CD newbie... in need of advice

[blueeyes]

I am just shy of 37 weeks pregnant & trying to get everything in order. This will be the first time we are using cloth diapers and I am in desperate need of advice. We don't have a lot of money, but want to have the basics to start with. I've seen a lot of different companies listed & they all seem to have nice stuff, which is also making it overwhelming because I don;t know what all to buy.
So far we have purchased a few things at a local store. The only diaper they carry is the gdaiper. I've got 4 size small, 12 cloth liners, a pack of disposable liners to try, & 12 gerber prefolds. These will most likely be too big for when babe is a newborn, so I might use disposables temporarily. I also know these will not be enough for full time CDing. I could order the new baby starter kit that they have, which would also give me 6 more small diapers http://www.gdiapers.com/shop/getting...le-ltd-edition. But I'm worried if baby ends up on the larger side, then it will be a waste of money.
The other thing I am debating is whether to stick with this brand or try another that makes all-in-ones. Are these really easier & worth the extra money? Or is there any other companies that are nnot too expensive but have good quality, safer material diapers (no plastic liner)? & what about just covers & liners / prefolds?
I think I am panicking now with time crunching down... so... any and all advice or suggestions is appreciated

[fishmom]

I can't offer a lot of advice, but just wanted to sympathize, b/c I'm in the same boat, 1 week behind you and brand new to CDing. :-)

The choices are overwhelming, aren't they? I just took the plunge by buying a mixed lot off diaperswappers. I spent $93 and got 1 doz gmd prefolds, 5 fitteds (3 different brands) and a couple of wool items. Still trying to figure out what to add to this stash. I also don't want to get wrong sizes b/c I've had a 9-1/2 lber before. :-)

[thebigfam]

I was just on diaperswappers and in the fitted area they have some small pre fitteds http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/....php?t=1005596 I think they are a good deal, you just need to snappi them and put a cover on. I did G diapers (I had to make cloth inserts at the time) with my first, they were good in theory but I like regular fitted diapers better. The ladies on diaperswappers usually ship very fast too!

Big momma

[cristeen]

Well, if money is tight, then I'd check out Green Mountain Diapers' prefolds. Not the NB size, but the infant size. Many mamas swear by them. You'll have to size up in a bit, but I know my guy fit in infant prefolds until, well... still does really, and he's 8 mos. I recently sized up to red edge for the absorbency. But if you're just trifolding into a cover, then infant pfs could theoretically work until the babe PLs.

Personally I don't care for AIOs. And while I liked AI2s for a while during the non-mobile stage, I don't like them so much now that he's mobile (or maybe it's just that he's a much heavier pee-er now). For me, it's about fitteds with covers (mostly wool). And I use PFs for night-time.

[RunningMama]

Personally, I'd go to GMD, (green mountain diapers) or Little Lions, and buy two dozen newborn prefolds, two snappis, and about six covers. I look at the Bummis super brite, the imse vimse preemie, the bummis whisper pull on pant, a Thirsties duo size one and an xs, and then look to see what else you may like. I would alsonrecommend getting a wool cover or two, and some wool wash. The imse vimse wool wash is better IMO then the Eulacan. I would also be sure to have a wet bag for when you are out and about. A diaper pail is necessary too, but I'd go to Target or another store and buy a mid size garbage can with lid. You don't need a specific "diaper pail" that is more pricy. I'd also be sure to have some detergent on hand....you don't have to use something expensive, we do use Tide without any problems, but you may want to look at something like tide free for newborns, since they have more sensitive skin...i personally LOVE Allens, but it is a bit more expensive.

HTH!

[feminist~mama]

Etsy has tons of cloth wipes if you'd rather buy them- I've gotten some great deals and fabulous wipes!

[blueeyes]

Thanks mamas for the replies! So, so, so many choices out there
I think I will check out green mountain diapers & maybe get a few things from there to try alongside the gdiapers (or with them!)

[COgirl19]

I second Green Mountain Diapers. We are also on a tight budget and prefolds and covers are the way to go. I have heard good things about the workhorse fitted prefolds they have too and am going to get some of those as well.

Just beware of gdiapers. They aren't "truly" cloth diapers. They still contain the superabsorbant polymers, and cannot be flushed. Although I have heard they can be composted. I suggest reading the article published in Mothering magazine last month, they talk more about them there.