convenience.  With snap and Velcro closures, cloth diaper system is no more difficult to maneuver than a disposable diaper.

What about washing?  It’s easy, put all of your used diapers in a diaper tote bag (shake solid waste into the toilet first).  When the tote is full simply dump the contents into the washer, throw the bag in too and run the washing machine.  It really is easy.

One Size Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers are exactly that, the absorbent “insert” is slotted into the waterproof “pocket part” making an all in one combination. 

The OS’s advantage is ease of use.  These diapers are generally trim and are easy enough for babysitters to use.  It can be adjusted to fit a baby from 3kg-13kg or 13kg-17kg.


How the Diapers Work

Cloth diapers have evolved from what they were 10 years ago which we slot the nappy into the plastic / PVC type of pocket covers (they still exist until now).  These plastic / PVC type of pocket covers do not help to reduce nappy rashes as they are not breathable.  They make baby feels uncomfortable too!

The modern cloth diapers can now be used just like how we use the disposable nappies. If you know how to use the disposables, then using GH cloth diapers for your children
should be a piece of cake.




Getting Started

How many cloth diapers do i need?

The amount of cloth diapers needed depending on the age and weight of your baby.  Newborn usually go through more cloth diapers than an elder baby

Here is what we recommend:  5-6 diapers a day, washing everyday, total 10-12 diapers for circle of 2 days usage.  For newborn you may need to use conventional nappies at the time if you do not wish to purchase more diapers, as they usually boo boo few times in a day.  5-6 diapers a day is not enough for newborn.

Which Type Do You Recommend?  The Button or Velcro Type?

Both also function the same.  However, if your babysitter doesn't have good eye sight (eg. grand parents), it's advisable to use velcro type as they are easier to use.  Besides, if you are having hard time to change diapers for your active baby, it's recommended to use velcro type. 


Washing Cloth Diapers

Our GH cloth diapers are made from the highest quality fabrics available.  Proper care for these will assure long use and comfortable wear for the baby.

All diapers must be washed before use.  

The diaper will shrink most after the first wash and dry, but continue to shrink slightly for a few more washings.

Do not always use fabric softener when washing or drying the diapers.  Fabric softener works by leaving a coating on the fabric, and this will reduce the absorbency of the cotton.  There is also a risk of skin irritation for baby, once this gets wet.  However, you are recommended to use 1 or 2 times of fabric softener every 4-5 mths or as and when the inserts fabric getting "hard" on the surface.  This is to soften the "hard" surface of the inserts to make sure they function properly.

Use normal cleaning detergents as they are also very good at getting the diapers clean and germ free. No special detergent is needed.

You do not need to use hot water to wash as this will damage the waterproof PUL outer fabric.  An extra rinse is a good idea, especially since most people use too much detergent on their diapers!

Stain Prevention: Rinse any of the diapers that have been soiled in COLD water.  Hot water will set stains.

Do not use chlorine bleach.  Use of this will accelerate the deterioration of all fabrics and components of these diaper products.  You will shorten the lifespan of the product considerably.

The pocket diapers can be hung to dry easily.  Avoid direct sun light and dryer.  As for the inserts, you may dry them in the dryer or hung to dry directly under sun light as they are thick thus it's more difficult to dry them.

More FAQ
How many times of urine it can absorb?

It depends on the volume of the baby's urine.  Normally we recommend you to change the inserts once it's wet.

Do I need buy extra inserts/liner/other item after I purchase the cloth diapers for additional features (if there is any)?
Usually for newborn you do no need extra absorbency . The original cloth diaper comes with 2 pcs of 3 layers inserts. You can buy additional inserts if your baby is a heavy wetter or sleep long hours.

The flushable liner does not add any absorbency.  You may use them as it's to make the poo cleaning-up work easier by just flushing the liner and poo down the toilet

Is the cloth diaper thick?
Yes. The cloth diaper is a bit thick but this is for better absorbency and longer hour usage.

Will my baby feel dry wearing the cloth diaper made of microfleece lining?

Yes. Microcfleece let the urine pass through to the soaker material (the insert) placed in the pocket of the diapers.  The fleece will remain mostly dry. 

Can I put extra insert on the pocket diaper to be more absorbent?
Yes, you can. That's they beauty of Pocket diaper. You can customized the inserts. If your baby is a heavy wetter, then you can use the two inserts for night. Or else, the regular inserts made out of microfiber is sufficient for the day. However, it's not advisable to do so as when you put 2 inserts at the same time, the diaper will become too thick and it may have leakage.  It will be too bulky and make baby feel uncomfortable.

For night use, how long it can last?
Should last you for 10-12 hours without change, with 2-3 inserts. Comparatively, it should be equivalent to one Mamy Poko disposable diaper. You will need to change the baby in the morning.  However, if your baby does wake up in the mid night to drink milk, you may change the inserts for your baby in order to make your baby feel more comfortable rather than putting 2-3 inserts at the same time.

How long can the diaper last?
If you follow the wash and  care instruction, it should last you more than 1 kid, meaning that if you cloth diaper your first child for 2 years, the same diaper can be worn for the following and following childs.

How to make your snap/button cloth diaper more papa-friendly for wriggle baby?       
Many parents dread not to choose snap simply because snap diaper is said to be "difficult" for wriggle baby. This appear even harder for Daddy or Grandparents who are not so familiar with cloth diaper too. Well, as matter of fact, actually wearing wriggle baby with snap diaper is really EASY...just snap on the left side of the diaper before your wear your baby, then slot in your baby left leg in it just like he is wearing pant, then only snap on the right side. The whole process is like wearing pants.  Alternatively, you can choose the velcro type which is easier to wear especially for Grandparents.