cloth diapering for newborns

[Keeping up]

Someone asks this on the weekly update thread so I thought I would create our very own thread! I started cloth diapering ds when he was 4mnths old so am at a loss for newborn cloth diapers. I know this site will be creative in their thoughts!!!!

Also - I am a tad lucky, dh is supportive to my cd habit and is repulsed by second hand (i'm not) so I get to buy new!!!!!

So, picked out some diaps (for fun) today from my favorite Cdn supplier www.jamtots.com but just about gasped when I saw the bill. I will have to rethink what I need. I can't really order from USA WHAMS due to the duty/shipping issues with much ease so am somewhat restricted to what is available in Canada.

I like the idea of the following:

- prefolds (do you think 4x8x4 infants are too thick - I don't like 4x8x4 for my ds so am worried)
- bummis super whisper wraps (like the look of the new polar fleece wraps from bummis too!)
- kissaluv contours
- fuzzi bunz smalls (I already have wonderoos) just for fun
- and maybe some side snap sugar peas in the cool fabrics (these are what killed my budget!!!!).
- I know a great knitter of soakers so I will order one once we know the gender!

Ann

[CountryMom2e]

We used Kissaluvs size 0 with Bummi SWWs and Bumpkins wraps. DH LOVED diapering Ethan in those... so I even got some size 1's when DS outgrew them but they weren't the same, they didn't fit well, and DS leaked a lot. So we tried Wonderoos (ok but he outgrew them quickly) and FBs mediums, now FBs large.

I still love those little kissaluvs

[Persephone]

I'm planning on getting 3 doz infant prefolds/flats, and 3-6 wool soakers. We're going to practice EC pretty much as soon as I feel up to it too, so I think we'll be pretty well covered. I like to keep things simple, and I'm all about breathability and natural fabrics, so no PUL or fleece for us. Plus, we're cloth diapering for frugality sake too, so no designer diapers.

[MamaTaraX]

I treid cloth w/#1 and lasted about 3 weeks. I only knew about diaper pins at the time though and they were insanity-inspiring, so we stopped. With #2 we started cloth when he was 2 mos. We started with prefoldsand Bummis wraps and Snappis that weregiven to us. We saved a littleand gotsome nicer diapers, mainly I did that for my DH. I got some AIOs made by a local mom and some Happy Heinys. We started ECing with him when he was just shy of 4 mos. We weren't as consistant with it as we could have been so he's a half-EC'd kid, age 2 now. He goes diaper-free aet home most of the time (and my carpet stains are proof LOL). AIOs or HHs for when I'm gone for Daddy to use. This new baby willbe cloth fromthe get-go. I just bought my first newborn dipesand am ecstatic They are Kissaluvs 0s that a friend was selling. I'll probably buy all she has and some Bummis covers and prefolds and be done with it. We plan to EC soon after birth (I'm thinking 1-2 weeks) and I'm optimistic thatwe'll do betterwith thatthis time I'm not a fan of snap diapers or covers though we do own a few. Velco's easierfor Daddy

Namaste, Tara
mama to Doodle (6), Butterfly (2), and Rythm (due at home 1/06)

[hypechick]

Diaper Service v. DIY CD for Newbie

I want to cd but I am a first time parent and CDer. I friend who uses cloth suggested that we start of using a diaper service for the first 3 months and then go it alone. What do you think?

I went to a tag sale this weekend and bought some countoured cloth dipes ($.75ea and super clean - looked unused), soakers and covers. How do you tell what size the diapers are? A woman next to me said they looked like smalls but she wan't sure.

So much to learn....

thanks!

[hypechick]

Diaper pail, bucket, what do you use?

While we're on the subject, what kind of dirty diaper storage is suggested? I would like to keep some kind of smell and water proof container in both of our bathrooms.

thanks!

[phaeon]

I used cloth for my NB, but we used the 2x4x2s (right? the regular, not premium, prefolds). They were perfect with whisper wraps or bumkins wraps. I also used FBs once she started sleeping longer stretches, becus they seemed softer and better for longer wear. As for pails, i use a flip-top trash can and put a nylon tote in it. It never smelled bad until she started eating more solids than BM, and now it's kind of I started putting some baking soda in the pail if it gets too bad. They also make deodorizing discs that do the same thing. I'm sure a lot of the CD vendors carry them. HTH!

