Embarking on the cloth diapering journey can begin right from the moment you bring your newborn home, even with their umbilical cord still intact. While some parents opt to ease into the process and use disposables until the cord falls off, others dive straight into cloth diapering. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and the decision is entirely yours to make!
If you want to start cloth diapering while the umbilical cord is still attached, here are some tips to consider:
1) Adjust the Diaper Low
Ensure the diaper doesn’t cover the umbilical cord area. This facilitates healing and drying and allows it the umbilical cord to naturally detach. Keep the belly button dry and shielded from urine and fecal matter to prevent irritation and promote optimal healing. Avoid any rubbing or friction from the diaper cover to safeguard the delicate cord area from discomfort.
2) Shorten the Length of the Diaper
One way you may need to adjust the diaper so that it sits lower is by changing the length of the diaper. Adjust the rise (snaps in the lower middle of the diaper) to be shorter as well.
Pre-Fold: If you have extra fabric, fold that down in the back of the diaper as opposed to the front. This will ensure there is less bulk in the front of the diapers to rub against the umbilical cord.
All-in-One: Unsnap the front portion of the insert from the cover so that it can shift back front the front of the belly. This will allow for a looser fit to prevent any rubbing from the diaper on the umbilical cord.
3) Skip the Snappi
Pre-Fold Only: Start using the snappi AFTER the cord falls off. No extra tension in that area is recommended until the umbilical cord falls off.
And those are our quick tips to cloth diapering with the umbilical cord! Whether you cloth diaper or use disposables, remember to keep the stump dry, stick to sponge baths, and resist pulling the cord off. It will fall off on its own within a few weeks!