thinking about cd, but don't know where to start

[tiffybear01]

hello, i have lurked on here for a while, but never actually posted till now. I am wanting to go the cloth diaper route, i wanted to do it when my 1yo was born last year but didn't. now i am expecting #4 and i defiantly want to do it, especially because i will have two in diapers. I just do not know where to start. I do not know anything about cloth diapers. any help for me to get started would be greatly appreciated. thank you.

[Juliacat]

Check out the link in my signature.

[veedeepee]

I would recommend starting with some prefolds (chinese or indian) and covers. Prefold diapers look like this:

http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/diapers.htm

The reason I recommend prefolds is that they are significantly cheaper than all of the other types of cloth diapers (pocket diapers like BumGenius, all-in-one diapers, etc.). You can get a dozen prefolds for the cost of one "fancy" diaper. That way, if you decide that cloth doesn't work for you, you haven't spent as much money. Plus, the prefolds are great for burp cloths and for laying under baby while he/she is sleeping (to catch leaks and spit-up).

Also, with prefolds you've only got cotton next to baby's skin. With most other types of cloth diapers there is some sort of synthetic fiber inside (microfleece, for example), which is petroleum-based. I think there are some all-cotton pocket diapers or all-in-ones out there, but I don't know any brand names...

The down-side to going with prefolds over other "fancy" diapers is that there is a bit more of a learning curve. You have to get used to folding them into the covers and making sure there's no diaper showing or sticking out at the legs or back so you don't get leaks. But it really only takes a few days to get good at it.

As for covers, there are lots of choices. Some are made of waterproof material like PUL (these would be covers like ProWraps, Thirsties and Bummis). Other people choose to use wool covers. You might try one or two of several different kinds of covers to see what you like and what fits your baby best.

If you decide you'd rather have pocket diapers or all-in-one diapers, there are online stores that sell sample packs so you can try out several different brands to see what works best for you and your baby. I would definitely try several different kinds before committing to buying a bunch of one brand, as these diapers are kind of pricey. One advantage to these diapers is that many companies make ones that will fit your baby from newborn (or a few weeks old, probably) up to toddler. With prefolds, you'll have to buy different size covers as baby grows, and probably a couple of different sizes of diapers.

So, my recommendation is prefolds, but I hope I've helped with some of the pros and cons of going either way.

[Michigan Mama]

There are advantages and disadvantages to each style of diaper. You have to look at what will work for you and your family. Price is one factor. Prefolds are definately the cheapest and very low maintenance. Easy to wash and care for. No folding after they are dry. Just throw them in a pile and grab one when you need it. You will need different sizes for your two kids. Easy to use once you get past the learning curve.

Pocket or all-in-one diapers usually go on more like disposibles. So that's often easier when someone else is caring for baby. They are nice, look cute and work well. They are generally a little more finicky as far as detergent choice and washing routine...so there is a learning curve here, too.

After trying quite a few things, I've found my favorites are fitted diapers. They are diaper shaped (with elastic in legs and back), but not waterproof, so they still require a cover. We have many brands and styles of diapers, but I usually reach for a fitted with a Thristies cover or a wool cover. For us, the fitted + cover combo works best for keeping runny poo contained.

So... I've tried to paint a realistic picture here of the pros & cons of the styles...but the truth is I'd rather use even my least favorite cloth dipe over sposies anyday. I love having my kid in cloth, both for cost, environmental reasons, and the cuteness factor.

Good luck with your decision - welcome to the group - and keep asking questions!!!!

[tiffybear01]

thanks for the advise. i am defiantly going to start my 14 mo in cloths probably as soon as this pack of disposables are done. i am going to try the prefolds since for us price really is a factor and hopefully it all works out well. thanks again.

[lovebug]

:

GREAT THREAD!

[veedeepee]

Good luck! I hope the transition goes smoothly.

[ssj77]

For people just making the switch, I really think AIO's are the easiest to go with. They really do go on and off like a sposie, but you wash them instead of tossing them. They are generally very trim and some have pockets to add extra absorbancy. But in the beginning stages, containment is really more of a concern than absorbancy (as you know . So you want something that contains messy bf poops well but is also pretty easy since this will be your 4th. I'd suggest trying out a few different brands. Maybe trying a few out on your 1 year old to see which style of closures you like (prefold with snappi vs. snaps vs. velcro-style) and then you can start getting your stash ready for #4.

I personally used prefolds and snappis along with fitteds when my kids were first born and then switched to AIO's for the size small. Especially with my second, the time saving factor was key. And since absorbancy wasn't an issue yet since he pooped every 30-60 minutes, the AIO's were perfect for us. Now he is in some AIO's and some pockets - both one size and sized. I like being able to adjust the absorbancy of the pockets since he finally sleeps all night.

And once you start, you can always ask more questions here

Sultana

[schreiberwriter]

I started cloth while pregnant for the second. The first kid was my trial kid for cloth. I bought diapers a few at a time, probably spending between $50 and 100 at a time. I went to the Bummis site and found a local store (live in metropolitan area).

You might be able to find a demonstration or webinar on YouTube.