silly question! cloth diapering. « Back to Group Discussions

[bambihelton]

I really would prefer to use cloth diapers. It seems much more cost efficient. However, I am SO clueless and can't really find too much information online. I am already starting to stock up on baby stuff because I know that with only six months left, the time is going to fly by and I don't want to end up in a fluster at seven months pregnant. 

Anyway, I planned to get a few different kinds of cloth diapers to see what kinds fit baby the best and what works for DH and I best. I'm a little clueless. With gDiapers, are you supposed to use liners AND inserts... or just one or the other? 

[camprunner]

Yes. Use liners and inserts. You might want to purchase a pack and look at them.  I liked them ok but they have a cheap feel and look to them and if you are using them exclusively, I'm guessing you are going to have to replace the liners at least once if not several times before the diaper is worn out.  The liner is what actually serves as a gusset and holds everything in. The inserts are what absorbs. If you are interested in this style, I'd suggest checking into Flip diapers or Charlie Bananas. I think Grovia is similar too.  I have no experience with any that I just listed but from seeing them on other babies I'd say that they are going to be much higher quality.

With my first I used prefolds and covers. They have by far been the easiest and least complicated.

I've used all pockets (fuzzi bunz and bum genius) and they are a pain to wash. If I did it again. I'd have these for night time only and prefolds and some fitteds for day time use.  JMO.

It's my fourth kid. DH told me that I could buy more inserts for the pockets (and not many) and that's it. I'm going to miss diaper shopping this time :(

[1babysmom]

For the couple years that we used g's, I made cloth inserts.  I actually never even used a flushable...I figured I might as well use a disposable in that case (I know, not the same, but still...).  Plus DH wasn't comfortable with me flushing all those, no matter how well they were designed to break down.  Also, I thought the plastic liners didn't hold up for very long with regular use.  We used ours WAY past "acceptable" stage because I didn't want to replace them so soon, but they leaked a lot more and took longer to dry out.

Like you plan to do, it really is a great idea to just get a bunch of different types of diapers to start out.  And your preferences might change as baby grows, too. (there are a lot of diapers I love for different stages, like for example, I love KL fitteds, but only for the newborn stage)  And buying 2nd hand from places like Diaperswappers or TheBabyWearer are a great way to do it affordably until you find what you want to go with.

[bambihelton]

Thank you! I'm not planning on using any disposable inserts for the same reason. I would rather flush as little as possible. I did, however, consider using disposable diapers for the newborn period because they grow out of them so quickly and cloth is so expensive to buy once you accumulate the amount that you need. I'm still wondering on that. 

I have looked at the Charlie Banana diapers and like that you can get them in a pack...along with other prefolds. They end up being about the same price as the gDiapers if you were to buy them separately, but you only have to use the inserts with those, right? That seems to be a cheaper route over all. 

You have been extremely helpful. Thanks so much. :) 

[1babysmom]

We use sposies a lot during the newborn period.  I admit, I think they are just as cute as tiny cloth. LOL  But basically for the reasons you mention.

[mrsavery]

Bambi, I am in the same boat- I am committed to cloth diapering even though I have no experience and frankly, I am a little overwhelmed with the choices. I went to a cloth diapering class today and I think it just confused me more! I really like the idea of using a combination of fitteds and prefolds with covers- I think they are super versatile and cost friendly. But just trying to figure out which inserts go with which covers and when to use liners and extra doublers, etc, etc has got me all in a dither ;)

If I want to go with cloth right from the get-go, do I go ahead and buy NB sizes, knowing they wont last long? Or rent the newborn package, and then buy what I like after I've had time to try some out- even though that comes at a price? Then I have to consider what would help my husband to be more likely to change a diaper ;) and the ease of use, and not having to figure out what goes with what, is going to be a big factor there. I wish there was someone out there to just tell me what to buy!

[camprunner]

I used disposables for the newborn period last time and it was a great relief to not do the diaper laundry for the first couple of weeks.  If we had a diaper service around here, I'd go for that for the newborn period.

With my second child I used fuzzi bunz and they worked fine even with the merconium but were expensive.  I'd suffered a birth injury so the laundry was a bit overwelming.

With my first child, she passed her merconium quickly and we started using cloth in the middle of the night when she was three days old.  The laundry wasn't overwelming at all because she was my first.  With her we used the combination of fitteds and prefolds.

Another option, I've heard is to use  thick wash cloths and covers for the newborn period because a lot of newborns have to be changed so often and really don't pee that much. You would just lay the wash cloth folded in half in the cover.

As the baby gets older, and you don't have to change him/her as often I'd recommend investing in pockets which help the baby not feel the wetness OR invest in some wool soakers which allow the baby's bottom to breath and therefore prevent rashes.

ETA: Regarding which diapers for the newborn phase.  Most babies aren't in this phase too long so I'd use the wash cloths or prefolds if you aren't intimidated by them.  OR purchase some fitteds used.

[bambihelton]

AHH! SO helpful!! Thanks guys! 

Mrs.Avery, I found a book online at walmart.com last night that apparently has everything you need to know about modern cloth diapers. I just searched "cloth diapers" and it came up. I ordered it, hoping it will be helpful. 

