Love SoftBums Blog: handwashing

Yep its that time again,

What is the Flat's & Handwashing Challenge you ask?

Cloth Diapering families all around the world vow to use only flats (diaper flats, flour sack towels, burp clothes, t-shirts, towels) and waterproof covers to diaper their child (or children) for a whole 7 days. Not only that but vow not to use a washing machine or electric dryer to clean the diapers for those 7 days. They must clean them by means of handwashing and line drying and /or pressing with an iron.

WHY???? Seriously Why?

Actually its for very good reasoning. This event aims to bring awareness and educate cloth diapering families and beyond about the benefits and feasibility of using flat cloth diapers, the most basic of all diapers, and handwashing. Why? Because there are families who struggle everyday with diaper need. There are no federal or state funded assistance programs to help families buy diapers. This can result in babies being left in diapers too long or families reusing disposable diapers; both options pose serious health risks for the baby. Dirty Diaper Laundry's goal has always been to prove that, when necessary, a small number of flat cloth diapers, covers, and a simple bucket washer or tub can be all a family needs to provide clean and sanitary diapers.

Why flats? Why not just use modern cloth diapers?

Flat cloth diapers are simple, easy and more importantly quick to wash & dry & easier to get clean. They are very absorbent and when used correctly is a very trim option for stuffing your "modern pocket diapers" aka your SoftBums Omni's. They are simple to use and folding styles are abundant. For example: pad fold, origami, kite, diaper bag fold, and the “jo” fold. Knowledge and practice are key when it comes to flats, and thanks to youtube it literally takes 10 mins to learn all the styles of folding a flat cloth diaper to best fit your baby. Gone are the days of diaper pins so no worries about poking yourself or your baby. Now we have the option's of Snappi's or Boingo to hold the flat together before covering with your waterproof cover or shell.

Do people really do this?

"Yes, in this world on a daily basis there are families that actually DO THIS. And even more who could save a lot of money by handwashing flats even on a very part time basis as a way to stretch the disposable diapers they have for other places such as daycare.
Last year 260 families participated and 73% felt this was a viable option for families in need. In 2011 over 200 families joined and 80% said that others could “absolutely” use this method!" - According to Dirty Diaper Laundry.

Why are we participating?

Honestly, when I first heard of this I thought that it seemed backwards to me.. Cloth diapering like my granny did??? BUT once I started reading more into it and learned about all the families who can barely afford disposable diapers who think that is the only option. They are spending up to $60 a month on diapers & wipes that they are just throwing away when they could be using affordable reusable cloth diapers and using that extra $60 a month on food for their family or to pay for bills.

We are doing this to help create awareness to the world that this can be a solution for any family, especially for those struggling to make ends meet while raising a family.

We are doing this to show those who think cloth diapering is hard and or unsanitary, or pointless because their parents told them horror stories of bleach buckets, leaks, plastic pants and pins..

We are also doing this to show you how to your cloth diapers while camping or in natural disaster type situations where you don't have access to a washer & dryer.

Finally, we want to show our fans and anyone interested in learning that it can be done, AND it can be fun, clean, and easy (well as easy as handwashing dirty diapers can be)! The BEST part is we will show you how to do it using SoftBums shells :)

SoftBums Echo Shell & a Ikea Flat

SoftBums are an ideal cover to use with your flats. The Echo shell will hold the flats perfectly in place thanks to the super soft microfleece, and the super trim fit of the cover and the flat will fit wonderfully under any clothing. The Omni with the optional pocket is amazing for stuffing your flats! You can stuff several flats in the generous pocket which is perfect for nighttime use!