Cloth Diaper Thread - Page 3

[teamsalem]

Originally Posted by ThreeLittleBirds

We plan on CDing from the beginning. I started CDing with my son when he was 1 1/2, and wished i had started sooner (later is better than never!)

I do have a question though.
FOr a NB stash, how many will I need?? I am thinking I will get the one sixe fits all. Seems to make financial sense to get one size that fits all the stages.

So about how many will i need??

I found the one size diapers huge on my kids as newborns. They didn't fit well until about 3mos.

[bohemama]

Originally Posted by kryztuh

ThreeLittleBirds--I have heard that the one size diapers can be very bulky when used in the smaller sizes because the fabric is folded and snapped up. I haven't actually tried them out, but we have a few CD shops here in MD, you could try to check them out in person.

We used the bumGenius from about 8 weeks with DD2. I think she was about 10lbs when we started. They didn't seem any bulkier than the other cloth diapers I was using (mostly Fuzzibunz). I would definitely recommend them...but they have changed since I used them so I'm not sure if the newer ones are more bulky or not. They don't seem to be.

[Kelly1101]

MIL just bought me 6 new thirsties fitted. Yay!

[JulieInChicago]

I'm a FTM and have done LOTS of research and think i know what I want...

for the first 3 mos, Thirsties size 0 covers with indian prefolds and snappis. I'll buy 4-5 covers and then 24+ prefolds since they're cheap at $1 ea. If we were rich we'd go with Kissaluv 0's, but with $1 prefolds vs $12ea KLs, it's no question. Even renting is way more expensive.

from there on out, a mix of fuzzibunz and BumGenius Organics (the snap kind).
The daycare we chose will only do all-in-ones, so covers and liners are out of the question.

At 12 weeks I'll order one of each, though, to check them out. I'm super curious about the flips, but I don't get how they're much different than going with a prefold and a cover...

[Kelly1101]

Originally Posted by JulieInChicago

I'm a FTM and have done LOTS of research and think i know what I want...

for the first 3 mos, Thirsties size 0 covers with indian prefolds and snappis. I'll buy 4-5 covers and then 24+ prefolds since they're cheap at $1 ea. If we were rich we'd go with Kissaluv 0's, but with $1 prefolds vs $12ea KLs, it's no question. Even renting is way more expensive.

Sounds good. If you can though, I'd get one more size 0 cover. I had six and really needed that many, just for the diaper blow-outs where the poop gets all over the cover. You can get by with 4-5, though, if you have to. The Thirsties is a great cover, it's all about the leg gussets-- liked those SO much more than Bummis.

[darkblue0729]

CD'ing here Thank god for diaper services. I echo all of the mamas who suggest showing reluctant DPs the math...it is seriously mind boggling.

[Monkey Keeper]

Originally Posted by darkblue0729

CD'ing here Thank god for diaper services. I echo all of the mamas who suggest showing reluctant DPs the math...it is seriously mind boggling.

All right...enough of you have mentioned "the math" to totally intrigue me! Please, please share.

I'm now a SAHM, so my life is a little less crazy than it was with my first two. We've never CDd, but I'm intrigued. This may be our last kiddo. Does the math still work out if I buy dipes for this one? How??

Thanks!

[missmich]

I hope to cloth diaper and I've all ready started to look for some good deals on gently used diapers. Since it will be and the little one and my cat (who does not help with laundry) I'll be using sposies as well especially during the first few weeks when I'll be pretty tired from birthing and getting used to the new routine.

[Illiana]

I just bought my first CD! I got 4 rocky mountain one sizes. Yesterday i ordered some (36-infant size) IPF and one cover of small Thirsties, small Thirsties Duo, and small Bumkins to see which ones to order more in. I have 2 prowraps NB and 3 bummis nb that someone gave me with my daughter but she was too big for them by the time i got them.

I didn't cd with dd but i really wanted to so i'm very excited with cding this baby.

How many covers do i need for newborn? (I have 5)
In size small? I'll have 3 once these come in.
And mediums? (i have one or two really old worn ones not something i'm thrilled about)
i do have the 4 RM one sizes now also (with small and large inserts.)

I want to order some more when i get the "samples" in but don't know how many i'll need.. i want to at least get any nb and smalls in soon.
OH and DF doesn't know.. lol that sounds bad, but my ex rarely changed diapers so i figure going off of that my df is rarely going to change diapers therefore it is my decision what to diaper baby in.. besides until i move in with him next month, my money is still mine.. so i can stock up on baby shit that he probably would fuss at me for and he'll never know that i didn't have it with my dd. heh.. i'm horrible..

