Never thought I would say this, but tell me about these cloth diapers.

[Carlito's_wife]

Well I was looking at a baby site and there was an add for some other store that sold cloth diapers. I have never even considered it before because I know nothing about it and I just feel it would be inconvinient for me because of the washing and maybe I am nieve, but wouldn't my baby pee right through those? Well after watching the video on the front of the site it is clearly a better choice as far as being earth friendly, and even as fast as cost in the long run.

But how do they work? How will I know they are not going to constantly leak all over the place? And if I do go that route, what do I need? I see they have specified sizes as well as one size fits all. And I have seen pads for extra security in the wetness department. I am kind of wanting to give it a try but I just don't know where to start. I have no idea how many I will need.

Does anyone know a good brand? Or how many I would need? Or if I should get certain sizes or one size fits all.

Any advice would be great.

[annettemarie]

In keeping with the DDC Guidelines, I am moving this to the Diapering forum.

[veedeepee]

Copying what I wrote to another person who was trying to figure out how to get started with cloth:

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.

[Ifluffedthree]

do a little research before you leap.
figure out your budget, there are ways to mix it up and stay the course without a huge start up hit. (even though the end budget is a savings, it seems like a lot in the beginning).
Don't buy off of everyone else's experience. What fits for one is not necessarily the perfect fit for you. Baby is going to make that determination.
With a good cover, NO cloth should not leak all over. In fact a well made diaper, with good fabrics/covers may suprise you at how much better they perform.
There are several different types of diapers, and each have a sub variation to them.
I would refrain from choosing ALL one brand -- even if Jane Doe your best friend loves one kind, you could end up spending a chunk of change and find they are not a fit. Mix it up some.
I would suggest, enough for 2 days and 6 covers. It is a norm that seems to be a good fit for most. You can certainly amend as your budget or time permits.
Remember -- mistakes are expected when your learning to CD your child. Its how you get the routine to work smoothly, by making errors.

Once you get your groove, you will be surprised at how easy it really is, and how much healthier it is for your child to not have the toxins on it every day.

Good luck.

[phrogger]

I am still new to all of this and I have only used fitted diapers and prefolds with covers and so far, not a single leak. I have however had a few major leaks with the disposibles that the hospital gave me and some AIO's I ordered off etsy.I think my son is just too skinny for the AIO's. Anyway, the prefolds are awesome, work great, cheap and super easy to wash.

[abigail_b]

I would go spend some time on diaper swappers. At first your head will totally spin, but you'll end up learning A LOT. That is how I started.
Also, do you get Mothering magazine? There was a good article about CDing a few months ago I think, I'd have to check to see exactly when.
Also, as and FYI I have never gone the prefold route. I only do fitteds with wool covers or AIOs. I also have only done CDing part time.