Help me supplement my service

[francesmama]

Hi. I'm expecting my second child and I'd like to approach diapering a little differently next time around. We'll be using a service (prefolds + bummis) as we did last time. With my first, we used disposables for the first two weeks b/c the cloth just seemed too big (he was 8lbs) and we used a disposable for nighttime the whole time he was in diapers. This was due to heavy nighttime wetting, the prefold and bummis just didn't seem to contain this.

This time around I'd like to avoid all disposables. Every time I go to do a little diaper research I get overwhelmed. I'm hoping you can tell me what you think is the perfect diapering system to replace our nighttime disposable. I'm thinking an artistocrats cover but can I put a prefold under that? I'm also wondering what do to for little, little nb babies?

Thanks!

[Juliacat]

Two prefolds under a Bummis cover never failed us.

If you wanted to use an Aristocrat, that would work too, but you would have to pin or Snappi, and maybe still use a doubler.

[AKislandgirl]

No matter what I get a leak and/or a totally soaked baby with a bummis, even with two prefolds and a doubler. I use two prefolds or a mother ease one size with a prefold folded in thirds with a wool soaker and we are golden! You will love the wool. Just plan to snappi. I think its worth it to have two wool soakers (maybe a soaker and a longie) due to long dry time when washing.

Would you consider washing your own for the newborn stage? the GMD orange edge worked great in the newborn stage. When they no longer fit they can be used as doublers (see above!), burp clothes, leaky boob soakers, etc... Its an economical way to get through the NB stage until your lo fits your diaper service diapers. The thirsties covers in xs fit my lo much longer then the bummis xs although I loved them both.

Have fun and congratulations on the new one!

[francesmama]

Yes I would consider buying and washing my own for the newborn stage. How many would you buy? Any other recommendations? The GMD seems to be a good bet as they'll be the cheapest option. I oh so want kissaluvs, but can't really justify it with the service.

I'm looking to buy as well for the overnights. And here I will pay what it takes for the best (both in terms of absorbency and ease of use) and I would like something as simple as possible, layering prefolds and doublers etc. seems complex and I want it to be something easy for my husband too. Is a simple fitted (bamboozle say) enough for overnight or no? Any other recommendations here?

[Juliacat]

An absorbent fitted (Sandy's, probably Bamboozle, but probably not Kissaluvs) and a good cover is good for nighttime as far as absorbency and ease of use. The problem is that all those layers can be difficult to clean.

[inky leeuhhh]

id try a couple prefolds under a bummis and just go from there if that doesnt work. maybe just add the aristocrats over top of it all if it doesnt.

[AKislandgirl]

The number of prefolds you will want will depend on how often you want to wash. NB's need to be changed so often! I'd say that you would want 2-3 dozen. Maybe shoot for 2 dozen and add more if you keep running out before you wash. Like I said before you will find a million uses for these once they are outgrown or you could give them to another Mama for her NB stage.

I know that it sounds complicated to add layers but once you are doing it, it really is no big deal. You'll be a pro! A lot of it is trial and error and will depend on your lo. What works for us may not work for you. I do reccomend trying the wool though... I love, love, love wool! :

[Ola_]

I wonder, would your diaper service company have preemie prefolds available? They would only fit for a short while but it sounds like that's the gap you need to bridge.

I have heard good things about Sandy's fitteds too, and they have doublers that you can get with them (maybe it won't be as confusing if they always go together?).
http://www.mother-ease.com/