Diapers FAQ

When I first started using cloth diapers, We had many questions. We have tried to answere all of those questions plus additional customer questions in this section. If there is question or concern that you are wondering about that you don't see here feel free to contact us. puresweetcheeks@gmail.com

How many cloth diapers should I get?

Here at Sweet Cheeks we advise getting between 20-30 cloth diapers, closer to 30 for infants and closer to 20 for older babies and toddlers. Infants will go through many diapers per day – on average 10 and closer to 15 or sometimes more. We suggest getting enough to last 2-3 days. I know many people don't mind doing laundry every day, but if you are able to have enough to last 2-3 days, your cloth diapers will last a lot longer. And as we all know, one of the greatest benefits of using cloth diapers is that they can last through multiple children. You'll have to restock your supply fewer times if you have more cloth diapers to begin with. If you are using pre-folds and diaper covers, I would recommend getting at least 6 diaper covers, but 8-10 sure do make life a whole lot easier. You can re-use the cloth diaper covers before you have to wash them as long as your baby has not soiled them. Just let them air dry between after washing.

Don't cloth diapers leak?

Many of you may be amazed, but NO, they do not leak! The cloth diapers that we sell have gussets around your baby's legs so they contain messes very well. You do in general have to change them more often than most people change disposables since some leave their children in disposables for 4+ hours. You should change cloth diapers every 1.5-2 hours as a general rule of thumb. I know many people dislike the idea of having to change cloth diapers more often than disposables, but the point of a diaper is to hold wetness and poop. Even if the diaper only has pee in it, you still don't want to leave your baby sitting in that for very long, whether your baby is in a disposable or cloth diaper. If you would like some extra absorbency for heavy wetters, try adding a diaper doubler - truly amazing inventions!

What do you do with the poop in cloth diapers?

With newborns, their stool is not as solid as older kids, so just rinse it out in the toilet or simply put it in the wash if the baby is breastfed. We know this sounds a little odd, but breastfed baby's stool is completely water soluble and comes right out in the wash. For kids that are eating some solid foods, like the ones on your right, just drop the stool in the toilet! This is siimplified by purchasing a sprayer that attatches to your toilet. You can attatch this sprayer by yourself (no plumber needed) just follow the simple instructions included. This removes the ick factor from cleaning soiled diaprers.

What about stains? How do you get the cloth diapers actually clean?

The diapers will come very clean in the wash. You want to be washing your cloth diapers every other day or every 3 days at the most. If you do get a stain, simply expose the diaper to sunlight (a natural bleaching agent). Do not use bleach or other harsh chemicals as things chemicals are bad for your baby and also decrease the life span of the cloth diapers.

What do I keep cloth diapers in until I wash them?

You basically keep your cloth diapers in a dry pail. We suggest putting a little bit of baking soda on the bottom of the diaper pail and then putting a diaper pail liner in the diaper pail. That way you can simply take the liner out, push the diapers out into your washer and then wash the liner as well.

Another option if you live somewhere that is very cramped is to put your diapers directly into the washer. Then run very short cycles to keep the diapers from smelling until you have enough diapers in there to run a full load. This keeps the diaper truly odor-free since they are rinsed so often.

Are there detergents that I should use for cloth diapers?

Yes, in fact there are. You want to look for detergents that are free of perfumes, fragrances or dyes. The simpler the better when it comes to detergents. We recommend Rock n Green.

Why should I buy these cloth diapers since these are more expensive than the ones I find in department stores?

The diapers found in large retail stores are less expensive however much lower quality. Unfortunately, you will find that they will LEAK! Not only that, they also will not last as long as these will! We only carry highest quality cloth diapering products and you will find that ours DO NOT leak! They are to a large extent more absorbent and the sized diapers will likely last through multiple children if cared for. This is a great deal more economical in the long run than buying lower quality cloth diapers just to find out you have to change them twice as often and they don't last nearly as long.

What can I put in the wash to get rid of any urine odor?

If an ammonia odor remains on your diapers, the most likely cause is detergent buildup on the diapers. Attempt adding an extra rinse or stripping them. If there are any suds left in the washing machine after you are done washing the diapers, you need to do an extra rinse. Stripping is the removal of residue on diapers. To strip diapers, simply hand wash your diaper with your regular dish soap (gets the oils out). Add a little dish soap to the fleece, either rub the fleece briskly together or use a average bristle dish brush or hard bristle tooth brush to scrub the fleece. Turn it inside out and repeat on the other side. Rinse well, making sure that the water runs clear. We suggest a cycle or rinse with Funk Rock soap to keep your diapers fresh.

I've just bought these diapers and started using them and I'm having some problems with leaks. What do I do?

The trick with new cloth diapers is to wash them multiple times! Washing diapers at least 7 or 8 times results in full absorbency for both the diapers as well as the inserts. Conversely be sure not to wash your cotton/fleece diapers with your hemp diapers, inserts or doublers. Hemp naturally has repelling oils that will result in your other diapers repelling instead of absorbing. Stick the cloth diapers in the wash with your other loads of laundry when you get them and then begin using them. You'll be surprised at the difference! Do the same with your hemp products (just not in the same load) and after washing each a few times, you can then wash them together.

What about using cloth diapers when I’m away from home?
Using cloth diapers when not home can be simple. Make sure to include your diapering essentials in your travel bag such as a wet bag, cloth wipes for messy clean-ups along with the bottom cleaner or a spray bottle with water, a changing pad or extra pre-fold for laying under baby's bottom, and of course diapers.