TOTALLY Overwhelmed

[organicmom3]

I never would have guessed there were so many cloth diapers out there...I am 40 and expecting my (surprise) 3rd child in April...my others are 14 and 10! I'm looking forward to them helping and I'm hoping to do it right with cloth diapers this time but am perplexed on what style and what brand to use.... I have only 2 friends that use them...one uses the bumgenius AIO pocketstyle and the other uses snap ease which I guess was similar to what is now motherease? Both look good but expensive....and I don't want to just base a decision on just two types/brands....so does anyone have any economic recommendations to a newbie here? Thank you!

[Juliacat]

Check out my web site. http://juliacotton.wordpress.com

Cloth diapers are a big expense going forward, which is intimidating, especially since there are so many different kinds. But almost any of them will save you money over disposables in the long run.

[Lynda&Jenna]

Hi,
Cloth diapering can be overwhelming at first. But it will become easier. There is a new onesize diaper. That is more economical. Its called the Tweedle Bug. Only $12.95 a diaper. A onesize diaper grows with your baby. So your not buying sizes. Or you can go with pre-folds and covers. that is very economical
Lynda

[organicmom3]

Thank you...
Linda, how new is this Tweedlebug? Are there reviews for it anywhere as I can't seem to find an actual site on it when I google... I do like the idea of a one size diaper....

Thanks Juliacat too, your website has great info...I especially liked the explanation of the terminology!

Carol

[Lynda&Jenna]

Your welcome, the tweedle Bugs have a 15 day money back guarentee. You can try one, use it wash it and if you dislike it they will refund your money minus shipping. They also come with a insert and a doubler. I will have to look for the reviews. I'll get back to you and let you know where to look to read them. We're trying one out tonight. I'll let you know how that goes to : )
Lynda

[Juliacat]

(I should probably add this info to my web site )

One-size diapers work from birth to potty training for some babies but not others. I don't think they would have worked for mine, because she started out very small and grew very large before she potty trained. I think I would have needed 3 sizes or 2 very generous sizes. Also, one-size diapers are going to get a lot of use, so they may not hold up as well. Then again, they might--they might be worth a try as they certainly could save a lot of money if they do hold up and if they do fit the whole time.

[Lynda&Jenna]

We tried the Tweedle Bug last night with my 3 year old grand daughter. I am VERY impressed. It didn't leak at all. I had to feel the inside of the diaper to see if it was even wet. And we hadn't even pre washed it to seal the sewing holes. She wanted to spend the night last night and I had to give her one of the new diapers.
Lynda

[octobermom]

There are lots of CD sites that offer trial packages that would allow you to test out a few diffrent styls to see what works best for you.

Deanna

[montclairmom]

Cloth Diapering Service in Northern NJ??

Hi All -

Desperately seeking a cloth diaper service (delivery/pickup) in Northern NJ. I've tried Bottoms Dry, Nature Baby, and Tidy Diaper. All have seemingly gone under. Queen Bee Diapers in Brooklyn is still in business, but the negative reviews appear to be correct as I can't get a call back or a returned email.

Any suggestions? Someone told me perhaps a local laundromat would be willing to do it if I dropped off the dirties. Does anyone have any success with a situation like that?

Really want to use cloth but can't self-launder between 2 babies, working part-time, and having no family or help in the area. I can barely find the time to wash our clothes!!

[organicmom3]

As I continue my research, I'm thinking of going with a total of three styles, rather than just one (pocket, one size, and fitted with covers) so I have a variety and don't end up with too many I end up NOT likeing.....From what I've read I would need about 2-3 dozen to start with( maybe about a dozen of each style?). Does this seem like a good plan or does it seem weird?

[Juliacat]

A dozen in each of three styles is fine, it's just that some people get confused or frustrated trying to keep track of what goes with what. But it's definitely better than getting 3 dozen of something you end up hating. Plus, some things work better in different situations (like coverless fitteds around the house, pockets at the babysitter's, etc). Although, most things end up working pretty well most of the time. I hope you at least try some prefolds; I've tried everything and prefolds are always what I go back to.

[Lynda&Jenna]

we use a mix of brands. It won't take long and you will know what is what and what your favorites are. These boards are great for info.
Lynda

[organicmom3]

Originally Posted by Juliacat

I hope you at least try some prefolds; I've tried everything and prefolds are always what I go back to.

I see now on Green Mountain Diapering that a good cover means you don't really need pins, etc to use prefolds....are there particular covers that work better with prefolds so you DONT have to use pins or snaps?

[Juliacat]

Originally Posted by organicmom3

I see now on Green Mountain Diapering that a good cover means you don't really need pins, etc to use prefolds....are there particular covers that work better with prefolds so you DONT have to use pins or snaps?

My favorites for this were Blue Penguin wrap 'n snaps. Any wrap style cover (Bummis Super Whisper, Super Snap, Super Brite; Proraps; Imse Vimse Bumpy; Mother-ease Rikki; etc. etc. etc.) will work. I have heard particularly good things about the Bummis Original in this aspect, but I have never used it.

Using prefolds without the pins or Snappi works better on a baby who's old enough to poop less often and more solidly--you can do it at younger ages but it will be messier and you will need more covers (still cheaper than fitteds or pockets though).

[Lynda&Jenna]

We like Thirsties new duo covers, they have 2 stages that grow with your baby. Also the wonder wrap we swear by for night time diapering. Lite wraps are good. You can just lay your diaper in or use pins or snappi's.
Lynda

[organicmom3]

Originally Posted by Juliacat

. I hope you at least try some prefolds; I've tried everything and prefolds are always what I go back to.

I really am considering some of these now....for maybe a third of what I end up ordering...especially now that 14 y.o. dd looked at the pics on Green Mountain Diapers and said, "well that doesn't look too bad"....
but.....
do you really need all the different sizes if what you intend to do is fold them in a cover to use? Do I really need the newborn size or can I skip to the yellow small ones and just fold it a bit more?

[mommajb]

I did prefolds with two sizes the old green and rainbow trim (infant and premium maybe? Not toddler). They have held up through several children.

My preference in covers changes over time as does my tolerance for reuse w/o washing. Bummis are real workhorses no matter what you choose - fleece, super whisper wrap, snap. A friend gave me some fleece pockets and they are easy.

It still overwhelms me to look at all the choices available.

[Juliacat]

Originally Posted by organicmom3

do you really need all the different sizes if what you intend to do is fold them in a cover to use? Do I really need the newborn size or can I skip to the yellow small ones and just fold it a bit more?

Yes, you can do that. Some people prefer a bit more folding in exchange for the money savings of buying fewer sizes. Other people think it's worth the money to have a diaper that fits exactly perfectly into the cover. It's just personal preference--either way will do the job.