Here are 5 solid (no pun intended…) reasons why you should cloth diaper:

• Environmental Impact – Each baby uses approximated 6000 diapers, which can take upwards of 500 years to breakdown
• Long term solution – Disposables are a short-term solution to specific situations. Cloth is very much a long-term choice. The upfront cost pays itself back within 5 months of using them.
• Cost Savings – You can save thousands of dollars by using cloth diapers
• No midnight trips to Shoppers Drug Mart when you run out of diapers, or making sure that extra $40 for a box of diapers is in your account, untouched.
• Cloth is breathable, and much better for your little one’s skin

Baby poop, in general, really stinks, but disposable diapers do not smell any less foul. As long as you have a good air-tight diaper pail, coupled with a non-toxic deodorizer (even vinegar will work), you will find the cloth diapers will smell less than your disposables.

Some people choose to use the older flannelette liners with rubber pants, but Piddly-Winx diapers use complete snap technology, which means no sharp pins, no lint-covered Velcro, and no extra rubber pants.

Fact: Not true! For cloth and disposable diapers, newborns use approximately 12-16 diapers a day for the first 3 months. In the following nine months, they use 8-12 diapers per day. Diaper rashes occur less often with more frequent changes, regardless of whether you use disposable diapers or cloth – but disposable diapers can sometimes confuse the level of “dryness” your baby is feeling due to their absorbent chemicals inside the diaper. Also, with the cloth diaper, if you place the insert on top of the inside layer of the diaper, if your baby just has a small piddle, you can easily swap out the insert, as opposed to having to change the entire diaper, unlike disposables.

Yes, you can! Piddly-Winx cloth diapers have everything you need in one spot – the insert can be pre-stuffed in your diaper bag, and all you need to do is snap snap snap! Fold up the dirty diaper and place it into one of the reusable wet-bags, which can hold 4-6 soiled diapers, zip it closed, and away you go – just as convenient as a disposable, but you aren’t throwing away your money!

Simply put, we have minimal overhead expenses, and because we are not a brick and mortar shop, we don’t have rent to pay, or front-end staff to employ… this is a family business. We do the quality control, website additions, customer service, shipping and receiving, and inventories all in-house. We have chosen not to pocket this extra profit; rather, we pass it on to our customers, as our goal is not only to provide an affordable alternative, but a quality one too. We have used all our products on our own children!

At a minimum, your cloth diapers should last for at least one child to go through them. If they are cared for properly, many can use them for a second and third child. A few questions to consider are how many diapers you have in your rotation (fewer means more washes and more wear), the laundry additives you are using (stain removers, etc – very destructive to diapers), and drying method (dryers are harder on clothing than line drying).

We have MANY testimonies from parents who have used our products all over the place – Facebook, Google+, Diaper Pin, Amazon, on our website, and even Babycenter!

Our customer service is one of the best in the country for cloth diapers!

The materials used in modern-cloth diapers have come a long way from the older flannelette diapers. Whether using the polyester or bamboo diapers, both have super-absorbent inserts included, designed to withstand even the biggest piddles. Also, as a side note, toddlers tend to potty train sooner with cloth diapers, compared to disposables, as they actually FEEL when they piddle themselves.

Actually, it’s the opposite. Cloth Diapering is less than half the cost of using disposables.

Over a three-year period, including power, water, and detergent costs, using Piddly-Winx diapers will cost approximately $922. Using disposable diapers, based on prices from Walmart.ca, diapers will cost approximately $2356.26.

In addition to this, your cloth diapers can be reused for more than one child, so you can resell them after you are finished with them!

In the short term, yes, they take a little bit more work – you will need to do an extra one or two loads of laundry a week, hang them up to dry, then put them away. However, when you factor in the time to get you and your baby dressed, drive to the store, purchase the diapers after waiting in line, and returning home, every time you buy disposable diapers – you will find that you spend less time with cloth diapering. The laundry really isn’t that bad, and if you have other little ones, they can easily be recruited to help with stuffing inserts.

Starting the cloth diapering journey can be very confusing. Piddly-Winx carries a variety of different diapers, including:

• All-In-One (AIO) Bamboo Newborn diapers – PUL outside, bamboo inside, sewn-in insert, fits 4 lbs – 12 lbs.
• Bamboo One-Size Pocket Diapers (also known as AI2s) – PUL outside, bamboo inside, pocket in the back to stuff a liner into. Fits 6 lbs to 37 lbs.
• Hybrid Charcoal Bamboo Diapers – PUL outside, charcoal bamboo inside, front and back pockets to stuff, but inserts are also “snap-in” about. Also features double gussets, 4×3 sizing grid, and fits 12 lbs – 40 lbs
• Polyester One-Size Pocket Diapers (also known as AI2s) – PUL outside, polyester suede inside, pocket in the back to stuff a liner into. Fits 6 lbs to 37 lbs.
• Polyester Jumbo Pocket Diapers – (also known as AI2s) – PUL outside, polyester inside, pocket in the back to stuff a liner into. Fits 20 lbs to 50 lbs.
• Swim Diapers – one size fits most – PUL outside, polyester mesh inside, elastic waist and legs, fits 6 lbs – 37 lbs

If the diapers are fit correctly with the snap sizes tailored to your baby’s size, the diaper should not look bulky at all – it should fit snugly around the baby’s waist and legs. Sometimes, the one-size diaper can look a little bulky on a newborn, but don’t worry – baby will grow into it!

