Help! Expecting my first baby and I'm CLUELESS about CD!

[moxygirl]

So I'm 24 weeks and guess I'd better start figuring this whole CD thing out since I also have a million other things to do before the baby comes.

I'm planning on trying EC at least part time but expect I'll use cloth diapers for backup/out of the house. I'm thinking of going super-cheap with prefolds or maybe even flat diapers and wool covers (NOT cheap I know, but I've read you don't have to wash them as much/can wash by hand and we don't have a washer or dryer in our apt, plus I think they sound better for baby's behind). Educate me, please! What should I buy? How many? Where?

I have no idea how big this baby is going to be (not getting ultrasounds) so no clue what size I'll need at birth. I need to potentially have enough diapers to get by an entire week without washing, then wash them at the laundromat. Is that even possible?? I don't want to pay for a diaper service.
Thanks to anyone who can help!

[kickinitbabystyle]

There are so many options out there. If you are going with prefolds and wool, it is definitely one of the cheaper options out there. You can find some cheap wool on Etsy.com. And, yes, it is nice to not have to wash it all the time. Going a week before washing is a long time... Maybe if you do a slight hand rinse/wash before putting the dirties into the pail, would help keep bacteria down. For once a week washing you will need a large stash, even with EC. You will probably need at least 60, minimum... and go from there. There are too many different kinds out there, and you will get many suggestions. My prefolds are Babykicks hemp/org. cotton. Not as cheap as DSQ's, but I like them. Good luck with everything! And, congrats on the new addition!

[octobermom]

Id jsut be carefull in investing in a lot of wool before baby comes I loved our wool but then gave birth to a DD who is allergic to lanolin makes using wool out. Also I'd have wanted good fitted with a newborn if I was expecting not to have to wash a wool cover a NB bowels are quite loose and while wool will deiiently contain I;d totally expect to be washing often in the begining.

Deanna

[OTMomma]

I would get at least 5 dozen prefolds for the newborn stage, in your case. I've recently converted to wanting the square ones from Green Mountain diapers, as I think the orange ones from there will fit a newborn really well- but I used the regular infant CPF's on my son when he was born, though he was a bigger baby.

Though I agree wool is great- I will also say that you can wash out any PUL cover in the sink too if needed and hang it to dry. I don't wash a PUL cover after every wear, but in the newborn stage they often get poo on them, washed out in the sink with some soap and hung to dry for a few hours works fine.

[octobermom]

oh and I would NOT recoomend a full week between washing not only will you need a ton of diapers we averaged at least 20 a day in the newborn stage and we were using sposies but thats a full week of stains sitting and smells festering and then you'll still be doing at least 3 loads because a washer wont hold over about 2 dozen diapers effiently. I'd airm for more like 2 maybe 3 days MAX actually I'd consider just running a load a night for a while.

Deanna

[Michigan Mama]

There are moms around who are in the same situation w/o washer/dryer who go longer between washes...flats would be an excellent option for that reason. Prefolds would be good, but flats would be easier for washing. Less layers of fabric means easier to get clean with less "gunk" hanging out between the layers!

As some other people suggested, I would probably recommend a combo of types of covers at first to see what you really like the best. I have a lot of homemade wool covers and I find that they don't hold enough pee for use at night. I prefer an interlock cover like these for my 2 yo at night. I like working with this mama and I think her prices are reasonable. We are using Thirsties covers for my nb at night, and switch between Thirsties and homemade wool during the day.

[moxygirl]

You guys rock! Thanks so much for the info. I think I'm starting to get a clue. :-)
I actually happened across a website for a hand-cranked washer today (Wonder Wash, I think?) and am thinking of getting that so I can wash diapers every few days. I think it would pay for itself in the long run.
I'll keep in mind to try a variety of different types of covers. Thanks again!