Who is doing Cloth Diapers? - Page 8

[IdentityCrisisMama]

How about another twist to the thread?  Is anyone going to try EC?  

We are - I got The Diaper Free Baby from the library and am reading through it.  We did some form of EC with DC way before I had ever heard of the idea.  I think it was a combo of spending lot of time outside naked and me not really minding cleaning up a little puddle of pee.  Also, we switched to disposables for a few months when DC was about a year because we were going through a major move.  When it was time to go back to cloth I gave DC the choice between trainers and diapers and she picked trainers.  We had a lot of accidents but DC was completely out of diapers by 18 months, which I attribute a lot to how much time she spent not wearing them.  I'd like to try something similar with this new baby but follow some of the EC advice too.  With DC I didn't take her to the sink/toilet until she was over a year (as I recall) and I'll try that sooner with the new babe.  

Then there is all this crazy EC "gear" to discuss.  

[MarineWife]

Must have been a personal problem between me and the snappis.

[Comtessa]

Originally Posted by IdentityCrisisMama 

How about another twist to the thread?  Is anyone going to try EC?   

We are!!!  I was totally inspired by the recent article in Mothering about EC, it made it sound much less frightening and complicated than I'd been assuming before.  I have a good friend who part-time EC'ed with all 4 of her kids, and she was very matter-of-fact about it.  I would love to have my next LO have some experience pooping on a potty before we start really PLing, because DD is totally resistant to the whole idea of pooping on the potty (well, really she's resistant to the potty in general) and I'm regretting not doing more EC with her when she was littler. 

I'm not sure about all the "gear" you mentioned, though.  Gear?  What gear?  I was imagining that a few strategically placed buckets or bowls around the house would be all I'd need; that, and a baby dressed mostly in t-shirt and babylegs around the house.  (Actually, that was one of the obstacles to ECing that I found in the winter months -- our house is just too cold not to dress a baby in layers, and it's really hard to EC when you're peeling fourteen clothing items off the poor kid every time you think s/he needs to go.  Anybody have a solution to that one?) 

[IdentityCrisisMama]

No, MW, you're not the only person I've seen mention that...but it is funny to think of someone having a personal problem with snappies.  :LOL   With snappies I can also see how a very slight variation in the weave of the diaper could have a pretty huge effect on how well the snappy works.  

Isn't it interesting how we all have such different likes/dislikes?  

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Originally Posted by Comtessa 

I'm not sure about all the "gear" you mentioned, though.  Gear?  What gear? 

Oh, yea...there's gear.  It's crazy!  Some of it is so crazy that if I tell DH about it he'll have me cut off from the internet.  Because one of the things you can get for ED babies is...crotchless pants.  Oh, yes.  I'm actually afraid to Google the words "crotchless" and "baby" at the same time.  Now off to find a smile for that one...

There are also baby trainers and these strange undies that velcro around the waist but then flip down.  It's a whole new world.   But, like you, I don't imagine going there.  I'm going to get a potty and we've already got some bowls.  ;-)   I plan on maybe just laying a diaper in the sling if we get good.  If we get really good I would consider some small trainers because I do remember it being a huge pain to find those for DC.  

[MarineWife]

Originally Posted by IdentityCrisisMama 

Isn't it interesting how we all have such different likes/dislikes?

Yep, that's why so much comes down to personal preference.

Another thing about laundry and pockets vs. prefolds. If you're leaning toward pockets but would rather spend more time when changing than doing laundry, you can always leave the stuffing for right before you put the diaper on. I did that sometimes when I didn't have time to sit down and stuff each diaper before putting it away. Sometimes everything would just get thrown in a drawer to be sorted as used. I did try to stuff them ahead of time as much as possible only because my dh preferred the pockets but never could figure out how to stuff them himself.

I've heard and read a little about EC. I had a friend who did it but we never really discussed it so I don't know what her routine was. I don't think I could do it because I am horrible at following any kind of schedule. I'm too lazy for that. When it comes to potty learning for my kids, I just let them go naked as much as possible when they start to use the potty on their own. They see us use the toilet all the time but I don't put them on it until they say they want to try.

