Think I'm gonna do this - have an overnight question though

[dylan1984]

OK, I am really feeling the whole CD thing - its taken a while and a lot of questioning, but I think I'm there, and I believe this is the package I am going to buy (off www.clothdiaper.com) - the total will be about $180, including the mini shower, but not getting the froggie design on the covers:

Basic Prefold Diaper Package - All the prefold cloth diapers and diaper covers you will need thru 30 lbs based on washing every 2 to 4 days. Includes:

3 dozen infant 4x8x4 prefolds,
2 dozen premium 4x8x4 prefolds
8 Bummi Super Whisper Wraps (4 small, 4 medium).
a roll of Bioflush Disposable Liners

Choose from velcro or snaps on the Super Whisper Wraps. Prefolds can be either bleached or unbleached. Regular price for these items purchased separately would be $196.00, package price only $146.95. To subsitute Bummis Super Whisper Wrap in a Froggy print add $10.00. Add a Mini-Shower diaper cleaner and save $15.00 off the regular price. Save 25% off purchasing these items separately.

So I know this says it's all I need until 30lbs, but trolling around this forum and talking to some CDing folks it seems that there are some other doo-dads I will want to get (snappis, knit some soakers, a couple wet bags) Is there anything else anybody here can think of? DH is on board so I dont' know if I need to get some AIOs or should I just for the convenience when out shopping etc? Also, what about OVERNIGHT? It seems different people have different preferences for overnight diapering than day time, so, keeping in mind tight budget, what is a good starter plan for overnights?

TIA!!!!!

[Galatea]

If you get this package, you will need Snappis, wet bags, pail liners, wipes, wipe solution, rash stick and NB/XS covers.

I got a similar package when ds1 was a baby and didn't like it b/c I found it too difficult for a newbie. I ended up going with all FuzziBunz b/c they were so much easier. BUT with my 3rd I used prefolds and Bummis and they do work great now that I don't find cloth intimidating anymore.

So, in conclusion, I would recommend getting some easy pockets or AIOs. You can use them for going out, or if you hate the prefolds, at least you have something while you buy more pockets or AIOs.

[Galatea]

Oh yeah, overnights. Prefolds are fine, but you might have problems with the wrap-style covers. My ds1 and ds2 were normal wetters and could do fine in a pocket or prefold/wrap for overnight... but my dd is a heavy wetter and the only cover that is leakproof for her at night is the Dancing Bears fleece soaker.

[dylan1984]

Galatea, wow thanks for all the info! So, I know I can't afford a full stash of the pockets or prefolds, so incorporating your advice I am thinking perhaps the package I planned on initially, plus some supplemental pockets or AIOs. The free shipping at the store on the bottom of your thread caught my eye and I looked there and really like the site (yours?) So am thinking perhaps I could afford one of the packages of 3 of the bum genius (was about $60ish I think?) I love the idea of the bamboo pockets, but am thinking more cost what with needing to buy inserts and also the bum genius ones are one size so I lean more towards them (big babies kinda run in our family too so I don't get super worried about the one sizes not actually fitting)

Would 3 be enough though? I guess I'm just figuring if I do this, I'm gonna need to bite the bullet and learn to love the prefolds due to money issues, but I do agree that something to take the pressure off as I adjust and something to go out with would be a good idea, so I'd like to get the bare minimum that could accomplish that goal. Again I HUGELY appreciate your response, I know these questions get asked again and again and again and I'm sure it gets really repetitive for those that are used to it, but boy there's a mountain of info to sort through with CDing!

ETA: Galatea, I think I love you! Have been perusing your blog/store and so much FANTASTIC info! I finally found the newborn stash page and it has helped clear up a ton of confusion for me. I can't afford all your suggestions as this time, so still have the same questions I listed above, but I am thinking I will hold on to your site for future info. I am having a home birth at my parent's house several hours away, and they don't have a washing machine, so I am thinking for the first week or two til we come home I will use the 7th gen. disposables anyway and during that time will be able to get a sense of what kind of diaper messer I have brought forth into this world :-) By then also, maybe I will have some more $ to tweak my existing prefold/AIO or pocket stash that I am discussing above. Also, I wasn't able to find out if I'm having a boy or girl, so I imagine that may affect my preferences too. So anyway, still have the same ?s as above, but wanted to say how great your site is and that I will be buying from you for sure in the future (LOVE free shipping!) and thanks again!

[Galatea]

Originally Posted by dylan1984

Galatea, wow thanks for all the info! So, I know I can't afford a full stash of the pockets or prefolds, so incorporating your advice I am thinking perhaps the package I planned on initially, plus some supplemental pockets or AIOs. The free shipping at the store on the bottom of your thread caught my eye and I looked there and really like the site (yours?) So am thinking perhaps I could afford one of the packages of 3 of the bum genius (was about $60ish I think?) I love the idea of the bamboo pockets, but am thinking more cost what with needing to buy inserts and also the bum genius ones are one size so I lean more towards them (big babies kinda run in our family too so I don't get super worried about the one sizes not actually fitting)

Would 3 be enough though? I guess I'm just figuring if I do this, I'm gonna need to bite the bullet and learn to love the prefolds due to money issues, but I do agree that something to take the pressure off as I adjust and something to go out with would be a good idea, so I'd like to get the bare minimum that could accomplish that goal. Again I HUGELY appreciate your response, I know these questions get asked again and again and again and I'm sure it gets really repetitive for those that are used to it, but boy there's a mountain of info to sort through with CDing!

