DIAPERS!?! « Back to Group Discussions

[JNajla]

After much debating and research, I *think* that we want to go with disposable diapers, but I haven't a clue what ones are the best (healthiest) option?  Can anyone recommend a brand that is non-toxic/ green/ biodegradable, etc?  Even the 7th Generation ones have some sort of gel absorbing chemical in them that bothers me....  *sigh*.  (feeling confused and overwhelmed)

[dayiscoming2006]

The only ones I know that don't have the chemicals and gel are tushies. My friend used them and said they were OK, but not great. She switched to cloth around a week after baby was born. I'm not sure why you have decided against cloth if you are trying to avoid chemicals and gels? I'm lazy and didn't have a clue going into it back in the day and I used cloth diapers 80% of the time on all 3 of my kids. 

Here's a link doing a pretty good job answering any questions about cloth diapers... http://jilliansdrawers.com/newtocloth

in case you are still curious. I'm not anti-disposables, but they do have chemicals and gels and they do have a higher environmental impact. I think you don't have to go all or nothing though. You can use cloth regularly and disposables on occasions where it's more convenient. I find regular disposables do the best for overnight for us, otherwise we risk our kid waking up in the night needing to be changed or getting a rash from wetness by the skin too long even with fleece. Though, some people find cloth nightime diapers that work for them. It depends.

[JNajla]

We just bought front loaders but no steam option- I didn't think they would get clean enough without steam? The cloth diaper services that wash for you use bleach/ chemicals.

[dayiscoming2006]

I used a front loader for 2 years and it did alright. I had a samsung. There's lots of tips and tricks with those. You can soak diapers in a 5 gallon bucket with oxiclean if they start to get stinky for example. You could try cotton fitted diapers or prefolds. They should come pretty clean. Natural materials come cleaner. PUL covers work well. I like the thirsties brand. I also like fleece covers for more air flow. You can use microfleece liners to help keep the skin next to baby dry and you can buy some preemie prefolds or doublers for adding into the diaper for absorbency. It should work, you just have to find a wash routine that will work for you. I don't know how satisfied you are with your current washer, but another thought is to sell the front loader and buy a top loader. No HE top loaders as they suck. I have personal experience trying one... not good. I have a speed queen top loader now.

I am sure a front loader could handle prefolds. 

[JNajla]

We just bought the front loaders this week. The other reason I was thinking disposable is because of daycare. I'm not sure if they will want to deal with storing the "dirties" all day. If I was able to be a sahm, I would do cloth diapers for sure, but that isn't an option for me, unfortunately.

[dayiscoming2006]

Oh ok. Well, it's up to you. I wouldn't say there's really any super natural disposable that does a good job also. The best you will find is chlorine free and maybe less dyes, but it'll probably still have the gel. If you can afford natural fibered all-in-one diapers, they'd wash up fine probably if your day care is willing to deal with those. They might be if you ask. Another type they might be OK with pocket diapers that you stuff with prefolds before day care. 

[MommyThea]

I usually cloth diaper during the day. and disposable at night and while out and about.  You don't have to do all or nothing. :)   

My midwife has a front loader and hates it for cloth diapers. She said the ones that come out best are the natural prefolds. The newer 'fancy' diapers like do not get clean. Also it is suggested to soak the diapers in a pail before washing to loosen the pee and poo so the washer can get the diaper cleaner.

Also I've ready many complaints where front loaders somehow puts holes in the diapers.

[JNajla]

I'll continue to look into it and hopefully ger more opinions/ suggestions and get it figured out.

[BabySmurf]

I like to use this site for a quick reference of natural products.  I am one of those people who really wanted to love cloth, but I just could not find a washing routine that worked.  I can see how daycare could complicate things too, but you can always double check.  And if you buy used diapers to *try* you can save a lot of money, and resell  if they don't work out.  It does not take much time to recoup the up front costs of purchasing cloths, so I wouldn't be too intimidated if you were curious and wanted to try it.  But, as I said, cloth just doesn't work for every one and that's okay. 

http://www.gimmethegoodstuff.org/disposable-diapers/

She reviews everything from diapers to nipple creams to mattresses and laundry detergents.  A nice easy reference :)

[jr'smom]

I just want to add encouraging words to anyone thinking about going to cloth.  I was very hesitant and didn't make the switch until our 3rd baby was born.  I needed something easy enough for DH since he is the main diaperer.  We chose pocket diapers for this reason (mostly Bum Genius but also a few others added in because of cute prints and wanting to try others.)  Our HE front loading washer did fine...although we are switching to a top loader soon for other reasons. 

Since the pockets go on like any disposable and the dirties can be zipped into a "wet bag" I don't know why any daycare service would mind.