[beachcomber]

I'm planning to use cloth with Carys when she's born. I'm going with fitted dipes because I've found a local supplier that makes them for a really reasonable price: RP Diaper Designs For you Canadian mums, that's a Canadian WAHM manufacturer! The pkg I'm ordering is 24 dipes, 48 liners and 6 diaper covers for $170.

I was going to go with flats because they're cheap and very versatile. But then I found that site and now think the fitteds will just be easier for us to handle in my house. I have absolutely no experience cloth diapering and the idea of having to figure out the folding plus the laundering honestly had me a bit stressed. Silly, I know. But I was thinking about having Carys home as a newborn and how exhausted I'll be and how many helpers there will be and it's just an easy option to be able to stick a fitted diaper on her. Plus anyone will be able to do that. Not just those with experience or practise.

My parents think I'm totally insane. They both insisted - absolutely INSISTED - on buying me a package of newborn Pampers because they're convinced I won't be able to cope with cloth. Cuz, see, my mum couldn't according to Dad and my step-mom says that the 3 she had in cloth had absolutely TERRIBLE diaper rash all the time. The 4th she put in disposables and never had a rash once. Which makes disposables the only way to go for her.

eta: the diaper pail question ..

We just bought a pail from Babies R Us yesterday. It's got a little sponge thing in the lid that absorbs odours. And it's waterproof. Looks like it'll do the job nicely.

[ehsclt]

We cd'd both girls from the beginning. I used a service for the first two months with the first. She was ready to move to bigger diapers when that two months ended, since she was a big baby. I liked the ease of the service, but was very happy to begin to wash my own. THe service came only once a week and I found that too infrequent for washing (the smell bothered me, even though bf newborns don't have smelly poops.) With the second child, we bought infant-sized prefolds (I LOVE prefolds and use only good quality cotton Chinese prefolds.)

Beachcomber, my babes only got diaper rash when I used a disposable when traveling. Never with cloth. Funny!!

Someone asked about a diaper pail. I bought a very good quality European garbage can operated with a foot pedal for poopy diapers (after solids were introduced; before that, I just put poops and wets together.) It was great and it didn't leak any odor at all. For wets, I just used the basic white plastic pail that the service provided and that I got to keep when I was done with the service. It was just fine. Your diaper pails won't smell much at all until food other than breast milk is introduced to your baby. At least ours didn't. You've got a good six months to decide what to do with poopy diapers. I soak mine in water and washing soda before washing them, so I that garbage can I bought had to be able to accomodate that and it does very well.

Those who think you might not be able to manage cloth have NO IDEA how easy and rewarding it is. People got me stressed out about folding prefolds before I had babies. For heaven's sake, that takes no time and I don't mind doing it at all. And they dry quickly and last forever (mine are getting ready for the third baby and many of them are like new.)

Yay for cloth in all of its incarnations!!

[hottmama]

I used cloth with my son (still do one at night) from birth on. We had a dozen fitteds, 3 dozen infant prefolds, and 3 Bummis SWWs to start out. After he outgrew the tiny fitteds, we used prefolds exclusively, although I bought 5 "one size" AIOs for babysitters. This baby I will use the fitteds I have from before, but if I were starting fresh, I'd use only prefolds. I think 3 dozen infant prefolds and a few covers (more than 3- that was a pain!) would be perfect for a newborn. The 4x8x4 always worked fine for me. If you expect a small/average birthweight baby, I'd buy a dozen newborn prefolds.
Last time around we used a diaper pail from babies r us, but it sucked. Friends of mine who CD use a metal trashcan with a foot pedal and that's what we plan on doing, it looks 1000 times better and doesn't smell at all.
I think cloth diapering is so easy. Prefolds are supposedly hard, but it takes all of 3 seconds to fold one in thirds and plop it in a wrap, or even snappi it and pull on a wool soaker or vinyl pull-on cover (I use this combo on a sleeping 2.5 yr. old every night). Even babysitters could use a prefold after a minute long tutorial. I used CD for 2 years, even when I lived in apartment with no laundry- I tossed wet and dirty dipes in the pail and washed them weekly at a friend's house (where I also did our laundry).
Also, some folks use disposables for night or outings, but I really can't see why. Our prefolds always worked for night, and it's not hard to bring along some empty grocery bags to toss used diapers in (and tie closed for odor control). I even went camping by myself with a 6 mo. old in cloth diapers for 3 days.