ETA: Galatea, I think I love you! Have been perusing your blog/store and so much FANTASTIC info! I finally found the newborn stash page and it has helped clear up a ton of confusion for me. I can't afford all your suggestions as this time, so still have the same questions I listed above, but I am thinking I will hold on to your site for future info. I am having a home birth at my parent's house several hours away, and they don't have a washing machine, so I am thinking for the first week or two til we come home I will use the 7th gen. disposables anyway and during that time will be able to get a sense of what kind of diaper messer I have brought forth into this world :-) By then also, maybe I will have some more $ to tweak my existing prefold/AIO or pocket stash that I am discussing above. Also, I wasn't able to find out if I'm having a boy or girl, so I imagine that may affect my preferences too. So anyway, still have the same ?s as above, but wanted to say how great your site is and that I will be buying from you for sure in the future (LOVE free shipping!) and thanks again!

: Thank you, it is my store.

I would say get four AIOs or pockets - then you can bring two with you when you go out, for two days between washings. New babies need to be changed very often.

It is fine to use sposies whenever. There is no cloth police to come to your parents' house to bust you.

I don't think having a boy or girl will change anything except the colors you buy, but most diapers make a big selection of greens, yellows and oranges for this reason.

Getting one-size diapers is a good option for you to minimize the expense. The bumGenius! 3.0 pockets have a stay-dry feeling and are between $17 and $18 depending on how many you buy. The bumGenius! organic cotton AIOs are a natural fiber, which some people prefer, but they are between $22 and $25 depending on how many you buy. But you will have your bumGenius! for the whole time your baby is diapered, so they are a good investment.

Thanks again for all the compliments - we try, we try!

[dylan1984]

OK, one last thing I think I must be confused about. You say to get 4 pockets (I think I'm settling on the bumGenius! 3.0 pockets) so 2 to go out for two days between washings. So, as you mentioned, newborns need to be changed often...going out with a newborn for a day I might have 6 or 7 changes as I recall from using disposables with my son. How can just 2 pockets last me one day nevermind two days?

Maybe you are thinking of shorter trips out?

You can't replace a liner and keep using the diaper, right? The whole diaper is soiled and must be washed after being changed, is that correct? Hmmm that brings up another question - why pockets at all? Why are they not just all AIOs? I feel like I'm being soooo dense here so I apologize and promise to buy lots of stuff

[Galatea]

Originally Posted by dylan1984

OK, one last thing I think I must be confused about. You say to get 4 pockets (I think I'm settling on the bumGenius! 3.0 pockets) so 2 to go out for two days between washings. So, as you mentioned, newborns need to be changed often...going out with a newborn for a day I might have 6 or 7 changes as I recall from using disposables with my son. How can just 2 pockets last me one day nevermind two days?

Maybe you are thinking of shorter trips out?

You can't replace a liner and keep using the diaper, right? The whole diaper is soiled and must be washed after being changed, is that correct? Hmmm that brings up another question - why pockets at all? Why are they not just all AIOs? I feel like I'm being soooo dense here so I apologize and promise to buy lots of stuff

Yes, I was meaning shorter trips out. Two diapers with a newborn might mean only a few hours away from home. (Remember you are supposed to be babymooning and resting for two weeks. I felt great after my homebirth, but you still have to do nothing for two weeks, or you will still be dragging at six weeks.) If you want to be gone all day, you will need more.

No, with pockets, the whole thing is dirty. Why pockets at all is b/c if you stuff them as they come out of the dryer, they are as quick and easy as AIOs, but you customize the absorbency and material to your needs, they get cleaner and dry quicker, and for most pockets, you get a stay-dry feel.

HTH - no worries about the questions - my in-person business is oriented to new-to-cloth parents so I answer questions all day.

[seaheroine]

If you could swing the cost, I'd buy a few wool covers for overnight. You can get great deals on Diaper Swappers, Spots or places with clearances...I didn't really start using my wool frequently until DD was about five months old and am kicking myself for it. It is so easy, breathable and great for nightime diapering! (and daytime, it's all I use at home now, but to start for nights!)

[dylan1984]

True point about not venturing out too much soon after baby...and by the time I am taking those longer trips I suppose I will either be more comfortable with the prefolds or have invested in more pockets/AIOs.

Well, a lightbulb went off and I created a registry on your website and will be directing anybody and everybody who wants to get us anything there. Unfortunately it is our second baby, so no shower and not as much excitement over getting us stuff Too bad I didn't think CD for ds1, I'd probably be drowning in cloth considering the constant UPS shipments that were showing up at our door. Sigh..oh well, I'm excited.