We have 2 different overseas manufacturers, one in Hong Kong, and one in China, who make our diapers and some of our accessories. Over the last 3 to 4 years, we have changed suppliers for a variety of reasons, but never due to the cost. While we use as many Canadian materials in our shipping and packaging as we can, ultimately, we wanted to provide Canadian parents with an affordable product.

We have also partnered with some local moms in North Battleford who love to sew, and have some handmade in Canada products as well. These will be rolling out in Summer 2018.

Environmental Benefits to using bamboo:

• Bamboo is 100% sustainable and biodegradable, and because it is a natural fibre, it is very environmentally friendly.
• Bamboo grows without needing any chemical enhancers, such as pesticides, unlike cotton, which requires quite a bit.
• Helping to reduce the CO2 gases, bamboo generates up to 30% more oxygen than other trees
• Bamboo planting and growing actually produces greater biomass and enriches the soil by removing toxins. Bamboo benefits the land around, while some other natural fibres, such as cotton, damage it.
• Bamboo plants do not take 20+ years to mature and harvest once – they take 7 years to grow, and can be harvested every year, and have a yield up to 20 times more than other trees on the same area of land.
• Bamboo plants prevents erosion, and improves watersheds.

Benefits for your Baby:

• Bamboo is incredibly absorbent. Bamboo can absorb almost 70% more moisture than cotton, and about three times its weight in liquids. This has earned bamboo the distinction of being one of the best wicking fabrics available.
• Bamboo does not require chemicals to grow – no pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides!
• Bamboo is not only naturally organic, but it is also antimicrobial and antibacterial.
• If your little one is prone to allergies or skin sensitivities, bamboo is awesome as it is hypoallergenic
• Bamboo has more stretch/elasticity than polyester and cotton, which helps get a snugger fit, and is much more comfortable. It is also lighter, and has less bulk.
• Bamboo is one of the softest materials available in the cloth diapering world that is skin-friendly. It is even softer than cotton and hemp.
• Bamboo reduces the risk of bacteria growth because of its breath-ability. This means that the material allows air circulation, which reduces the temperature inside the diaper.
• Bamboo also has insulating features, which allow it to keep bums cooler in the warmer months, and warmer in the cooler months.

The quickest and most efficient way to place an order is via our website with credit card or Paypal. We also can take orders over the phone, mail in (via our catalogue), or in person. Cheques are accepted, but your order will not ship until the cheque has cleared.

• Shipping in Canada, our shipping is a flat rate of $9.95 for all orders under $99. Anything over $99 ships for free anywhere in Canada, including YK and NWT.
• Shipping to the USA, our flat rate is $25 for all orders (which, when you work out the exchange rate difference, is generally free for our American counterparts)
• Shipping internationally – please contact us for a quote.

Yes, we do! While we have a twin pack available (48 diapers), if you need more, we can put something together to suit your needs. Please contact us for our wholesale pricing for retail or coops. We would love to work with you.

We usually get all packages out the door within 2 business days of an order being placed. Sometimes though, situations arise (family illness or vacations, diaper selection out of stock, post office closures…) which cause temporary delays in shipping your parcel out.

Once the package is on its way, a tracking number is automatically generated by Paypal, and you can track it via Canada Post. Please contact us if you have any questions, or if you didn’t receive an email with the tracking number.

We CAN NOT accept any returns or exchanges on open, used, or washed products. This is due to hygiene issues, as well as potential allergy exposures.

• For refunds on unopened, unwashed, and unused diapers, we offer a 30-day window from time of order delivery.
• Return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility.
• Refund will be provided within 5 business days of receiving, upon inspection of diapers to ensure they were still sealed.

While defects are very rare, not every diaper is perfect. While we are very careful with our quality control, and inspect each diaper when they arrive, we may miss something. These defects can include:

• Broken or missing snaps
• Unstitching along seams
• Instant delamination of the PUL
• Black stain on prints from manufacturing machine

Manufacturer defects do not include:

• Bleach stains
• Repelling due to use (Fabric softeners, diaper rash creams, etc)
• Delamination over time (hot water strip, chemical use, etc)
• Customer abuse (rough use, punctures, staining, pet damage, washing machine staining/tearing, etc)
• Wear and tear

We offer a 90-day manufacturer’s warranty from date of purchase on all our products – diapers, inserts, pail liners, wet bags, soakers, and breast pads.

If you have any additional questions, or need to process a claim, please contact us.

To save costs for buyer, if you are purchasing for a baby whose gender is not yet known, you do have the option to postpone shipping of your bundle until gender is determined, or after baby has arrived.

Please contact us for additional information.

All parcels go through Canada Post, and are sent Expedited, which is tracked and insured, and can take 2 – 7 business days to arrive, depending on your location. Letter mail packages, which is used for small single items, can take 4 – 8 days to arrive

We CAN NOT accept any returns or exchanges on open, used, or washed products. This is due to hygiene issues, as well as potential allergy exposures.

• For exchanges on unopened, unwashed, and unused diapers, we offer a 30-day window from time of order delivered.
• Return shipping is the buyers responsibility.
• Exchange will be provided and shipped within 7 business days, upon inspection of returned diapers to ensure they were still sealed.

• Newborn to 3 months old – 24 diapers and 24 inserts (using 10 – 12 diapers a day, this gives you enough for 2 days of diapers)
• 3 months to 6 months old – 24 diapers and 24 inserts (using 8 – 10 diapers a day, this is enough for 2-3 days)
• 6 months to 1 year – 18 diapers with 36 inserts (using 6 – 8 diapers a day, this is enough for 2-3 days)
• 1 year to 2 years – 18 diapers with 36 inserts (using 6 – 8 diapers a day, this is enough for 2-3 days)
• 2 years to potty training – 12 diapers with 24 inserts (using 6 diapers a day, this is enough for 2 days).

While there isn’t really a “maximum” amount of diapers you can have, you do need to be conscious of how long the dirty diapers sit – they should not sit uncleaned for more than 4 days, as the urine can start affecting the PUL when sitting for extended amounts of time.

Here are some approximate recommendations for “lazy launderers” (ie: ME!), or for a larger rotation, for how many diapers you should have (per baby), based on the age of your child when you start cloth diapering.

• Newborn to 3 months old – 36 diapers and 36 inserts (using 10 – 12 diapers a day, this gives you enough for 3 days of diapers)
• 3 months to 6 months old – 36 diapers and 36 inserts (using 8 – 10 diapers a day, this is enough for 3-4 days)
• 6 months to 1 year – 24 diapers with 36 inserts (using 6 – 8 diapers a day, this is enough for 3-4 days)
• 1 year to 2 years – 24 diapers with 36 inserts (using 6 – 8 diapers a day, this is enough for 3-4 days)
• 2 years to potty training – 18 diapers with 36 inserts (using 6 diapers a day, this is enough for 3 days).

The last thing a new mom AND cloth diaperer wants (or needs) is stress and added problems. With this in mind, I specifically designed the 24-pack complete bundle for tight budgets and minimal financial strain. This is a one-stop shop, including diapers, inserts (and extra inserts if desired), wet bags, pail liners, overnight soakers, bamboo cloth wipes, and disposable liners…. this literally has everything you need to start.

The only extras you will need over the course of the following 3 years is:

• Extra inserts (most babies need an extra insert when they start sleeping 8-12 hours at night)
• Extra disposable liners (optional)
• New diaper prints that are irresistible (optional, but also a great way to save the shipping to get your order to $99!)

Fit into the lazy launderer category like me? I also have a 36-pack complete bundle available. This is what I use!

If you are expecting twins, and are not sure where to start, check out this TWIN pack. It is basically 2 x 24 pack complete bundles, with an added discount. You have the option to double inserts too.

If you are wanting to cloth diaper baby #2, but still have a toddler in cloth diapers, the 36-pack would be an awesome fit, especially if you are thinking about potty training in the next year or sooner. This will also give you a larger rotation when baby #1 is finally out of diapers.

If you already have everything you need accessory-wise, and have all the inserts you want, we have an awesome little diaper-shells-only bundle for parents who just want to add some new colour or selection to their pre-existing stash. You can find the 6-pack bundle here. We also have a 12-pack available, if needed.

Have your gear already but just need some new diapers? Check out this 24-pack diapers only! You have the ability to customize between regular bamboo, charcoal bamboo, or a mix of both. You also have the option to double up on inserts, so you don’t need buy them later. This package comes with 24 diapers and inserts. There are smaller packages available if you have a couple cloth diapers already.

This is always tricky, wanting to get the perfect gift for a friend without doubling up on something they already have. Why not get them a gift card that they can put towards their larger package? They can be combined, so your recipient can use multiple cards on a single purchase!

Diapers protect our baby’s nether region… do you want to chance anything being on that diaper?

Believe it or not, whether the diaper is made at home or in a manufacturing facility, they are exposed to allergens, dust, dirt, chemicals, or pet hair. Just as you would a new pair of jeans, or a new bra, you should always give new items a quick wash.

There are many cloth diaper safe creams out there – look for the ones made with natural ingredients. Avoid medical prescription creams and zinc ointment if you are not using a disposable liner.

• If I have any fuzzy diapers (especially loud bold colours), I give them a quick rinse in the sink with a little bit of vinegar (helps hold the colour). This should take no more than 10 minutes.
• Once wrung out, I simply wash the polyester diapers in my top load washing machine. I do one regular wash cycle, on a large load setting, with the inserts in the same load.
• I dry the diapers, usually on the line, but if feeling lazy, I tumble dry.

Rinse diapers promptly in toilet (with a sprayer if you presser) or use a disposable liner. Sunning outside on a line is a natural stain remover, but you can also use eco-friendly products that will not harm fabrics.

Detergents can make your cloth diapering journey difficult, or very simple. I have done a ton of research online and here with physical products, and I have found a few “really good” detergents, and a few “really bad” detergents. Honestly though, it is going to come down to your budget and preference. Personally, I don’t believe in paying a ton of money for detergent, as the whole point of cloth diapering is to save money.

Here is what you want to AVOID:

• Chlorine Bleach – can ruin the PUL on the outer covers
• Fabric Softeners – causes inserts and covers to repel liquid
• Stain Protection – creates a barrier, causing inserts and covers to repel liquid
• Scents/Perfumes – mixed with urine, perfumes and scents smell really gross
• Dyes – can transfer to your white diaper, leaving stains
• Alcohol – can damage the PUL
• Soap-based detergents – please visit here for additional information)

Before you decide on a detergent based on the above, you also need to determine the hardness of your water, as it can play a major role in your ability to wash and properly clean the diapers.

For soft water, my “go-to” detergents, based on performance and price, is Purex White, and Sunlight Cold Water. If you are looking to spend the extra money on something “exclusively cloth diaper friendly”, Rocking Green and Nellie’s are suggested.

For hard water, while you can used the detergents listed above, you may need to increase the amount of detergent you use, to offset the effect of the hard water. You can also add a water softening agent (such as Borax) to make your detergent more effective. For more information, check out our article on Hard Water Issues and Resolves.

What is stripping? Removing the buildup of detergent or urine residues

Who needs to strip diapers? Everybody!

Where can I strip them? In your washing machine or bathtub

When do I need to strip my diapers? I would suggest doing a strip once a month for maintenance, but otherwise, as soon as they start smelling “off”

Why do I need to strip my diapers? It keeps them fresh smelling and reduces the risk of diaper rashes, and also increases the longevity of your diapers, increasing their value.

Read more here!

Ideally, every 2-3 days. Similar to dishes, it is easier to clean the diapers when they haven’t been sitting for a lengthy period.

Personally, I always just used water in a crunch, and a ziplock bag, but there are many different concoctions out there now.

Here is my favourite, and makes enough for a few months:

• 1/8 cup olive oil
• 1 ½ cup water (distilled optional)
• 1 tsp of your favourite baby shampoo
• 2 drops of tea tree oil
• 4 drops of lavender oil

Inserts take a little more work, as they are what holds all the pee. I fill my bath tub about a quarter full, luke warm water, and add about a quarter cup of vinegar. I then add the inserts to the tub, and make a “insert stew”. The more water, the better. After letting them soak for 10-15 mins, I wring them out, and repeat. I do this 2 or 3 times, then let them dry. The final step is to put a bead of water on the insert. If the insert absorbs the bead, they are ready to go. If not, let them soak again for another hour, dry, then test again.

Note: Hemp/Cotton/Bamboo sometimes take a few extra “wring/soaks” to get the natural oils that repel, out of the inserts.

For best results, base your detergent use off the detergent manufacturer’s recommendations, and then use less for soft water, and more for hard water. Each company has a different amount of “recommended amount”, especially when factoring the newer 2x and 3x concentrations. Be sure to read each bottle and adjust your detergent appropriately. For Piddly-Winx diapers, you are fine to use the same amount that you would use in a medium-sized load of clothing.

No! Boiling can actually can harm synthetic materials, not to mention the damage it can cause to the outer shells. Boiling could melt snaps, or even worse, cause delamination.

• What is Stripping and how do I do it?
• What is stripping? Removing the buildup of detergent or urine residues
• Who needs to strip diapers? Everybody!
• Where can I strip them? In your washing machine or bathtub
• When do I need to strip my diapers? I would suggest doing a strip once a month for maintenance, but otherwise, as soon as they start smelling “off”
• Why do I need to strip my diapers? It keeps them fresh smelling and reduces the risk of diaper rashes, and also increases the longevity of your diapers, increasing their value.
• Read more here!