Trying to decided what to do

[StephM76]

I've always wanted to cloth diaper, never have. This time around I'm determined, but I'm getting mixed advice so I have no idea what to do.

I'm torn between prefolds and fitteds. I know prefolds are cheaper, but I'm overwhelmed just thinking about wrapping them around a squirmy baby. From my understanding fitteds are much easier to get on, but much more expensive!

I'm also confused with the prefolds. What is the difference between chinese and indian ones? Which are better? Is it difficult to wrap around baby and then secure? Do they last throughout the whole diapering stage?

I'm trying to do this for as little cost as possible, since this is my last baby. Is there a website that sells used diapers? (Is it even safe to buy used diapers?)

[MommaShark]

You ask 20 moms here and you'll get 20 different answers!
I prefer prefolds (see thread about prefold love: http://www.mothering.com/discussions....php?t=1084880 )

I find them faster to put on, easier to clean, faster to dry. easier to store and highly absorbent. My mom used them on all 3 of us and my MIL used flats on her 4. They work. For ease and speed use PUL wrap style covers (Thirsties, Bummis). If you feel up to it discover wool for at least night - but don't worry about that until your LO becomes a super soaker and even then you might not want to change.

The Bummis Box for 8-15 lbs is $145 - you can find free shipping
The Bummis Box for 15-30 lbs is $117 - get free shipping
For newbies the box has it all and even tells you how to wash diapers - all I'd add is a wet bag for traveling and a diaper pail liner.

http://nickisdiapers.com/catalog.php?category=507

OR you can price out 36 infant prefolds and 6 Bummis covers, 2 snappis and the rice paper liners (pee goes through, poop gets flushed - not necessary for breast fed poop - or at all......I'm only use if out and about) then for when LO is bigger 24 premium prefolds and 4 covers with snappis and liners (if you want).

I prefer Indian prefolds - softer, I get unbleached but you have to wash them more to prep them to strip the natural oils.

Diaperswappers, MDC, THe Baby Wearer all have used diapers for sale. I wouldn't go with used (but many moms do). You don't know if they have taken proper care of them. When I was looking at used - the difference in price and shipping costs for prefolds made used about the same as new. Get free shipping.

My husband had no problem with prefolds either.

Fitteds you have to snap or velcro then put a cover over. Much bulkier in the laundry, due to the multiple layers they don't come as clean as easily and they take longer to dry. I do use fitteds because I got caught up in the buying madness of cloth diapers but prefer prefolds. As far as fitteds go, I like Crickett's diapers.

The next poster will probably come along and say something completely different .

For Indian Prefolds my fav. place is mtdiaperstore.com - even with shipping they're cheaper than other places with free shipping.

Other sellers I like are Abbyslane.com (free shipping)
Nickisdiapers.com (free shipping on covers and/or over a certain amount)
There are a ton of great cloth diaper sellers - but I'm a creature of habit.

The other nice thing about prefolds is that they make great rags when you are done cloth diapering! Fitteds you can sell but because of the velcro/snaps and elastic - they don't make good rags.

[Ifluffedthree]

I think I would have to chime in and agree with the bulk of the previous poster reply.

I loved prefolds. Easy to wash, dry, handle, line dry great in the sun to naturally bleach out any staining. Easy to put on, have it folded and ready before you undress baby so that part is quick. My dh used prefolds and pins like a champ with two little squirmy guys too...

I preferred Nikky covers to all others. They were bulletproof and have been around for about 20 years.

After three children and 20 years since my first diapering experiences I still feel they are superior.

http://www.babybunz.com/info_nikky_diaper_covers.html

No, most diapers will not take you all the way through the diapering experience unless you select one sized. But along with the one sized diaper come the pricing. So when you cost it all out, doing prefolds can still be cheaper.

Indian are definitely the softer of the two and I too like them best.

I would not hesitate to try out a couple of pockets, fitteds and maybe an AIO for outings too. A little mix it nice and makes the diapering experience more pleasant. But betting for simplicity and ease you will continue to reach for the prefolds.

Good luck.

[Juliacat]

Prefolds have a learning curve, but once you get the hang of them they are almost as easy as fitteds to use, much easier to care for, and much more versatile. Chinese and Indian prefolds are both good, and they last throughout the whole diapering stage ALTHOUGH I found using them during the first 2 weeks of my daughter's life intimidating (but I was a first-time parent) and now that she's daytime trained we use fitteds at night because she can pull them up and down more easily.