Given 6 dozen prefolds... now what?

[APBTlover]

DH and I are expecting our first baby in about 5 weeks (yikes!) and really want to CD. Pretty much everyone we know thinks we're crazy, but, happily enough, we were on the receiving end of over 6 dozen old Curity prefolds (from the 70s, I believe). Only one of them has so much as a hole, and they all seem very soft and absorbent despite their age.

We're total beginners at this, though. I know I need covers and some sort of closures (pins, snappis), but what kind/how many/will this work with a newborn, too? I am, I admit, somewhat more concerned with finances than with convenience. I know you mamas can help me out.

[mumkimum]

Just want to say wow! about the old curity prefolds (they're so soft! - I have quite a few my mom found cheap that I use). They're great daytime diapers for us - I have homemade doublers (out of toweling & flannel) I sometimes use with them - and you may still find you want some of the thicker prefolds you can buy online, but the curity are really nice and can help you minimize what you need to spend otherwise (picking up a dozen premium prefolds might be nice to have thicker nighttime dipes).

I find, at least 4 covers in each size is the minimum you really want (you can get one-sized covers for some, maybe pick some up secondhand to save $, or look into sewing some out of fleece or knitting wool soakers too) and 2-3 snappis are totally sufficient. Anything extra is just that - extra (possibly fun too, though). Browse around here - lots of rec's for what kinds of covers people like.

[Juliacat]

I had a hard time using prefolds on a brand-new newborn, both times. I can't explain why, but with both kids they were 3 weeks old before I could deal with anything other than fitteds.

Anyway, but I might just be weird in that department, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE Swaddlebees ABC snap wraps. You can just fold the diaper into it and snap it on the baby. Pins and Snappis are good to have, too, though, because pins allow you to let the baby go coverless for breathability, and Snappis are good for keeping poop off your covers, especially breastfed baby poop. I learned to pin from studying the pictures on the Green Mountain Diapers web site.

You can also find Econobum covers separately from the inserts, I believe, and those are the best bang for your buck as far as covers go. Newborn Proraps covers might be worth looking into as well.

[McMandy]

For our newborn I have several Bummis Super Brite Wraps. I wanted to focus on wraps/covers that I could wipe off and reuse a couple times before having to wash them, requiring less laundry and less $$$! I also have four size 1 Thirsties Duo Wraps. I find if you use something thicker (like a thick prefold) to diaper the baby, these will fit a newborn pretty well... and because they are adjustable, they are suppose to last up to 6-9 months or so.

I LIKE the Thirsties Duo Wraps- but I have to recommend the hook and look (velcro) and not the snaps for a newborn, because the velcro makes for a better fit.

I'm using FLIP and Bummis SBW for my toddler and he loves them (they are his first choice when he picks from the stash). I hear Econobum covers are almost exactly like FLIP (but a bit cheaper). Flip does NOT fit a newborn right away though.

I only bought 2 snappis, which seems to be enough- as you can just rinse and reuse them if they get dirty. Definitely doesn't hurt to have half a dozen pins on hand too- you never know which you might prefer.

I have a lot of friends who use wool covers and swear by them... but I've never used them (because they are expensive, and I'm afraid I'll spend all that money and hate them).

[2xand2y]

I never snappied or pinned I just placed the prefold in the cover.

I adore Pre-wraps. If you google their 800 number you can order seconds from them dirt cheap. The last time I bought covers I got the classic w/velcro in a size large for 4.50 each. I never did figure out why they were seconds but they have enjoyed at least 2 new homes since we potty learned and passed them on!