[ScotiaSky]

Girl I have a great list of Canadian suppliers for CD and all things AP(I post it every so oftern on the CD forum when there is a request for Canadian stores)..it toook me months to put together and I am quite sure that new ones have since opened and will have to go about adding them one day soon.

Will only post it tomorrow as I am heading off to bed...

As for newborns I prefer bleached prefolds and Bummis covers all the way add in a few pocket diapers for out and about(Wonderoo's) and I am set until we start solids...then the Mini Shower comes out...
With Hunter I started buying fitted's and AIO's around 6 months and they were fine but once he started to crawl 9 months it had to be quick and easy..Pockets.
All those beautiful covers and AIO's are waiting until the next babe arrives. I think the only thing I need are infant prefolds and small/newborn covers as I used a service until Hunter was 6 months so everything we own is way to big for a newborn. DF is going to flip when I say I need to buy more diapers

Originally Posted by AnnD

Someone asks this on the weekly update thread so I thought I would create our very own thread! I started cloth diapering ds when he was 4mnths old so am at a loss for newborn cloth diapers. I know this site will be creative in their thoughts!!!!

Also - I am a tad lucky, dh is supportive to my cd habit and is repulsed by second hand (i'm not) so I get to buy new!!!!!

So, picked out some diaps (for fun) today from my favorite Cdn supplier www.jamtots.com but just about gasped when I saw the bill. I will have to rethink what I need. I can't really order from USA WHAMS due to the duty/shipping issues with much ease so am somewhat restricted to what is available in Canada.

I like the idea of the following:

- prefolds (do you think 4x8x4 infants are too thick - I don't like 4x8x4 for my ds so am worried)
- bummis super whisper wraps (like the look of the new polar fleece wraps from bummis too!)
- kissaluv contours
- fuzzi bunz smalls (I already have wonderoos) just for fun
- and maybe some side snap sugar peas in the cool fabrics (these are what killed my budget!!!!).
- I know a great knitter of soakers so I will order one once we know the gender!

Ann

[Stargirl]

Great thread gals!

Anyone try Rumpsters AIO's? There are just so many brands it is overwhelming.

Scotiaskye: looking forward to seeing you Canadian list!

~Stargirl

[ScotiaSky]

There are a bunch of new ones...and will come back to edit them in if I every get the chance. :LOL
For those of you in N.S
I think there is a new store based one in Halifax will see if I can find it.
As well I picked up some nice deals at Gems near the Airport(its right beside the Winners and in fact is very similar to Winners if you need more details ask me its on the same mall as the Royal Diaperery but cheaper although they have some diapers as well)
Some diapers were duds but couldn't go wrong on a LANA Wool Soaker for half price.

Ajz Things
Ontario Based-Aj`s Wool Soakers
http://www.ajzthings.com/


Baa Baa Shee Shee
Canadian Based-Wool Soakers,Shorts,using hand dyed wool
http://www.baabaasheeshee.com/


BumBundles
Canadian Based maker and seller of CuddleBuns
http://www.bumbundles.com/Store/Default.asp


Bums A Daisy
Ontario Based AIO`s,Fitteds,and Fleece Covers
http://www.bumsadaisy.com/

Comfy Cotton
Toronto Diaper Servive
http://www.comfycotton.ca/index.htm


Crystals Cloth
BC Based-AIO`s, Fitted, Hemp Fitteds, Hand Dyed Prefolds Covers etc.
http://www.crystalscloth.com/

Cutiepatoot-ease
Ontario Based-AIO`s and Wool Covers
http://www.cutiepatoot-ease.com/main.htm

Diaper Works
Ontario Based-Fitted and Pocket Diapers
http://www.diaperworks.com/


El Bee Baby
BC Based-Cloth diaper Clothes,Fitted, Wool Covers
http://www.elbeebaby.com/homepage.htm

Freshies
Alberta Based-AIO`s,Fitteds and Covers
http://www.freshies.ca/index.php

Hannahs Bottoms
B.C Based-Fitteds,Pockets, Covers, Inserts, and Contour Diapers-US Dollar
http://www.hannahsbottoms.com/

JamTots
BC Based-Sells Wonderoo and FuzziBunz Pocket Diapers as well as many other things for diapering
http://www.jamtots.com


Lil Baby Buns
Ontario Based-Makes and Sells CuddleBums Fitteds, AIO`s and Covers
http://www.lilbabybuns.com/

Lukes Drawers
BC Based-AIO`s,Covers,Fitteds,One Size,Side Snaps
http://www.lukesdrawers.com/frames/00_mainframe.htm


Luxe Baby Diapers
BC Based-Organic Wool Covers, Organic Hemp, AIO`s US Dollar
http://www.luxebabydiapers.com/index.html

Maman Naturelle
Alberta Based-Fitted Diapers,Wool Covers, Children`s Clothing
If anyone has the website for this company please let me know so I can edit it in.

