If you're new to cloth diapering, it can be completely overwhelming!  We've compiled a list (ongoing) of the most commonly asked questions for beginning cloth diapering. 

Also, you may encounter some common problems with your cloth diapers.  Luckily there are many others who have had the same troubles and have found adequate solutions.  Here are a few ideas to help solve those diaper dilemmas.  If you can’t find your answer here please feel to email or call with questions.

• I'm totally lost in cloth diapering world! Where do I begin?
• How Many Diapers Do I need?
• How much is this all going to cost me?
• Do I really have to dunk a diaper in the toilet?
• My diapers are really stinky even when I've washed them.
• What is diaper "stripping"?/ How do I do it?
• My diapers are leaking around the legs (wicking)

I'm totally lost in cloth diapering world! Where do I begin? TOP
If you're feeling overwhelmed, we have several suggestions:

• You can email at inquiry@zbeardiapers.com or call us directly (517)699-0359. We'll be more than happy to answer your questions or set up a one-to-one consult and take your through it step by step.
• Try a Koala Sampler (coming soon). This is the best way to get started without totally committing to cloth. You can try a few products, see what you like then buy more. (For ideas on what to do w/the stuff you don't like see Q. What do I do with used diapers I don't want/ can't return?)
  

How Many Diapers Do I need? TOP
Here's an easy table with a bit more detail following:

	Washing Everyday	Washing Every Other Day
0-6 months	12-18	18-30
6-12 months	8-12	16-24
12months- potty learning	6-10	10-15

So why are the numbers not always doubled?  Simple reason, because you don't always have to double the number just because you're washing every other day.  The range of numbers accounts for high and low end diaper changes.  Most people find they are comfortable with a middle number, but a range is helpful to give an idea of where to begin. 
Also, do remember that towards the end of your diapering days you really won't need that may diapers in your stash.  In fact, most people are fine with 6 per day when their child is over a year old. So if you're buying sizes, you won't need as many in the large size as you do in the small. 
Likewise, if you have a newborn you're going to be on the high end of the 0-6 months range and you'll need a minimum of 12 (more comfortable with 15-18) per day, but that will taper off by around the 3rd or 4th month.  This may factor in to what type of diaper system you choose.  If cost is a factor, you'll want to go with a cheaper system (prefolds or fitteds w/covers) in the beginning when you need a lot of diapers and maybe move to pockets or AIOs after the first 6 months.

How much is this all going to cost me? TOP
Now this is a "loaded" question...We're working on an easy read chart to display cost savings in cloth diapering, but it's not up just yet. In the meantime, we'll give you averages. The average person spends about $100-$300 in their initial start up cost. This varies depending on type of diaper (prefold, fitted, pocket, AIO, OS), number of diapers, and accessories. Pre-folds with covers are the most economical and AIOs are typically the high end of cost.
Here's a couple calculations that might help:

12 prefolds, 3 covers, 1 pack of wipes, 1 pail liner=$136.60
12 fitteds, 3 covers, 1 pack of wipes, 1 pail liner=$184.90
12 pocket diapers, 1 pack of wipes, 1 pail liner=$231.90
12 AIOs, 1 pack of wipes, 1 pail liner=$263.00
**above include average prices for each type of diaper**

Now if you choose to buy sized diapers, you'll have to buy more when your baby outgrows your initial start-up. If you choose one-size diapers, you're done unless you just want extras as you go. So over the coarse of diapering one child, you could spend an average range of $250- $1,000. The low number being if you purchased just 12 OS diapers and accessories. The high end being if you went with sized diapers and accessories.

Do I really have to dunk a diaper in the toilet? TOP
Absolutely not!! Thank goodness! No, today's modern cloth diapering mommy doesn't need to get her hands wet as they say. That's why diaper sprayers were invented! A diaper sprayer attaches to your toilet and works like a little hose to wash off poop. Just hold a clean corner and spray! Can't afford a fancy sprayer? No problem. You can use a sports water bottle or your old peri-bottle to squirt those poos away.

My diapers are really stinky even when I've washed them. TOP

Smelly diapers can occur when too much soap is being used in the wash cycle.

a) Try running clean diapers through two rinse cycles or an extra wash without detergent. If that doesn’t help try soaking diapers in 1 cup vinegar in the washer w/ a full basin of water. Run a rinse cycle after that with just water. After problem is eliminated use less detergent when washing future loads.

b) You can also try sunning your diapers for several hours. Sunlight will kill any odor causing bacteria and thus could take care of the problem

c) As a last resort you can strip your diapers as well.

What is diaper "stripping"?/ How do I do it? TOP

From the Fuzzi Bunz manufacturers:

We have (as have others) had many theories on what is called "stripping” diapers. We simply call it plain old upkeep and something that should be done every now and then as a preventative measure in taking care of your diapers and prolonging their life. Although our diapers typically don’t have these problems, on occasion we do receive questions involving persistent stink. repelling fleece (or residue buildup on the fleece), fleece that stays wet or leaking diapers.

1. Get a good detergent like Allen's Naturally.
2. Run all of your diapers through a plain water hot wash.
3. Run all of your diapers through a hot wash with the full recommended amount of detergent.
4. If the problem is bad, repeat step three.
5. Run a cold rinse. If you have hard water you may want to add a water softener such as Baking Soda or Calgon Water Softener to soften your water and help release any left over detergent.
6. If you still see bubbles in your rinse run another cold rinse.
7. You can either sun your diapers or tumble on low.

A good way to tell if your repelling problem is fixed is to take a nasal aspirator and put an insert into the pocket. Fill the nasal aspirator with water and put it close to the fleece and "pee" on the diaper with the aspirator. If the water goes through, your repelling problem should be fixed.

From the Happy Heinys manufacturers:

Stripping Diapers:
Build up refers to residue left by detergents, fabric softeners, and other substances used to clean diapers. In rare instances, baking soda will react with certain minerals in water and also cause build up. If you notice a decrease in the absorbency of your diapers, build up may be the culprit.
Stripping is the process of removing residue from your diapers. To strip diapers:

· Hand wash your diaper with regular dish soap to remove any oils.
· Put a small amount of dish soap on the fleece layer.
· Rub vigorously or use a medium bristle scrubbing brush to scrub the fleece.
· Turn the diaper inside out and repeat.
· Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
You may use this method at any time you notice repelling or as a preventative measure once a week. If you are still having problems, try these special cleaning agents to strip your diapers:
· 2 scoops of Oxyclean in a very hot wash
· 1 ball of RLR (found at Wal-Mart in the laundry aisle hanging on a clip) in a hot wash

My diapers are leaking around the legs (wicking) TOP

This can happen for a variety of reasons:

a) Baby’s legs are thinner than the lowest setting on the diaper.

To fix this you might want to try a smaller size. If that doesn’t help, another brand may fit your baby better. Contact us to help you decide which one is right for your baby.

b) Baby’s , or snapped undershirt is touching the fleece on the diaper.

This is common and is the same idea as touching the inside of a tent when it’s raining. The onesie will “absorb” wetness just like the insert if it’s too close to the fleece of the diaper. One way to fix this is to fold up edges of onesie so they are not touching the fleece. You can also try more frequent diaper changes, especially if your baby is a heavy wetter. Most cloth diapers need to be changed every 2-3 hours if your baby wets more than average.

c) Diapers have build up and are repelling wetness