[ cloth diaper program ]
We offer a cloth option to families, because we believe in dignity of choice, and that reusable personal hygiene products should be accessible, affordable, and achievable for everyone.
If you wish to apply for a free cloth diaper kit, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
If you have gently used cloth diapers and accessories to donate, bring them to a Drop Spot location near you!
Benefits of Cloth Diapers
For your budget.
Diapering one child from birth to potty training in disposable diapers can cost $1500-$2500 depending on the brand.
Diapering one child from birth to potty training in cloth diapers can cost as little as $200-$1000.
Cloth diapers pay for themselves after about 6 months of use and continue to work for your family through multiple children.
For your baby.
Cloth diapers are made with natural materials such as cotton, bamboo and hemp, which are ultra absorbent and soft on baby’s sensitive skin, and don’t contain harsh chemicals like most disposable diapers.
Using cloth diapers means less blowouts for newborns and faster potty training for toddlers.
For the planet.
It is estimated that it takes about 500 years for a disposable diaper to degrade. The first disposable diaper ever manufactured is still sitting in a landfill somewhere and will be there for hundreds of years to come.
Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby for every year they’re in diapers.
Register for an upcoming cloth diaper class here.
Cloth Diaper Basics
What’s in a free cloth diaper kit from Milwaukee Diaper Mission?
Cloth diaper kits may include some or all of the following items. Each kit is assembled with a specific family’s needs in mind.
Diapers are distributed based on need, not gender.
Families may receive purple daisy diapers or blue dinosaur diapers, no matter their baby’s gender.
Diaper Cover
A waterproof outer layer that goes over an absorbent diaper, such as a prefold, flat, or insert. A snap down design adjusts the sizing to fit most babies from birth to potty training, approximately 8-35+ pounds. Covers are fastened with snaps or velcro.
Prefold & Flat Diapers
Prefolds and Flats are your grandma’s cloth diapers. Many people also use them as burp cloths. They consist of multiple layers of fabric sewn into a square or rectangle. They can be fastened onto baby many different ways or tri-folded and laid inside a waterproof cover. Prefolds and Flats can easily be hand washed if you don’t have a washer in your home.
Fitted Diaper
Fitted diapers are the absorbent part of a two part system. Picture a prefold (or burp cloth) sewn into the shape of a diaper. They must be used with a waterproof cover in order to be leak-proof.
Hybrid or All-In-Two Diaper
Hybrids are a diapering system. They consist of a waterproof cover and a brand-specific absorbent insert. Most systems have inserts that snap in, while others are just laid inside the diaper. Some brands offer both a disposable and reusable insert option.
All-In-One Diaper
All In One’s are just that - a diaper that's all sewn together. There’s no folding, pinning or stuffing required. These are sometimes preferred because they are trim fitting and as easy to use as a disposable diaper.
Pocket Diaper
Pocket diapers consist of a waterproof exterior and a stay-dry interior. There is an opening on one end of the diaper, which creates a pocket where an absorbent insert can be placed.
Diaper Fasteners
Diaper fasteners are used to hold certain styles of diapers onto baby. In the old days, parents used large safety pins. Since then, there have been some modern inventions that are easier to use and not nearly as sharp.
Pail Liner
A pail liner is a waterproof bag that is used store dirty diapers in until wash day. They are about the size of a kitchen garbage bag and typically used to line a small trash can or hamper.
Wet Bag
A wet bag is a smaller bag, typically with a zippered closure, that is used for on-the-go diaper changes. They typically hold 3-5 dirty diapers. They are also great for storing wet swimsuits after a day at the beach or pool!
Creams & Balms
A balm or rash cream that is considered “cloth diaper safe” must be used. If a petroleum-based product is used, it can cause the absorbent parts of the diaper to repel liquid. We include a tin of Tush Tonic diaper balm in each cloth diaper kit. Tush Tonic is locally made and donated by Mother Loving Potions.
Diaper Liners & Diaper Sprayers
Some kits may include diaper liners and/or diaper sprayers.
Diaper liners are made of either disposable or reusable material. They are used to protect diapers from petroleum-based rash creams and staining.
Diaper sprayers are a very convenient accessory that help with “number two” removal.
Dryer Balls
Dryer sheets are not recommended when drying cloth diapers. They can coat the surface of diapers, causing them to repel liquid, and therefore leak. We recommend using wool dryer balls as a substitute. You can purchase them here.