[Illiana]

Originally Posted by PinkBunch

All right...enough of you have mentioned "the math" to totally intrigue me! Please, please share.

I'm now a SAHM, so my life is a little less crazy than it was with my first two. We've never CDd, but I'm intrigued. This may be our last kiddo. Does the math still work out if I buy dipes for this one? How??

Thanks!

oh yes, i am getting a full supply to only use on one baby.

http://diaperline.blogspot.com/2007/06/sposie-math.html

Sposie Math One
This will show you a break down (approximate break down) of the costs of disposables and Cloth diapers. For Sposie Math one, I will make the following assumptions:
-You are a great shopper and buy well priced disposables that are $.25 a piece. Some disposable are as much as $.38 a piece, so keep in mind if you use name brands or have high taxes in your area, you pay more for each disposable.
-You decide to use mainly pockets to diaper. There are cheaper and other options. I will profile one of the more expensive way to cloth diaper now, and the cheapest way later.
-You change diapers 7 times a day. My daughter is three months old right now, and thats probably about right for us.
-You have a moderate to light wetter. A heavier wetter may need other inserts or another system, etc...
-You choose to go with a sized diaper.

OK, here we go.
7 disposables a day at .25=$1.75 a day in diapering

Lets say you bought a "stash" of brand new pocket diapers. They will run you roughly $17 a piece, and will include one standard insert. If you wash every other day, 15 will be enough.

15 diapers at $17 each= $255

Also, to diaper full time, you'll need a few things:
Pail Liner- $15.00 (you can use other, cheaper alternatives, but to buy one online...)
2 hemp inserts to use at nights- $6 each, so $12

225+15+12= $282

You'll need to change 1128 diapers to "break even." Thats about 161 days, 5 and a half months.

May seem like a lot. Except when you are done with your size small stash- you can re-sell them. Lets say you get $12 a diaper when you re-sell (which is reasonable after one child, in EUC).

You'll get back $180. So, you've actually only spent $108 to diaper through the size small stage. Thats only 408 changes, so 58 days, less than 2 months.

So, for the cost of two months of disposables, you've diapered your child for 6 months (what I would say is average for a child to outgrow smalls. However- I've known 2 month old children who have zoomed through smalls- and 1 year old children still in smalls).

Now- because we've gone a sized route, and you've sold all your diapers- you have to do it again

Except you can re-use the pail liner and hemp. You will however, want to add some sort of sprayer to your home when your child starts on solid foods, so you can rinse your diaper (no touching toilet water). They cost about $40.

So for a medium stash,
15 x $17= $255 + $40 for the sprayer means you'll spend $295 for your medium stash.

Sell them again when you are done. You get back $180. You spent $115.

To break even in your medium stash, you'll need to change 460 diapers. 66 days, a little over two months.

Again "average" will be that your child is in mediums for a year. So you've just saved 10 months worth of disposables.

And now its time for larges. This time- you don't need anything special. Just the dipes.

So again, 15 x $17 = still $255 Sell them again for $180. You've spent $75.

300 changes, 43 days, a month and a half to break even.

Lets add that together. You've spent $298 to cloth diaper your average sized child (will be more if you have a large child who needs Ex-large- less if you have a small child who stays in mediums) until potty training.

I've just googled it- the first study to come up says 37mths is the "average" time to potty train. Thats a little over age 3, so lets just make it 36 months for the sake of my sanity.

7 diapers a day x 30 days a month x 36 months= 7,560 changes

Now wait a minute- what about the cost of utilities and soap?
I have cloth diapered from the beginning. However- I've been told by many mothers they noticed no change in their utility bills. So, I'm going to say the utilities go up $5 a month. I have used half a bottle of soap in my 3 months of diapering- so for 3 years, I'll say you need 6 bottles of soap. Soap costs me under $3 a bottle.

$5 x 36= $180
$3 x 6= $18

We'll add $198 to the $298 you've spent on diapers. So total, you've spent $496 to cloth diaper your child for three years.

So, you've now spent $.07 a change to cloth diaper.

7560 changes x $.25 a disposable= $1890 for three years (this does not count pull-up type diapers, which are more expensive)

You can cloth diaper for your child's three years in diapers for the same amount you spend on 6 1/2 months of disposables. Not counting wipes.



What if you decide to keep your diapers for your next child? In the example above, you've made back $540 with selling your diapers.

$496 + $540 = $1036 you've spent on diapers

$1036 / 7560 changes = $.13 a change for your first child only. Your second, and third, are free.

