Use diaper service or teach ourselves, buy our own CD? Which is cheaper?

[Mayrigah]

We live in Austin and will be using DEbbie Does Diapers diaper service http://www.debbiedoesdiapers.com/deb...es_diapers.htm if we use one at all. I am due 11-13, so we have to make a decision quick as they must come by this Saturday to set up.

It's 73.62 a month, or over a hundred set up fee, they charge for the covers around 7.99 each . I was surprised today when the guy said we would pay over a hundred every 5 weeks.

I told my partner this, and we have reservations that it may be too expensive, that I should cancel this. We have at least 12 or more cloth diapers that were gifted to us.

I am also confused because I am under the impression that all I need are cloth diapers and pins. But what about the covers? What are covers, why does the diaper service charge nearly 8 bucks for each? Do we need them and why?

We are to be new parents; neither of us is experienced or really understands all the acronyms and cloth diapering vocabulary I see used here. We are going to a cloth diaper class on Thursday at Austin Baby, but I really need some advice.

Is a diaper service really saving money? what are pros and cons?

[aikigypsy]

In general, using a diaper service will cost about the same as using disposables. What I did was to blow a few hundred dollars on diapers and diaper-making supplies, starting with mostly prefolds and pro-raps covers. The laundry is pretty simple, but there were long stretches when I was doing a load of diapers every day or two (we had a few days' supply, but were line-drying in a cold, wet climate which took 1-2 days, depending on the weather and stuff).

Also, with buying your own diapers you have a lot more choice, and can move to a different system if the prefolds and covers aren't working for you. Even with expensive pockets, fitteds, or AIOs, you're still going to save money unless you become a complete "fluff" addict.

[MamaMelis]

That sounds hugely expensive to me. My entire stash of diapers cost about $600, and I had two in cloth so it was enough diapers to only have to wash every other day for two babies. It looks that after like 8 months you would spend that much with the service, and not have anything to show for it (like diapers that you will be able to use with future kids, or resell).

Also, I would assume that a diapering service has to use bleach on the diapers as all sorts of kids use them, thus negating any environmental benefit, or benefit to your child's skin as the bleach would be up against their body.

I totally know what you mean with the acronyms being confusing ~ It can all seem very overwhelming! I'm not a huge prefold fan, except for before they are mobile. I like fitteds (dream eeze organics are great and they frequently have seconds sales, that is how I bought mine, MUCH cheaper) with covers, or pocket diapers ~ I found them really easy to use. I am so not a "fluff" addict ~ diapers are a means to an end for me, I love them but at the end of the day remember that I don't need designer dipes, they do just catch poop,m after all Its easier to keep things cheap when you don't get obsessed with all of the insanely fancy options out there!

I would say that with those prices you will be WAY better off investing in some cloth diapers ~ good luck to you and congrats on your upcoming arrival!

[SunShineSally]

we were going to use a service with this baby and when I looked at it if I used high end expensive diapers and washed them myself it would still be cheaper in the long run esp. now that they have all different onesize diapers covers and pockets. also our service would have been a lot cheaper than what you would be paying! I would cancel if it were me the main thing that drew me to one was that I wouldn't need to wash them but I found washing diapers to be almost rewarding seeing what I prevented being thrown in the trash and sit there forever!

[Ola_]

I think as long as you have laundry facilities, going with your own diapers will be less expensive and more flexible for you. You will be able to have a mix of different ones (many folks like basic prefolds at home and AIO (all in one) or pocket diapers for going out due to convenience or at night. If you aren't familiar with the terminology there are some websites that do a good job of explaining the different types.

Here's one some I just happened to have in my bookmarks: http://travelingwithbaby.wordpress.c...rative-review/
http://diaperpages.com/cd_article.php

Basically flats are the traditional type of diaper, prefolds are a bit different in that they are already layered with more absorbency in the middle - both need to be folded. Fitted diapers are shaped like disposables with velcro or snap closures, while contours are like fitteds but don't have a closure (you can use pins or a snappi for diapers with no closures). All of the above need a waterproof cover.

AIO stands for all-in-one and means the diaper and cover are all together - you just put it on and go. Pockets are kind of like AIO except that you need to add an absorbent insert inside the pocket. AI2 is another type that is like a pocket diaper except that instead of putting the insert in a pocket you simply lay it on top of the diaper (sometimes it's attached with snaps). None of these 3 types need a cover, it's built in.

There are pluses and minuses to each type of diaper and many folks like to have a mix for different situations as I mentioned. Here's a little chart with some more info: http://www.diaperpin.com/clothdiaper...entsystems.asp Another good link: http://pinstripesandpolkadots.com/basics.htm Sorry for the info overload!