For example, my middle ds spontaneously started using the toilet 100% at 3 years and 3 months. There was no working up to it. No scheduled trips to the toilet. When he was ready, he just went. He spent his first 2.25 years in Hawaii and we had tile floors throughout the house so he was able to go naked most of the time.

My 3.5yo has been sporadically peeing in the toilet for about 7 or 8 months now but just recently started pooing in it. He'll go in the toilet if he's naked. If he has anything on, he'll go in what he's wearing. I have him naked as much as possible at home. I'm hoping he'll be using the toilet completely by the time this baby is born. I read somewhere that most kids will spontaneously start using the toilet on their own sometime in their 3rd year if they are left to their own devices.

Tried to edit because somehow my post became part of the quote. I don't know how to fix it. Sorry.

[nerdymom]

Originally Posted by preggers5 

I have a question for experienced CD moms. Do you prefer pre-folds or pockets?

I have never cloth diapered but so far I'm leaning towards prefolds. The pocket diapers seem like more wash to me. But that's only based on observation. What do you think?

POCKETS! I'm going to do a combination of pfs, fitteds, and pockets but mostly pockets. I did pfs with DS and did not like them. I didn't like the multistep diapering process. I just wanted to slap a diaper on and be done. I don't dislike diapering, in fact I've never really minded it, but I just didn't like all the bother. I really liked the few pockets we had for him and we ordered more for this time around. But like others have said, it is SUCH a personal choice. I have a dear friend who really prefers the prefolds. To each her own!
 

Originally Posted by IdentityCrisisMama 

I have a size question.  I am expecting that this new baby will have a similar growth pattern as my DC, which means she/he will be born on the larger size (8-9lbs) and then basically not grow much. My DC went from like 90th percentile to off the charts small in that first year.  She was well into her 3rd/4th year and I was still buying clothing in the baby section.  

For me, with something like the Kissaluvs size small, which goes until 15 lbs, I would assume that would fit this new baby through potty learning.  

What is my point?  I guess I'm looking for a little reassurance with buying mainly smalls with our particular family growth patterns because I hate to ignore all this good advice to bulk up on mediums (I've seen this advice all over the place so no doubt it's good advice!).  

ETA: Also, because my DC grew so slowly, I tended to not like to "buy big" for her and just in general don't like my babies to have to wear over sized clothing.  I think DC didn't really like it so I never much bothered with sizing up.  Now if I had a kid that grew like a weed you can better believe she/he would have to do that but for a kid who wears the same stuff for like 3 years in a row, it isn't worth the trouble.  

I'd hold off and not buy a complete stash until you know how your baby is growing. Don't forget all that NAK'ing! You'll have time to find more diapers and order them.

Originally Posted by Blanca78 

Weird, and possibly very stupid, question for you experts: A beloved old sweater of mine is on its last legs. It's just a plain wool pullover. Do you think if I cut it up it would make sense to use the scraps as doublers? I wouldn't want the fabric right up against the baby because it is somewhat coarse, but I figure if I tucked a layer inside a prefold that might add some nice absorbency. I don't know.

I don't know about absorbancy, but I do know you might be able to do this: http://katrinassqs.blogspot.com/2007/10/free-soaker-pattern.html

[Queen of my Castle]

I've cloth-ed all my kids and adjusted my stash with each.  When I was diapering my daughter I did a major overhaul and invested in 1/2 stash of pf's and 1/2 stash of fitteds.  With #3 I added some pockets. I have a lot of diapers, and I also use wool, but some will need replacing. 

I love cloth diapering! I consider myself an old hat at it now :)

[yamilee21]

We'll be re-using most of the cloth diapers that we have already used on my son and daughter with this baby - some of them will be 6 years old by then. The small sizes are in excellent condition, because neither child really used them much more than 2-3 months, since they were born huge, and stayed huge. The mediums and larges... well, we're going to make do with whatever isn't falling apart. We also practice EC, so worn out diapers shouldn't be too much of a problem. I did buy an unused set of 6 Bumkins AIOs in medium off of Diaperswappers for the new baby, for going out... the dozen that we used with my other kids for that purpose are no longer waterproof, so we'll only use them at home. Those are probably the ONLY new things this baby will ever get from us, at least for the first few years, lol.

