4MyChild: Help and Hope for Life

November 19, 2006

Cloth Diapers for Older Children and Children with Special Needs

Many kids with special needs and cerebral palsy need to use a diaper at night. Disposable diapers can lead to leaks and constant sheet changing, not to mention frequent rashes.

Cloth diapers might be a solution for some families. Cloth diapers aren’t what they used to be, no more pins and plastic pants. Hi-tech PVC and micro fleece offer comfortable leak proof alternative. Breathable covers offer more comfort than disposables. And washing cloth diapers isn’t nearly the hassle most people think. They are are much more comfortable than plastic or paper disposable diapers.

Information from Homeschool and Parenting Resource Site-LifeLearning.org

I used cloth diapers for years and can recommend a few brands, also many WAHM ( work at home moms) will make you custom sizes.

An excellent site for info on cloth diapers, types and styles, on Mothering.com site.

Hemp diapers are more expensive but will last longer and are more absorbent than cotton.
It may seem a bit daunting but really isn’t that hard or time consuming.

Washing Cloth Diapers

This is by far the most popular method. Put wet/soiled diapers in a DRY diaper pail or similar. You can buy wet sacs that are waterproof bags that hang on hook in bathroom or laundry room. Wash the diapers every 2-3 days. Simply put in washing machine. I fill washing machine and let them soak a while, if there is an extra rinse cycle then use it. The most important thing is to make sure you do not use too much SOAP and that there is no SOAP left on diapers, that can irritate the skin. Use straight vinegar in the rinse cycle. You can do this by either putting vinegar in the fabric softener slot. The vinegar reduces PH and will also keep them soft and smelling fresh.

Dry the diapers on clothsline or in the dryer. Do NOT use fabric softener or dryer sheets. This will reduce absorbency of the diapers. If you are using a diaper cover let these air dry to protect elastic bindings from the heat of the dryer.

Cloth diapers are much more comfortable than “paper” disposable ones and there is less chance of rashes and yeast infection. They are a viable alternative to disposables.

If you know of a WAHM (work at home mom) or a brand you love then please post in comments section. If you have a solution or idea for everyday living with cerebral palsy our readers would like to hear from you.