I did some searches here at MDC for bumgenius 3.0 - boy is it hard b/c they showed up on a lot of "I hate these diapers" lists as well as on a lot of favorites. I saw some of your posts though and it sounds like washing routines can make a big difference. Also size of baby came up a lot and it sounds like my big baby having family may come in handy as far as this goes. OK, I think I am done quizzing you today. I've always wondered "why would anybody want to live in Pittsburgh?" I've only been there once, so it must just be the name that sounds uninviting, but today I wish I lived there so I could come visit your store! Great job!

[Galatea]

Originally Posted by dylan1984

True point about not venturing out too much soon after baby...and by the time I am taking those longer trips I suppose I will either be more comfortable with the prefolds or have invested in more pockets/AIOs.

Well, a lightbulb went off and I created a registry on your website and will be directing anybody and everybody who wants to get us anything there. Unfortunately it is our second baby, so no shower and not as much excitement over getting us stuff Too bad I didn't think CD for ds1, I'd probably be drowning in cloth considering the constant UPS shipments that were showing up at our door. Sigh..oh well, I'm excited.

I did some searches here at MDC for bumgenius 3.0 - boy is it hard b/c they showed up on a lot of "I hate these diapers" lists as well as on a lot of favorites. I saw some of your posts though and it sounds like washing routines can make a big difference. Also size of baby came up a lot and it sounds like my big baby having family may come in handy as far as this goes. OK, I think I am done quizzing you today. I've always wondered "why would anybody want to live in Pittsburgh?" I've only been there once, so it must just be the name that sounds uninviting, but today I wish I lived there so I could come visit your store! Great job!

What you have to remember is that the more popular a product becomes, the more people use it, and so the more complaints you see. Also, people will go online to complain, but do not go online as often to praise. B/c bumGenius! 3.0 is the #1 diaper on the Diaper Pin, they are going to have the most positive and negative feedback. That having been said, bumGenius! products are meant to be bleached once a month (with a tablespoon of bleach.) This will kill any stinkies in the microfiber. I actually bleach all my diapers once a month.

Pittsburgh is actually a very nice place to live... low cost of living, very green, lots of rivers/creeks/hills/valleys, super-friendly people (I have lived in several regions and none has nicer people), lots of cultural events, good universities, a big medical complex, and high-tech jobs.

Thank you for creating the registry. At the bottom of the registry page is a link you can send to people so that they can go directly to it. If you need cards to put in paper invitations, let me know and I will mail them to you. Friends can also buy you gift certificates.

Thanks again for your praise!

[ashleyhaugh]

i found prefolds to be pretty easy- especially learning on a newborn who couldnt roll away, lol. i had mostly prefolds, and i think about 6 each of pockets and fitteds. i didnt like fitteds so much until recently when ds started semi potty learning, its easier to go coverless and just unsnap rather than having to unpin (and i prefer pins- theyre not that hard)

i used to really love bumgenius, the 2.0s i bought (mostly used, and some seconds) held up great (except for my dogs eating them... blech, lol) but ive had nothing but issues with the 3.0s, primarily with the elastic. right now im using tiny tush onesize pockets and i really like them. i usually use a double stuffed pocket at night, but when he was a newborn, and i changed him everytime he woke up at night, prefolds were fine. im venturing into the world of fitteds at night right now, since the pockets dont seem to be working at night for us anymore

[Juliacat]

First of all, overnight just means you need more absorbency. Two diapers instead of one, which could be an infant plus a premium. The Bummis covers are roomy enough to allow this.

I love clothdiaper.com--their products are high quality, reasonably priced, and if you buy a large package like you're doing, the shipping isn't terrible (it IS terrible for smaller orders though).

Some thoughts: There is a big size jump between infant and premium prefolds. My daughter actually fit better in regular 4x6x4's for most of the time she was in diapers; if I decide to go with prefolds this time around I will get newborns, regulars, and toddlers, skipping both the infant and premium sizes altogether. Also, it's likely that your baby will be too small for small Bummis covers at birth and too big for medium Bummis covers by potty training--this was the case for my daughter--although Bummis ARE great covers that fit over a wide size range, you may need some newborn and large covers as well.

You are wise to get the minishower. You also need to get some cloth wipes. Pins, snappis, wet bags, and diaper pail liners are optional, but very nice to have--you should at least try them to see if you like them. AIO's aren't necessary unless your child is in daycare (and even then not always).

I am a hardcore prefolds and Bummis lover so you won't hear any complaints from me about them.

[Galatea]

I, too, love prefolds, don't get me wrong, and Bummis are a great cover. But when we started using cloth on ds1 (at 3 months), we found the prefolds to be so intimidating that if we hadn't had three FuzziBunz, we would have quit cloth altogether. We sold the prefolds and bought more FuzziBunz, and I didn't learn how to use prefolds until dc3. It is more important to me that people like cloth and want to keep using it, so I generally advise a variety of types at first so that you are more likely to find something you like and stick with cloth.