Please help me!!

[jenners26]

I am due with my fourth baby in October, which means, at least for a few months, I will have THREE kids in diapers at the same time! So, for obvious reasons, cloth diapering is becoming a more attractive choice! But, even after lots of research, I am SO OVERWHELMED!! DH wants to keep it easy and just use AIOs, but they are so expensive, and lots of the reviews I've read haven't been so great. We were looking at the BumGenius AIO that has the adjustable snaps, so we could just use one kind of diaper for all three kids, but again, I haven't heard great things so far!

I really don't want to do pockets, but otherwise, I'm open to any suggestions. I'm so confused about how many to get for each kid (though, I'm guessing my 18mo and my 2yo could use the same size...they're both about 27 pounds), what types to get, and exactly which sizes to get.

So please help me get a stash started!
Thanks!!

[NorthernPixie]

If I had several different sized and shaped kids to fit at one time, and starting with nothing...I'd get flats. They're not flashy and cute like a lot of the fitteds are. They're white. They appear intimidating because you have to learn a fold or two to fit...but they would fit every child at every stage, wash and dry quickly and easily, and I don't know if I've heard of anyone having stink problems with them. Of course they're at the complete opposite end of the spectrum as AIOs!

The new Thirsties duo covers look pretty nice with a large fit range. You only need to buy two sizes to fit from newborn through toddler. That is appealing to me!

[jenners26]

Okay, so I got DH to look at prefolds, and he's on board! (Anything to save money, you know!)

So now I have two questions....

Do you use liners inside prefolds?

What's your favorite cover to use, and how many should I have per day?

Thank you so much!!

[NorthernPixie]

Do you mean prefolds, or flats? Prefolds are basically flats 'pre-folded' and sewn into a set size. Flats are basically receiving blanket-sized pieces of usually flannel or birdseye cotton. Flats can be doubled up, or folded in various ways to fit from newborn through potty training. Prefolds, while technically can be folded, result in a really big, bulky diaper, so most people using them go through at least two different sizes (infant size from about 10-20 pounds, and then premium or toddler from 20+ pounds). There are lots of great website and youtube videos showing how to fold either kind, and after a few you won't have to look at that anymore, you can do it with your eyes closed, I promise.

I think you can use liners but I never have. It's just one more thing to buy, and separate for laundry/garbage. Breastfed poop just washes out in the washer (and then you rinse again - and if the diapers are clean, the washer is clean). Toddler poop can often just be shaken or peeled off into the toilet leaving hardly a mark. It's that in-between slimy poop that needs help with a spatula, or some people use a shower-head like device that attaches to the toilet.

I used 6 covers when my babe was small, but since she's out of the slimy poo (and potential blow-out stage) I really could easily make do with 3-4. It somewhat depends on how often you wash too, but with three in diapers I'd guess you'd be washing daily or every other day.

I use Bummis Super Whisper Wraps for covers. I have a couple of their Super Brites but don't like them as much. I haven't tried any other PUL covers, but I do use Aristocrats wool covers. If you're new to diapering, and have three babies, I think I'd go with PUL myself, much easier to wash.

If I was shopping for you, I'd get:

4-5 dozen flats in either flannel or birdseye (flannel is harder to Snappi but some people do it). With a snug fitting cover you may not need to Snappi or pin at all, the diaper may just stay put.

If you mean prefolds: I'd get 2 dozen infant size and 3 dozen premium size. Green Mountain Diapers has really great diapers.

I'd get 6 small covers and 6 medium. If you are going to stuff lots of extra absorbency into a night diaper you might like to get 2 large covers. My dd is 26 pounds and 19 months and wears a medium (and has for a while) but at night it's much easier to get the large over her giant behind.

Get two PUL bags for a diaper pail (1 in the pail, 1 in the wash), two smaller PUL bags for your diaper bag if you'd do cloth when out of the house, maybe 6 Snappis or sets of pins, and you're set. Make sure to read about what detergent to use, and if you do order from Green Mountain, she sends a washing booklet with your order.

Good for you for taking the plunge!

[DevaMajka]

Just thought I'd post to let you know about booroi covers. I have never used them, so I can't give an opinion, but they look kinda cool. You can use them with pf's as a regular cover, or you can tuck the pf's in under the gussets so they are ready to go. Looks like that would be about as easy to put on as an AIO. You just have to tuck the pf under it first.

http://www.diaperlicious.com/product...nap-Cover.html

[poppan]

Hi Jen -- when going from sposies to cloth, I find there is an adjustment curve. A learning curve to be sure, but also just a mindset adjustment. (I switched to cloth for nights when my twins were 10 months old, and went full-time when they were 14-15 months.)

Prefolds or flats are the most economical option, they're easier to clean, more adjustable fit, etc. But they are also the most drastically different from a sposie. They are totally different to get on (you have to fold and pin or snappi). You have to put a cover over it. If you don't get them on right (and you probably won't at first), they leak. New prefold users with newborns might go through several outfits per day due to EBF poo blowouts. In short, it can be frustrating while you are learning.

I'm not trying to discourage you from prefolds. I'm just advocating that you try things out before you invest a lot of money in any one system. Several online retailers have trial packages with a variety of diapers (pockets, fitteds and prefolds). You "rent" a package for around $20 for a month. Or, you can buy just one or several of each type/brand you intend to try, you could even buy it used to save more money.

Also, many mamas have stashes composed of different kinds of diapers -- because some are better for certain situations. So you could get a few AIOs for DH/babysitters/MILs, for going out, etc. while using prefolds or fitteds at home, that sort of thing. Your whole stash doesn't have to be one type of dipe.

