Top Tips for Cloth Diapering in Winter
We are fortunate enough that in Malta welcoming Winter does not mean saying goodbye to sunny days. Although the temperature is cooler, more often than not, the sun still shines, and you will be surprised at how dry the nappies can become after only a few slithers of sunshine. Fresh air will always help them dry faster too. The season is brief but occasionally challenging, requires a few strategic tips. Drawing from my experiences and the upcoming arrival of my fourth child, I've learned how to seamlessly incorporate cloth diapering into a busy family routine. Let's uncover some practical advice to make your cloth diapering journey smoother during the winter months. I promise it works!
Tip 1: Adjusting Drying Methods
Winter weather especially if it rains day in day out can extend the drying time of cloth diapers. When faced with a week of continuous rain, consider using a tumble dryer on low heat for the inserts only. Outer shells cannot be tumble dried as they are made from PUL and it can crack. So, All in one’s nappies can’t be tumbled since the inserts and the outer shell are a one part system. To speed up the process, air-dry the diapers overnight and give them a quick tumble dry in the morning. This approach minimizes drying time while accommodating the less favorable weather conditions. If possible select a high spin setting on your washing machine, this will help to remove moisture from your washing and reduce the time it takes to dry your clothes.
Tip 2: Embrace the Dehumidifier Hug
In winter, both clothing and cloth diapers tend to dry slower due to increased humidity. Bring in a dehumidifier as your cozy helper. It works like magic, drawing out the dampness and letting your diapers dry faster. Yes, there's a cost, but think of it as an investment in warmth and dryness for your little bundle. It's like a warm hug for your home and your pocket.
Tip 3: Optimize Insert Choices
If you're utilizing bamboo & hemp inserts, be aware that they tend to dry slower. A practical solution is to alternate between bamboo and charcoal inserts. Charcoal inserts not only dry faster but also offer more absorbency. This switch can be particularly beneficial during winter when efficient drying becomes crucial. This means, you can have a pocket nappy with one bamboo and one charcoal insert. An additional tip is to leave the charcoal insert outside the pocket to make it even more absorbent.
Tip 4: Addressing Heavy Wetters
For babies transitioning to the toddler stage or those with a heavier wetting pattern, ensure your cloth diapers are well-boosted. This is especially important when going out or during nighttime use to prevent discomfort and leaks. Consider incorporating boosters or diapers with charcoal inserts, such as the CheekyNappy, for added absorbency. Regularly checking the diaper is quite important because it helps you determine whether a change is needed.
Tip 5: Build a cushion of inserts
Get a few spare/extra inserts. The nappy shells dry super fast no matter what the weather is like. Having a few spare inserts means that
the shells can be back in your rotation while the inserts are still drying. Therefore having a few extra inserts will come in handy.
Tip 6: Prioritize Comfort
I do suggest to avoid tight-fitting bottoms that might cause discomfort when using cloth diapers. Opt for soft, comfortable pajamas, pants, or warmers to create a snug yet comfortable environment for your little one. Your little one will be happy, and so will you.
Wrap your winter cloth diapering journey in these comfy tips, and you'll find that even the rainiest days can't dampen the joy of parenting.
What are your winter drying tips? We'd love to know what works for you.