Many families choose cloth diapers for their environmental benefits, cost savings, and reduced exposure to chemicals compared to disposable diapers. But the idea of traveling with cloth diapers brings up so many questions:
How do you wash cloth diapers while traveling?
What do you do about the smell?
And if you’re flying with cloth diapers: How are you going to fit enough diapers in your suitcase?
Thankfully, there’s a wealth of wisdom out there from those moms and dads who have been brave enough to embark on a cloth-diapered vacation with their little ones. We’ve rounded up practical tips from families who have found their groove with cloth diapers while traveling so you can, too!
Tips for Traveling With Cloth Diapers
Pack a Wet Bag (Or a Few!)
A good wet bag is a must for cloth diapering on the go. These waterproof bags keep soiled diapers contained, preventing odors and moisture from escaping. Wet bags come in all shapes and sizes. Opt for a large wet bag for extended trips and a smaller one for day outings.
Stay Somewhere With On-Site Laundry When Possible
When weighing your options for accommodations, access to a washing machine is something to keep in mind if you’re committed to cloth diapering full-time.
Many parents prefer home vacation rentals when traveling because they often come with a washer and dryer. That convenience extends beyond just cloth diapers. On her YouTube channel, Lisa from the blog Farmhouse on Boone has expressed her preference for vacation homes when traveling with her kids to make laundry and other daily tasks easier.
Vacation rentals aren’t the only accommodations with laundry available. Many hotels and even some campgrounds offer washers and dryers.
Use Cloth Diaper Liners
When you’re going through a lot of diapers, cloth can create a lot of bulk quickly. Enter: cloth diaper liners, also known as flats, a term used by Green Mountain Diapers and other companies. Cloth liners come in disposable and reusable options. Both catch solid waste, leaving the diaper less soiled and easier to clean.
Soiled reusable cloth liners can then be folded or rolled up and put into a wet bag to be washed when it’s convenient. Disposable cloth liners can be disposed of. Both options make it possible to pack and wash fewer diapers.
Mix In Disposables
If you’ve been looking for permission to not stress about using disposables sometimes, this is it! The fact is that while 100% cloth is a great goal, it may not always be realistic. Packing both cloth and disposable diapers gives you the best of both worlds and using any amount of cloth diapers is still better for the environment and your baby than none at all.
If your baby’s sensitive skin is what led you to cloth diapers, check out our round-up of the best diapers for rash-prone babies to find a safer disposable option.
Here’s a pro tip for mixing cloth and disposable diapers from Krystal at Kinder Cloth Diaper Co: Use cloth diapers after changing a poopy diaper, and use disposables when you’re predicting a poop. And most of all, “Don’t overcomplicate it.”
@kinderclothdiapers Whats my biggest tip for traveling with cloth diapers? Dont over complicate it. Travling with reusables can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. Sometimes we travel with cloth, and sometimes we travel with disposbales. It really just depends on where we’re going and what we feel like doing. What are your tips for traveling with reusable diapers? #onthisday last year on this day we were in North Carolina on vacation. #clothdiapers #travelingwithclothdiapers #travelingwithtoddlers #travelingwithbabies #getaway #reusables #makeclothmainstream #clothiscool #sustainableswaps ♬ original sound - Krystal - Kinder Diapers
Lighten Your Load With NOLEO 3-in-1
Packing light is crucial when traveling, and NOLEO 3-in-1 Diaper Cream helps minimize the number of items you need. This cloth-friendly diaper cream replaces wipes, rash creams, and lotions, keeping your baby’s skin protected and nourished without the bulk.
Pro Tip: Keep a travel-sized bottle of NOLEO 3-in-1 Diaper Cream in your diaper bag for quick and easy access during diaper changes on the go.
Why Use Cloth Diapers While Traveling?
Although it may seem like more work to keep up your cloth diaper routine when traveling, the benefits of using cloth diapers remain significant.
Here are some reasons to stick with cloth diapers (at least part-time) when on the go:
- Skin Health: Cloth diapers are often gentler on a baby’s skin, reducing the risk of diaper rash while traveling.
- Environmental Impact: Cloth diapers reduce waste, which is especially important in areas where waste disposal facilities may be limited.
- Cost Efficiency: Traveling can be expensive, and using cloth diapers can help save money that would otherwise be spent on disposable diapers.
- Consistency: Keeping your baby in a familiar diapering routine can provide comfort and stability in new environments.
Do you have a tip for traveling + cloth diapering? Tell us all about it in a comment below!
