All you really need to know about cloth diapers

Friends have been asking me about cloth diapering so I might as well write about it. Just the basics because a more in-depth discussion could lead to addiction (I know moms who buy them even if their toddlers are already potty trained just because of the cute prints).

This post is a bit long and can be overwhelming. I know it’s hard to digest everything but you’ll get the hang of it. Yes, there is science in cloth diapers. Especially to those who go beyond the use of nappies (some mommies even have excel documents comparing absorbency of soakers). But I will not go into that. Again, just the basics, based on my experience and what I’ve read.

CLOTH DIAPERS are reusable diapers. Think modern lampin, upgraded with snaps or Velcro and absorbent inserts or soakers. Also known as CDs to cloth nappying moms.

There are 2 PARTS OF CLOTH DIAPERS. Shell and inserts/soakers. Shell refers to the body of the diaper. This goes around your baby’s bum and is secured with snaps or Velcro in front. Inserts and soakers refer to the fabric that absorbs your little ones’ wee and catches the poop.

Most nappies are OSFM or One Size Fits Most, meaning they are adjustable. This is what those extra snaps are for. But there are also newborn size and large size aside from the regular (OSFM) ones.

(Adjusting pocket/ cover/aio diaper. Photo taken  from http://www.cottonbabies.com/blog/2011/08/cloth-101-rise-setting-for-one-size-diapers-and-covers.html)

Adjusting Hybrid fitted nappy (Fold-down)

There are 4 COMMON TYPES OF CLOTH DIAPERS.

Pockets have a pouch where you put the inserts in. It usually has waterproof outer lining made from PUL (polyurethane laminate which keeps the wetness from leaking out) and an inner microfleece or suedecloth inner lining (this is the one in contact with your babys bum and keeps it dry). The most common inserts are made of microfiber, bamboo cotton, bamboo charcoal and hemp. Pockets dry faster and last longer. But in warm weather, the PUL lining is not so breathable so baby’s bum may perspire a lot (same when you use disposable diapers). But if you air out baby’s bum for 10-15 min. every nappy change, it shouldn’t be a problem. As to the inner lining, some babies are allergic to microfleece or suedecloth so better purchase one of each first and see which one your baby prefers. 

For inserts, microfiber dry fast, bamboo charcoal can be placed in direct contact with baby’s bum while cotton and hemp are very absorbent but dries longer.

 Good pockets: Modia and Bum Genius (suedecloth inner lining), Charlie Banana and Fuzzibunz (microfleece inner lining)

Good pockets but a lot cheaper: Alva and Happy Flute (suedecloth inner lining), Sunbaby, Baby Leaf and Baby Land (microfleece inner lining)

Covers are perfect for the first few months when babies pee every hour or so. Soakers are used with covers. The soakers are made from organic cloth that can be placed in direct contact with baby’s bum. So you have your cover (shell) then on top of it you place the soaker (some can be secured w/ snaps) or folded lampin and it’s ready for your baby. The cover, like pockets has waterproofing (outer lining made from PUL). Once baby pees, you remove the soaker, wipe the cover and let it air-dry a bit. You can use it again up to 3 times, unless of course your baby poops on the nappy then you have to change everything.

Good covers: Grovia, Flip, Thirsties

Good covers but a lot cheaper: Clue bebe, Baby Chic, Weegro

Hybrid fitteds

Hybrid fitteds or HFs are best for Philippine climate. They’re breathable and hypoallergenic. Some moms say this is the best choice when baby sleeps on her side. But a hybrid fitted nappy is also more expensive and though the soakers and shells are made of absorbent cloth, it is not waterproof. Most of my stash are HFs. Not because I prefer it over pockets or covers but because I wanted to support local Filipino WAHMs (work at home moms) who craft beautiful nappies.

Good HFs: PNP, Cottony Tail, Fluffy Pwets, Myook Butts

Good HFs but cheaper: Ego Bum, Hapee Janee, Lily and Luna

AIO

AIOs or All in one diapers are cloth nappies with the soakers sewn on the shell.  An AIO diaper is also water proof. The soakers normally have stay-dry lining that wicks away wetness from baby’s bum.

Good AIOs: Bum Genius, Grovia

Good AIOs but a lot cheaper: Dandy Nappy

DIAPER CARE

New Nappies need to be PREPPED. Prepping simply means washing ahead to rid of factory residues. I soak new nappies overnight in tap water then wash them with detergent the next day. Others soak natural fibre inserts (bamboo, cotton, hemp) in hot water. Some moms wash these up to 6 times (so they can reach maximum absorbency) before using.

Use DETERGENT without bleach, whiteners or fabric softeners. Nappies should be RINSED well (no bubbles in the final rinse water).

