Reusable diapering for a 6-month-old baby

2018-06-14

What's cloth diapering like for a six-month-old? Which one works best during the day and at night? How do we use cloth diapers? Which inserts work the best?

It would seem I just wrote about how our cloth diapering of our newborn went. Meanwhile, it's been six months since my daughter was born. The baby is definitely bigger, spends her day differently, and has slightly different diaper needs.

How do you diaper a six-month-old baby?

: The number of cloth diapers per day

On average, we go through 8–12 diaper changes during the day and 2–3 at night. Of course, it all depends on the day, where we are, teething, and so on. Until recently, one diaper was enough for the night. Unfortunately, those days are over — the baby has grown, and so has their bladder.
Which diapers and inserts to use?
I’m a definite fan of pocket diapers. They’re the easiest to use, the most convenient for me, and the simplest for anyone else taking care of my baby. I use pocket diapers in a one-size fit. When I’m at home or have the ability to change diapers often, I mainly use microfiber inserts because they dry quickly. When we’re out and about, I usually rely on my “sure bets”: the long bamboo “lamb” insert. It gives me peace of mind, because I know the diaper will hold up for several hours (for pee, of course — with poop, you have to act as soon as possible).
Covers are an addition for pocket diapers. I usually put daytime fitted diapers or long inserts in them. If I want my baby to feel dry and warm on the bottom — especially when it’s cold outside — I use an insert with microfleece, or I place a “dry bum” liner on top
Nighttime diapering
At night, I take a firm approach: I usually go for a bamboo nighttime fitted diaper plus a cover or wool shorties. As I mentioned before, I do change the diaper at night — usually around the first nighttime feeding. When my fitted diapers don’t dry in time, I rely on (drumroll, please) my “tank” cover with double elastics and two lamb L bamboo inserts — folded in thirds, which gives 18 layers of bamboo. I’ve tested this setup many times, especially on trips where fast drying was a priority. My 8-kg baby slept peacefully, the diaper didn’t leak, and it lasted all night. I have to admit — I was thrilled!
Flushable diaper liners - CORN fibres
For a six-month-old baby who’s started solids, corn liners are super useful. They make it much easier to deal with poop, which is quite different from the so-called “milk poop” of an exclusively breastfed baby.
Body extenders – a brilliant little gadget that lets you button up a bodysuit over a cloth diaper. Mine are in constant use (unless my daughter happens to be wearing a dress – thank goodness it’s summer!).
Changing mats – we use them all the time, not just for diaper changes, but also on trips as a comfy mat to lay the baby on the grass. The mats have adorable patterns that catch the baby’s attention — practicality and sensory play all in one!
Reusable Breast Pads – I’ve been using them since my daughter was born, and they’re fantastic: very absorbent and invisible under clothing. I wholeheartedly recommend them!
That’s what our reusable diapering setup looks like for now.
Thank you for reading!