Episode 60: Cloth Diapering: Interview with Gigi Vera Vincent

Today’s episode will wrap up the end of season 2 of the Finding Your Village podcast. I am taking a vacation from the show as I prepare to launch by birth classes on July 7th! Season 3 of the podcast starts on July 18th!

In today’s episode we are talking all about cloth diapers! I had the pleasure of talking to Gigi Vera Vincent, who is a postpartum doula, mother to three toddlers, including twins, and a wife to her high school sweetheart. As a former teacher, her love languages are planning and handouts; she brings realistic, evidence-based, and actionable advice. She founded A Simple Home to help parents find their way to raise babies, so they can thrive in the fourth trimester and beyond.

Cloth Diapering 101:

Pushbacks:

1. Partner / Caregiver / Daycare doesn't want to

Find what will convince them
Make a routine and give direction
Walk the walk
Let them do it their way, even if it means disposables.

2. Gross

They aren't much better or worse than disposables.
Solids in disposables should be placed in the toilet as well.
Use a diaper sprayer and save clean up for once or twice a day.

Benefits:

1. Save money

Cloth diapers are around $500 and can be resold or used for multiple children.

2. Help the Environment

Over 20 billion diapers are thrown away in the US every year.
With cloth diapers, you'll save disposables from entering landfills, sewers, and waterways.

3. Improve your baby's health

Disposable diapers have harmful chemicals like bleach, dioxins, phthalates, and fragrances.
If your baby has sensitive skin, natural fibers in cloth diapers are much better.

4. Are more practical

You'll never run out.
You'll have fewer blowouts.
You won't need to deal with size changes.

Types:

1. Diaper + Cover

This diaper has two parts: an absorbent diaper and a waterproof cover.
They're called flats, prefolds, and fitteds.
These are great for people who want a small, minimal, easy-to-wash diaper.

2. Diaper + Insert

This diaper has two parts as well: a waterproof cover with fabric inside and an insert that absorbs liquid.
They're called pockets, all-in-twos, and hybrids.
These are best for people who want to customize their diaper.

3. Complete System

This is one piece with the cover and absorbency all sewn together.
They're called all-in-ones.
These are a good choice for someone who has others caring for their baby or wants a diaper most similar to disposable.

Freebie: Step-by-Step Cloth Diaper Routine

How to get in touch with Gigi