Do I need a CD intervention?? :) (Stash advice please!)

[satchie]

Uh oh, I have a feeling I'm about to break the bank! After months of searching Craigslist for used dipes (there don't seem to be a lot of CD-ing parents in my area) someone just posted a huge stash. I'm going to meet up with her this week so I can take a look through. I am so excited. But I have to decide how much cash to bring so I don't go way over budget.

 

So far I've only bought diapers that were on sale, so my stash is kind of a random assortment. I've spent about $500 and I still feel like that's a savings over sposies -- BUT not if I go crazy buying more!

 

I am trying to see if there are any "holes" in my stash so that I can fill them in. I definitely want to try out some wool for nighttime and maybe some newborn fitteds, which I've heard hold in leaks well and are easier than PFs. Beyond that I don't really know if I am being practical or just going overboard and being a CD addict. (I should mention this baby is not due till May.)

 

Can a more experienced mama take a look at this list and tell me if I am missing anything they consider essential? Do I have enough covers? Should I get more PFs? Or is there a fantastic diaper on this CL list that you just couldn't do without? I know this is such a subjective question. But since I am new to this I want to get some input if I can. I don't know anyone in real life who cloth diapers! 

 

Here's what I have:

 

24 newborn IPFs

6 premium CPFs

3 DreamEze organic fitteds (S, M, L)

2 WonderWraps one size covers

4 Thirsties Duo wrap covers, size 1

2 Bummis SWW covers, size M

4 BG 2.0s (from first attempt at cloth diapering with first child)

4 EcoBunz pockets

3 FuzziBunz perfect size pockets

3 Happy Heinys one size pockets

2 wet bags

5 snappis

6 organic cotton wipes

 

 

Here's what's in the CL stash:

 

Fitteds: 

4 Kissaluv fitteds, size XS

4 Kissaluvs fitteds, size S

4 Thirsties fab fitteds, size XS

4 Thirsties fab fitteds, size S

3 Bububebe fitteds, size NB 

1 Little fancy pants fitted

1 Bagshot Row Bamboo 

1 Yellow edged Green Mountain Diaper work horse fitted

 

Wool:

1 Pink handmade longies, size small

1 Disana wool cover, size small

1 handmade cover, size small 

 

Covers:

5 Thirsties Duo Wraps, size 1

3 Thirsties covers, size xs 

1 Bummis Wrap, size small

 

Pockets:

2 Thirsties Duo Diapers, size 1

3 FuzziBunz pocket perfect sized diapers, size small

3 Bum Genius 3.0 OS pockets

 

All-In-Ones:

3 Bum Genius AIO, size XS

6 Bum Genius AIO, size small

 

Prefolds:

24 Orange edged Green Mountain Diapers prefolds

24 Green Mountain Diapers yellow edge prefolds

Doublers/liners:

5 Hemp Babies doublers 

10 Bummis fleece liners

 

Thanks so much for any advice!

[cristeen]

I'd probably take most of her stash. I wouldnt take the pockets or the covers just because of duplication. But i would take the rest. Assuming they're in good shape and shes asking a good price, of course. If she's offering one price for the whole shebang though, then I would take everything. Anything you don't need can be sold on DS.

But what you currently have is lacking in the NB sizes, imo. 12 pfs is less than a day's worth, you're gonna be doing a lot of laundry.

Check the pockets and AIOs for delamination, check the wool for felting, check the fitteds for holes, check the elastic on everything. Although if all this was bought new and used on only 1 babe, its probably in good shape.

I would suggest going on DS and pricing out these dipes to see what they go for used. You're far less likely to get ripped off if you have a figure in mind before you go.

[Perdita_in_Ontario]

Agree with Cristeen, and I'd definitely grab the fitteds if they're a good price. Fitteds are awesome for the NB / small baby period.

[MaryElizabeth]

I'm having the same problem! I can't stop looking at diapers for my little boy coming in June! I second the idea of buying the whole stash, keeping what you want, then selling the rest. ooooor you can just buy my girl colored FuzziBunz I have for sale haha

[satchie]

You guys are such enablers. 

 

I asked about the whole stash and she said she was willing to sell it for $720, which averages out to about $6/item! I am going tomorrow to check them out and see about condition but she says they are all in excellent used to new/unused condition. We'll see!!!

[cristeen]

Recalculate w the pfs and fleece liners being $1 each, and see if its still a deal. $6 each for the pfs is well above retail. Even the hemp baby doublers are around $5 new, IIRC. So recalculate w everything under the heading of pfs being $1, and thats going to change your figures.

[satchie]

You're right, that's not an accurate way of evaluating. She did give me individual prices too. 

