Can I Take Cloth Diapers on Vacation?

Yes, you can. How do cloth diapers work on outings or when on vacation? They work much like disposable diapers would. Preparing your cloth diapering system for vacation is much like preparing anything else. You must plan ahead and double check to be sure you have all the necessary equipment.

Preparing for a Trip
Before you begin a trip you make take a few things into consideration. How long will you be gone? Where will you be staying? How will you get there? What laundry access do you have? All of this can make a difference in how you prepare for the trip.

A Road Trip
If you are taking the car, you need a plan for changes along the way, storage and car seats. Sitting in a car seat for prolonged periods of time adds extra pressure to your baby's cloth diaper which may cause baby to be uncomfortable or for the cloth diaper to leak. A trip with baby in the car seat is not the time for experimentation with new styles of cloth diapers or diaper covers. Use your most absorbent cloth diapers and most reliable diaper covers. Changing diapers at frequent intervals along the way will also help prevent diaper rash and leaks.

While on the road, changing cloth diapers - especially dirty diapers - may seem complicated, but it doesn't have to be if you're prepared. Wet diapers are simply removed and replaced with a dry one. The wet diaper should be stored in a nylon tote or plastic bag you’ve brought along for exactly this reason. Dirty (poopy) cloth diapers should NEVER be dunked in a public toilet, but any excess poop that can be shaken from the diaper should be removed. Then, roll the cloth diaper over the remaining poop, place it inside a separate plastic bag, tie it or seal it up and throw it in with the wet diapers in the tote.

Dry diapers should be "assembled" ahead of time and stored as flat as possible in a laundry basket or tote bag. By keeping cloth diapers and cloth baby wipes separate from, and in front of, other clothing or items in a trunk or wherever they are stored in route, they will be easier to locate in cramped quarters.

A Flying Trip
Unless you are flying overseas, you will not need any special accommodations for an air flight. Most of your cloth diapers should be packed and probably checked in their own suitcase to be sure they are ready and waiting when you reach your destination. Dress baby comfortably in loose fitting clothing to prevent wicking, and pack extra cloth diapers in with toys and snacks in a large nylon tote or diaper bag. Remember to bring a smaller waterproof tote bag for any dirty or wet diapers that may occur on the plane.

The Packing List
When you’re packing up your diapers, plan on the following:

• At least two dozen cloth diapers. The length of your trip and age of your baby will make a difference in your needed diaper sash; remember, it is far better to have too many than too few.
• Six to twelve cloth diaper covers. All-in-one and pocket diapers are great for convenience, but realize they do take up more space than prefolds and simple diaper covers. Remember, this is the time for efficiency and practicality – not style.
• At least two dozen cloth baby wipes and any cleaning or spray solution you use.
• A large waterproof bag for wet and dirty cloth diapers. Remember to bring smaller waterproof bags for poopy diapers to store within the larger bag.
• Detergent and quarters for laundry facilities
• Diaper pins or Snappi diaper Fasteners if you need them

Washing and Drying on the Road
If you are staying with a friend or family member, be sure they feel comfortable with you washing cloth diapers in their washing machine. If you are staying in a hotel or with a friend who would rather you not use their washing machine for cloth diapers, plan on finding a laundromat unless the hotel has washing facilities. This can take a few hours or a day, so bring enough cloth diapers to last this time as well. Of course, you can always hand wash a few emergency diapers in the sink or tub at the hotel.

At the laundromat, you will need to do two runs in the washer for each load. The first is a rinse load using cold water as most coin operated machines do not have a prewash cycle. Be sure to throw the tote bag into the wash, too. When the second round finishes, remove all diaper covers and the tote bag to air dry and run the diapers through the dryer once or twice. You may want to throw the tote bag in for a few minutes to be sure it is dry enough to bring the now clean diapers back to the hotel.

Taking your cloth diapers on outings or vacation simply is not as inconvenient as you may think, and at the same time, it keeps your baby or toddler comfortable, which makes the trip better overall for everyone.