You've now cloth diapered for 108 months for the same price disposables would have cost for about 18 months. Thats 7 and a half years of free diapering.

Lets see what you'll save using a one size option.
15 x $17 = $255 still.

$255 / 7560 changes = $.03 a change.

You have now cloth diapered your first and second child for less than 5 months of disposables.

[Kelly1101]

Originally Posted by Illiana

I just bought my first CD! I got 4 rocky mountain one sizes. Yesterday i ordered some (36-infant size) IPF and one cover of small Thirsties, small Thirsties Duo, and small Bumkins to see which ones to order more in. I have 2 prowraps NB and 3 bummis nb that someone gave me with my daughter but she was too big for them by the time i got them.

I didn't cd with dd but i really wanted to so i'm very excited with cding this baby.

How many covers do i need for newborn? (I have 5)
In size small? I'll have 3 once these come in.
And mediums? (i have one or two really old worn ones not something i'm thrilled about)
i do have the 4 RM one sizes now also (with small and large inserts.)

I want to order some more when i get the "samples" in but don't know how many i'll need.. i want to at least get any nb and smalls in soon.
OH and DF doesn't know.. lol that sounds bad, but my ex rarely changed diapers so i figure going off of that my df is rarely going to change diapers therefore it is my decision what to diaper baby in.. besides until i move in with him next month, my money is still mine.. so i can stock up on baby shit that he probably would fuss at me for and he'll never know that i didn't have it with my dd. heh.. i'm horrible..

Ideally I'd say 6 newborn covers and 4 small covers. I'm getting 4 medium covers, too-- Em is not in mediums yet, she's been in smalls from 3 months - 10 months. Probably within the next few months we'll make the jump to mediums, she's just a very long skinny banana baby.

As far as DF goes, either show him the breakdown posted just above me, or do what I did-- calculate what you would spend on a year's worth of disposable diapers (for a newborn, mind, who goes through a LOOOOOT of diapers, seriously like 18-20 a day for the first three months). Then put that figure next to what you spend on a stash of newborn and Small diapers and covers. There is a big difference. That tends to work on men.

Originally Posted by missmich

I hope to cloth diaper and I've all ready started to look for some good deals on gently used diapers. Since it will be and the little one and my cat (who does not help with laundry) I'll be using sposies as well especially during the first few weeks when I'll be pretty tired from birthing and getting used to the new routine.

I did sposies the first two weeks or so, too.

Originally Posted by Illiana

oh yes, i am getting a full supply to only use on one baby.

http://diaperline.blogspot.com/2007/06/sposie-math.html

It's even about 10 times cheaper with prefolds. Pocket diapers are expensive. And I think they are underestimating the cost of disposables because, um, raise your hand if your newborn only goes through SEVEN diapers a day...

Basically to figure it out, I just asked friends of mine how much they spent on diapers a week, then got a figure from that on how much it would be for a year.

[Just1More]

Oh, yeah, I think that math is way off. Good, yes, but the savings are MUCH higher.

Firstly, I don't think you need gadgets. My kids, in sposies, wear huggies because they are the cheapest of the non-perfumed options. The others take my breath away and make my kids break out. And, with a newborn, we spend 20 to 30 every other week on diapers. At LEAST 12 changes a day. Every other hour around the clock, sometimes more. Every time you go through a box of diapers, you have spent the equivalent of one pocket diaper. So, when I use pockets, I figure not using sposies for one week buys me one cloth diaper. Obviously, if you buy one size (which did fit my kids from the beginning), and pockets, 20 is a lot of diapers. 20 weeks and you've bought a stash that will work until they are out of diapers.

And pockets ARE expensive.

10 Mommy's Touch one-size covers (highly recommend...very adjustable, great quality), and a stash of prefolds ($1 to $2 each) (or your old t-shirts to fold and snappi) and you're done.

10 covers (170.00)
24 small prefolds (24.00)
24 medium prefolds (36.00)
24 large prefolds (48.00) (which you probably won't need)

Total: 274.00 And that's ALOT of diapers. I have about 30 to diaper 2 kids, and that's plenty becuase they are yucky sitting around any longer than that anyway. And, you can use your prefolds for wiping noses, dusting shelves, and for changing pads. You don't need a sprayer, just flip off the solids.

You can easily get by on the cost of covers alone, by using t-shirts instead of prefolds.

And you can easily get by on 1/2 the prefolds, and covers, and not buy larges at all.

So, 5 OS covers, 12 small prefolds, and 12 medium prefolds cost less than $100. And will diaper your baby until they are potty-learned.

