Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

The Cloth Diapering Handbook

I have the privilege of reviewing tons of books. Many books are good and a lot are excellent - but only a few are classics. Sarah Kostyu's The Cloth Diapering Handbook (the Handbook) is one of the rare baby care classics. I've long hoped for a cloth diapering resource that covers it all - and Kostyu's book does just that.

I got excited as soon as I read the table of contents. Not only is it thorough, it lets you know just how extensive the book is. Twenty one chapters and four appendices make the book downright exhaustive - and the format is so friendly you won't feel exhausted getting through it!

Kostyu begins the book with a logical chapter examining the diaper debate. She also takes time to give a summary on diaper services.

Chapter three is where the book really starts to shine. In "Cloth Diaper Options Today" Kostyu explores all the different types of diapers available - and I mean all of them! I'm a seasoned mom of three cloth diapered bums and I learned new information in this chapter.

You will love the first page of the chapter - the Handbook gives diaper abbreviations right there. If you're trying to do any kind of research online on message boards you'll appreciate the abbreviation key.

Kostyu devotes a page to each type of diaper. A "quick facts" section across the top gives vital info on each diaper - does it need a cover? a fastener? folding? cost rating? The body of each description is easy to read and descriptive. There are plenty of pictures.

After the diaper chapter the Handbook gives a similar overview of different styles of diaper cover. There's also a chapter on diaper supplies and accessories - very handy as you decide just what you need to buy for your baby. Kostyu has also thoughtfully included considerations for wipes and some recipes for making your own wipes solutions.

Summing up this section are huge chapters on getting started with your diapers and on buying (and selling when you're done with) your diapers.

The next portions of the book get into the nitty gritty of the diaper world with information on changing diapers, using pins or painless fasteners, diapering on the go, and folding techniques. This is another section worth its weight in gold - Kostyu has included clear descriptions on each fold and pictures!

There is plenty of information on storing and washing your diapers and a chapter on potty learning for your toddler. The last chapter of the book is about making your own diapers and gives an extensive overview of fabrics and supplies, as well as a resource listing for finding patterns.

The Handbook's appendices include information and forms that will be genuinely helpful to you as you cloth diaper your baby. I especially liked the diaper inventory form - great for you to keep track of what kind of diapers you've picked up to try! Kostyu ends the book with a helpful index. Between the index and the extensive table of contents you'll be able to find the information you need within seconds.

In addition to the great information within the book is printed on large, sturdy paper making it easy to read and giving lots of room for good-sized pictures. The binding allows the book to lie flat on your table or floor as you reference the diaper folds!

I was really impressed with The Cloth Diapering Handbook. I wish I'd had it when I first started researching cloth diapering. Navigating all the information out there can get so overwhelming! Kostyu does such a great job presenting the information. Her format is user friendly and the content is easy to read. It is the perfect book to read as you learn about cloth diapering and the perfect addition to your changing table as you cloth diaper your baby.