ETA: For anyone planning to try EC - don't get too caught up in the gung-ho crazy hardcore-ness that you might read about on various forums/sites on-line. Your baby doesn't have to be naked all the time... it's okay to use diapers; diapers are easy enough to take on and off, just like any other article of clothing. Communication is equally as important as the elimination aspect, so don't focus on getting every pee/poop into the proper receptacle. Part-time EC is just fine as well; so is "easing" into EC by starting off with "easy" catches (like when baby wakes up from a nap), and gradually adding other times. EC doesn't have to be as stressful as some people make it seem, and it isn't a race to the diaper-free, accident-free finish line. ;)

[MarineWife]

I'm so bummed. I finally pulled out my stash yesterday to go through and see what I have and what I need. It looks like I don't need anything. I can't come up with any justifiable reason to buy any new diapers.

[abiyhayil]

Originally Posted by MarineWife 

I'm so bummed. I finally pulled out my stash yesterday to go through and see what I have and what I need. It looks like I don't need anything. I can't come up with any justifiable reason to buy any new diapers.

[Comtessa]

Originally Posted by MarineWife 

I'm so bummed. I finally pulled out my stash yesterday to go through and see what I have and what I need. It looks like I don't need anything. I can't come up with any justifiable reason to buy any new diapers.

Why don't you take the diapers you don't like so much, sell 'em on Ebay or Craigslist (or the MDC trading post) and then use the money to buy something you really want??? :) 

My DH would have my head for suggesting such a thing, of course... he calls me a "rebuyer" because I'm constantly decluttering stuff and replacing the decluttered stuff with new stuff that I want more than the junk we had...  :) 

 

[Ola_]

Originally Posted by preggers5 

Thx ladies! I've been devouring all this information.

What do you think of this newborn package. Here is the link to the site http://www.thanksmama.com/Basic_Newborn_Package_p/dpk-705.htm

I agree with others, there are not many diapers in there overall and the preemie diapers won't last long (often they are also not that absorbent - these ones have 2x6x2 layering as opposed to 4x6x4 or 4x8x4 like normal prefolds).  If you'd like to try a bunch of different things I'd be tempted to go for the GMD "newborn mini kit": http://greenmountaindiapers.com/packages.htm#newbornmini

This will cover your basics and you will have more diapers and wipes plus some good covers.  That also gives you around $70 (the price difference between the two packages) to get a couple of fitteds, pockets, and AIOs to try if you'd like.  GMD has some very economical fitteds called the "workhorse" diaper which get great reviews.  As far as AIOs I've heard good things about Nana's Bottoms which as a bonus are made by a WAHM and well priced too.

[MarineWife]

Originally Posted by Comtessa 

Why don't you take the diapers you don't like so much, sell 'em on Ebay or Craigslist (or the MDC trading post) and then use the money to buy something you really want???  

My DH would have my head for suggesting such a thing, of course... he calls me a "rebuyer" because I'm constantly decluttering stuff and replacing the decluttered stuff with new stuff that I want more than the junk we had...   

 

Haha! That's an idea. Last I heard (several years ago) ebay banned the sale of used undergarments (diapers). Something about it being unsanitary. I used to buy and sell on the TP here all the time but now they charge a fee. I tried Diaperswappers once but had difficulty with that site for some reason. I can't remember why now. Maybe it was because I was new and they'd had so much trouble in the past no one wanted to risk buying from me. I think they may have some sort of minimum post restriction now and I really don't feel like getting involved in another message board website just so I can sell a few diapers, especially with all the drama I read goes on at Diaperswappers. I've read such horrible things about that site that I really don't want to go on it at all. I may try Hyena Cart. The problem with that site is that you can't get email notifications of posts so you have to remember to check your posts and threads regularly. I have a hard time remembering to do that.

