help me start cloth diapering (16 month old)

[calpurnia]

okay. so i have some handmedowns but i can't work else what else i need to add in...

i have 5 mother-ease one size (most of them have lost their elastic)
i have 5 nameless ones (label has washed blank) - quite thin with attached liners, velcro closes, snaps down the front in the line, but hardly any elastic left.
4 imse ones

covers = 3 air flow LG mother ease
3 Kooshies
2 Snuggle naps (not much elastic left on these)

is that enough for part time cloth nappying? what would i add in? & what do i do about washing them...? how many pails do i need? i would be quite happy to use those plain squares & fold them if that's the most straightforward option. but then i need covers, right?

oh, she's 16 months old.

[chely7425]

I have a 17 month old and find the prefolds (the rectangle ones that you fold) and covers are the easiest and most economical thing. I also have a bunch of fitteds but mostly just cuz I think they are cute!! I would say get a dozen PFs (maybe 2 if you are planning on clothing full time) and some covers. I like bummis super brites, thirsties and blueberry one size coveralls. You just need one pail/bag, we use a plastic trash can with a loose lid upstairs and a wet bag that hangs from the door downstairs.

[octobermom]

For that age I'd eaither do..
a dozen premium prefolds and get at least 3 good new covers
or
My personal suggestion..
12 side snap fitted like the motherease sandys which are not only excellent diapers but can be used as simple trainers when your LO is ready for that as they can be pulled up and down with ease.
or
6-12 appropiate size pocket diapers
The MEOS you have you can probably keep using fine the other ones sound like they may be more trouble than they are worth. I'm not familiar with the snugglenap covers but I'm not a kushies cover fan there not breathable. If you don't mind fastening prefolds or if you use fitted consider simple nylon pull on covers if cost is an issue they will double as protection over training pants when the time comes..