Help me switch to cloth diapers for almost-ready 17-month-old potty trainer!!!

[GutInstinct]

Hi, moms!

My son is 17 months old and showing potty-training readiness. He sits on his little potty and grunts and pooped once. He is very into the concept, but we could still be a ways away from fully potty trained.

I'm somewhat ashamed to say we've always done Pampers -- but I'd really like to make the switch to cloth diapers NOW. I think I read somewhere that cloth diapers are better for potty-training reasons -- they are not quite as absorbent as disposables? Either way, I am ready to switch! It's so much better for his health and the environment.

SOOOOOOOOO...where do I start? What should I look for? Brands? Prices? Non-bulky items? How many do I need? My son tends to go through 4-5 diapers a day now. Do you use some for day and some for night? Any tips at all are helpful! Thanks!

[Juliacat]

I like Mother-ease Sandy's (large or Toddle-ease depending on your son's size) with Dappi nylon pull-on pants. The only drawback is they take a long time to dry. Blue Penguin fitteds dry faster and are only half the price but are a lot less absorbent so we always had to use a doubler with them.

[RGsMom]

That is awesome where your son is at and that he does seem close to training! Great job!

If you are looking for something more cost effective, I would try out some Prefolds with Thirsties Covers. The cotton fabric will allow him to continue to feel wet, possibly bringing him closer to training completely. They do tend to be more bulky than Pockets or AIO's, but with your purpose of training, that might be better. If you need more absorbency for night time, I would get some Hemp Doublers as those are more absorbent and thinner.

[ssj77]

I'd agree with PP that you will likely want something where he will feel the wetness which rules out pocket diapers. I often suggest that people switching over from disposables to cloth start out with AIO's. They are the closest to disposables and since they are an all-in-one, he'll still be able to feel when he is wetting. The least expensive option is certainly prefolds and covers, but you may want to get one or two AIO's and see what you think. They will run you $15.95 up.

HTH,
Sultana

[mom2ewc]

if you're looking for a good nighttime option (since he probably will still be in dipes at night) the Happy Heiny's trainers have worked great for my 3 year old. You can stuff them as much as you need to, but you can get snaps on the sides, so they can pull them down like "big boy pants" in the morning, or if they do start waking up to go potty at night.