[Ola_]

We are doing cloth diapers too and I'm so excited about it! LOL  So far this is what I've got:

- 20 XS Sandy's fitteds

- 3 XS Rikki covers

- 6 Small Nana's Bottoms AIO (these look pretty small but I'm not sure how they will fit with the umbillical cord)

- 6 Small FB pockets (I think these won't fit right away but hopefully pretty soon)

Also have some one-size stuff I got to try:

- Econobum

- Flip cover

- BG 4.0 pocket

- FB OS pocket

I'm not expecting a tiny baby as DH was 9lbs 2oz when he was born and I was over 8lbs too.  I've got a couple of wetbags for when we're out and about but I still need to get a pail liner or two and make some wipes.  I feel like I don't have enough diapers (DH thinks we have too much, lol) but I don't want to invest too much in tiny stuff that will likely get outgrown quickly.  I'm debating maybe some more fitteds (perhaps OS ones that will also fit a newborn?) or a dozen of those Sunbaby pockets since they are supposed to run small (I don't mind if they don't fit all the way through potty learning).  I'm keeping an eye on craigslist too, if I see a dozen infant prefolds for cheap I might get that as backup.  Hmm, not sure what to do...

[MarineWife]

I don't like that Thanks Mama newborn kit, either. I'm not a fan of Kissaluvs. Unless they've been changed a lot, I remember them running small and I have big babies so they didn't last long, ended up being a waste of money. I can't say I'd go for the Green Mountain Diapers kits, either. I'm not a huge fan of prefolds or any of those PUL covers. I do have some PFs that I use but they are more for backup rather than regular use. I find fitteds and pockets to be much easier and quicker. They do cost a lot more, though, so if money is a major consideration, PFs are the way to go.

[preggers5]

TSM for all your advice. I'm trying to put it to good use. My mind is so overwhelmed with all the possibilities. I'm having a hard time making decisions. One of these days I'll actually order some. I just don't want to waste money buying the wrong things.

I have another question. Can you stuff pockets with prefolds?

[dayiscoming2006]

Originally Posted by preggers5 

Can you stuff pockets with prefolds?

Yes. It's be so much cheaper to just buy covers though. I think the only way you are going to know what you like is to try a few different things. But, I recommend a do-it-yourself newborn kit rather than picking one that's already made for you. Some prefolds, some fitteds, some contours, some pockets, some AIO's, a few different cover types, a snappi, some cloth wipes (maybe 24-30) 2 large wet bags and 2 for out of the house.

Otherwise, a kit like this might be perfect for you...

Try cloth for $10  (or 2 kits like that to have enough dipes?) Tough decision, I know.

[Comtessa]

Originally Posted by Ola_ 

We are doing cloth diapers too and I'm so excited about it! LOL  So far this is what I've got:

- 20 XS Sandy's fitteds

- 3 XS Rikki covers

- 6 Small Nana's Bottoms AIO (these look pretty small but I'm not sure how they will fit with the umbillical cord)

- 6 Small FB pockets (I think these won't fit right away but hopefully pretty soon)

Also have some one-size stuff I got to try:

- Econobum

- Flip cover

- BG 4.0 pocket

- FB OS pocket

I'm not expecting a tiny baby as DH was 9lbs 2oz when he was born and I was over 8lbs too.  I've got a couple of wetbags for when we're out and about but I still need to get a pail liner or two and make some wipes.  I feel like I don't have enough diapers (DH thinks we have too much, lol) but I don't want to invest too much in tiny stuff that will likely get outgrown quickly.  I'm debating maybe some more fitteds (perhaps OS ones that will also fit a newborn?) or a dozen of those Sunbaby pockets since they are supposed to run small (I don't mind if they don't fit all the way through potty learning).  I'm keeping an eye on craigslist too, if I see a dozen infant prefolds for cheap I might get that as backup.  Hmm, not sure what to do...

Honestly, this looks like plenty of diapers and covers for the newborn period, assuming you're OK with washing diapers every other day.  You could maybe use another 5-10 prefolds or fitteds, but it doesn't seem necessary from what you have on this list.  You can use the one-size stuff even if it's too big, it'll just look gigantic on your baby.  And in the meantime, most of this stuff should fit more or less right away.  Then as the babe gets bigger, you can buy more of whatever you like best. 
 