Put used diapers in WETBAG when outside (a bag with PUL lining) or DRY PAIL at home (a pail w/o cover). For diapers with poop, I remove and flush the poop away before putting the soiled nappy in the dry pail. If I have time, I PRE-RINSE. I rinse nappies and hang them dry until laundry day. WE do laundry 2 to 3 times a week.

Stinky nappies need to be STRIPPED. Use RLR detergent (follow directions on packet), vinegar or bleach. For vinegar and bleach, just add a bit to the final rinse.

Let nappies hang dry (inner lining facing up or horizontally) under the sun to disinfect it further. I use our shoe rack for that. Some moms use dyer but with lowest setting as PUL linings and elastics deteriorates with too much heat.

Nappies stay on the bum 2-3 hours for daytime use. At night, boost diaper with extra insert so nappies do not leak and baby can sleep longer. Microfiber inserts can dry skin and cause rashes so make sure you don’t put it directly on baby’s bum and only use them with pockets or insert socks.

Using microfiber insert stuffed inside insert sock

                                      

If you do laundry  everyday, you only need a small stash (10-20 nappies). Keep in mind that newborns change nappies up to 12 times a day, infants up to 8 times a day and toddlers up to 6 times a day.
 
                                           

Our stash when we started using cloth diapers :)

When my baby was smaller, we had traditional lampins too (flats and prefolds) and fasten them with a snappi or use them with covers. During rainy days, we use them as inserts when all the inserts are still wet.

 


















How to fold flats:

There you have it. See, it’s not so hard. Just think, you’re doing this to keep your kid away from chemicals found in disposables, save money and lessen your carbon footprint. If you feel like giving up, remember that disposable diapers take 500 years to decompose!

 (photo taken from https://www.snugglebugz.ca/blog/the-pregnancy-files-cloth-or-disposable-diapers/)

8 Brilliant Filipino Storybooks

(Part 3 of 16 BOOKS I’LL FORCE* MY KID TO READ)

 

My little girl will grow up with these books. And I am so excited for her! She’ll eventually have her own favourites, but for now I’ll read her these 8 amazing storybooks.

 

Carangcal: Ang Bayaning Isang Dangkal

Story by Rene Villanueva

Illustration by Kora Dandan- Albano

Published by Lampara Books

This retelling is a proof that we have a wealth of folk tales we can tap. The first of a series, all Carangcal books carry Kora Albano’s exceptional illustrations. It is obvious that she put a lot of work, creativity and individuality in every page. It was written by Rene Villanueva and he’s got his stamp on it. The story is funny, fantastic but believable. Rene is a prolific writer who never runs out of ideas. And even when the story is a retelling, he manages to give it a new spin. You always end up rooting for the character, be it a small hero, a stray dog or a paper kid. 

Si Isem sa Bayang Bawal Tumawa

Story by Eugene Evasco

Illustration by John Crisostomo

Published by Lampara Books

Isem is an Iluko word that means smile. As an Ilocano, I immediately bought the book when I read the title. And it did not disappoint. Eugene is another favourite author who amazingly spews out stories like a shoe factory. And all the stories pass quality check, even exceeds them. That's why I've been hoarding all his books since Isem. This hilarious and quirky story is on the top of my list among his works, right next to Sampung Bukitkit and Anina ng mga Alon. The illustrations are impressive--Rupanget's face is really rupanget! That's face and ugly in ilocano, haha.

La-on and the 7 Headed Dragon

Story by Gabby Lee and Marcy Dans Lee

Illustration by Marcy Dans Lee

Published by Adarna House

A wonderful retelling of a Negrense legend! And the illustrations are very detailed, amusing and original. It’s done in verses, action-packed and humorous. There is this one page where the belly of the dragon is shown and it is populated with posters and ads for tubero and other services usually posted on street lamps.

Ang Pambihirang Sombrero

Story and Illustrations by Jomike Tejido

Published by Adarna House

A book by an author-illustrator I admire. You have to read his other books, too— from the early Dindo Pundido to the most recent Jepoy Jeep series. His work is consistently good. I also like his collaborations with his wife, Haraya (i have 10 Polka-dots Zebras) . The whole book is an exercise for the imagination and I love that it also introduces community workers.

Mister Beetle’s Many Rooms

Story and Illustrations by Robert Magnuson

Published by Adarna House

Another great author-illustrator! I consider Robert as the Philippines’ Dr. Seuss. The story is lyrical and meanders on science and friendship. Mr. Beetle is just adorable, so are his neighbors. There is a sequel to this title that is as good (Mr. Beetle's Special Guitar ). His Kuting Magiting board books are also impressive and appealing to kids (and adults too!).