MotherEase
Ontario Based-AIO`s, Fittefds, One Size,Covers
http://www.mother-ease.com/index.html

Mothering Basics
Flannel FItted Diapers
http://www.motheringbasics.com

My Precious Baby by April
Ontario Based-Fleece and PUL AIO`s as well as Fitteds-US Dollar
http://www.mypreciousbabybyapril.com


Okanagan Baby
Canadian Based-AIO`s, Fitted and Pocket as well as Wool Soakers
http://okanaganbaby.com/

Orange Star FIsh
BC Based-New & gently used cloth diapers,covers and other baby items.US Dollar
http://www.orangestarfish.com


Recyclebees
Ontario Based-Fitteds
http://www.recyclebees.com/

Slingtasic
Ontario Based-Hemp AIO`s and Hemp Prefolds and Hemp Inserts/Doublers
http://www.slingtastic.ca/

Soul Mother
Manitoba Based Fleece AIO`S and Side Snap Fitteds, Fleece Covers
http://www.soulmother.com/

Sunshine Baby Shop
Ontario Based-Fitted Diapers as well as many other products
http://www.sunshinebabyshop.com/

Sweet Cheeks Diapers
BC Based-Fitted, Fleece Cover and More Free Shipping
http://www.sweetcheeksdiapers.com/

Tiny Tushies
Featuring fitted and AIOs, in cotton and hemp
http://www.tinytushies.com


Valor Kids
Alberta Based-Wool Covers,AIO`s, Pocket Diapers, Fitted US Dollar
http://www.valor-kids.com


Wooly Wonders by Nada
Ontario Based-Wool Soakers
http://www.woolywondersbynada.com/store/Default.asp

=========================================

A Mother`s Touch
Cloth Diapers,Diapering Accessories,Slings,Sunglasses, etc
http://amotherstouch.biz/

AzureWraps
Montreal Based,Wraps,Slings, Pouches,Wool Covers, Herbal Teas, Poncho's,Wool Longies
http://www.azurewraps.com/


BareWare
BC Based-Baby Care,Diapering,Breastfeeding,Maternity,Keepsakes
http://www.bareware.ca/home.htm


Behind Baby
Ontario Based-Cloth Diapers,Books, Toys and Baby Gear
http://www.behindbaby.com/index.htm

Birdies Room
Ontario Based-Organic Fitted Diapers and Clothing,Slings and Skincare
http://www.birdiesroom.com/

Extraordinary Baby Shoppe
Ontario Based-Cloth Diapers and Supplies , Slings,SkinCare,Bulk Pregnancy Tests
http://www.extraordinarybabyshoppe.com

Forever Family
Ontario Based-Cloth Diapers, Arms Reach Co-Sleeper,Toys, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Items
http://www.forever-family.com/index2.html


MilkFace
Ontario Based-Nursing Clothes, Slings,Burts Bees SkinCare
http://www.milkface.com/

My Willow Tree
Nursing Necklaces-US Dollar
http://www.mywillowtree.com/

Natural Blessings
Alberta Based-Happy Heineys Pocket Diapers,Pregnancy and Labour, Slings, Pouches, Books
http://www.natural-blessings.com


Natural Instinct
Ontario Bases-Breastfeeding slogen clothes, Toys, AIO Diapers, Organic Underwear
http://www.natural-instinct.com/

Parenting By Nature
http://www.parentingbynature.com/
Halifax Based

Peek A Boo Baby
Alberta Based-Luxuries for Mom and Baby.
http://www.peekaboobaby.ca/default.htm

Pooka Baby
Ontario Based-Slings of all sorts-EllaRoo, Baby Trekker,Ergo,Maya, MobyWrap,Mexican Rebozos,Solarveil and Mesh
http://www.PookaBaby.com

Twinkle Little Star
Quebec Based-Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Diapers and Toys
http://www.twinklelittlestar.com/main.html


New ones added

Bijou Baby - http://www.bijoubabygear.com/store/

Cuddlebugz - http://www.cuddlebugz.ca

Sweet Bambino - http://www.sweetbambino.net

BubbleBums-http://www.bubblebums.ca/

Braedens Bumz-http://www.braedensbumz.com/store

Baby Bear Diapers- http://babybeardiapers.com/

Playful Pixies- http://www.playfulpixie.com/

[Stargirl]

Thanks ScotiaSkye- great list!

