Twins and stash size?

[Nanette56]

Oh my goodness, so many different choices!!!

So 2 babies, I'm thinking I'll be washing every 2-3 days. I really really don't have a lot so far, but that's because I want to try some different combos and see which works before I buy a whole lot. AND, I have no ideas whether these babies will go the full 38-40 or whether they'll decide 36-37, so size will definitely be an issue with the dipes.

Here's what I have so far:

12 (12x16) bleached cotton pre-folds (thinking of getting some hemp prefolds- yay or nay?)

4 GDiapers (size small) (I have four more of these on my registry)

1 pack 40 flushable inserts for GDiapers

2 thirsties duo wraps (snaps size 1)

2 imse vimse covers (NB size)

15 (8x8) cloth wipes (I've got plenty more material, how many more should I make?)

So how many covers and inserts/prefolds should I have on hand when they're born?

What's your experience with the thirsties duo wraps and/or imse vimse covers with prefolds?

My plan was to start with the GDiapers and flushable inserts, because I have a friend who said they worked great for her NB (but not as good when she got a little bigger) and made it a little easier to get into the cloth diapering swing of things, then switched to the covers with prefolds. But seems a lot of you have some AIOs too? Should I get a few?

Silly question, but if I'm using a pre-fold with a cover, is there any reason I would need doublers for anything?

Ok, sorry, total newbie here, and the more I read in this forum, the more I realize I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing!

Thank you!!!

[chattyprincess]

Gro via all in ones...100%organic cotton on the inside with the ease of an all in one. They have a "tounge" instead of a sewn inside absorbtion so they dry wicked fast. love.love.love them. We have 20 for 1 baby and that works perfect washing every 2 or so days

[chattyprincess]

duh. Wanted to add you might not want to do the gdiaper thing with a newborn. It actually is pretty gross taking out an insert and putting in a newone. then you have a poopy insert to deal with and a poopy cover (since newborns tend to be more prone to blowouts...) I would really recommend doing something...really almost anything BUT a hybrid system at first. I have a few grovia shell sets kicking around with disposable inserts but sersiously there was a HUGE ick factor of taking it in and out and what not. Not something hubby or I loved diapering babes at first.

Also wanted to add you could probably have 75 wipes and still not have enough ( remember you will prob keep some in your diaper bag for changes on the go also) I have upwards of 25 and could still use more. they are reusable so  I have no problem feeling bad using them up!!

[Nanette56]

Yikes, I didn't put much thought into the how of removing the inserts...How long do you think I can get by on AIOs before the newborn blow-out disgusting poop fest stuff is over, and I can switch to hybrids? I will look into those Gro-Via AIOs- where can I find them cheap??

[Ola_]

Something to consider about laundry frequency: how many diapers will you be able to fit in a wash load?  Normally it's recommended to have 24-36 for one baby to wash every 2-3 days, so I'd assume you want double that for twins, but will your washer fit 48-72 diapers?  I doubt it.  So you may want to aim for washing every 1.5-2 days or so?

As far as wipes, I've heard that you should have at least as many as you have diapers (assuming you'll use them for pee diapers too, and some messy poops may need a couple of wipes).  Since you'll be washing them together I'd base this on how many dipes you end up getting.

If you're looking for something other than prefolds I would consider fitted diapers.  If you want to keep costs down maybe get some pre-fitteds (prefolds made into fitteds) or even make some yourself if you'd like?  I have heard very good things about the GMD "workhorse" diapers.  She also has some good comments about assorted products, one is that the NB Imse-Vimse covers run quite big, but the Duo size 1 should work well.

http://greenmountaindiapers.com/index.html

Other diapers that I've heard good things about and that fit little babies are Nana's Bottoms AIOs.  Because they don't fit very big I decided to get some small size for our upcoming baby but the nb size should work well for you.  She also has a discount code available on her site if you decide to get these.

http://hyenacart.com/nanasbottoms/

[Nanette56]

Originally Posted by Ola_ 

Something to consider about laundry frequency: how many diapers will you be able to fit in a wash load?  Normally it's recommended to have 24-36 for one baby to wash every 2-3 days, so I'd assume you want double that for twins, but will your washer fit 48-72 diapers?  I doubt it.  So you may want to aim for washing every 1.5-2 days or so?

As far as wipes, I've heard that you should have at least as many as you have diapers (assuming you'll use them for pee diapers too, and some messy poops may need a couple of wipes).  Since you'll be washing them together I'd base this on how many dipes you end up getting.

