Traveling with Cloth Diapers

Hi K.,

I try to take 2.5-3 days worth. That way, I have enough to wash every other day (the 2 days worth plus some for the kiddo to wear while I'm doing the wash--thus more than just 2 days worth). If you're up for washing every day, you could cut that down to 1.5-2 days worth. However often you decide to wash the dipes while you're away, do be sure to budget some diapers to tide you over while you're washing the others.

And yes, I definitely try to run a diaper load as close to my departure as possible. That way, you can avoid having to travel with many stinky diapers or leave too many waiting in your diaper pail at home during your whole trip. Whatever ones I have to leave dirty at home I hang up (along the edges of the diaper pail, or in the shower--whatever works for you). If they dry and air out during your trip, they'll be less stinky by the time you get back than if you leave them in the pail, wet. It can't hurt to crack a window, too, to air out the room they're hanging in.

Good luck, and have a great trip!

Juliet

We plan 6-8/day x number of days between laundries (say 3 to be safe). We exclusively cloth diaper at home, but traveled with g-dipes early on unless staying with family where laundry would be no extra time out from travel (going to a laundromat).

Also, if you're not used to washing your own, you might not know to avoid fabric softeners (which cause waterproofing) and use low residue soap. We wash our dipes in our HE machine with a sanitary cycle, using Charlie's soap (available at Mother Nature's, SE) plus white vinegar to help strip any funny odors and stains.

As for laundry before we leave, our concern was with not leaving dirties in the pail while we were gone...so doing a load as late as possible. You're going to have dirties on the plane no matter what...it's Murphy's law! And yes, a ziploc or reusable roll top wet bag is key.

K.,
My children had the same problem with disposables, and the doctor said once you start them on one kind keep them on that, (unless there is a change).
To answer your question I would suggest that you count the amount of times you change your child in a day, then add 1/2 that amount or double it, that way you know you will have a days worth or more, and then do laundry when you get there. With the weight restrictions for flying now, you could end up paying a bunch if you take too many. Keep in mind if you are able to do laundry on your trip, I would suggest you take less of everything, trust me, I have had to travel with two small ones by myself and being pregnant with the third, car seats and bags was enough, but I packed light, didn't matter to me if they were wearing the same thing every other day, and I don't think anyone else cares either.
I would also suggest that you make sure you have no dirty diapers on the airplane (would be nice for you and the passengers, and if by chance she poops, go into the bathroom, and try to get rid of it into the toilet, (less smell is better for everyone).

when my son was only 3 mo. i took 20 diapers on a week-long trip and it was way too much. i was able to wash on the tip too, so i would suggest no more than 10. good luck!

There is a fabulous brand of disposable diapers that I use that are chemical free and 100% biodegradable. They work really well (just like other disposables). I believe they are made from corn somehow. I use them on my twins and they have never leaked! You might consider using these for your vacation just to make things a little easier. They are made by nature babycare and I get them online from diapers.com (you get $10 off on your first order). They are a little more papery feeling than other disposables but my babies don't seem to mind. If you ever decide to try them order one size larger than the package says - they run small. Have a great vacation!

i have twins that I cloth diaper, and I wind up taking approximately 6-8 diaper changes per child for the day. My twins are almost 11 months and this seems to be how many they go through just in a normal day. For an overnight I would double the total amount and then add five extra changes just in case they start having reactions to the stress. Since you can wash yours I would say having a day and a half worth of dipes with you will be plenty.

I recommend for smell issues using a ziploc while on the plane and then use your regular dirty diaper bag the rest of the time.

Good Luck

S.

Hi K.!!!!
I would take 10-12. Especially now that Aoife is eating those pears, carrots, and sweet potatoes ;)
Do you have one of those zippy dirty diaper bags? You'll need one (or a larger ziploc).