- How many times do I need to wash my new diapers before using them?
- How often do you restock your products?
- Why does my baby have a diaper rash only when I am using cloth diapers?
- What type of detergent should I use on my cloth diapers?
- How often should I wash my cloth diapers?
- How do I remove poop stains from cloth diapers?
- I’m new to cloth diapering, what do I need to start?
- What are the benefits of natural fibers over synthetic?
- What cloth diapering methods work for newborns?
- What do I do about nighttime cloth diapering? My baby is an extremely heavy wetter!
- I have a defective product — do I contact you or the manufacturer?
- Help! My diaper leaks every time!
- Why is my baby getting red marks from the diapers? Are they on too tightly?
- What do you do with the poop?
- What do you do with diapers when you are out and about?
- When is the best time to be fitted for a nursing bra?
- What do most people wear post-partum/the first few weeks after birth as far as nursing gear?
- How do swim diapers work?
How many times do I need to wash my new diapers before using them?
Diapers containing synthetic fabrics (PUL, microfiber, etc) only need to be washed once!Any diapers with natural fibers such as hemp, bamboo, or cotton will need to be washed and dried 5-6 times before use to strip the natural oils and reach full absorbency.
How often do you restock products?
It depends on the product! If we are out of stock, please feel free to contact us at sales@happyboo.co.za and we can tell you when a product is expected! Also, if you “like” or follow us on Facebook we do post when we restock inventory!
Why does my baby have a diaper rash only when I am using cloth diapers?
There are several possible causes for a rash. Often it’s a buildup issue, either urine or detergent. The first thing to try would be adding MORE detergent to your wash and see if you can get your diapers cleaner and remove urine buildup. If that doesn’t work, try stripping your diapers (according to manufacturer suggestions) and then adding less detergent or trying a more clean-rinsing brand/formula .If you have a consistent rash problem, this may be a specific detergent irritation issue and you can try switching your diaper laundry detergent. Sometimes (however rarely) babies develop an irritation to a specific fabric against their skin, so trying a different fabric type might help too! Remember, wet diapers can contribute to rashes, so make sure to change your baby when they are wet.If you find that you need to use any sort of diaper cream we recommend to ALWAYS use a liner . Otherwise creams can coat your diapers, making your cloth diapers repel liquid. Place the liner between the cream on your baby’s behind and the inner of the cloth diaper. There are tons of liners on our website including flushable and disposable types. Even if a cream is “Cloth Diaper Safe” – it is still advised to use a liner.Every manufacturer is different with care recommendations for diapers, so please feel free to contact us so we can help you figure out the best methods.If there is any question to whether a rash might be due to yeast or other medical issue, please contact your family physician!
What type of detergent should I use on my cloth diapers?
Every manufacturer has different washing directions and warranties for their diapers, including which detergents are allowed and recommended. The general rule of thumb is to use a detergent that is free of any additives, scents, bleach and fabric softener. “Free and Clear” detergents are not recommended, as they often have additional cleaning agents in them that can cause buildup.
How often should I wash the diapers?
It works best to wash every 1-3 days. Any longer and you will have a big pile of stinky diapers! Washing frequently can help prevent smell issues and staining.
How do I remove the poop stains from my cloth diapers?
With proper care, your diapers should not have too many poop stains. You can help prevent them by using a liner as well! The sun is your best friend when it comes to stain fighting! Simply lay or hang your (still wet) diapers in the sun for a great whitening effect – a 100% natural bleach.
We DO NOT recommend using bleach, stain removers or borax.
I’m new to cloth diapering. What do I need to start?
Great! Welcome to the world of cloth diapers! The number of diapers you need ultimately depends on the age of the baby and how long you want to go between washes. Newborns can go through as many as 12-15 per day, so having 24-36 diapers on hand is usually a good number, to allow you to go 2-3 days between washing. As babies get older and start sleeping longer periods at night, toddlers often only require between 5 and 8 diapers per day. You also need something to put those dirty diapers in -there are many great options including wet bags and diaper pails. Also, many people who cloth diaper use reusable cloth wipes as well so everything can be tossed into the dirty pail and washed together.
What are the benefits of natural fibers over synthetic?
