getting ready---questions

[femalephish]

Ok, I think I have to face it now - my baby is coming soon! We have some prefolds and covers but I haven't washed them yet, so here are my questions;

I know that I have to 'prewash' my prefolds, but what does that mean exactly? Just wash them a few times before baby gets here? (wash then dry repeat? or just wash a few times then dry once?)

Also, I have some HE free and clear detergent (I have a front load washer) Do I need to put in less detergent than it says? How will I know how much? Should I just half the amount and see?

Oh, do you think I need a special 'diaper' bag? Can I just use a pillowcase or trash bag or something? (Or do you know where to get a diaper bag on the cheap?) We are on a budget- capital B!

Ok, I think that's it. Thanks guys!

Oh, yeah, and cloth wipes; Do I need anything to wipe Baby's bum with or just water? (in a spray bottle? or a dish you think?) I was just going to cut up some fabric or buy some face cloths at the dollar store- should it be a certain type of fabric? Or anything for sure to AVOID? Thank you!!!!!!

[Juliacat]

Wash dry wash dry wash dry should do it.

Half the amount of detergent is good to start with. Believe it or not, some folks never have trouble with detergent.

I wouldn't use a trash bag if you can avoid it since someone might throw your precious cloth diapers away. Any kind of bag will work, but it helps to have something waterproof (in this case, let me contradict myself, a grocery store plastic bag will work) on the inside to keep wet/dirty ones in.

I've always used plain distilled water on our wipes; dd broke out in a rash the one time I tried using a solution with tea tree oil, and she never got rashy from distilled water. Flannel is nice and soft on the baby's bottom, but terry does a better job of picking up poopy messes. 100% cotton is easier to keep clean (this goes for diapers too).

[EmmalinesMom]

Congratulations on your baby!

A few cycles through the washer and dryer will prep your prefolds. You do need to dry them between washes, though. Wash-Wash-Wash-Dry isn't as effective.

I have used mostly tap water, too, with wipes. There are lots of solutions you *can* use, but tap water is cheap and readily available. You can use baby washcloths for wipes, or get them in a number of different fabrics. I like flannel-velour and flannel-sherpa.

I actually have a pail liner that I can send you (free) if you'd like. Just pm me your address if you're interested. It's been on my shelf for several months, waiting for a home yet I haven't been able to put it in the Goodwill bag.

Have fun!