 

Here's the list again with prices and conditions:

 

Liners & Doublers

5 Hemp Babies doublers. Prepped but never used. $3 each

10 Bummis fleece liners. Excellent used condition. $10/10. 

 

Fitteds

4 Kissaluv fitted diapers. Size xs. Excellent used condition. Colors (1 of each): purple, green, yellow and blue. $10 each. 

4 Kissaluvs fitted diapers. Size small. Excellent used condition. Colors (one of each): orange, blue, purple and yellow. $10 each. 

4 Thirsties fab fitteds. Size xs. Excellent used condition. Colors (one of each): pink, blue, purple and green. $12 each. 

4 Thirsties fab fitteds. Size small. Excellent used condition. Colors (one of each): orange, green, yellow and purple. $12 each. 

3 Bububebe fitteds. Size nb. 3 available in girl prints. $8 each 

1 Little fancy pants fitted. Pink and black damask print. never used. $15 

1 Bagshot Row Bamboo. Pink and brown birds. never used. $17. 

1 Yellow edged Green Mountain Diaper work horse fitted. Excellent used condition. $5 

 

Wool

1 Longies - pink. Handmade; size small. Lanolized but never used. $15. 

1 Disana wool cover. Chocolate. Size small. Never used. $22. 

1 Handmade cover, size small. Pink with stripes in multi colors. Good used condition. $8. 

 

Covers

5 Thirsties Duo Wraps size 1. Excellent used condition. Colors: 2 purple, 1 green, 1 "Alice Brights" and 1 orange. $10 each 

3 Thirsties covers size xs. Excellent used condition. Colors (1 of each): red, pink and purple. $9 each 

1 Bummis Wrap size small. Excellent used condtion. White background with multi colored flowers. $10. 

 

Pockets

2 Thirsties Duo Diapers, size 1. Used two or three times - excellent condition. Colors (One of each): purple and pink. $15 each. 

3 FuzziBunz pocket perfect sized diapers with inserts and extra elastic. Never used but washed in Crunchy Clean. Size small. Colors (1 of each): deep purple, red, berry. $15 each. 

6 Bum Genius 3.0 OS pockets. NIP. $15 each.

 

All-In-Ones

Bum Genius All In Ones:

- 3 Size xs - excellent used condition. Colors (1 of each): pink, purple and berry. $9 each. 

- 6 Size small - never used but washed with Crunchy Clean. Colors (1 of each): yellow, green, cream, orange, dark blue and light blue. $13 each. 

 

Prefolds

2 dozen Green Mountain Diapers orange edge prefolds. In excellent used condition. $20/12

2 dozen Green Mountain Diapers yellow edge prefolds. They have been prepped but never used. $23/12

 

Do these prices look reasonable based on stated condition? Obviously I have to confirm in person.

Buying the stash looks like a steal compared to buying individually. When I added up all of the individual prices listed above, it comes to $2,700!* She quoted $720 for the stash and would throw in 2 wet bags.

 

*Oops, edited to say I majorly screwed up my Excel formulas. Total of above is about right, just over $750.

[MaryElizabeth]

That is alot of small diapers. I can't imagine that you would be able to use too many of them past the small stage... If they are all as new as she says they are you should make her an offer and then resell those puppies! Why does she have so many new/barely used diapers????

[Ola_]

That is pretty expensive and her prices are darn close to retail IMO.  If she's willing to sell them individually I'd probably go through the list and see what you want/need and just get that, not everything.  You're not getting much of a price break.

[satchie]

Thanks for the advice Ola, I am doing just that right now. My first instinct was just to fill in the holes in my own stash and I think I will stick with that. I think what I really need are some NB fitteds, a few XS covers for them (the covers I have are all one-size and my DS was a peanut at birth), some wool covers, and possibly the prefolds. I think that should get me through the infant stage and then I have enough pockets and covers from my own stash. IHopefully I can get a deal for buying a good chunk of the stash.

Whew! You all have been a huge help! Thanks so much!

[cristeen]

Yeah, those prices dont look like such a deal now. I mean if you were planning on ordering some of those things, and they've never been used, at least you'd save on shipping costs.

The ones id probably take are the bububebe and the bagshot row bamboo. Those are both difficult to get ahold of and great dipes.

[satchie]

Well I stuck with my plan and bought all the fitteds in NB and S, which I really needed, plus the infant size prefolds, NB and infant covers, and wool. It's true, I may have been able to get them a bit cheaper on Diaper Swappers, but I was happy to be able to inspect them in person and the condition was really excellent. Once I met the previous owner I saw why - the most adorable little chubster you ever saw! I could see why she grew out of everything so quickly. 

