Since babies spend a whole lot of time and energy pooping and peeing, storing soiled diapers and disposing used diapers are major concerns for parents. With disposable diapers becoming the third most common item in landfills, parents who rely on disposable diapers have to be aware of environmental concerns too. Considering that the average disposable takes about 500 years to break down, the threat is really huge. So, cloth diapers are slowly gaining lost ground.

Whether you use cloth or disposables, the first step in diaper cleaning is to separate all solid waste from the diaper. Discarded human waste contains bacteria and viruses that can cause illnesses. The best thing is to empty out any poop into the toilet. Many busy parents store soiled diapers and wash them periodically. Clean and safe storage of soiled diapers is important. If you use cloth diapers and all-in-one diapers store them separately before washing.

Cloth diapers can be stored using the wet pail or the dry pail method. In the dry pail method after any solid waste is removed, the cloth diaper is stored in a dry diaper pail until laundry day comes. Some parents rinse the cloth diaper before it is stored. Wet pails contain water that helps to remove any stubborn solid waste. But they are a potential threat because wet pails contain enough water to drown a baby. Keep wet pails in an area that is inaccessible to small children. Young children may even topple the pail inadvertently.

• Pails should be Washable, tightly-covered, plastic-lined receptacles that support hands-free operation.
• Rust-proof, have a foot-operated pedal and child-resistant deodorizer compartment
• Covered with a firm fitting lid that will trap odor and will not cause water to drip
• Large enough to hold all the stored diapers
• Tall enough to prevent children from reaching or falling into the receptacle.

Always use separate containers for disposable diapers, soiled cloth diapers and soiled clothes. DO NOT mix soiled clothes with soiled cloth diapers. If you use the wet pail method change the water in the pail every day; even if you only do laundry once a week.

Diapers stored dry should first be run through a cold-water cycle to rinse out any waste before the actual laundering. After wash, always try to sun-dry the diapers, as this ensures total cleanliness. Sunlight destroys bacteria and also helps restore whiteness.

While washing cloth diapers, use mild detergent and hot water. Avoid detergents that contain bleach or fabric softeners.

Cloth-diapering while away from home:

When you leave your home, cleaning cloth diapers may pose a bit of a problem. Depending upon the place of visit and accessibility to a washing machine etc, decide on the number of diapers you have to carry. You will also need a plastic or waterproof tote bag to carry the soiled diapers if you cannot clean them immediately.

Diaper service:

New parents may find it easier to make use of a diaper service. If you have more than one child in diapers the service becomes cheaper. Hamper, pails, and liners are supplied by most services. Cleaning and sanitizing is done by state-of-the-art technology. Diapers are picked up and delivered to your doorstep every week. Some services offer disposable diapers too.