new to the CD world

[mad4mady]

I used disposable with my now 8 year old daughter. Now that I am pg with #2 and more knowledgeable I have chosen to CD. I have to tell you my head is spinning with all that is out there to chose from. I do not think I like the all in one CD.. I have looked into gDiapers as they seem like they would be good for when I am not at home since the liner is disposable and biodegates however, is it made with a bunch of chemicals??. I guess I don't know what I need to ask but, I just need a good place to start. I have researched online but, I feel confused with all that is out there. What did you ladies do to find the best CD for your needs? Thank you Megan

[TangoMama]

Hi! Congrats on your baby and your choice to CD - I love cloth diapers!

I totally know where you're coming from - I had no clue what I wanted to do when I first found out I was pregnant, only that I wanted to CD. Fortunately I had a friend who was CD'g and I could email her for advice. What I found really helpful was to look at a couple of the good online sites such as GMD and Abby's Lane, to figure out what the difference was between prefolds, flats, fitteds, hybrids, pockets and all-in-ones. Then I went to an info session that a local cloth diaper store held at the library. Are there any in your area? It's so great to see and feel them in person.

I personally ended up with the following for my Newborn stash:

24 Kissaluvs in size 0 (a cotton, fitted diaper) with 6 PUL covers (4 Thirsties DUO wraps and 2 Bummis Super Whisper Wraps) and 2 wool covers (made by my MIL)

3 BG Organic Elementals (an All-in-one)

12 Newborn prefolds from GMD

We used the KL0s most of the time, with the Elementals for outings when we wanted more absorbancy. We used the prefolds more sporadically, as they aren't as easy to throw on as the fitteds. And I did need all of these diapers - newborns pee a lot, and I was washing every other day.

I really liked all of these very much. DS grew out of the KL0s at 3 months - he's a big boy at 27" and almost 18 lbs at 4.5 months. So at 3 months, I switched to BumGenius 4.0s (a pocket diaper) and prefolds (either trifolded into covers or snappi'd when under the wool covers). We're still using the newborn prefolds trifolded in a Small Bummis cover sometimes, and I bought 16 Medium prefolds from GMD, which I use with a Medium Thirsties cover, a Thirsties DUO wrap size 2, a Flip cover and the wool.

I also just recently bought 2 FuzziBunz size Medium pocket diapers in the Black Friday sales.

I initially was opposed to using synthetic fibers, but have since totally turned around, as they prevent DS from having any rash. I even bought some fleece from the fabric store and cut it into the same size as liners you can purchase and lay those inside his cotton prefolds.

I love all of my diapers - there's nothing I've purchased that hasn't worked for us. I used to see tons of posts about people being unhappy with their diapers (leaking, fit, getting them clean, etc.), but I did a ton of research and they have all worked for us. I wash my diapers with Tide Original Powder right now, but am going to try out Country Save once I run out, as I've heard lots of good things about it and I'd much rather use something that's good for the environment.

[mad4mady]

Thank you TangoMama! I really like your idea to go to a cloth diapering info night. I will have to look into that. I know of one store that sells cloth diapers so I will call them. 

[Marissamom]

a word about the gDiaper inserts. we tried the flushables when DD was 9 months, and she spent about 8 hours in them (changed about every 2 hours) before they had rubbed her raw so that there was a few drops of blood when I wiped her girl parts. I found them to be a really harsh substance to have next to her skin. (they're only the slightest bit softer than printer paper)

[Galatea]

I'm not a huge fan of gDiapers - there are other brands that offer cloth and disposable options that fit much better and prevent leaks much better.  bumGenius's Flip system is one.  You will need something for the 1st two months, though; my favorite newborn diapers are prefolds, Kissaluvs size 0 fitteds, and covers.