Making Cloth Diapers - How to Make Cloth Diapers

Babies and in certain cases adults who can't control their bladder, wear diapers under their clothes that keep them dry and prevent their clothes from getting soiled. Although diapers in some form or the other have been used for centuries, it was only in the 19th century that diapers in their present form emerged in Europe and North America. Now, there are many companies that make disposable diapers as well as cloth diapers. While the disposable ones are meant for one time use, cloth diapers can be washed and reused. However, many mothers prefer making cloth diapers at home as it is more economical than buying one from the market, and also quite easy to make.

How to Make Cloth Diapers

Choose the Diaper Cloth Material
In case your budget is flexible, you could choose designer fabrics. However, cotton, flannel, cotton knits and terry are all considered to be good material for making diapers. Many prefer fleece for the inner layer as it quickly soaks wetness away from the baby's skin and keeps it dry for longer periods. Hence, this reduces the chances of diaper rashes. Terry could be used for the soaker, and a cute flannel print could be used for the outer layer of baby diapers.

Making the Pattern
The easiest way of drafting a pattern for baby cloth diapers is to open a disposable diaper if you have one at home. Trace out its outline leaving ¼ inch for the seam. If you don't have one right at the moment, you would anyways know that baby diapers are in the shape of hourglass with back tabs that can be pulled around and closed in the front. Use a measuring tape to measure the baby and decide on the correct dimensions for the diaper. While you are making cloth diapers for your baby, ensure that the tabs are big enough so that they can be adjusted as the baby grows. This way, one could use the cloth diapers longer. One could also refer to the free diaper patterns that are available online.

Making Cloth Diapers
According to the pattern, cut out 2 hourglass shapes one from the interior material and the other from the exterior material. Cut out a rectangular shape from the soaker that would go between the exterior and interior material. Let the soaker be as long as the diaper. It should run along the full length of the baby's diaper. Put the soaker on the wrong side of the interior material and stitch it in place.

Measure the baby's thigh and cut 2 strips of elastic band that are ¼ inches wide for the leg opening. The elastic could be wider as per your preference or according to the baby's comfort. Stretch the elastic to cover the whole leg opening. Stitch the elastic to the wrong side of the exterior material along the curved side for the leg opening. Measure the baby's back and cut out a ½ inch wide elastic piece to fit. Stretch the elastic so that it covers the full width of the diaper, and then stitch it to the back of the exterior material.

Now put the two hourglass materials together so that the right sides face each other. Sew around the diaper leaving a small opening in the front so that the diaper can be turned right side out from the opening. After the stitching is done, turn the right side of the diaper out. Get the seams where they should be using a pencil or a butter knife. Fold in the seam allowance. Then close the front opening by stitching it either with hand or machine.

One could use velcro or snaps to the tabs. However, velcro tends to get spoiled with repeated washes. Diaper pins could also be used to secure the diaper. With appropriate measurements , the same method could be used to make adult cloth diapers too.

Benefits of Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are good for the environment as well the family's budget. Comparing cloth versus disposable diapers will show that both have their respective advantages and disadvantages. While most people find disposable diapers to be more convenient than cloth diapers, they can't be reused. Cloth diapers on the other hand can be reused after a proper wash. They also solve the problem of environmental pollution that is a major concern with disposable diapers.

Diapers are an intrinsic part of baby care. If you are using cloth diapers, make sure that they are properly washed and completely dry before being used. Making cloth diapers at home is easy. It might take a little time. However, the effort is worth the money saved.