The fancier you get, and the more you buy, obviously, the more it will cost, but, yeah, cloth diapering is WAY cheaper.

[Just1More]

I know I keep mentioning the mommy's touch one-size covers, but I thought some measurements might be interesting.

I can easily adjust it down to 11 inches around the waist, with a 15" rise, and a leg opening of 4". That's really small. And, if you leave the flap at the top up, instead of folding it down and snapping it, there is very little bulk.

They have extender snaps for the sides, but without them, it is 23" around the waist, 18" rise, and 10" leg opening. My nearly 3 year old is still not on the largest size.

So, they are really an economical way to go.

And, I have to say, I LOVE the fuzzibunz one-size also. They get down pretty small, too.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't dismiss the one-size right away...it might work for you.

[Monkey Keeper]

THANK YOU!! I will admit that I am a terrible diaper shopper and just buy what I need when I need it, coupons be damned. We are down half an income now, though, and getting uber serious about debt reduction and savings. DH thinks I'm crazy to consider cloth because of the mess, but $2k in savings is a LOT of money.

Just1More--You said you have chunkers and that's why one-size works for you? DD2 was 9-8 at birth and 15-7 by 2 months. How would that compare to your kids, and how would it play with your suggestions? TIA!

[Just1More]

Firstly, I got on to say that mommy's touch are great, but I'm not a sales rep or anything, lol. I'd guess that most of the one size snap covers are great...these are just the only ones I've tried.

PinkBunch-yes, that's about right on with my kids. Dd started at 9lb 6 oz. I had one newborn size diaper cover (wahm) and it was too small from the very beginning. She leaked all over the place. I ahve two others in larger sizes from the same lady and I've had no issues, so I trust it wasn't workmanship. Anyway, the flap I was mentioning does go up on their belly a bit, or can be flipped down for the cord if you like, but I didn't find the bulk to be a problem, at all. It really wasn't very bulky, honestly. I don't think I have a picture of her just in a diaper, but I'll see if I can find one later.

Can you sew? Absolute cheapest way to go is to use old t-shirts or simliar fabric and cut yourself a bunch of fitteds. Then go find some old wool sweaters at the thrift store, felt them, and sew up some covers. There are some super, duper easy (and fast!) patterns on the internet. For a newborn, you don't even have to sew legs! Just make a simple (longish) skirt and you're DONE. Especially makes nighttime changes easy.

[Monkey Keeper]

Just1More--Thanks again! Now I need to do some research... I cannot sew to save my soul, so the buying thing would be me, though I do not mind FSOT, and I know quite a few folks locally who have CDd that might be willing to part with newborn/infant stashes. Must look into it...

[Marilyn82]

I am planning to CD this time around, but I'm a total first timer CD noob! I've done some research and gotten some advice from the diapering forum ladies, and basically figured out that there is no all around "best" way to go...it all depends on the baby (some dipes seem to work better for some babies, guess its a shape thing) and personal preference. So, I've decided to just buy a bunch of different kinds and see what I like best. Any that I'm not hugely impressed with will get sold, and I can make way for more of the ones I like.

These are all nb/small sizes with the exception of the one sizes of course
24 prefolds
2 Bumgenius deluxe AIO
2 Bumkin AIO
1 Motherease AIO
1 Kissaluvs contour dipe (just want to try it out)
2 Thirsties diaper cover
2 Flip one size diaper cover
1 Bummies super snap wrap
2 Bummies super whisper wrap
1 Imse Vimse soft cover
2 Kissaluvs marvel One size cover
2 Happy Heinys One size
1 Kissaluvs super soaker diaper doubler pack (3 in pack)
2 snappies

I'm also looking at possibly getting a Grobaby, just because hubby saw them in Whole Foods and was very impressed lol. I just looked up the Mommy's Touch and am thinking about maybe grabbing a couple of those as well and just get less of another style of AIO. I'd also like to pick up a couple of Prowraps covers because the NB styles have the cutout for the cord, but I've seen a lot of them used on Craigslist and will be looking to get a couple from there. Other than that, just planning on getting plenty of wipes (at least 50 but I always used lots of wipes so aiming for more like 100), a couple wet bags, and a pail/liner.

like I said, I'm new at this so feel free to critique lol.

[Just1More]

My experience says the the bumgenius all in one is nice in sizes, BUT their one size is bulky and strange fitting. I only like to use it on the largest size for my kids, and STILL it bunches and is awkward.

