We’ve all been there. You just got the cutest new print out of your mailbox, and you are excited to get it OTB! Waiting for multiple wash and dry cycles to finish can be daunting. Do you really NEED to prep this diaper fully to use it? The short answer in the household: not necessarily.
One wash, and we usually rock our new diapers ASAP. Highland Baby diapers actually go through two wash and dry cycles before they are sewn to avoid shrinkage of the materials used for the handcrafted products. (Shout-out to Hannah for saving us all some time!) Just keep in mind, diapers that aren’t fully prepped are better suited for daytime use. Once they reach full absorbency, they will be ready to put faith in them for nap/bedtime.
What exactly does “prepping” mean?
Prepping is simply the process of washing a new diaper (repeatedly in the case of natural fibers) to remove residues, natural oils, or manufacturing byproducts that may hinder their absorbency. Prepping actually achieves a few things
-Removes excess natural oils (in natural fibers) that can repel liquid
-Opens up the fibers, which helps them become more efficient at absorbing
-Removes any dirt, dyes, or dust (especially when the diapers are manufactured)
I find hot water and a cloth-safe detergent create the most effective conditions for achieving this!
So how many washes do you need to fully prep your diapers?
Cloth diapers vary in composition and thus require different prepping methods. Synthetic fibers like microfiber, microsuede, and polyester only need to be washed once before use. This includes things like pocket diapers, covers, and inserts & all-in-ones containing microfiber.
For natural fibers, Highland Baby recommends washing and drying them 6 times to reach the maximum absorbency levels. Natural fibers would include hemp, cotton, and bamboo. I like to throw them in with our regular loads of laundry to save on water and energy.
Do you need to prep pre-loved diapers?
Assuming they’ve been used before, you shouldn’t need to prep pre-loved diapers! You definitely will want to sanitize them and check for previous detergent buildup though.
How can you tell when my diapers are fully prepped?
The easiest way to make sure is by pouring some water on them! A fully prepped diaper will quickly absorb liquid with minimal pooling.
Prepping can seem like a big chore to take on, but in the end, I promise you it’s worth it! Especially when it comes to the extra time it takes to prep natural fibers. They are softer, easier to wash, and last longer. Whether you’re prepping natural or synthetic fibers, following the proper prepping techniques will set the stage for a successful cloth diapering experience. So embrace the process and then enjoy those cute little bums!
