How do cloth diapers work?
Cloth diapers are washed after use and can be used throughout the baby's diapering period. This reusability makes them a sustainable choice for parents of young children.
A modern cloth diaper typically consists of an absorbent layer of fabric on the inside, often called an inner diaper or insert, and a waterproof 'shell' on the outside, which can be either wool or PUL (polyurethane laminated fabric). This construction ensures that moisture is kept away from the baby's skin while preventing leakage.
Today's cloth diapers are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. They come in a variety of styles, from convenient all-in-one diapers that are ready to use, to more flexible diapers that fold. At Time Ahead, you'll find modern cloth diapers, specifically pocket diapers, which are known for their ease of use and popular with conscious parents.
A great choice for comfort and ease
For us, it's crucial to offer the best for both you and your baby. Our diapers are carefully designed to provide maximum comfort for your baby, with carefully selected materials that breathe and effectively wick moisture away from your baby's skin. The soft, stretchy fabrics and multiple adjustment options give the diapers the best possible fit, minimizing the risk of chafing and discomfort. For the parent, smooth diaper changes are of great importance. The modern cloth diapers are basically very similar to disposable diapers in their use, with the big difference that you wash and reuse them time and time again, making them an economical and eco-friendly option.
For the environment - a sustainable choice
As parents, we all want a bright future for our children. By choosing recycled and renewable materials, and replacing disposable products with sustainable alternatives, we are doing the world a big favor. Small changes can make a big difference - just using cloth diapers on one child saves the environment an impressive 1 ton of waste! This contributes significantly to reducing the amount of waste and the impact on our planet.
For the economy - smart savings
If you go all in on cloth diapers, you can save up to €15,000 per child, and as much as €34,000 if you use them for a second child! Cloth diapers don't have to be an all-or-nothing solution; the most important thing is that you as a parent find your own way to integrate them into your daily life. From a financial perspective, swapping one disposable diaper a week for a cloth diaper is enough to start seeing savings. The investment in a cloth diaper pays for itself quickly.
There is also a thriving second-hand market for cloth diapers, which further strengthens their economic benefits as their resale value is relatively high. On Facebook, for example, there is a large and active community with many groups dedicated to the buying and selling of used cloth diapers, making both buying and selling easier.
Read more about the economic benefits of cloth diapers here.
How many cloth diapers do you need?
For full-time use, it is recommended to have at least 24 cloth diapers. The number may vary slightly depending on how often you want and can wash the diapers. However, for most families, about 24 diapers are enough to have a functioning system.
Washing and storing cloth diapers
Most people wash their cloth diapers after 2-4 days. Before washing, the diapers are best stored in a wetbag; this minimizes bad odors. Store your wetbag in a bucket that is not completely sealed, such as a pedal bin, for optimal ventilation.
- Inserts/inner diaper (the absorbent part that forms the primary absorbent layer) are washed after each change.
- Pocket diapers, which are a complete cloth diaper system where inserts are tucked into a pocket, are also washed after each change.
- Wool shells, which are the waterproof "shell" of wool, only need to be washed every 3-4 weeks, as they naturally stay fresh longer without frequent washing.
The diaper rebellion
Read more at
Blöjupproret - Sweden's association for EC and cloth diapers.
Here you can find additional good information about cloth diapers and babypotting.
