A few more specific questions...

[fishmom]

I feel like I'm getting a handle on what I'll need, but with all my research I still have a couple of questions...

Some of you have said that used dipes can have "issues." What would you def buy new? What would you avoid used? Covers? Bags? Wool? PFs?

Why are used PFs so pricey? Like sometimes more than new from CB when you factor in shipping?

I've seen people talk about going "coverless" in the summer with pins. Does that mean just a PF/Fitted? Why with pins and not snappis? For an infant doesn't that mean that whatever/whoever (namely me) is next to baby gets soaked?

Thanks so much everyone!!

[Jazzmin]

Some of you have said that used dipes can have "issues." What would you def buy new? What would you avoid used? Covers? Bags? Wool? PFs?

I don't think there isn't anything I wouldn't bu used. Just make sure you ask detailed questions before you buy. I like to make sure that all stains, tears and snags have been disclosed. All snaps, velcro and elastic are in like new and if not, what is wrong. When buying wool ask about felting, snags, and repairs that may have been made.

Why are used PFs so pricey? Like sometimes more than new from CB when you factor in shipping?

Well, not all PF are equal. Some are organic or made from bamboo or hemp. The cost to ship PF usually drives up their price used.

I've seen people talk about going "coverless" in the summer with pins. Does that mean just a PF/Fitted? Why with pins and not snappis? For an infant doesn't that mean that whatever/whoever (namely me) is next to baby gets soaked?

Going coverless means just that. It doesn't matter if you are wearing a PF with pins or a snappi or if you have on a fitted- it is totally a matter of preference. We go coverless outside in the summer, but not so much in the house. DD is on the heavy wetting side and I don't want pee on my carpet or furniture. If your baby is a light wetter it may not be a problem, though frequent changes are important or you may get wet.

[Ola_]

When buying used I would ask for lots of photos, in addition to asking all the questions. Or consider your local Craigslist/Kijiji so you can see the condition of the dipes in person before you pay for them.

I believe the makers of the Snappi say you shouldn't use it without a cover. There is potential of it un-hooking and it could hurt the baby with one of the pokey ends.

Re: used PFs, I believe they are heavy to ship, in addition to the factors that the PP mentioned.

[RunningMama]

Personally, I avoid buying pockets, aio's or ai2's, and any diaper with microfiber UNLESS it is stated that the diaper has been only tried on or used a couple of times, you can tell this most of the time with pictures. More used diapers look used, kwim? All cotton diapers are easy to clean and easy to "fix" if there are stink issues.

I avoid the above mentioned diapers because, PUL if not taken care of properly can leak, and I have bought some AIO's that are older, and the pul is just old and not working as good anymore.

I just avoid microfiber all together because I find it is a pain to keep from smelling, and vie just had too many issues with it.

Hemp and bamboo have come to me with issues, meaning they smell when ds pees in them, even after I wash them...but I have found that with hemp and bamboo, a good soak in Bac Out overnight ( or vinegar) does the trick with smell.

Cotton normally does not have issues other than stains, which generally come out with a good soak in oxy clean or day in the sun. They are easy to clean, and easiest to get the stink out if the prior owner did not take care of them.

Prefolds are normally priced more because they are super expensive to ship. They weigh a ton and they don't fit into small packages, unless you are buying only a couple. Most ppl normally buy them bynthe dozen, which is going to cost the seller at least ten dollars to ship.

HTH!

[alfabetsoup]

If you are planning on using cloth with more than one child, I'd buy new, and I'd get good stuff too. The amount of $$ it will save you in the long run more than makes up for the initial expense--I have some diapers and covers used heavily with DD1 now in heavy rotation with DD2 in such good shape I'll be able to sell them on when we're done.

Also, if PFs cost more used than new, why on earth wouldn't you buy new ones? You don't know how the used ones have been washed or just how used they are, do you? And there's always a risk of getting scammed (if you don't consider buying used diapers at new prices a scam already). If there's no cost savings, don't mess around with used.

