How do you get started?

[SoonToBe]

So I am dead set on cloth diapering.  I'm just confused how to start.  I've read a lot and read lots of reviews and it seems like it's trial and error as to which will work best for you and the baby.  I'm pretty sure I'm doing prefolds and covers, but I haven't really seen (in person) all the options either.  I'd like to kinda keep it simple, though I'd rather avoid pins.  It seems that one cover is best for a skinny baby with little thighs (for example, Thirsties) and another is better for those with chunky thighs (for example, Bummis Whisper Wrap).  I was looking on Craigslist for stuff and there is quite a few, but it's like a whole stash.  If you don't know what will work for you, how do you start out?

Can you guys help point me in the right direction?  I have lots of time to figure it out since I'm not due until the summer, but I wanted to be able to start looking for deals online or Craigslist as they may come up.

What works best for you?

Thanks.

Bree

[IdentityCrisisMama]

I thought I'd post because you haven't gotten a response yet.  Keep in mind that I'm not the CD expert that some of these other parents are so take my info with a grain of salt.  

I CD'd my first starting over 9 years ago.  I simply used a diaper service and the covers they sent me.  I seriously think I had 2 covers!   I did use disposable at night so keep that in mind.  This system worked for us.  I remember the service SO, SO fondly!!   I also really liked the simplicity of it all.  

Flash forward to 9 years later and the days of the internet and I agree with you -- so many options.  It makes one feel a little like they have to pick "the best" and that can be so overwhelming.  

My plan for this baby WAS to use prefolds from Green Mountain Diapers.  I choose them after lots of research.  I also chose Darsana (sp) wool covers (2 newborn & 2 small) and about 6 Thirsties Duo.  

Factors that led to that were:

I liked prefolds the first time around

I'm terrible at laundry and this seemed the easiest to wash (other than flats)  

I wanted to try wool because it's so pretty and logical  

I choose the sizing because my family has large (er) babies who grow slow  

I chose the # of covers because I thought people would get them for me as gifts so I "splurged" a bit  

We have a local diaper shop where I can add to cover stash if I want

I was all set to go until my cousin gave me a stash of pockets and fitteds and I'm totally at a loss as to what to do now!  

My point??    I do think it's a bit overwhelming and so long as it's fun for you it is interesting to research BUT you really don't need to stress over it all that much.  2 covers and a bunch of prefolds WILL get you by for a while.  

I liked this site for basic info: 

http://www.abbyslane.com/faqs.php

As you can see from their washing info -- even the opinions out there about stuff varies quite a bit.  

Good luck!!  

[SoonToBe]

Thanks so much!  That is helpful.  I actually just won an ebay lot for $31 that has Thirsties and Bummis in there.  I figure I can see what they feel like and all that.  Then I'll just chill and see what will actually work for the little one.  Maybe he/she will be long and thin or short and chunky.  A different cover may be better than another for my specific baby.  Thanks.  I am having fun looking and learning.  Thanks again.

[Galatea]

For the newborn diapers, you should really try a variety of brands and styles b/c there is no way to intuit in advance what you will like and what will fit.  Then after a few months, you will know better and be able to buy what you want.

For newborns, most people like Kissaluvs fitteds, Thirsties covers and prefolds.  After about 2 months old, most people like FuzziBunz, bumGenius or Rumparooz one-size pockets.