new mom on a budget...

[whoabethy]

hi there,
after reading soooooo much about soooo many diapers i've come to a (kind of) conclusion. i'm thinking pre-folds with some simple nylon covers. is that good enough? am i asking for months of leaks and hassle? should i just shell out the bucks for pocket diapers? any advice would be great!

thanks,
beth

[Teenytoona]

You can totally do it. If you want ease (say for reluctant or intimidated diaper changers), you can trifold the prefolds (or flats, even) in the cover and just pop them on. We have pockets and prefolds/covers and using this method both are about the same for ease of putting on. You'd need a few more covers, because the poop gets out of the prefold more easily, but the cover will keep it nice and contained anyways.

[Gabes Mommy]

Prefolds are good, and they can be easy. It's hard to get a good fit on a newborn with pockets anyway. If you are going to have regular babysitters, you may want to buy a pocket or two because they're easier for other people (more like sposies).

But otherwise, a few covers and some prefolds, and you're good to go!

[Galatea]

Spring for the nice PUL covers by Thirsties and Bummis. Nylon feels stiff and cold.

[Ola_]

Not sure what kind of covers you were thinking of, but I'd think the wrap-style ones would be easier than the pull-ons. You won't need too many if you're going to pin or snappi.

I'd suggest getting the newborn and maybe some small diapers now, and wait to buy the bigger ones once you know what your baby is like (skinny vs. chubby thighs, waist size, regular or super peer).

[kawa kamuri]

I use prefolds, PUL and wool. Don't like the other options at all.

[poppan]

Hi Beth -- I just wanted to add that you might want to buy one or two of something (maybe more in the case of PF's since they're relatively inexpensive) before buying a whole bunch of them. You know, try it out and see how you like it before really committing to it. Buying used on diaperswappers.com is an inexpensive way to try different options. Or, some online stores "rent" out trial packages so for $20 you get to try a few pockets, some prefolds, etc. for a month.

I just found that, what I thought I would like based on the description and what other people were saying, turned out to be a different story once I actually tried using it. I thought pockets would be easiest but then found that I really liked fitteds the best. And even though I like fitteds the best, I found that pocket AIOs were very convenient when going out, and versatile too, so half my stash is actually pocket AIOs. I've bought and sold a few diapers along the way as I changed up my stash to how I like it, and I think a lot of mamas do the same thing. So just wanted to throw that in

[whoabethy]

that's a great idea about buying a few and trying them out! (why didn't i think of that?!?!) my mom is getting us a diaper service for the month, so we'll get to try out the prefolds. it also makes a lot of sense to wait to see who the baby turns out looking like.

i'm just trying to answer so many questions (which baby stuff is necessary? best quality for best price?) diapers seemed easy - boy was i wrong!!!

[Michigan Mama]

It is a good idea to try out different kinds. I tend to go through phases anyway where I prefer different styles for different reasons.

Prefolds are inexpensive, easy to care for and very functional so they are defininately a good option...

Many people prefer natural fabric next to the skin and find it easier to keep clean. Others really like the wicking properties of synthetics (like fleece or suedecloth that most pocket diapers have), so those are things to consider, too.

[Ifluffedthree]

Prefolds and covers are very do-able.
Nikky's covers have a great gusseted breathable polyester cover that in my opinion will be superior to a nylon or polyurethene cover. Nikky's also makes a breathable wool and cotton cover too.

I would add in a few other varities into the mix to see what is best fitting for your little persons shape and wetness needs.

Everyone has different needs and one persons love is another ones frustrations.

Good luck.

[jennydecki]

You may want to check out www.diaperswappers.com for used, lower-cost covers other mamas are selling as well as the trading post here on MDC.

Best of luck!

[EmmalinesMom]

Prefolds and covers are awesome. I've used them for two children, and while I've also used a variety of fitteds, pockets, aios, etc, I totally love prefolds and covers. I'd splurge a bit on the covers and get something with gussets, like Thirsties or Bummis Super Brights.

[amber913]

I use prefolds and vinyl covers--cheap and easy. I've had the best luck with vinyl pants with regards to leaks, though many people disagree with me. I also feel, though, that if they're leaking, changing them would be a good idea.

I have some diaper wrap-style covers, and while i love how they go on and how soft they are, they leak at the legs almost every time. I do have skinny kids, though....

A couple packs of prefolds (3 or 4, depending on how often you want to wash), a pack of vinyl pants and a pack of pins should run you about $45-50. Can't get any cheaper than that.

Good luck!

[saoirse2007]

cut up flanel sheets into squares i found a sizing for flats online somewhere when ds was a babe (just over 2 years ago)

i made a few and used oragami fold...you can also fold them like prefolds and stick them in covers or pin like prefolds

very cheap and versitile...dry in minutes

i made bum sweaters for covers from old wool sweaters

got me through...bought a "real" cloth diaper here and there over time

eta: I have a sewing machine now...bought one at hardware store for $19.99...crappy but...i can make fitted and other diapers and covers easier now
just made a rrp for my soon to be dd
love the dipe now...hope i still will when she is born...