It really is easier than you might think, but I know how intimidating it can be to get started.  DH has used them regularly now for almost 4 years (with 2 babies).  Most of our diapers are still in great shape too and ready for the third round (with baby number 5) coming soon.  The BGs have held up well, though I would like to re-sew the velcro closures to make them look brand new again.  Quite the cost savings through 3 babies!!!

(Full disclosure...we do use disposables when we travel unless we'll have daily access to a washer and dryer.)

[littlegreenlady]

Ok so I actually did EC with cloth diapers. I tried disposables in the beginning, but they all gave my baby a rash. In this process I used G diaper covers with a pre fold. However I did use the disposable inserts during outings from time to time and they did not give my baby a rash. I didn't use them a lot so I did not do tons of research to see what was in them, but the fact that they did not give him a rash was a clue for me. 

So because you asked about disposable and this is my experience I recommend g diapers. Also if you change your mind during the process and want to try cloth you can use the covers with prefolds. My favorite thing about them was that you can change the diapers while they are standing and/or attempting to run away :) because the velcro is on the back.

http://www.gdiapers.com/

[dayiscoming2006]

Also grovia makes one that is a hybrid like the gdiapers, but I don't think you'd be able to use the cloth inserts for those at daycare. So, I honestly think you'd still be better off going with an AIO or pocket diaper if you decide on cloth. Natural fibers will come cleaner as previously stated. 

I just remembered the natural baby company started making disposables too.(Creaters of grovia) They should be more natural. They contain some gel, but I think less than others. You may consider giving them a try. http://www.thenaturalbabyco.com/biodiapers-grovia-biodiaper-family-pack.html

[MommyThea]

If I remember correctly the flip diaper covers can be used with both prefolds and their disposable inserts.  Yea here is is.  They use a wood pulp for absorbency. 

http://flipdiapers.com/flipdisp.php  

I have several of the covers and they are very nice. I use prefolds with them.

[JNajla]

Thank you very much for your replies and links to posts.  I've been doing a lot of reading about this lately and I appreciate all of your stories with personal experience.  It helps me to make a decision.

[here we are]

Originally Posted by dayiscoming2006 

I used a front loader for 2 years and it did alright. I had a samsung. There's lots of tips and tricks with those. You can soak diapers in a 5 gallon bucket with oxiclean if they start to get stinky for example. You could try cotton fitted diapers or prefolds. They should come pretty clean. Natural materials come cleaner. PUL covers work well. I like the thirsties brand. I also like fleece covers for more air flow. You can use microfleece liners to help keep the skin next to baby dry and you can buy some preemie prefolds or doublers for adding into the diaper for absorbency. It should work, you just have to find a wash routine that will work for you. I don't know how satisfied you are with your current washer, but another thought is to sell the front loader and buy a top loader. No HE top loaders as they suck. I have personal experience trying one... not good. I have a speed queen top loader now.

I am sure a front loader could handle prefolds. 

Please someone tell me this is not true. I had to go thru so many ppwk to get my washer in my apt so i grabbed the one one sale, it was the top in its class. Its a kenmore he top loader, i will find the book for model #. Its not perfect but its saved my life from the laundry mat. I use the highest water settings. Mine has a cold soak cycle . I miss the easier to use old machine, but is this really going to be that big of a problem? Green mountain diapers website has a fitted they say is meant for these machines....i dont wanna have to sell my machine.

[dayiscoming2006]

Originally Posted by here we are 

Please someone tell me this is not true. I had to go thru so many ppwk to get my washer in my apt so i grabbed the one one sale, it was the top in its class. Its a kenmore he top loader, i will find the book for model #. Its not perfect but its saved my life from the laundry mat. I use the highest water settings. Mine has a cold soak cycle . I miss the easier to use old machine, but is this really going to be that big of a problem? Green mountain diapers website has a fitted they say is meant for these machines....i dont wanna have to sell my machine.

Don't worry. Those GMD diapers should wash up fine. They are natural materials. The biggest problem that HE machines have is washing man-made materials like microfiber or if you had super thick all in ones. My front loader got me through 2 years. I do prefer my top loader for cloth diapers, but the front loader will work. Do not use the sanitize setting on diapers, especially PUL diapers/covers from what I've read because it's TOO hot. I'd simply use the hot water setting. And if your diapers get stinky and need to be soaked, get a 5 gallon pale with a lid and your golden. I don't know about an HE soak. I'd think that'd just mean that they pre-wet your diapers with a small amount of water and leave them to toss around a little in the water for a set amount of time. Sometimes diapers need to be soaked with a larger amount of water(not just wet) and some oxiclean or something to help get any stinkiness out or something along those lines. I had that problem a few times. It didn't happen that often though and it isn't that big of a deal.

[spotty4]

Great thread!  Thank you for the information, ladies.  I am benefitting from the dialogue, also!