what do i need in terms of cloth diapers?

[queen b]

about to have dc2 and i am going to cloth diaper (which i didn't do the last time). i have a bunch of seventh generation disposables (up to 14 pounds i think) that we will use in the very beginning while i get myself organized as a parent of two. so i am wondering what i need? how many covers and inserts? which are the best? what type of detergent? etc...

tia!

[MommaShark]

if you want to go simple - 36 infant prefolds (Indian) and 6 Bummis or Thirsties covers or wool covers (can't wash with dipes - but more breathable). The simplest thing is to the the Bummis Kit - about $145 for the small size (8-15 lbs) and $120 for the medium (15-30lbs)
I use ECOS Free and Clear.

You can spend more and get fitteds with covers - I like Crickett's fitteds ($12) plus the same covers

or all in ones ($18 for Blue Penguin's SPOSO Easy are my fav's) no other covers needed

I'm using flats (requires folding), some fitteds from Crickett's Diapers and wool with a few Thristis or Bummis Super Brites for trips......Flats are great because they dry fast and are easy to clean plus you use 1 for a newborn and 3 for a toddler - one size fits all! $14 a dozen or so!

[sagemomma]

personally i do not like AIO (all in one) diapers, they never seem to get thouroughly clean, the water can't flow through the soaker layers and then through the PUL outer ect.
i do love fitteds and covers , we have tinytush one size , and thirstees covers, also we have prefolds and disana tie on covers which are awesome . i use these durring the day i like the customizable absorbancy ect .
i use fuzzi bunz one size for overnight they come with an extra stuffer so super absorbent for overnight.
so basically the cheapest is prefolds and covers . for day
and pockets for night .
good luck it really is easy and fun once you get it down. as for detergent i use soapnuts , i boil them down and make a concentrate . it's the best we found after trying so many and having repelling isues or buildup ect , <3 soapnuts

[roseselene]

There are lots of different types of diapers and everyone has their preferences. If you haven't used them ever you may want to check a few out before you buy an entire stash and find you don't like one kind in particular.

There are prefolds & covers or fitted and covers
Then also there are pockets & AIO's.

Prefolds and covers are probably the most economical.

With any young baby, the minimum number of diapers i would recommend no matter what type of diaper you ultimately go with would be 24 diapers and sometimes its nice to have 28-36.
Other items that you may want or need are cloth wipes (i highly recommend over using disposable wipes) some sort of pail or pail liner to store your wet diapers in before laundry day and also consider a wet bag for your diaper bag.
I think the biggest thing for some people is settling on what system they want to go with.
Have fun with it though!
Amy

[Juliacat]

3 dozen diapers and 6-ish covers, if you're using flats or prefolds or fitteds. If you're using pockets you'll need as many inserts as you have diapers, plus a few extra for nighttime or long car rides. If you're using all-in-ones, you'll probably want some doublers.

Detergent is a very personal thing. Most people do fine using the same detergent they use for their clothes. Some find that cheaper detergents like Sun work better. Others use Sportwash from Wal-Mart or order Allen's Naturally or Charlie's Soap from online.

What type of diaper is best is also a very personal thing; it's sort of like picking out a car. Flats and prefolds are cheaper and easier to care for but require more of a learning curve to use. Pockets and all-in-ones are the opposite, with fitteds somewhere in between. For covers, nylon and PUL are inexpensive, durable and waterproof, but not breathable. Wool and fleece are the opposite. Some folks prefer Velcro because it's easier and more adjustable, some prefer snaps because they're more durable and harder for the baby to remove, some prefer pull-ons because they're simpler (albeit messier at the end of a yucky change, and hard to get on over shoes).

Me, I like prefolds and front-snapping PUL covers except for newborns and potty training older toddlers. But that's just me!

P.S. GET A MINI-SHOWER or other diaper sprayer. Just trust me on this one!!!