newbi to cd need advice

[kevinsmom08]

i have just started recently cd and i want to expand my cd wardrobe beyond prefolds and pins the only problem is i am not sure that i want to invest upwards 17 dollars for one diaper that i may or may not like. I also need help with a cheap swim diaper alternative.
I was curious if you had one cd essential that you could not live without what would it be?
Also i am looking for some easy cd patterns since i am willing to make my own and plus if there are any of you that do make your own diapers what materials do you use and what do you use to prevent seeping onto their clothes.
Any advice is greatlt appreciated.

[Michigan Mama]

There are some good quality diapers that are under $17...and there are many great things you can find used on this forum or others like diaperswappers. My personal faves are Thirsties covers, Tiny Tush pockets and Sugar Peas fitteds...Also check out the subforum on diaper making - there are many links to different patterns for both diapers and covers or pocket diapers, etc you can make yourself!

When I sew my own I like to use hemp or bamboo, as I feel they both have better absorbancy than cotton meaning less layers. Less layers means less drying time and better cleaning!

I also think it's important, if making fitteds, to make an external soaker (a doubler or soaker that isn't sewn in) - that way you can get more absorbancy without adding more bulk, and again, less drying time. The first few homemade dipes I made had like 8 layers of flannel and t-shirts in the middle part and took FOREVER to dry. Seriously, like more than 2 hours in the dryer. Ick.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll get some other great diaper recommendations.

[Juliacat]

I like prefolds and pins best anyway! I had a Diaperaps swim diaper in size medium that lasted 3 summers (7 months, 19 months, 2 1/2 years). Definitely got our money's worth out of that one.

[kevinsmom08]

new question

Thanks for all of your advice its greatly appreciated. I was wondering if any if you have used the gerber vinyl covers? I have been using them for about 2 weeks now and I have noticed that some of them have started getting holes in them and I was wondering if any oif you have had that problem. I was them with my diapers and I let them hang dry.
I also was wondering what the purpose of stripping the diapers was and also how do I do it.
Thanks again.

[Juliacat]

I've never used the Gerber vinyl pants.

Stripping the diapers means supercleaning them; there are different ways of doing this and I don't really think you need to do it unless you are having some sort of problem, which if you're using prefolds is unlikely. There are different ways of doing this but I believe the most effective ones involve lots of hot water and lots of rinsing.

[Galatea]

My favorite diapers are:

FuzziBunz
Green Acre Designs
BumGenius
SposoEasy

GAD and SposoEasy can be had for under $16 new if you get them on sale. Spending money on fancier dipes is worth it b/c they last for multiple children and can be sold if you don't like them for about 70% of their purchase price.

Gerber vinyl pants are terrible b/c the vinyl is dangerous to the health and they do crack and break. You need to invest in some PUL covers that won't have either of these problems. Bummis and Thirsties are the best.

[Ola_]

Consider visiting the DiaperSwappers.com board - you can purchase used dipes for a discount there. Or if you get new ones you can resell your diapers (when you're done with them or if they don't work well for you) to recoup some of your investment.

Also, if you want to buy new do a bit of research on sizing and brands. From what I hear some diapers (say medium FuzziBunz) fit most kids for a long time! The one size version may also be a good choice (some are bigger than others).

[ssj77]

You may want to think about trying an AI2 system like Gro Baby (one size) or Rainforest Babies (sized). They tend to be less expensive (esp. the Rainforest babies) because you just need to buy a few wraps and a bunch of soakers. In the case of rainforest babies, the soakers are only 4.75 each. They have the advantage of being a lot easier than prefolds and pins, but are still cost effective.

Hope that helps a little

Sultana

[schreiberwriter]

I useds the gerber pants and found they cracked easy. I tried bummis whisper pullup cover and love it. Its rather inexpensive.

I invested in cloth 50 to 100 dollars initially then quit buying disposbles and spent that money each paycheck at a diaper store or at an online store with free shipping to get the most for my money.

[bea3]

Prefolds are really inexpensive and unless they aren't working for you, you might just stick with them until you've sewn some others! You could add snappis and some alternate wraps and still feel like you updated your system! I like Bummis Super Whisper Wraps (pul). I also really like using wool pull ons, partly because I like to knit them up! Wool and diapering tends to be one of those things you either love or hate...

At the moment I am most into my fitted diapers with a wrap/soaker. Good luck and enjoy the journey!

[funfunkyfantastic]

I have made some of my own, but my favorite brand is the bum genius. I like their one size pocket diapers because they grow with the baby. Plus, the bum genius diapers can be used for multiple kids at the same time because they are adjustable. I bought mine off a website that gave a discount for ordering more diapers. Of course they were only about $1 cheaper per diaper or so. You can find the bum genius diapers used though. I haven't had any problems with leaks with them. In fact, they hold the poo in much better than sposies!

[Ola_]

Another idea: http://www.clothdiaperwholesale.com

[roxemama]

I use the pre-folds during the day with the Bummis or Thirsties covers and a bumgenius 3.0 at night and going out. The bumgenius is worth it because it's one size and we never had a blow out in a bumgenius 3.0. That peace of mind is important.

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