If you're looking for something other than prefolds I would consider fitted diapers.  If you want to keep costs down maybe get some pre-fitteds (prefolds made into fitteds) or even make some yourself if you'd like?  I have heard very good things about the GMD "workhorse" diapers.  She also has some good comments about assorted products, one is that the NB Imse-Vimse covers run quite big, but the Duo size 1 should work well.

http://greenmountaindiapers.com/index.html

Other diapers that I've heard good things about and that fit little babies are Nana's Bottoms AIOs.  Because they don't fit very big I decided to get some small size for our upcoming baby but the nb size should work well for you.  She also has a discount code available on her site if you decide to get these.

http://hyenacart.com/nanasbottoms/

Thanks so much Ola! I went to the GMD website, and ordered 12 NB workhorse prefold fitteds. My girlfriend is loaning me 6 of her NB Gdiapers, and then I might get another 2 thirsties duo wraps size 1, because I just got the two I ordered, and they look like they'll fit a NB really well (she was right about the Imse-Vimse covers running big, they look much bigger in comparison to the thirsties) I think that will complete my stash for now, then I'll wash every 2 days, and see how it works out. I'll have a box of sposies on hand just in case it's REALLY not enough, but I think that's a good start until I see what works :) Thanks for all your help!

[chattyprincess]

I know this is very uncloth diapering of me to say but I always have a pack of sposies on hand! Our washer myseriously quit one day and it took 2 days to get someone out. Another time our electricity was out so no washing. Trust me those stinking things have come in handy (but never tell ok...lol)

[npl]

I agree with the pp about having something for emergencies, especially with twins in the early days. For me, the emergency supplies are now extra prefolds and covers (the leftovers from the  other kids that aren't in good condition). That way, if I can't get to the wash as quickly as I need to, I have extras, and can catch up with two loads in a day. Also good for when I want to line dry, which takes an extra few hours to be ready.

I did have sposies on hand for the first few months, though. It was more important to reduce my workload and stress levels than to keep baby in cloth. YMMV, but I'm the big sister to 25yo twins, and I still remember it vividly!

[Logan]

With twins I would say buy a lot of newborn size diapers/prefolds. They tend to stay in small sizes a lot longer than singletons, especially if they come early. You will need a LOT- I know for my daughter I thought I had bought way too many before she was born, but we were constantly running out and next time I will buy a lot more- and that was only for one baby. Trust me the last thing you want to be running out of is diapers! If you find you have more than you need you can always resell some.

For covers I would recommend Bummis super brites in newborn size, I didn't like the fit of Thirsties XS on my baby, but they may fit yours fine. The duo wrap seems to have a better fit so they are good too. I found the Imse Vimse newborn cover to be like a small in most covers and their preemie to be more of a newborn size. Plus they have no laundry tabs- not a huge deal but just a bit of a pain to wash. They are lovely and soft/stretchy though.

If the babies do come early, or are small in weight, I highly recommend the Rumparooz Lil' Joeys- they are tiny! And AIO's will be so much easier for you than prefolds when you have two babies to care for and so many nappy changes a day. And definitely get newborn sized prefolds if you are going to do prefolds as the infant ones are huge on newborns. 

You can never have two many wipes! I would make at least 100, maybe more since you will have two babies. They get used for everything and sometimes you use several just for one change. 

[Nanette56]

You ladies have been so awesome! I was so overwhelmed by this whole ordeal, but glad I posted here and got your input before I went out and bought everything.

Ok, so here's what I ended up with. I've decided to wash every 2 days. Please Please tell me if you think I'm lacking in something or if I have forgotten anything! (I think these babies will be on the larger side. They have consistently been above average weight for twins, and showing no signs of wanting to come early *knock on wood*)...

12 GMD Workhorse Fitted snap prefolds (newborn)

6 GDiapers (size small)

1 imse vimse cover (NB size)

4 thirsties duo wraps (snaps size 1)

4 Bummis Super brite (size Small, not newborn)

36 (12x16-infant sized) bleached cotton pre-folds (to use as inserts in covers listed above)

And I'll have about 100 cloth wipes made by the time I hit 36 weeks. *whew*

Do you all have detergent recommendations? I have read the posts on stripping, so I'm familiar with that, but for regular washes? I have an HE washer...

Think I'm done for now?

Thanks ladies!

[Logan]

I think you'll need a lot more than 9 covers. Newborns can sometimes go through a cover at every change at first- especially using prefolds. And you want them to fit right, small covers and prefolds will be huge on a newborn. But that's just my feeling :) I hate seeing a tiny baby with its head up higher than its bottom and legs splayed out cause the nappy is so bullky.

 

Also heaps of snappies (or pins if you want to use those instead) as they have a habit of going walkabout around the house and you don't want to be constantly searching. And 2 or 3 medium wetbags for going out. And two huge pail liners if you intend to use those, otherwise just some kind of bin/bucket to store the dirty ones in- usually without a lid is best or you get stink issues. 

 

I would probably also get an extra dozen if you aren't going to wash every day as a buffer as you will have some waiting to be used, some dirty, some being washed, some being dryed, and some waiting to be put away