How do I prep my cloth diapers?

Question

I have prefolds that I need to prep but how?

Answer 1

With prefolds, you want to wash and dry them several times (about 5) until they are quilty-looking and all the chemicals and oils are out. Use a free & clear detergent or Allen's Soap or 1 tsp Dawn dishwashing detergent. If you got hemp dipes, you may need to wash them closer to 10 times as hemp has more natural oils in it.

In lieu of this, you can boil the dipes. I think it's 15 minutes? I am not 100% sure on this; I just washed mine.

Here are some good instructions on folding the prefolds: http://www.thediaperhyena.com/diaper_folding101.htm

I highly recommend checking out the forum at diaperswappers.com You'll get great answers for all of your cloth diapering questions :)

Answer 2

You just need to give them a good wash and rinse, tea tree or eucalyptus oil gives towelling a nice smell and makes them soft too so try adding a little bit of that to the rinse cycle of the wash. Sometimes it can be best to wash your bubs nappies and clothes with a gentle powder/liquid like omo sensitive or something similar just on the off chance their new skin has a reaction to the chemicals in normal strength detergents.
Also when you use the cloth buy the little nappy liners to catch the poo and you just through out the cotton/chux nappy liner rather than have a really gross nappy. I know Johnson's make nappy liners. About $7-8 for a box of 100. You can wash and re-use the wet ones and just throw out the poo ones (if you want) and then they last for ages. I think I remember only buying 2 boxes in 6mths so its pretty good value for money.
Oh and don't forget the plastic pilchers and 2 lidded nappy buckets for them.

Best of luck

I'd like to tell you how to fold them but its far too hard using words only! Try looking up websites for folding ideas or check with your child health nurse, they should be able to show you especially if they are of the older generation!
Try this website. Fold no.2 is the best for boys and fold 1 for girls. Fold 2 is a little tricky to understand but just play around with it till you get it. I used it for both of mine but worked really well for my boy!

http://www.natureschild.com.au/flex/nappies/19/1#folds

Answer 3

I don't know about folding them, but you should always rinse them in vinegar.... it makes them soft, and cleans them in the rinse cycle.... rinsing is just as big a part of cleaning as detergent. Plus it makes them soft, for your baby's benefit. Don't take my word for it... do you own test.... you will see I am right.