One of the biggest hesitations new parents have when starting with cloth diapers is dealing with the mess, specifically poop. The good news? There are several effective and hygienic ways to handle it. Here’s a practical guide on what to do with poop in cloth diapers.

Understanding the Basics: When to Remove Poop

Before diving into the methods, it's important to note:

• Exclusively breastfed babies: Their poop is water-soluble and can go straight into the wash (yes, really).

  • Note: If a breastfed baby is taking medication, their poop may not be fully water-soluble. During this time, it's best to remove solids before washing.

• Formula-fed babies or solid food eaters: Their waste needs to be removed before washing.

4 Practical Techniques for Handling Poop in Cloth Diapers

Method 1: Use a Diaper Sprayer

A diaper sprayer attaches to your toilet and lets you spray the poop off directly into the bowl.

How it works:

• Hold the diaper over the toilet.

• Use the sprayer to rinse off solids.

• Store the rinsed diaper in your pail or wet bag until wash day.

Pros: Fast and efficient.

Tip: Use a spray shield to avoid splatter.

Method 2: Disposable Liners

Many parents use flushable or disposable liners inside the diaper to catch solid waste.

How it works:

• Line the diaper with a biodegradable liner.

• When soiled, lift the liner and flush or toss it (check local regulations).

Pros: Minimal mess and handling.

Method 3: Scraping with a Spatula

Yes, a dedicated spatula (or "poop scraper") can be a handy tool kept near the toilet.

How it works:

• Scrape solids into the toilet.

• Rinse or wipe the diaper if needed.

Pros: No plumbing attachments required.

Method 4: Shake or "Plop" Method

Sometimes, simplicity is best. If the poop is solid enough, this method is easy and mess-free.

How it works:

• Hold the diaper over the toilet.

• Shake it or gently tap/fold it to encourage the solids to fall off.

Pros: No tools or rinsing needed for solid waste.

What Not to Do

• Don’t put solid poop directly into your washing machine. It can clog filters and reduce cleaning efficiency.

• Don’t flush non-flushable liners. Even if labeled "flushable," some brands can harm plumbing systems.

Need help?

We're here to support you on your cloth diapering journey.

• Read our Cloth Diaper Guide for step-by-step instructions and tips.

• Visit our FAQ page to find answers to common questions.

• Contact us here if you need personalized help or support.

Whether you're troubleshooting poop removal or just starting out, we're happy to help!