The only things that didn't look absolutely brand new were the Kissaluvs, but then again I have never seen them in person so I have nothing to compare them to.  The elastic was fine, they were just not as soft as I'd expected . (Maybe that's just how terry cotton washes?) I got them anyway since I've heard such great things about them. The Bububebes are adorable! Almost seems a shame to cover them. And the wool soakers are brand new. I was also able to knock another $20 from the total at the end, so I'm happy with how it worked out. I have to thank you all for the advice, it really helped me stay on track!

And now I am taking a break from diaper shopping and attempting to contain myself until the baby is actually HERE TO WEAR THESE. 

[Mulvah]

I agree with the others - the prices seem steep for used items, even items in good condition.  I would look for what you need and then price those things new and used so you have an idea of what you think they are worth.  Go and see the items and then bargain with her to see if she's willing to work with you.  I, personally, don't think she will get a lot of sales at those prices, but maybe that's just for my area?

Just general suggestions - I've done most of my shopping at great discounts by shopping during the holidays (not always possible, I know), shopping with stores that give freebies, or by buying used.  For example, Kelly's Closet has a deal where if you spend $59, you get an AIO worth $22 and free shipping.  I would sell the AIO and probably net $17, so you end up with $59 worth of diapers for $42.  There is another site having a special where if you spend $30, you get a free cover and free shipping.  (Those sales can be found on diaperpin.com.)  Depending on what you use and what the free item is (even if you keep the item and use it), it can really be worth it.  For example, if you use Cotton Babies products, they are only discounted so much, so this type of deal could be worth it for you.  Also, Earth Day and Black Friday seem to be big CD discount holidays. 

Anyway, good luck!  I think CDing can really be trial and error, which, unfortunately, does cost money until you get it right. 

[poonico]

I'd be willing to pay these edited prices

Liners & Doublers
5 Hemp Babies doublers. Prepped but never used. $3 each
10 Bummis fleece liners. Excellent used condition. $0. (i wouldn't buy these at all - but take them if they're free)

Fitteds
4 Kissaluv fitted diapers. Size xs. Excellent used condition. Colors (1 of each): purple, green, yellow and blue. $5/ea
4 Kissaluvs fitted diapers. Size small. Excellent used condition. Colors (one of each): orange, blue, purple and yellow. $5/ea
4 Thirsties fab fitteds. Size xs. Excellent used condition. Colors (one of each): pink, blue, purple and green. $6/ea These are no longer made and were sold at ROCK bottom prices
4 Thirsties fab fitteds. Size small. Excellent used condition. Colors (one of each): orange, green, yellow and purple. $6/ea same as above
3 Bububebe fitteds. Size nb. 3 available in girl prints. $8 each
1 Little fancy pants fitted. Pink and black damask print. never used. $10
1 Bagshot Row Bamboo. Pink and brown birds. never used. $15
1 Yellow edged Green Mountain Diaper work horse fitted. Excellent used condition. $3

Wool
1 Longies - pink. Handmade; size small. Lanolized but never used. $15 only if they look nice.
1 Disana wool cover. Chocolate. Size small. Never used. $20 if you like it
1 Handmade cover, size small. Pink with stripes in multi colors. Good used condition. $8.

Covers
5 Thirsties Duo Wraps size 1. Excellent used condition. Colors: 2 purple, 1 green, 1 "Alice Brights" and 1 orange. $8 each
3 Thirsties covers size xs. Excellent used condition. Colors (1 of each): red, pink and purple. $8 each
1 Bummis Wrap size small. Excellent used condtion. White background with multi colored flowers. $8

Pockets
2 Thirsties Duo Diapers, size 1. Used two or three times - excellent condition. Colors (One of each): purple and pink. $12 each.
3 FuzziBunz pocket perfect sized diapers with inserts and extra elastic. Never used but washed in Crunchy Clean. Size small. Colors (1 of each): deep purple, red, berry. $12 each.
6 Bum Genius 3.0 OS pockets. NIP. $10 each - these were clearanced and sold for like 9-10 each, something like that.

All-In-Ones
Bum Genius All In Ones:
- 3 Size xs - excellent used condition. Colors (1 of each): pink, purple and berry. $9 each - borderline reasonable IMO
- 6 Size small - never used but washed with Crunchy Clean. Colors (1 of each): yellow, green, cream, orange, dark blue and light blue. No more than $8 each - these are on clearance new for like 9 or 10

Prefolds
2 dozen Green Mountain Diapers orange edge prefolds. In excellent used condition. $20/12 - these are awfully close to new prices.. I'd offer 15/dozen for these
2 dozen Green Mountain Diapers yellow edge prefolds. They have been prepped but never used. $23/12 again too close to new, I'd offer 15-20/dozen for these

Even at these prices, she'd be making a GREAT deal for herself if she's not having to pay shipping to you on these.

