Pinning a cloth diaper

Pinning a cloth diaper so that it stays snug around both legs and waist is not easy for a first-timer. I haven't figured it out yet, but I'm working on it.

Reasons to pin:

Many moms say that pins hold the diaper better than a snappi, particularly when the child is running around coverless during the day.
Pins have the advantage of being available everywhere. It's good to know how to use them.
Pins have a classic look that many moms like. They don't detract from a pretty diaper as much as snappis.
Snappis may pull the front of the diaper too tight. They can also come loose and catch on things.

Reasons not to pin:

Snappis are easier to learn to use.
Someday you could theoretically poke yourself or the baby.
Other alternatives exist: fitted diapers with snap or velcro, or wrap-style covers.

Tips for pinning:

Most moms use a front pin.
Some moms pin the diapers on the side instead of the front. The front of the diaper goes over the wings.
Put your finger under the diaper to prevent sticking the baby.
Make sure the pin both enters and exits through the wing of the diaper. (The wing is whatever part comes around from the back.)
Don't pin through every layer of the front part of the diaper.
Pin the more difficult side first. It's easier to cinch up your good side for a tighter fit.
If the pins don't slide through the cloth easily, try one of these tricks to apply a coating to the pin:
- stick it in a bar of soap. You can store them stuck in the soap between uses.
- run it through your hair.
- slide it over your nose, especially if you have oily skin.
Dritz diaper pins are the best. The key is the locking head, kind of a double-safety mechanism. You have to pull up on the head of the pin before it will open.
Some people say to pin outward, so the head of the pin is away from the baby's navel. Many people, however, pin outward on the baby's right (your left) and inward on the other side.
Or, try pinning straight up and down. That works better for some moms.
To get a good fit:
- Some moms have to cut a few inches off the prefold, especially if the mom doesn't like to fold over the diaper in the front. Other moms fold the diaper over in the back instead.
- If you do fold over in the front, pin through all the layers for a tighter fit.
- Pull the diaper really tight around the legs before pinning, since it will loosen up some when you let go.
- A jelly roll fold works well for keeping the legs tight and the poo in.
- Pin at the level of the crease at the baby's hips, lower than the waist. The diaper can stick up above the pins.
Keep a set of pins on your keychain, just in case you need them.
Some moms keep pins on the beltloops of their pants. It's okay for them to go through the wash.
If you're very tired and low on coordination, it's okay to use a snappi.

What to buy:

Diaper pins are bigger than safety pins. The good ones have locking heads so that the baby can't open them.
Everyone likes Dritz diaper pins the best. They are long and strong. They have locking heads and come in white, blue, pink, and yellow. Gerber pins are okay, too, but some moms have trouble with them bending at the tip.
Dritz diaper pins at WAHM sites are generally $2-3 for one or two pairs.
You'll also need some prefold or contour diapers, so you have something to pin.

Where to get diaper pins:

Fabric stores like Joann's or Hancock Fabrics
Discount stores like Big Lots or Dollar General. If you're lucky, you may find cute ones.
Wal-Mart (Gerber Pins)
Lots of the WAHM sites, of course. They're usually in the "Accessories" section. Here are a few examples.
- No Pins 4 Baby (Ironic, isn't it?)
- Cotton Babies

My Diapers ~ Diapering Basics ~ Prefolds