Natural fibers can be great, as they are all natural and many people prefer to have a natural material against their baby’s skin. Also many natural fibers are very trim and absorbent as well as being anti-microbial. Wool, for instance, is naturally moisture resistant and reduces odors! Some of the disadvantages of natural fibers are that they will not have the wicking qualities that many synthetic materials offer. They can also be heavier and more expensive.Synthetic fabrics also have a lot of advantages! They are often a lighter material and much less expensive. They can also wick moisture away from the skin, making baby feel dry and more comfortable, and in turn reduce diaper rash.
What cloth diapering methods work for newborns?
While many “One Size Cloth Diapers” diapers boast that they fit from newborn to potty training, a sized diaper often works the best for those little tiny infants. Many people opt to use prefolds and a diaper cover for the first few months, especially since newborns go through so many diapers! Other options (if you are not so keen about folding prefolds) are one size pocket diapers, fitted cloth diapers, All-in-One cloth diapers also known as AIO for short, the newest version to cloth diapering is the All-in-Two also known as AI2.
Most people like prefolds, flats and covers. They are economical, easy to wash and have sufficient absorbency to hold a new baby’s output. They may not suit everyone’s needs as they require folding and snapp’ing. Although you can also just padfold them and lay in a cover, which is easier. Newborn flats and prefolds can also be used as boosters when baby gets bigger, therefore it is the more affordable and practical choice for newborn cloth.
Newborn pockets are easy to use and can be quite cheap. They are often tricky to stuff because they have such a tiny pocket. Newborn pockets generally get outgrown quicker than prefolds and flats.
Newborn AIOs are extremely convenient as you don’t try to piece together nappies while holding onto a wriggly baby. They require no post-laundry prep. However, they can be costly.
Fitteds are usually very popular because they can absorb the large volume of newborn pee. They can, however, be bulky.
That being said, every baby fits differently into every cloth diaper!
What do I do about night time cloth diapering? My baby is an extremely heavy wetter!
Adding extra absorbency to cloth diapers is a must when baby starts wetting heavily through the night! This can come with some trial and error. For pocket diapers, adding an extra insert or doublers can be all the difference! Hemp and bamboo are very trim and are super absorbent, so these inserts are a great thing to have on hand for those wet nights.Fitted diapers are also great. They have so much absorbency and when paired with a waterproof diaper cover it is another great option!
I have defective product- do I contact you or the manufacturer?
Most manufacturers require us to refer any defects to them directly, so that they are made aware of any production errors. If you would rather get the problem resolved through us, please feel free to contact us and we will be glad to help! You can also email us at sales@happyboo.co.za for any manufacturer’s contact information and your proof of purchase from us if needed.
Help! My diaper leaks every time!
Make sure your diaper has been prepped correctly, then check the fit is it gapping in the legs or waist? Is the inside fully tucked in? Is there any smell (indicating buildup)? Is there repelling? You can test for repelling by pouring some water on your diaper, then pressing gently with your fingers. If the water isn’t absorbed immediately, you may have buildup on your diapers causing them to repel and leak. With many of these issues, stripping your diapers will be the best solution. Feel free to email us for troubleshooting help at sales@happyboo.co.z. Pictures help!
Why is my baby getting red marks from the diapers? Are they on too tightly?
Probably not! Your baby would let you know if he/she was uncomfortable! 😉 Red marks most often aren’t a big deal, I promise you probably get red marks from your socks or undergarments that don’t cause any issues, right? A too-loose diaper can leak!
What do you do with the poop?
If your baby is fed only breast milk, their poop is completely water soluble and will wash out just like yogurt! No removal required before washing! Once baby starts solids/formula, we suggest using a liner or other method to remove the poop from the diapers before washing to avoid stains or buildup.
What do you do with the diapers when you are out and about?
Many people will bring along a wet bag. You can roll up the cloth diaper and put it right in.
When is the best time to be fitted for a nursing bra?
The best time to be fitted is around three to four weeks after you have given birth. Right after you have the baby your milk will come in and it is usually within those couple weeks that everything stabilizes. Some women won’t change in size at all, and some can fluctuate between several cup sizes.
What do most people wear post-partum / the few weeks after the child’s birth as far as nursing gear?
Many individuals will choose nursing tanks and sleep bras.
How do swim diapers work?
Swim diapers are meant to fit snugly and hold in poop ONLY. They are not meant to be absorbent because if they absorbed water from a pool or lake they would become a weight and pull your baby down!