I wouldn't invest much money in a pail liner, either.  We just have two plain cotton laundry bags that we rotate -- we use one while the other's in the wash.  We put diapers in a plain kitchen trash pail with a lid -- you don't want anything too air-tight, it'll make the diapers stink too much.  The laundry bags work for us; we just throw them in the wash with everything else.  You really only need a big waterproof wet bag, IMO if you're regularly going to be transporting your wet/dirty diapers somewhere to wash (i.e., to a laundromat or something), because the cotton bags will obviously get a bit damp.  (On the rare occasion when we have to transport diapers (like if we're on vacation, or visiting family for the weekend), I just line the cotton bag with a plain kitchen plastic trash bag, which does the trick.)

[dayiscoming2006]

Originally Posted by Comtessa 

Originally Posted by Ola_ 

We are doing cloth diapers too and I'm so excited about it! LOL  So far this is what I've got:

- 20 XS Sandy's fitteds

- 3 XS Rikki covers

- 6 Small Nana's Bottoms AIO (these look pretty small but I'm not sure how they will fit with the umbillical cord)

- 6 Small FB pockets (I think these won't fit right away but hopefully pretty soon)

Also have some one-size stuff I got to try:

- Econobum

- Flip cover

- BG 4.0 pocket

- FB OS pocket

I'm not expecting a tiny baby as DH was 9lbs 2oz when he was born and I was over 8lbs too.  I've got a couple of wetbags for when we're out and about but I still need to get a pail liner or two and make some wipes.  I feel like I don't have enough diapers (DH thinks we have too much, lol) but I don't want to invest too much in tiny stuff that will likely get outgrown quickly.  I'm debating maybe some more fitteds (perhaps OS ones that will also fit a newborn?) or a dozen of those Sunbaby pockets since they are supposed to run small (I don't mind if they don't fit all the way through potty learning).  I'm keeping an eye on craigslist too, if I see a dozen infant prefolds for cheap I might get that as backup.  Hmm, not sure what to do...

Honestly, this looks like plenty of diapers and covers for the newborn period, assuming you're OK with washing diapers every other day.  You could maybe use another 5-10 prefolds or fitteds, but it doesn't seem necessary from what you have on this list.  You can use the one-size stuff even if it's too big, it'll just look gigantic on your baby.  And in the meantime, most of this stuff should fit more or less right away.  Then as the babe gets bigger, you can buy more of whatever you like best. 
 

I wouldn't invest much money in a pail liner, either.  We just have two plain cotton laundry bags that we rotate -- we use one while the other's in the wash.  We put diapers in a plain kitchen trash pail with a lid -- you don't want anything too air-tight, it'll make the diapers stink too much.  The laundry bags work for us; we just throw them in the wash with everything else.  You really only need a big waterproof wet bag, IMO if you're regularly going to be transporting your wet/dirty diapers somewhere to wash (i.e., to a laundromat or something), because the cotton bags will obviously get a bit damp.  (On the rare occasion when we have to transport diapers (like if we're on vacation, or visiting family for the weekend), I just line the cotton bag with a plain kitchen plastic trash bag, which does the trick.)

 I think wet bags are needed. I have the same set up as Comtessa but I like that the PUL wet bag keeps my trash can cleaner and I can lift the bag out and put it in the washer downstairs easily. I wouldn't wanna have a damp bag rubbing against my leg. For the diapers I spray off, I put them in a 5 gal pale with a lid.

I think you may want a few more diapers than you have. A few more prefolds or fitteds. I'd want at least 30 usable diapers for the newborn stage personally. Prefolds would probably be the wisest to add on though since like Comtessa said, the newbie stage doesn't last long.

EDIT:

Imse vimse contours are easy to lay in a wrap style cover and the flannel ones fit from newborn to a little over 2 years in my experience. You need good doublers with them when baby is older but they are fine for the younger ages. I would get a couple other covers. I don't think you have enough in my opinion.