Cloth diapers for a newbie

[coffeegirl]

I'm 33 weeks+ along with my first, and we've decided to try and use cloth diapers with the baby. Mostly because we've heard it'll save us a lot of money. The apartment we just moved into has a washer and dryer in the kitchen so that just sealed the deal.

Anyhow, been looking online and the whole CD thing seems really, really complicated because of all the endless options. Can anyone maybe narrow it down, simplify it for me please? I really need a beginner's guide.

What we need is something inexpensive (but not cheaply made or ineffective) and something that a newbie would be able to master. We are planning on having a few disposable diapers on hand for emergencies as well.

[newmommy7-08]

Prefolds and covers... LOL That is the most inexpensive option out there, and really not nearly as difficult as people thing. I bought all of DS's pf's through diaperjunction.com but have also heard good things about greenmountaindiapers.com and little-lions.com.

At diaper junction I got a pf package of 2 dozen pf's, and 4 covers for around $80, I also ordered an extra dozen pf's and would recommend at least 2 more covers probably thirsties covers. I bought the small size pf's since it would last longer, but you could also order a dozen or so infant size pf's if you wanted to have the tiny ones on hand (those could later be used as a doubler in the larger pf's). The covers I ordered in newborn, and then ordered 4-6 more in small so I had them on hand. Add in one wetbag to keep diapers in at home and a small one to travel with and you have enough diapers to get you through to the next size. (should last 4-6 months.)

If you have the money now to order the next size up you could do so, which would be the medium pf package w/ medium covers.

** I just noticed diaperjunction is out of stock on these, but you could call and see how long that will be. I also noticed that they have an econobum kit for only $49.95 which is a one size pf and cover system. It comes w/ 3 one size covers and 12 pf's... SO in theory 2 kits and an extra dozen pf diapers would cover you through potty training for around $130. This store does replenish their stock quickly.

*** I used this package w/ my oldest, and the diapers were and are great, have held up wonderfully and will be used again w/ the twins.

[lillymonster]

http://nickisdiapers.com has 15 day trial packages, you can wash and return to see which you like best. I didn't pick up prefolds until much later, I liked pockets for easing into cloth diapers, then as I got more comfortable, I moved into fitteds.

[jwpsgurl]

I think the easiest is prefolds and covers because you can get a great fit on all sizes and shapes of babies. There are a lot of other options out there, but I wouldn't bother too much for the newborn stage because they grow out of them way too fast. Prefolds are low maintenance, too and you can dye them if they are too boring. I do like fitteds for newbies, too, but they aren't a necessity and they can get expensive.

[rootzdawta]

Moved from I'm Pregnant to Diapering.

[coffeegirl]

Originally Posted by newmommy7-08

I also noticed that they have an econobum kit for only $49.95 which is a one size pf and cover system. It comes w/ 3 one size covers and 12 pf's... SO in theory 2 kits and an extra dozen pf diapers would cover you through potty training for around $130. This store does replenish their stock quickly.

Thank you everyone for the replies! I'm feeling I have a better grasp on this diapering thing now. Re: the post I quoted above, I went over to Nicki's Diaper and found the econobum kit which includes 3 covers and 12 pre-folds. These pre-folds are apparently one-size fits all. Does this sound like a good deal to you guys...? To get one of these kits, and then maybe another dozen or so prefolds (at least) to round it out?

[newmommy7-08]

I would honestly either get 2 kits, or buy some extra covers. In the early days their bm's can be very runny and 3 covers may not get you through 1 day.

[coffeegirl]

Ok, well I went over to Green Mountain Diapers per the recommendations I've read in some archived threads. Do yall think it would be better in this case to go ahead and get a couple dozen newborn prefolds and some diaper covers? Better than the econobum kit, I mean? The covers at GMD look a littler better than the econobum covers, but what do I know? lol

The covers I was looking at at GMD were the Bummis superbrites: http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/...htm#superbrite

Also, the Bummis Whisper Wraps:
http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/covers.htm#Bummisw

Maybe I could get one of each (at least!) to start with? Or should I go back to the econobum kit idea?

[cristeen]

I wouldn't get more than a dozen NB pfs, honestly. I'd get the next size up, what is that - orange edge (infant)? You have no idea what size babe you'll wind up getting, and too big is definitely better than too small when it comes to PFs, you can just fold down the excess. My guy can still fit into infant PFs at 8 mos, although we recently sized up to red edge for the absorbency.

I'd also get at the very least 1 cover in the next size up. It really depends on the brand though. I went with Imse Vimse covers and he needed the preemie size for the first 2 months, and can still wear the small at 8 months - it just doesn't cover the dipes anymore (we use some OS dipes).

I went through the NB period with only 1 PUL cover (because I didn't expect to need preemie covers), and maybe 3 wool covers I knit up, and we did fine (we washed dipes every night). He spent a lot of time coverless while I figured out the whole mom thing. If you can knit, a $5 skein of Pattons wool can get you 2 or 3 NB/sm covers, and too big works just fine with wool (include a drawstring). If you crochet, you might only be able to get 2 out of a skein. But that's far cheaper than buying PUL covers, and it'll keep you busy for the next few weeks while you're waiting for the babe's arrival.