P.S. If you do decide to get some AIOs, I highly recommend either pocket AIOs or something with soakers that are sewn on at one end but otherwise left free-flowing, because they are easier to clean/dry.

[poppan]

Originally Posted by DevaMajka

Just thought I'd post to let you know about booroi covers. I have never used them, so I can't give an opinion, but they look kinda cool. You can use them with pf's as a regular cover, or you can tuck the pf's in under the gussets so they are ready to go. Looks like that would be about as easy to put on as an AIO. You just have to tuck the pf under it first.

http://www.diaperlicious.com/product...nap-Cover.html

What a good idea!

[Ruthla]

I also want to add that it can be confusing to have too many different diapering options. It's simpler and easier to have 5 dozen of the same kinds of diapers than a mix and match that all need to be used differently. Especially confusing is having a few AIOs and a few fitteds- they look the same, but one needs a cover and the other doesn't, and that can result in a mess if somebody (DH or a grandparent) thinks a fitted is an AIO and doesn't use a cover!

If you do get a few different styles just to try, I wouldn't over-buy. I'd just get a few to try, and then stock up on one or two styles for full-time use. In general, I like fitteds better than AIOs (all in ones)- they're easier to wash, they can go in the dryer, it enables you to re-use covers a few times between washings, etc.

I do recomend getting at least a dozen flats, even if you decide to go with a fancier style long-term. They'll fit the new baby before the baby can comfortably wear "infant" prefolds. They can be used as burp cloths. They can even be used for cleaning the house if you decide not to use them as diapers at all (or to use after your kids are all out of diapers.) They make good doll blankets. They're very versatile.

I also recomend buying some pins even if you also get snappis. They're good as backups if the snappis break or get misplaced, they can hold closed a cover with a broken snap, they're useful for random other purposes (keeping the onesie closed so the toddler can't undiaper himself, fixing ripped draperies, etc.) I actually want to get a few diaper pins for random household usage and my kids are WAY out of diapers!

[jenners26]

You guys are awesome! Thank you so much for all of the input!

Okay, here's what we're thinking. We're going to get the prefolds from GMD (I LOVE that they have the different colored edges sense I'll have 3 in diapers at the same time!) And then for covers, we're thinking the Thirsties duo would be the easiest/most economical to get for all three of them.
We're going to get some now and try them out with the toddlers just to make sure we like them/have the hang of them before the baby arrives.

But saying that we do, would this be a sufficient stash for a couple of days worth?:

Infant: 2 dozen prefolds, six covers, a couple of snappis, and some pins as back up. (Great idea, btw!!)

Two Toddlers: 3 dozen prefolds, six covers, three snappis, and some pins as back up.

Then, we were thinking we'd probably get a few of the cheapie cloth diapers from Target to use as doublers for naptime/bedtime.

Does this sound like it would work? Oh, and for the toddlers, would you get the Large size or the Toddler size from GMD? They are both between 27 and 32 pounds.

Thanks again for all the input...I was SO lost to begin with!!

[AKislandgirl]

even though you will just have one baby using the infant sized prefolds I would recommend 3 dozen since you have to change them so often. You can use them as doublers for the older kids at nap/night too.

I'd also add a bunch of cloth wipes. They are easy to use and you won't have to sort out disposable wipes from your diapers for laundry. Don't forget wetbags for you pail!

If you have questions about sizing, Karen from GMD is quick to respond to emails. I bet she could help you with that.

wanted to add that maybe you would want to get some motherease one sized. These would fit all your kiddos. One diaper, just different snap setting for each. My dd could start fitting them at about 12 pounds and they've it my neices/nephews through to potty learning. They are tough diapers and would surely last all the kiddos. If it were me I'd stock up on those. Then get some orange edge prefolds for the little one to use until the motherease fit well. The orange edge can be used for doublers for the older kids too.

[inky leeuhhh]

i just wanted to add that the duo wraps are my favorite covers so far, and i have tried lots of covers! i would get a couple more covers for the toddlers (you were talking 6 total right?). not a ton more, just a couple i think would do. and i agree with getting the wipes and wet bags. have fun!!

[Ifluffedthree]

AIO's -- Lucy's Hope Chest http://www.lucyshopechest.com/store/Default.asp

She has been around making excellent AIO's since about 2000.

[phrogger]

for the pail, I use a trash bag, then when it is time to wash, that trash bag can be used in my trash can for the real trash. Just an option to think of.

I always used disposibles with my older kids and now I swear the prefolds work so much better then any disposible diaper I ever used. Just remember to check more often if they are wet. THat is the part I forget with the infant and I can't just squeeze the diaper and see if it is wet like you do a disposible.

[inky leeuhhh]

Originally Posted by phrogger

for the pail, I use a trash bag, then when it is time to wash, that trash bag can be used in my trash can for the real trash. Just an option to think of.

I always used disposibles with my older kids and now I swear the prefolds work so much better then any disposible diaper I ever used. Just remember to check more often if they are wet. THat is the part I forget with the infant and I can't just squeeze the diaper and see if it is wet like you do a disposible.

thanks for the trash bag idea!

[SuzyLee]

For doublers, I would use the infant prefolds as doublers for the older kids.

For the infant, if you need it extra absorbant, I would just fold up a large prefold to fit the baby.

I would get maybe 5 BG Organic OS AIO's as easy go-to options. I have only heard good things about the organic AIO's. I think it would be nice to have a few of those for the diaper bag, etc.