3 Steps to cloth diaper with the umbilical cord
Congratulations, baby is here! If you’re ready, you can start cloth diapering even with the umbilical cord still attached. With these three easy adjustments you will ensure that the cord remains clean and dry as it heals. See the pictures and videos below for helpful examples.
#1 Adjust the Diaper Low
Fold and wrap the diaper lower on baby’s hips. You do not want the diaper to cover the cord area. Air flow dries out the cord which leads to it falling off. It is important to keep the belly button dry and free from urine and fecal matter. Likewise, you do not want the cover rubbing against the wound to cause irritation.
#2 Change the Length
One way to adjust the diaper lower is by changing the length of the diaper or cover. 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. Less bulk and better fit.
All-in-One: Unsnap the front portion of the insert to push the insert below the belly for a looser and better fit.
#3 Skip the Snappi
Prefold Only: Start using the snappi AFTER the cord falls off. You don’t need to create any extra tension in that area by adding the snappi until the umbilical cord falls off.
What’s Next?
These quick tips will get you cloth diapering in no time! Check out our video demo on how to fit a cloth diaper with the umbilical cord.
Whether you cloth diaper or use disposable 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.
P.S. If you want to use disposables the first weeks we have Waste to Energy disposable diapers & wipes that never see a landfill!
