Cloth Diapering Primer and Elimination Communication (EC)

Categorized: Cloth Diapers/Nappies, Ideas | No comments

You debated for a while: cloth diapers or disposables?  You came to your decision, and I think you’ve made the eco-friendly, cost-conscious and health-sensitive choice.  So now, how do you get started cloth diapering?  Furthermore, you’ve heard of this thing called Elimination Communication (EC), and you’re curious what it is and how it works.  I’m here to give you a primer on both.

Getting Started Cloth Diapering
There are 4 main types of cloth diapers: Prefolds, Fitteds, All-In-Ones (AIO) and Pocket Diapers.  I am going to focus on Prefolds, because to get started,  I would recommend using prefolds and covers.

A Prefold is a flat cloth, tri-folded diaper, that is thicker in the middle fold for absorption.  They come in multiple sizes.   You can get prefolds in conventional or organic cotton, and bleached or unbleached.  Hemp prefolds are another option, though more expensive.  Prefolds can be pinned, but more commonly nowadays is to use them with a diaper cover.  Covers come in varying materials: waterproof (nylon for example) or wool, for example.  Prefolds are the most economical cloth diaper system, though it depends on what kind of covers you buy and how many.

I highly recommend wool covers for their natural fibers and natural absorbency.  We loved the Little Beetles Wool Little-To-Bigs because they expand as your baby grows.  Though they’re a little pricey, with these, you may get by with no other covers.   I would also try a few waterproof diaper covers, like Bummis or Thirsties.

I would supplement your prefolds with some pocket diapers, which are great if you are going out and have less time to change the baby’s diaper after every pee.  And I recommend buying and trying out one or two of a few brands to see what works best for you.    As your baby grows you will find different kinds of diapers may work better.

How Many Should You Buy
This depends on how old your baby is, how many times you plan on or want to do laundry and whether or not you choose to try Elimination Communication (EC).  But basically, it goes like this.  For 0-6 months:for a daily wash routine, have 10-12; for every two days, have 20-24; for every three days, have 30-36.  For 6-12 months: for a daily wash, have 8-10; for every two days, have 16-20; for every three days, have 24-30.  For 12-24 months: daily wash, 6-8; every two days, 12-16; every three days, 18-24.

Elimination Communication – The Most Eco-, Cost- and Health-Friendly Choice
You might also consider elimination communication (EC), which is a method of communicating with your baby through cues and timing to deal with your baby’s pooping and peeing.  EC is a great way to communicate and bond with your infant and baby.  It also saves you washes and it better for the environment.

The Basics Of EC
You can start as early as two weeks (we did and I was amazed, but it worked!).  The best time to start is in the morning, just after baby wakes up.  Hold them over a potty, container, sink or toilet and make a “Sssssssss” cuing sound.  This works for pees and poops.  They may go, or may not.  Eventually, they get this cue, and you will see less pees in the diaper.  The flip-side is to watch for your baby’s cues, which include facial expressions, sounds, body language, etc.

Benefits
EC benefits you and your child.  If you have any success you will be doing less laundry and cleaning up less diapers.  You may also find that your baby is “potty-trained” anywhere from 18-24 months.  Your baby will benefit by staying more dry and learning more body control.  Perhaps the best benefit is the bonding that is happening.  The goal is not necessarily potty training, but communicating.  You will find yourself learning much more about your baby, and communicating on levels you didn’t think were possible with a newborn or infant.

Well, those are the basics to get you started.  I encourage you to find out more about EC, and to explore the possibility of practicing it.  Good luck!


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