[octobermom]

Its a lot cheeper to buy your own than use a service but a service acan be nice especially at the begining. You do need covers 4-6 for the appropiate size is a reccomended number.

A few very cost effectice CD starter packages

1) http://www.diaperjunction.com/discou...d-diapers.html this will give you 24 appropiate sized quaility prefolds plus 4 sized Bummi SWW covers add s snappi or some pins and some cloth wieps and really you have a stash.

2) http://www.integritydiapercompany.co...roducts_id=118 flats atake a little more learning but there great and they will fit from birth to potty so with the exception of occasionally needing to size up covers (and these are way inexpensive) this kit will honestly give you what you need add another dozen wipes and a snappi your set

3) http://nickisdiapers.com/catalog.php?category=507 this is a great basic CD kit gives you some color variety as well a fun choice

4) http://nickisdiapers.com/catalog.php?category=1363 one of the newest once size CD options on the market each kit gives you 12 one size super nice prefolds and 3 one size covers. the covers hoenstly will likely be too big for the early NB stage but this is still a great investment.

5)

Willing to go a we bit higher?
http://www.kellyscloset.com/bumGeniu...ck_p_3755.html yes $400 can seem like a lot but this is a complete set and is still a huge saving over disposables or a diaper service this is really all you need.

https://usshop.motherease.com/shopexd.asp?ID=28 these are some of the most well respected and loved one size diapers on the market you will need to size up covers when needed but a great choice if you decide.

Deanna

[ZoeyZoo]

I spent $500 total on my stash and I wash them myself. I bought 30 one size pockets (combination of bum genius and whammies). I have been using them sinze birth and my dd is about 26 lbs now and still wears them 18 months later. I'm working on the potty now so she can be out of diapers before we outgrow them.

[Mayrigah]

What about y'alls utility bills going up due to the laundry? I also thought maybe just use the first month and then cancel in order to save effort when the baby first comes home. But it really does depend on what saves most $.

But now I am leaning to cancel; not sure yet. I am not confident in my ability to do it right just yet and am very worried about finances.

I am also sketched out that the bleach could upset bambino's skin. Didn't kow they used that

[SeekingJoy]

I don't know about others, but I can't tell a difference between CD and non-CD utility bills. With a GERD baby I was doing endless laundry anyway. Two loads of diapers a week/10 a month was nothing.

[octobermom]

Our electricity and water bill stayed the same both before during and after our CD days. We have flat billing and for the 5 years we never saw an adjustment more than a $6 range for the month.

deanna

[carmel23]

Wow, I bet a lot of what you are paying for with a diaper service is the fuel for the delivery truck to drive to and from your place every week.

We used to have a diaper service, and the price went up and up and up. We finally moved to a place where we can do our own laundry, and it is so much cheaper and better!

If you can concerned about the utilities, check your dryer duct to make sure it is clean/clear so your dryer will work at its best. Line drying part of the load is also an option (we line dry year-round, even here in Portland, OR with a little laundry stand inside ) ...

If you invest in some prefolds and covers (proraps work great and are inexpensive) you will save tons of money, even with the washing.

Look at diaperswappers.com for some great deals on diapers from other mamas.

It does help to have the service for the first month, though, because then you don't have to deal with the laundry when you are tired. But be sure to check the phone book for coupons/ or ask for a newbie special. Often diaper services will give you a discount if you pay for 3 weeks, you get one free, etc.
I wouldn't hesitate to ask for something like this...

[Michigan Mama]

I totally agree with all the other posts here. That diaper service sounds quite expensive! You could buy yourself a starter package (or two) pretty inexpensively that includes prefolds and covers, and you'd probably still come out on top.

With prefolds there is a bit of a learning curve, but it will be the same whether you have a diaper service or wash your own.

I love love love prefolds on my little one. Easy, no fuss. I use pockets and fitteds with my older son, but I am very happy with prefolds on my 11 wk old and have used them from the beginning.

So the big difference would be learning to wash, right? I wash daily since I have 2 in diapers and it lookks like this: cold rinse (with 1/3 scoop country save detergent), hot wash, hot rinse. Dry on medium. It's pretty easy, really, especially with prefolds. Diapers with synthetic fabric (like pocket diapers) can be a little fussier, but still usually easy.

I have never noticed a difference in my utility bill. Even considering that I wash daily now that I have two kids, my utility bill was lower this past month than before! So the cost of washing has not been significant at our house.

Good luck with your decision and keep asking questions! It is a lot of info to sort through. Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy!