I'll have two in diapers this year, a new experience for me! My toddler will be 22 months old and my newborn will be just over a month old! On top of that we'll be preparing to move to a new house shortly after this year's challenge, so it will add a component of chaos to my already crazy life.
The Flats and Handwashing Challenge was started 8 years ago by Kim Rosas of Dirty Diaper Laundry as a way to show that flat cloth diapers and hand washing are real solutions for families that struggle with diaper need. Many families are unable to provide diapers for their baby due to financial constraints. No child should have to go without basic needs and diapers definitely fall into that category. A small stack of flat cloth diapers is inexpensive and can even be made for free using t-shirts, dish clothes, or other materials found around the home. Many times, these families also lack access to a washing machine. Hand washing flat cloth diapers is easier than you think and flat cloth diapers dry very quickly, often in just a few hours.
Are you up for the challenge? For one week, you'll set aside your modern cloth diapering stash and switch to flats and covers. There's no washing machines allowed this week! Read the rules below for more details.
Flats and Handwashing Challenge Rules
Flats and Handwashing Challenge Rules
Materials Allowed
- Any flat cloth diaper, store bought or handmade. A flat is defined as 1 single layer of material for easier handwashing and drying.
- One nighttime diaper of your choice, although it is preferred that you make flats work for nights. This diaper must be handwashed.
- Doublers (not inserts meant to be absorbent enough to stand alone) if absolutely necessary.
- Diaper Sprayer.
- Wet bags/Pails
- Handmade washing machine, such as a camp style washer.
- Non-electric portable washing machine (must be powered by you and cost less than $100).
- Diaper covers, store bought or handmade.
- Detergents, store bought or handmade.
- Snappi, Boingo, or diaper pins.
- Pocket diapers stuffed with FLAT DIAPERS.
- Fleece liners, store bought or handmade.
- Iron to expediate drying or sterilizing diapers.
Materials NOT Allowed
- Electric washer or dryer
- Pockets with inserts other than flats, AIOs, Fitteds, Prefolds, AI2s, etc.
- Flushable liners
Rules for Everyone
- You cannot use your washer/dryer.
- If something comes up and you must use an exception, you must disclose this in the Conclusion Survey or on your blog if you are a blogger.
- There is no limit on the number or flats/covers you can use. However, a reasonable amount is preferred (no more than enough for a day or two of cloth diapering).