Cloth Diaper Accessories

1. Opting to use cloth diapers is a lot easier than it sounds, with the range of accessories available, all designed to make the process easier, faster, and cleaner.

2. Changing pads are cushy essentials that provide a sanitary place to change your baby; they can be flat, double-sided, or contoured.

3. Diaper inserts are absorbent pads most often used with pocket diapers; usually made of hemp or microfiber terry, inserts are available in different thicknesses tailored to a baby's needs.

4. Diaper liners inside cloth diapers wick moisture away from a baby's skin and make for cleaner changing - biodegradable liners, for example, can be removed entirely from the diaper when dirtied, then thrown away.

5. Cloth wipes are good for your baby, too, as disposable wipes can irritate tender skin. Use the cloth variety dry with a spray of water or soaked and warmed.

6. Always prepare unbleached cloth diapers with a few hot-water washes.

7. In general, wash all diapers, soakers, wipes, etc. in the same load for an entire cycle with a little detergent and cold water. Then wash again an entire cycle with warm or hot water and one-fourth to half the regularly required amount of detergent. Put everything but pocket diapers and covers in the dryer.

8. If pesky stains persist, lay wet diapers out to dry in the sun, which will naturally bleach the fabric. Occasional bleaching may be necessary.

9. Waterproof, odor-proof wet bags usually fit two to eight diapers, making them essential totes for daycare and play groups, shopping trips, and evenings at Grandma's.

10. Typically, diaper covers are made of wool, polyurethane laminate, waterproof nylon, and fleece. Liners are crafted from biodegradable cellulose nylon, microfleece, and silk, while inserts are usually hemp or microfiber terry.

11. Potty training starts with talk about the potty and continues with involving a child in the process - let him explore how the grownup toilet works, and take him along when choosing a potty chair.