Cloth Diapering Noob, Help?

[bmcneal]

I recently found out I'm expecting again, and DF and I are really wanting to use cloth diapers, but... I'm clueless! I had a few (one or two) that I used when DS was a baby, but... it wasn't the best experience. I have been looking online, and I have some questions. I didn't see my exact questions already on the boards, so I hope I didn't overlook it. If I did, please direct me?

I want to go with mostly all-in-ones, but there are a lot of brands. I know the... efficiency can vary from child to child, so I want to get a variety, but I don't have a bunch of money to spend, so I was wondering where I can get fairly cheap, decent quality diapers, or if we're going to have to just spend ~$15/diaper?

I've found some on ebay that are NWT, but they are from China, but DF is worried about the customs charges. He said they could charge us a bunch of money, and we wouldn't know until they were delivered. Has anyone ordered from Chinese stores, or have any experience? Are we better just ordering state-side?

How many do I need for various stages? Newborn, infant, toddler, etc. What is a good stash size?

How do I wash them? Will I need to get special detergent, or what is the best way to launder them?

I probably sound really stupid, but between pregnancy brain, and not having any idea where to start, I'm kind of overwhelmed. TIA!

[IdentityCrisisMama]

Originally Posted by bmcneal 

I recently found out I'm expecting again, and DF and I are really wanting to use cloth diapers, but... I'm clueless! I had a few (one or two) that I used when DS was a baby, but... it wasn't the best experience. I have been looking online, and I have some questions. I didn't see my exact questions already on the boards, so I hope I didn't overlook it. If I did, please direct me?

I want to go with mostly all-in-ones, but there are a lot of brands. I know the... efficiency can vary from child to child, so I want to get a variety, but I don't have a bunch of money to spend, so I was wondering where I can get fairly cheap, decent quality diapers, or if we're going to have to just spend ~$15/diaper?

I've found some on ebay that are NWT, but they are from China, but DF is worried about the customs charges. He said they could charge us a bunch of money, and we wouldn't know until they were delivered. Has anyone ordered from Chinese stores, or have any experience? Are we better just ordering state-side?

How many do I need for various stages? Newborn, infant, toddler, etc. What is a good stash size?

How do I wash them? Will I need to get special detergent, or what is the best way to launder them?

I probably sound really stupid, but between pregnancy brain, and not having any idea where to start, I'm kind of overwhelmed. TIA!

I have heard about these Chinese AOI's from Ebay. I'm sure there are lots of posts here and on other diapering sites that cover all kinds of details about them. You will have to pay whatever shipping charges but I've never heard of having to pay customs charges. I've shipped and received things from overseas a lot. 

Lots of diapers are "one size", which can sometimes not mean TRULY one size but that they will get you through the bulk of your diapering life. If they don't work for those early infant weeks, and option is to use disposables or inexpensive prefolds and cheap-o covers. 

To anticipate stash size, you just imagine how many diapers your child will go through - maybe 6/day and multiply that times the number of days you want to not wash - say 3. So you'll need 6x3 + a couple for a diaper bag and for the baby to wear while you're laundering. Maybe 24 diapers for a every 3 days wash cycle? 

Also, post in your DDC and search all the millions of threads here. You'll find more than enough info, that's for sure! 

[Siouxsie]

I personally love all in 2s because I like to hang dry the covers and dry the inserts in the dryer. (I find all in 1s take too long to dry but that's just my preference.)

I'd have to say Grovias are probably my favorite in my stash and they make all in 1's too.

As far as washing and all this site is an awesome resource. I order from her a lot and did a newborn rental here -

https://itsybitsybums.3dcartstores.com/Help_ep_43.html

Congrats on the new wee one!

[wafflefish]

If you don't like the idea of spending $15 per diaper, choose something other than AIO's. They take forever to dry anyway.