[Mulvah]

Originally Posted by satchie 

Well I stuck with my plan and bought all the fitteds in NB and S, which I really needed, plus the infant size prefolds, NB and infant covers, and wool. It's true, I may have been able to get them a bit cheaper on Diaper Swappers, but I was happy to be able to inspect them in person and the condition was really excellent. Once I met the previous owner I saw why - the most adorable little chubster you ever saw! I could see why she grew out of everything so quickly. 

The only things that didn't look absolutely brand new were the Kissaluvs, but then again I have never seen them in person so I have nothing to compare them to.  The elastic was fine, they were just not as soft as I'd expected . (Maybe that's just how terry cotton washes?) I got them anyway since I've heard such great things about them. The Bububebes are adorable! Almost seems a shame to cover them. And the wool soakers are brand new. I was also able to knock another $20 from the total at the end, so I'm happy with how it worked out. I have to thank you all for the advice, it really helped me stay on track!

And now I am taking a break from diaper shopping and attempting to contain myself until the baby is actually HERE TO WEAR THESE. 

I have no idea how I missed your response.    Anyway, I'm glad it all worked out! 

[satchie]

Originally Posted by Mulvah 

I have no idea how I missed your response.    Anyway, I'm glad it all worked out! 

Well, now that I see Poonico's post it looks like I should have done a lot more negotiating. I didn't realize just how much of a discount you all were talking about. Going by those prices I definitely overpaid, especially on the Kissaluvs and Thirsties fitteds. I could have saved myself $50 total. 

Oh well, live and learn, I suppose.

I'm consoling myself on the fact that I saved over retail or shipping on the brand new stuff (the Disana wool cover, the Bububebes, and the hemp doublers) and and that the covers all look almost new, even comparing them next to to the brand new covers that I do have. And that I only bought stuff I really needed and was going to buy online anyway. (Trying desperately to make myself feel better here!)

Anyway, I now have an assortment of styles and sizes now that I am reasonably sure will get me through various ages and stages of diapering. So I guess I accomplished my mission of building a decent stash even if I paid more than I should have.

Thanks all for the help and advice! I really appreciate it! 

[triskelion]

Just a note on the Kissaluvs fitteds-I got some of mine new and some used and I was surprised at how "unfluffy" the used ones felt. But after I prepped the new ones, they felt the same so they unfortunately don't stay as cuddly as they are new! I read online that drying them on high helps keep them soft, but IMO it doesn't make much of a difference. Enjoy your new diapers-I too went on a bit of CL spree while pregnant.

[satchie]

Originally Posted by triskelion 

Just a note on the Kissaluvs fitteds-I got some of mine new and some used and I was surprised at how "unfluffy" the used ones felt. But after I prepped the new ones, they felt the same so they unfortunately don't stay as cuddly as they are new! I read online that drying them on high helps keep them soft, but IMO it doesn't make much of a difference. Enjoy your new diapers-I too went on a bit of CL spree while pregnant.

Yes, that's exactly it. They're just not that soft and fuzzy. I guess that's just cotton terry for you. Kind of like when you wash a brand new towel; it gets more absorbant, but you wish it would stay as fluffy as it was when new. I'd rather have absorbancy when it comes to diapering though!

[Mulvah]

Originally Posted by satchie 

Originally Posted by Mulvah 

I have no idea how I missed your response.    Anyway, I'm glad it all worked out! 

Well, now that I see Poonico's post it looks like I should have done a lot more negotiating. I didn't realize just how much of a discount you all were talking about. Going by those prices I definitely overpaid, especially on the Kissaluvs and Thirsties fitteds. I could have saved myself $50 total. 

Oh well, live and learn, I suppose.

I'm consoling myself on the fact that I saved over retail or shipping on the brand new stuff (the Disana wool cover, the Bububebes, and the hemp doublers) and and that the covers all look almost new, even comparing them next to to the brand new covers that I do have. And that I only bought stuff I really needed and was going to buy online anyway. (Trying desperately to make myself feel better here!)

Anyway, I now have an assortment of styles and sizes now that I am reasonably sure will get me through various ages and stages of diapering. So I guess I accomplished my mission of building a decent stash even if I paid more than I should have.

Thanks all for the help and advice! I really appreciate it! 

You should comfort yourself by thinking about all the money you are saving over sposies!