Overwhelmed diapering newbie here--please help!

[cloudbutterfly]

Hi guys! I know this is probably going to be the millionth post like this, but I'm trying to register in a hurry and the more I search through the forums and Google the more confused I get! So, links with thorough info for a beginner or personal responses...both highly, highly appreciated!

My husband and I are expecting our first, and we were easily sold on the benefits of cloth diapering. Since it seems like I wouldn't want to get a complete stash before I can try some of the different types out on my actual baby, what should I be getting before the baby comes? How many do I need to start, and what kind will be best to try out on a newborn?

I've seen CD sample/trial packs (like this) that let you return what you don't like, but will having that few diapers at first be a bad idea? We're planning to have a modest stash of disposables around (recommendations on natural-ish/chlorine-free versions of those are welcome as well), too, and figure we'll use more of them at the very beginning while we're getting used to the whole parenting thing. So, would a sampler plus disposables plus maybe a few Kissaluvs (or similar) fitted diapers be a good set up for when the baby shows up?

Thank you so much for your help...I'm sure you've seen posts like this a zillion times, but my brain just won't work anymore!

[dosergirl]

i don't have mine yet, baby that is but i asked similar questions a few months back. i think the best option is to go with prefolds and diaper covers for the new born stage.

i got two dozen prefolds and i think 6 covers
i also have 2 kissaluvs size 0 fitted diapers (which need the covers )
and 2 drybees size 0 fitteds.

i'm sure experienced cloth diaper mamas will help!

[Gabes Mommy]

I think the samplers are a terrific idea, and I've seen them on a few sites (like Jillian's Drawers and MMB), so you can even shop around for those. I wish I had seen them when I started CDing. You'll go through probably 8-10 diapers a day with a newborn, so how many you want depends on how often you want to wash. I would say minimum 10 or so.

Most dipes are going to be a little big on a newborn. You can try sized diapers, like BG xs, or prefolds, or really a variety of others. Pockets and AIOs are closest to disposables. Fitteds are pretty close, but require a cover too.

Keep in mind too that cloth diapers are fluffier than sposies, so the clothes will fit differently with CDs. Some dipes are trimmer than others, but sposies are less fluffy than CDs.

Originally Posted by cloudbutterfly

Hi guys! I know this is probably going to be the millionth post like this, but I'm trying to register in a hurry and the more I search through the forums and Google the more confused I get! So, links with thorough info for a beginner or personal responses...both highly, highly appreciated!

My husband and I are expecting our first, and we were easily sold on the benefits of cloth diapering. Since it seems like I wouldn't want to get a complete stash before I can try some of the different types out on my actual baby, what should I be getting before the baby comes? How many do I need to start, and what kind will be best to try out on a newborn?

I've seen CD sample/trial packs (like this) that let you return what you don't like, but will having that few diapers at first be a bad idea? We're planning to have a modest stash of disposables around (recommendations on natural-ish/chlorine-free versions of those are welcome as well), too, and figure we'll use more of them at the very beginning while we're getting used to the whole parenting thing. So, would a sampler plus disposables plus maybe a few Kissaluvs (or similar) fitted diapers be a good set up for when the baby shows up?

Thank you so much for your help...I'm sure you've seen posts like this a zillion times, but my brain just won't work anymore!

[nursingmom]

When I look at my laundry stash, I have about
12 prefolds
4 covers
5 fitted
5 AIO
6 Pocket

My husbands favorite is the bumGenius pocket diapers (bumGenius 3.0 One-Size).

My cousin's stash is

12 bumGenius Pocket (bumGenius 3.0 One Size) and 12 bumGenius AIO.

My friend's stash is

24 bumGenius Pocket(bumGenius 3.0 One Size) and few Fuzzy Bunz One Size pocket diapers.

The pocket diapers are great for night-time and running errands because they keep your baby's bottom completely dry even when the inner liner/doubler is compeltely soaked wet.

[inky leeuhhh]

id get a couple dozen preemie pf's, and a few different types of covers to try. after you figure out which covers you like best, get some more. maybe grab a few fitteds to try. with dd, i went through tons of diapers per day, but every baby is different. i change her every time she wets too (or try to) . when you get the hang of cloth and start getting used to having baby around, you can begin to look around at what other systems are out there. they go through the nb stage so fast i wouldn't start experimenting with too many pocket dipes or aios until baby was out of that stage. jmo tho.

[EmmalinesMom]

I agree with the previous poster that I wouldn't buy too many pockets for the newborn stage. You're up feeding the baby anyway, so a change is no big deal. They grow so fast those first few months too!

For newborns, I'd go with about 12-18 prefolds, 12 fitteds (like Kissaluvs 0s or Thirsties) and 4-6 gusseted PUL covers. That (for me) translated to washing every other day, with some extra diapers around in case we needed them.

Enjoy that new baby!!

[Ifluffedthree]

I am on board with most of the previous posters information.
12-18 prefolds and about a dozen fitteds is a solid combo for a newborn. While I strongly recommend covers with gussets I am more prone to direct attention to breathable ployester covers over pul. Try a wool cover too -- at least for nighttime when they are in the longest stretch -- they both breath better while the wool will not be the cheaper of the options.
Nikky's brand covers have been making cotton, polyester and wool breathable covers with gussets for over 20 years -- I always suggest trying at least one they were that bullet proof for both my sons.

[cloudbutterfly]

I love you guys for all this advice! I feel so much better now...this I can do.

[Mamato3wild ponnie]

I started out with prefolds...a dozen in newborn size and a dozen in the next size up...a few fitteds and 4-5 covers.....a few snappis....and i made my own wipes....ds#4 was exclusively cloth diapered for the first 6 months of life....i felt guilty to use a sposy....got over that real fast...but that worked for us in the begining.

[Galatea]

For a newborn this is what I like:

18 infant prefolds (I think Indian are softer) - at home during the day
6 Kissaluvs 0 (or other tiny fitteds) - I used these at night
6 AIOs or pockets - for convenience when going out
6-8 NB/XS covers
2 Snappis

It is worth it to buy your own rather than renting them. Then keep them for the next children. Also get XS or NB sized everything and don't rely on one-size dipes. Besides, those teeny-tiny NB dipes are so cute!!!!!!