Also, the happy heiny's one size are the largest of my one size diapers. I still occasionally take the rise down to the next to smallest setting for my 22 lb one year old. And I should still cross over the tabs, but I haven't sat down to figure out how yet. Also, the leftover flaps under the tops flaps that snap tend to fall down and hang out by their legs. My kids aren't tiny, so I'm positive these wouldn't be a good fit for a skinner baby. They are definately larger cut. Oh, and the fabric of most of the ones I have reminds me of a tent. Doesn't feel high quality. The smallest of my pockets are haute pockets, and I plan to buy a few more for this baby. Ds (who will be 3 in may, 35ish pounds) is on the largest and widest setting. I tend to not put them on him because they don't look as comfortable. They EXACTLY fit him, without much ease of movement room. Dd2 could use the largest and widest setting, too, though I usually put her one snap in on either side.

Another thought. I don't care much for the thinner flannel wipes, but baby washclothes are IT for wipes. Love those things. Sometimes you get a bazillion at a baby shower or something.

As far as pail/liners, I just got a mesh laundry bag and replaced my cotton liner in my metal wire laundry basket (we had several). I throw the diapers in there and wash every other day. I wash the laundry bag, too. (Actually, I have two so that I can put the new one right on the basket and not have to wait for the laundry to be done.)

PINKBUNCH-I just remembered HAUTE POCKETS. Great one-size diaper, but smaller cut.

[Kelly1101]

Originally Posted by Marilyn82

I am planning to CD this time around, but I'm a total first timer CD noob! I've done some research and gotten some advice from the diapering forum ladies, and basically figured out that there is no all around "best" way to go...it all depends on the baby (some dipes seem to work better for some babies, guess its a shape thing) and personal preference. So, I've decided to just buy a bunch of different kinds and see what I like best. Any that I'm not hugely impressed with will get sold, and I can make way for more of the ones I like.

These are all nb/small sizes with the exception of the one sizes of course
24 prefolds
2 Bumgenius deluxe AIO
2 Bumkin AIO
1 Motherease AIO
1 Kissaluvs contour dipe (just want to try it out)
2 Thirsties diaper cover
2 Flip one size diaper cover
1 Bummies super snap wrap
2 Bummies super whisper wrap
1 Imse Vimse soft cover
2 Kissaluvs marvel One size cover
2 Happy Heinys One size
1 Kissaluvs super soaker diaper doubler pack (3 in pack)
2 snappies

I'm also looking at possibly getting a Grobaby, just because hubby saw them in Whole Foods and was very impressed lol. I just looked up the Mommy's Touch and am thinking about maybe grabbing a couple of those as well and just get less of another style of AIO. I'd also like to pick up a couple of Prowraps covers because the NB styles have the cutout for the cord, but I've seen a lot of them used on Craigslist and will be looking to get a couple from there. Other than that, just planning on getting plenty of wipes (at least 50 but I always used lots of wipes so aiming for more like 100), a couple wet bags, and a pail/liner.

like I said, I'm new at this so feel free to critique lol.

Looks like a good selection! You could also throw in a couple of fitteds if you want, I love them for a night-time diaper, but I guess the AIOs could serve the same purpose.

Wipes are one area where I totally did it myself, cut up a bunch of T-shirts. I have a dozen Imse Vimse wipes, too, which I do like, but the cut-up shirts really work just as well.

Wet bags are great. I'd say have 1-2 for the house (2 would be better so that you always have one while the other is in the wash), and one for travel.

As far as a pail, honestly if you're lining it with a large wet bag a five gallon bucket works just fine.


One suggestion to new CDers, that I got from here and LOVE... get a pump thermos like this: http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html...t_adv_XSG10001 to put your wipe solution or warm water (I've always just used warm water). Keeps the water clean and warm for your cloth wipes, just set it within reach of your changing area.

[wryknowlicious]

even tho I'm expecting a decent sized newborn small stash to make it's way back to me soon (this stash has gone thru my 3 closest friends almost 6 times now... hand dyed KL0's and momma-made flannel fitteds)..
i've taken to *splurging* on some cute used dipes and a few new ones.
I bought the Feb. diaper of the week pack from Piddle Poddles in the newborn/small size. i've recieved 2 so farthis month adn I have to say I loooove the feel of fresh bamboo! unwashed. almost hate to ruin it with baby poop! lol.
I also got some cute tie-dyed zany zebras used for cheap, and 2 thirsties sized covers on a clearance sale.
I bought a nice pair of longies from a knitting momma friend of mine, but I think I'll be making most of my longies this time around. I have a pretty good stash of wool sweaters gleaned form the goodwill.