I want to switch to CD but I have no idea where to start!

[wifeandmommy2-4]

My son is 10 months old and I'd like to move to cloth diapers.
I have 4 kids and my husband is in Iraq so the easier the better. What can you recommend?
I was thinking the fitted with covers but I have no idea how many I need or even which would be the best brand or where to get them.

I also have a toddler that is going in and out of being potty trained. What would you recommend for her? Right now we are doing pull ups sometimes and panties others. (really depends on her mood).

Thanks!

[michelle123]

Hi! Cloth diapering is very fun, but it can be overwhelming at first when you are deciding which ones to try!

A lot of people like pocket diapers or all-in-one diapers for ease of use, since they work very much like disposables. Bum Genius are very popular but mostly anything with velcro will be easy as well.

Fitteds and covers are great as well-I like them because I feel they are more breathable against my baby's bottom.

For your toddler, there are cloth trainers, but I wouldn't go overboard with that if she's almost trained.

For a 10 month old, you'll probably want about 8 diapers for every day you go between washing, and about 2-3 covers per day.

As for what diaper is best, you'll get 100 different answers since diapers fit differently on every kid. For some, natural fabrics are important, others want stay dry. Some people like one-size diapers so they don't have to worry about buying different sizes, and others don't care. Think about what's important to you and narrow it down from there.

[OTMomma]

From my experience of starting cloth- it was nice to try a few different brands before I settled into a large set of one brand- because each brand fits a bit different and has different features.

My ds is a chunk, so at 10 months he was already moving into large size diapers, so I didn't worry about onesize ones at that age- but if your dc is slim, its worth considering. I now like for Fitteds the Dream Easy diapers from mtdiaperstore.com I also like her Pocket Change pocket diapers because you don't have to unstuff them after baby wears them- they come apart in the wash. Part of the reason I prefer those diapers though- is that my toddler will take off any diaper he can, so I needed snaps to keep the things on him!

[Michigan Mama]

When I first started cd'ing, I started with a variety of styles, and I'm so glad I did. I go in spurts of which is my fave at different times. Pocket dipes are convenient - my fave is TinyTush - but I have to confess that I get sick of stuffing them.

With my new babe (due Aug), I think I'll use mostly prefolds and fitteds with a combo of Thirsties covers and wool covers. Easy to clean, no folding or stuffing. The only storebought fitteds I've use are the Tiny Tush Organic one-size and the SugarPeas 2-size hemp fitteds. I have to say I really like teh fit of the SugarPeas and the hemp is very absorbant. He can use that at night without a doubler or anything.

[Holly_Noelle]

I'm new too, so I can't give you any advicebut I wanted to say thank you to you and your family for your service to our country

[brietta]

I am fairly new (1 year) to cloth diapering, and I love it! I think you will really like it, too.

For me, I wanted REALLY simple when I switched. I had 4 kids under 6 years of age, 2 in diapers. I ended up ordering 36 fuzzi bunz in 2 sizes (they didn't have OS diapers then, but I love the trimness of sized diapers anyway). I don't regret going with something simple and straightforward a BIT. Now that I've had more experience, I feel more confident about what I could and couldn't handle, so I'm branching out a bit, but at first I needed something really easy.

I know a lot of people recommend getting a variety of diapers and seeing what you like best, but I couldn't afford that. So after doing a lot of reading, I went with fuzzi bunz because they were the best match for me. I also really liked the fact that I could order them from kellyscloset.com with a 30-day money back guarantee-- even after using them! I knew that if I ended up throwing the towel in, or if fuzzi bunz DIDN'T work for my kids, I could return them. Whew. That was really relieving to me since I was brand new to CD'ing and don't have friends nearby who CD and could help show me the ropes.

Good luck!

[PatienceAndLove]

Fitteds would probably be the best.

I used Crickett's toddler+ with DD. But she potty trained compleatly (day and night) by 3. And she's super slim, so I dunno how that would work for you.

I will totally be buying Crickett's when my next one comes around.
I cannot really comment on covers, cause we used the old plastic ones from stuff-mart.