[SleeplessMommy]

Originally Posted by fishmom

I've seen people talk about going "coverless" in the summer with pins. Does that mean just a PF/Fitted? Why with pins and not snappis? For an infant doesn't that mean that whatever/whoever (namely me) is next to baby gets soaked?

yes, when baby pees, anyone holding baby will get soaked. Most of us use covers (or pockets!) When we visited India, coverless (or naked) was the norm for concrete floored houses.

There are many choices of prefolds. Organic will benefit farm workers and the environment but is the same as "regular" for your baby. I go with little-lions prefolds (free shipping over $90) Most cloth dipey users end up with pockets, which are more convenient in the long run, and cost effective as long as baby fits a "one size" pocket dipey.

[fishmom]

Thank you so much for the feed back; it is so helpful to know what to look out for. I'll try to stick to mainly cloth and newer PUL covers.



The high shipping makes sense to me now how it effects the price.

[cristeen]

Originally Posted by SleeplessMommy

Most cloth dipey users end up with pockets, which are more convenient in the long run, and cost effective as long as baby fits a "one size" pocket dipey.

i don't know that "most" use pockets... I have some pocket fitteds, but have never used a pocket.

There's also nothing i'm aware of that proves no difference between organic and not for the babe. I err on the side of caution with that one, since he'll be wearing them 24/7 for a few years.

As for going coverless, it a depends. If you have enough absorbency you won't get soaked with the first pee, but might with the second. It also depends on how heavy a wetter your babe is. I had my heavy wetter in a pf this morning stuffed w a hemparoo and coverless on the bed with no problem. But i have to change him after one pee.

[Galatea]

I avoid everything used, b/c most of the time, people are not as careful about their laundry as I am. And Tide gives us a rash and a lot of people use that.

PFs are VERY heavy and VERY expensive to ship. Don't buy them used - buy new.

Snappis have a warning on them not to use without a cover, lest the baby detach it and choke. Some people feel like coverless can help with air circulation or rashes, but you have to change them as soon as they pee to not get wet.

[mambera]

OK here are some of the main issues with used, by material:

Microfiber: Holds stink easily if you don't have the right wash routine. Bad MF stink can be very hard to solve.

Microfleece/microsuede (the stay-dry liners of pockets and AIOs): Can get buildup from detergent and end up repelling instead of letting the pee through to the absorbent layer beneath. Results in leaky diapers and can also be difficult to solve.

Elastic: Is the first thing to die in lots of dipes so if you get heavily used covers the leg elastics may not last you long. Especially if the previous owner was drying them on hot.

Velcro: Also dies quickly, especially on BumGenius products.

Wool: Could be overlanolized I guess. I don't use it myself so not the expert.


Overall the 'techier' diapers with stay-dry inners are more finicky in the laundry so are a bigger risk to buy used. 'Low-tech' options like prefolds are easier to launder and less likely to have issues if bought used. (OTOH they are pretty cheap in the first place so the savings are less tempting.)

Re wetbags, I don't see a problem with used.

[lunita1]

Originally Posted by Galatea

PFs are VERY heavy and VERY expensive to ship. Don't buy them used - buy new.

If you can find good prefolds on craigslist (I have), that's the way to buy them used. That way you avoid shipping fees.

[AKislandgirl]

Originally Posted by SleeplessMommy

Most cloth dipey users end up with pockets, which are more convenient in the long run, and cost effective as long as baby fits a "one size" pocket dipey.

I wouldn't agree with this! I hate pockets and no many people who do as well!

Buying used: This is what works for me. I like to buy one of a diaper (fitted) that I'm interested in. If I like the fit, quality, etc... I tend to buy them new there after. I intend to use these diapers for more then one kiddo and don't want to deal with shot elastic, stains, etc...

I've gotten great wool used and most of my wool pieces have been purchased used at DS. Ask lots of questions and get pictures. Just like hand me down clothes still have lots of life left, so do wool pieces! Just choose carefully.

Going Coverless: We do it a lot in fitteds and prefolds. We don't have pee all over and I don't get soaked. Its easy to tell when her diaper is wet or she even runs up to me and says and signs potty and I change her or let her sit on the toilet. She's not a heavy wetter however. This will depend on you child. Lots of people just go coverless outside. What ever works for you!