The Little Girl in a Box

Story by Felinda Bagas

Illustration by Aldy Aguirre

Published by Adarna House

This book is just beautiful. The story brings you to places, in a box, with the little girl. The tale is seamless, the lovely illustrations done in watercolor. You know you are about to encounter a special book once you hold it in your hand. And more importantly, it talks about an unpopular topic— adoption. This book is beautiful and powerful. It can change how we look at things. 

SOL

Story by Agay Llanera

Illustration by Farley Del Rosario

Published by Canvas

I first read this legend when the title was Jealous Moon. Now I am holding a charming book, whimsically illustrated but still the same strong narrative. It touches on music, on pride, on love. Every page, the words and the art works seize the reader. It pulls you into the story until you finish, entranced and pleasantly surprised. If you love words and how they transform into a brilliant story when strung together, you should read more of Agay's works. Choc Chips Hips, Once Upon A player and Vintage Love are pure <3.

Some Women

Story by Bunny Ty

Book Design by Beaulah Taguiwalo

Published by Anvil

It’s a poetry book, a feminist book and an art book rolled into one. It’s a handy introduction, not just to world and Philippine visual art but also to the meaning of true beauty. I love that every page carries one or two obra and just a line or two of the poem.

5 Filipino Children’s Book Classics

(Part 2 of 16 BOOKS I’LL FORCE* MY KID TO READ)

The following are well-loved books. As a teacher, these would be among few selected books I’ll build a curriculum around. As a mother, I will read them over and over to my little girl.

SI INGGOLOK AT ANG PLANETA PAKASKAS

Story by Lem Garcellano and Rene Villanueva

Illustration by Bernard Bunag and Jojo Topacio

Published by Cacho Publishing House, Inc.

One of Aklat Batibot series, Si Inggolok at ang Planeta Pakaskas could be your child’s first sci-fi story. And it’s really timely, with climate change at our doorstep. Lem Garcellano and Rene Villanueva are masters of storytelling and they are two big minds behind the children’s show Batibot. Lem Garcellano produced other equally wonderful shows for kids (check out Eskuwela ng Bayan, PetKo, Sirit) and wrote children’s books Klekluk and Si Puyinggot at si Puyonggit. What I love about his books is the play of words. I know the story behind Inggolok (Inggo, look!) and Pakaskas (that yummy Mindoro delicacy). And he is so good at world building, worlds you can imagine existing. He also strikes anytime, anywhere (he can write at the noisy mall foodcourt, while doing the laundry or taking care of his grandkids). Rene Villanueva is a playwright who wrote over 60 books. He is best known for his Carancal series. I’ll tell you more about him in my next blog post.

BRU-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA... BRU-HI-HI-HI-HI-HI...

Story by Ma. Corazon Remigio

Illustration by Roland Mechael Ilagan

Published by Adarna House

The title seems lots of fun and yes, this book is packed with laughter. But it also deals with many issues: growing old, discrimination, superstitious beliefs gone haywire. I love the mystery, the build up and the twist at the end. The illustrations are realistic and are very Filipino. Every scene depicted in the book invokes a range of emotions from the reader.

PAPEL DE LIHA

Story by Ompong Remigio

Illustration by Beth Parrocha-Doctolero

Published by Adarna House

The story is simple yet powerful. It is beautifully rendered by one of my favourite Filipino children’s book illustrator. Even before I became a mother, this book appealed to me.  More than just a tribute to moms, it is also a book for daughters and sons. The story is musical, like Nanay’s lullaby. Once you read it, you’ll remember how your mother cared for you. And if you’re a parent, realize that you have the same boundless love for your child. Some say the story confines women’s role to housework but the whole narrative is from a child’s point of view. If you look through the character’s eyes you’ll see what she sees and feel what she feels—hands that are gentle, hands of her mother who loves her.

SUNDALONG PATPAT

Story by Virgilio Almario

Illustration by Ferdinand Doctolero

Published by Adarna House

Sundalong Patpat will always have a special place in my heart. I remember when I first started collecting children’s books, this particular title put a spell on me. I love reading it over and over again. And no wonder, the author, Virgilio Almario is a poet and a National Artist for Literature.  His works have been known to be mind-blowing, heart-racing and revolutionary. The art works by Ferdinand Doctolero are full of movement. Every page is distinctive and throbbing with adventure.

SI CHING NA TAKOT SA DILIM

Story by Aleli Dew Batnag

Illustration by Paul Eric Roca

Published by Adarna House

This books deals, not just with fear of the dark but with the wonders of the night. It personally appealed to me because I am a creature of the stars. The magnificence of the night sky is something I always want to share and this book does it for me. I like the use of colors and thick wavy lines in the illustrations. The dark is not depicted as solid black but a myriad of cool (blues, violets, greens) colors.