Cloth Diaper Tips for Older Babies

In two days, Bo will turn one.

We have officially been using cloth diapers for one year.

I think I have learned a lot about cloth diapering in that period. What I like and dislike about cloth diapers has changed somewhat from where we started. Diapers that I didn’t care for at the start are now some of my favorites.

I believe this is because as your baby changes, you need different things. When Bo was tiny, I really preferred pre-fold diapers with velcro closures. These were easy to change (even in the middle of the night) and they seemed to leak less when she was tiny.

Today, I like pocket diapers because they are easier to put on a wiggly baby and they seem to fit her better. Now, pre-fold diapers often sag and fall down when she is wearing them.

Since our likes and dislikes have changed since Bo was a tiny baby, I thought I would share them here in case anyone is curious about the differences in diapering a younger baby versus an older baby.

Cloth Diaper Tips for Older Babies

• Pockets are easy to put on and take off.
• Older babies can remove velcro, so it isn’t your friend at this stage.
• Diaper liners are a lifesaver for cleaning older-baby poop. Some people like diaper sprayers, but I prefer liners. OsoCozy Flushable Diaper Linersare my favorite.
• We have both cheap and more expensive pocket diapers. So far, the more expensive diapers have held up better. Our cheap diapers will probably not make it to another baby.
• A wash routine of rinse, wash, rinse still seems to work well. 
• A stripping with RLR seems necessary every 3 months or so. I’ve tried other ways to strip, but RLR is my favorite method. 
• Double-stuffed prefolds are necessary for us at night, but Bo sleeps for about 10-12 hours.
• Friends and relatives seem to find it easiest to use pocket diapers.