Honestly, as bad as this sounds, I just know that it will be easier to just allow people to buy me newborn disposables anyway for showers, instead of ATTEMPTING to explain why I would rather not receive diapers or what kinds to get. That could be a disaster.  And like I said, on top of that, I just feel like disposable will be cheaper for the newborn period. And camprunner, you're right. The laundry may be a little overwhelming in the first few weeks, being a first time mama. 

I can't even begin to tell you guys how thankful I am for your help. 

[Megmoira]

BambiHelton, If you register for cloth diapers, people may get them for you because they can get *really* cute. Most stores will accept returns on shower gifts, so if you avoid the question, that won't be a problem either, but may be a hassle. It totally depends on if your friends & family will hassle you about it. (I really hope not!) And as far as explaining goes, "I'd rather put the extra money I save on disposables to the baby's college fund." is a really good reason.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVo6SMebcX8 This series of videos may help you out.

As far as I go, I'm due May first, so I can't answer any laundry management questions for you, but I've got two friends who are already Moms. One uses fuzzi buns (the sized ones, she didn't like the all in one, to confusing to snap when sleepy is what she said.) They're just as easy to use as a disposable- lay baby in it and snap it closed.  The other uses the old fashioned cloth diapers with plastic pants- she & her husband like that you can wipe the cover out (wash it with a baby wipe) unless it gets pooped on, and it's significantly cheaper. I don't know if she uses the plastic pants like little undies, or if she uses the ones that snap around the baby like a disposable, because I haven't babysat for her. That's totally a personal preference thing. I'm not sure what we'll be doing, most likely a mix of the fuzzi buns and the old school ones, (fuzzis for babysitters/grandparents/etc). One nice thing about the old fashioned ones is that the layer touching your baby is cotton, where its fleece in the fuzzis. I think I'll be registering for both and crowdsourcing the decision! I am told that if you get a diaper rash in the fuzzi buns, you have to use a certain type of rash cream to not damage the waterproofing, but I don't think that matters in the old school ones, as the cotton part isn't waterproofed. 

Oh- they both said you're better off with a top loading washer, so you can soak in there easier.

I hope this helps!

[camprunner]

Yeah. I got a lot of "You'll change your mind." with "knowing" smiles when I told people we were using cloth.  There was a lot of shock when we just kept on going.  Part of it, I admit, is because I'm very stubborn but another part is I'd spent nine months researching cloth diapers before my first was born.   I had diapered stuffed animals and baby dolls. I had gone over and over wash routines until I had one I was sure would work (and probably a back up one though it's hard to remember that far back).  I knew how many diapers I needed and how many days I'd be able to go between washes.

Here's something I learned quick: Cloth wipes go with cloth diapers and disposable wipes go with disposable diapers. This is because our house was really only set up for either a cloth system or a disposable system and it was awkward to just do a load of wipes while we were using sposies and it was awkward to find a place to throw away a disposable wipe with no disposable diaper pail.

I have almost always had a front loading machine and instead of soaking, we do a short cold wash and it seems to work fine.

Do your research and you will be fine! Ignore the comments by others who don't cloth diaper.

[firespiritmelody]

Originally Posted by camprunner 

Do your research and you will be fine! Ignore the comments by others who don't cloth diaper.

Alos, ignore the comments from people who bought cloth and then switched after a few weeks because it "was too hard" - probably they didn't have the right system for THEM and didn't really stop and do the research to find a good match for their life style. Just because it didn't work for them, doesn't mean it wont for you!!

[bambihelton]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! 

I am absolutely devoted to cloth diapering. I just really hate it when people say "That's ridiculous. Why would you add all that washing on top of your already full plate?" It just makes me want to go over how much more environmental friendly, cost efficient, and just RIGHT for my life style cloth diapering is. People are so rude... 

[1babysmom]

Originally Posted by bambihelton 

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! 

I am absolutely devoted to cloth diapering. I just really hate it when people say "That's ridiculous. Why would you add all that washing on top of your already full plate?" It just makes me want to go over how much more environmental friendly, cost efficient, and just RIGHT for my life style cloth diapering is. People are so rude... 

Most people have no idea that cloth diapering has made leaps and bounds from the "old days" just like everything else.  It's definitely not much added work, if at all (when all things are considered).

[alaskanmomma]

I never used Gdiapers, honestly they seemed like more of a hassle than anything lol. To me, it seems cheaper to just use 'sposies if going that route all the time, though maybe for daycare and babysitters they could be a good option?

I like pockets and AIO's the best, but am going to get a few prefolds and covers(yes, the diapers grandma used to use lol!) for the newborn stage. I have FAT babies, and their legs still were too scrawny for pockets/AIO's... so hopefully this will get us into cloth from the get-go. They have so many fold techniques on Youtube, and my friend actually used prefolds without any crazy folding techniques, just placed the diaper in the cover and that was it!

