CD + insane schedule = help I need ideas

[rikiamber]

I am a full time student on my last year, I have 14 hrs of internship each week (M/W/F 1/2 time) and I will be squeezing a job in there (M/W/F/S) among my 12+ credits of classes(3-4 on T/Th). Maybe some sleep on Sunday after Church.
After baby is born he will be accompanying me to classes, internship and work (at a childcare center).
I live in Fairbanks, AK and it will be -45 for a good 2-3 months after baby is born (cd freeze so nicely and don't smell the car up).
I will be cd full time to save money so I need suggestions and ideas on how to do this. I will be slinging baby, I am saving for a moby.

All you crafty (in the mindful sense) mommas send me your suggestions on how to handle this wonky schedule I am facing down this year and how to survive cloth diapering.

[JessieBird]

For the diapers: I'd suggest flats or prefolds with covers. They require the least amount of water to wash (I've heard that can be an issue in AK) and they are the least expensive...so you can buy LOTS. Buy as many as you possibly can so that you can do laundry as infrequently as possible - given your busy schedule, it doesn't sound like you'll have much time for laundry. You do not have to do laundry every two days as some will say. I've had great luck going up to 7 days with no stink problems (either in the pail as they sit waiting to be washed, or after washing). Flats and prefolds are also the fastest and most energy efficient diapers to dry.

For the wrap/sling: you don't need to buy a brand name wrap at a brand name price. Go to the fabric store or online and buy about 4 yards of a knit material (like t-shirt). You can often find it dirt cheap and you just have to cut it down the middle the long way. You don't have to sew the edge because knits don't fray. The edge will curl slightly to hide the raw cut. If you buy something with a "rib" stripe, it makes it very easy to cut straight by following the rib. You will end up with two wraps so you can give one to a friend. Cost will be a fraction of buying a Moby and you can customize the length/width to suit you (start big and trim down if it's too much fabric).

Speaking of fabric stores, you could actually make your own flat diapers very easily. Just ask for "diaper flannel" - it comes in the right width and all you have to do is cut it into squares. You also don't have to sew the edge as it doesn't fray much, especially after a few washings. If you sew, you can use the same fabric to make prefolds but flats are easier/faster to wash & dry as long as you don't mind the folding.

[rikiamber]

Our fabric store does not sell diaper fabric. I will be making flats out of old tee shirts for infant diapering. I found a very inexpensive brand of pocket diapers on Ebay that has recieved great reviews. I am also going to try using inserts cut from Sham Wow to help stave off leaks and over flow. I am looking for diaper bag suggestions and anyone who has done an all-day-away diaper routine. I dont mind the laundry cause we have a washer and dryer and are on city water (Just one more load to get done in the day).

I will check out the tee shirt material. i was wanting to buy from our local diaper shop cause I feel guilty about buying the CD off ebay but I cant beat the price 40 pockets 1 size plus inserts for less than $300...you can't beat that.

I have been researching.

I do need diaper bag suggestions and ways to keep myself from looking like a pack mule.

[mama2soren]

Do you mean wetbag suggestions?
I didn't use a designated "diaper bag" much, because I found cuter, just as functional bags that were less expensive... just not official "diaper bags." Target has big cute totes, for instance.

For wetbags for dirty diapers, I love Bummi's bags The Medium size holds lots of dirty diapers when you're out. Get 2-3, so that you always have one available, even when the other is in the wash with the diapers. They have big drawstring wetbags that you can use as your diaper pail liner. Just turn the bag inside out right into the washer to dump diapers out, then wash the bag along with the diapers. Again, buy 2! They are handy to have even after your diapering days are over. I use mine when I go to the pool to bring wet swimsuits home in!

To be very cost and time effective, I'd consider doing lots of prefolds, maybe with a handful of pockets. You can buy 4 days worth of prefolds without spending a fortune and only do laundry twice a week. If you're going to be out all day, prefolds are nice, because they aren't as bulky as taking around lots of pocket diapers. You can use the same cover over and over and just change the prefold. Thirsties makes great multi-sized covers that work well and are very cost effective. You'd only need about 5 in the small size, and 3-4 in the big size (bigger babies don't tend to poo on their covers as often as the littles!)

Good luck!

[rikiamber]

Well looks like I may not be finishing my degree this year after all. I thought I had help to pay off my summer tuition so I could take Fall classes but it fell through. Oh well at least I have a good job and it will be less stressful in schedule because I wont have classes or my internship. I am high disappointed cause I wanted to be finished this year but God knows how much we can handle and I need to trust in Him. Full time work, p/t internship. f/t school, a 4 yr old and a new baby...maybe my plate was a bit too full.

Thank you all for the suggestions anyways.

[JessieBird]

Sorry to hear about school.

Making flats out of old tshirts is a great idea! I'm going to do just that to re-stock my NB stash (my pile of prefolds has shrunk as they get stolen for washing the car, etc...).

Which pockets did you get on ebay? I have a ton of Coolababies, both pockets and AIOs and I LOVE them. They are fantastic and the price allowed me to buy a mountain of them. If it makes you feel any better, I've heard that many of the big name brands including FB are made at the same factory in China. Personally, I prefer the AIOs to the pockets but I know most prefer pockets.

Good luck with everything!