[alaskanmomma]

Oh and I was told from the minute I switched to cloth(3.5 years ago, when my DD was 6 months) that I was crazy and wouldn't stick with it, waste of money, etc. 3.5 years later, almost 3 kids later, and going strong. I have to admit, the cute appeal WAS my main factor in switching to cloth, but all the other benefits have only solidified my decision even more! I was cloth diapered as a baby, and my dad was picturing pins and plastic pants when I told him my plans, soooo far from it!

Also, I agree with what was mentioned, invest in cloth wipes too! They can be as simple as old washcloths, really. It's to much easier to throw everything in one pail instead of making a trip to the garbage can with a poopy wipe then to the bathroom, etc. May not seem like a whole lot more, but with a baby... you'll want as little steps as possible lol!

[Kara9080]

I tried cloth with my first, 13 years ago but I did prefolds from Babies R Us - they had FOAM stuffing in the middle! Ridiculous. and I did plastic pull-up pants. Ridiculous.   I wanted to CD but didn't know anything about the cloth world or online groups. Pulling the plastic pants down with poopy diapers was an utter mess.

Then when I was pg with my 2nd, I was at Le Leche and they were talking about cloth. I was like  you guys like that?! Then I SAW the diapers and fell in love. Snaps! Aplix! Colors! CUTENESS! and I was hooked from day one. When family and friends found out I was cloth diapering "again" I got that  look. Even with the cute, easy diapers family didn't ever "get" it. Thats okay, I can honestly say I looked forward to every diaper change with my son. I LOVE CDing  My first purchase for this baby was cloth diapers 2 weeks ago!

[spruce]

Originally Posted by Kara9080 

I tried cloth with my first, 13 years ago but I did prefolds from Babies R Us - they had FOAM stuffing in the middle! Ridiculous. and I did plastic pull-up pants. Ridiculous.   I wanted to CD but didn't know anything about the cloth world or online groups. Pulling the plastic pants down with poopy diapers was an utter mess.

Then when I was pg with my 2nd, I was at Le Leche and they were talking about cloth. I was like  you guys like that?! Then I SAW the diapers and fell in love. Snaps! Aplix! Colors! CUTENESS! and I was hooked from day one. When family and friends found out I was cloth diapering "again" I got that  look. Even with the cute, easy diapers family didn't ever "get" it. Thats okay, I can honestly say I looked forward to every diaper change with my son. I LOVE CDing  My first purchase for this baby was cloth diapers 2 weeks ago!

.


ME TOO! I didn't have a toys r us where I lived, but I did flat folds and prefolds with my eldest, with plastic pants, too...and at LLL someone was passing around a pattern for pocket diapers. I got to work fast!

My youngest had a terrible, horrible reaction to cloth, no matter what kind. We did everything we could and finally had to do the opposite of what people usually do...I had to switch her from all that beautiful, soft lovingly hoarded cloth to disposables.

This time we already have a drawer full of nb nd size 1 cloth...OMG those snappy nb diapers are so stinking cute!

Love, p

[Martha83]

I have not read all of this thread. But little snippets here and there. I have had favorites at different points and different times. my two favorites are pockets and AIO's (but not the closed up type I like the Bum Genius ones that make it where you can SEE the layers are clean :) )....I also have a love for fitteds/prefolds and wool....really most diapers have a place in my love list lol!!!

HOWEVER...for the newborn stage...I do have a small selection of smalls/newborns and NOTHING is cuter than that tiny hiney in a NB diaper...but honestly I've not had too much luck with a tiny diapered bum until it reaches 9-10 pounds. even WITH newborn sized diapers the little scrawny legs just dont want to help the poo stay where it belongs in my experience. In any case....I usually use one pack at least of newborn sposies...it helps us find our groove and it gets that very dark stainable maconium poop away from my pretty diapers :) LOL

[Martha83]

And can i say one of the ONLY reasons my husband may win out on the find out or dont find out argument is so I can buy some fluff! LOL

[bambihelton]

Originally Posted by alaskanmomma 

Oh and I was told from the minute I switched to cloth(3.5 years ago, when my DD was 6 months) that I was crazy and wouldn't stick with it, waste of money, etc. 3.5 years later, almost 3 kids later, and going strong. I have to admit, the cute appeal WAS my main factor in switching to cloth, but all the other benefits have only solidified my decision even more! I was cloth diapered as a baby, and my dad was picturing pins and plastic pants when I told him my plans, soooo far from it!

Also, I agree with what was mentioned, invest in cloth wipes too! They can be as simple as old washcloths, really. It's to much easier to throw everything in one pail instead of making a trip to the garbage can with a poopy wipe then to the bathroom, etc. May not seem like a whole lot more, but with a baby... you'll want as little steps as possible lol!

I was talking about cloth diapering with my mom just yesterday. She burst out laughing. Her exact words were... "I tried that with you! That doesn't work!" Of course, my response was that she tried it twenty years ago when she just had to pin a piece of cloth on my hiney. She had no idea how much things had changed. She's at least being supportive, other than saying that she will be using disposables in her moments with the baby. Ugh. 

I think I'm going to do cloth wipes as well. If I'm washing the diapers, why not throw the wipes in the wash with them? It seems kind of ridiculous to me to spend money on disposable wipes when I'm already going to be washing that stuff. Maybe for outings, it would be appropriate. I guess we will see.