[beachcomber]

Wow. That's a great list. Thanks for supplying it, ScotiaSky.
It helped me out with comparison pricing.

I was really amazed to find that the supplier I stumbled on (RP Diapers ) is so darned cheap. I think I really lucked out. I can't believe I was balking at the cost I of their packages before I comparison shopped. A lot of those other sites have diapers that are $13-$15 each for fitteds. Mine are going to be about $5.60 each. And they're even on cute printed flannel. Go figure.

So now I'm wondering what diapers are going to be costing for the rest of you folks ...

What's a "good" price to pay per diaper?
What price did you pay?

[AAK]

I have used cloth from the beginning with each of my girls. I plan on continuing this with this baby. I am rather simple in my cloth. I love fitted diapers with velcro and a pull on NYLON (not vinyl) cover. Bummis has a good pull on (whisper wrap, I think)Alexis featherlites were good pull on covers too--less expensive than the bummis but they don't get as big. I tried pre-folds and use them as "back up" once babe is a bit bigger, but I didn't like them for the newborn. But, only get good quality prefolds, PLEASE!!!! Those other crummy things can turn you away from cloth.

I have also tried the super expensive stuff, i.e. fuzzi bunz, aristocrats, etc. and honestly I don't think they are worth it. I know that several people LOVE them, but I didn't. My fitteds have been able to accomodate both dds sizes (my dds were created with totally different bums--one thick around the thighs, one with bird legs) but I don't think some of the AIOs would have done as well.

I got my diapers through barefoot baby. Their snuggle ups were very reasonably priced and have held up well.

Regarding price: I paid between $4.50 and $6.00 American for each fitted diaper. I got 6 decent prefolds for about $20.00. My covers were about $5.00 each.

Amy

[MuhajibahMama]

We started CSing with DD when she was about 2.5mos. We are 100% fitteds and about 98% wool. We are also probably 70% organic cotton. I'm buying most of my diapers from the US as there are particular brands that have really worked well. I rarely get stuck with a customs bill, so it's not to big a deal. I do have a fair collection from Canadian WAHMs as well. We've paid from $9.50 USD up to $25 USD a diaper -- the majority being under $16 USD.

For a pail we just use a rubbermaid garbage can with a flip top. We rinse all the dirties with the mini-shower before they go into the pail. I will probably have to get another pail for Twinkle as the changing stations will probably be different or her and DD.

[Rockies5]

Anyone else make their own?

we've completely cloth diaped the most recent two (4 and 1y) and will with the next baby as well.

I started with a dozen infant CPF's, and still use them daily as stuffers for my pocket fitteds and the AIO's I make for dh. He's in charge of the night duty (I'm pregnant and can't function w/o 6hrs uninterrupted sleep) for I make fleece pockets for him.

I really can't BELIEVE the cost of pre-made cloth diapers!! I was just on another site I saw a banner for here....and i've NEVER spend $10 on a single diape when I can make (custom, even) 5-6 for the same price

Anyhow Nb-sitting we do CPF's, tiny AIO for travel and velcro wraps. Sitting to creeping simple fitteds and wraps (no pins here, ever). walkers and runners I like the same plus fleece for busy days or days where I'm diapering WHILE he's running.... also just started knitting soakers and love them for reathability.

The problem is my puppy thinks wool is DELICIOUS and wants to snack them right off the baby's tush.

[MuhajibahMama]

Originally Posted by Rockies5

I really can't BELIEVE the cost of pre-made cloth diapers!! I was just on another site I saw a banner for here....and i've NEVER spend $10 on a single diape when I can make (custom, even) 5-6 for the same price

Just to put things in perspective...time is a valueable commodity as well. I could sew all my diapers if I wanted to, but I choose not to and purchase ready made diapers instead for a variety of reasons, but the bottom line is that for us, purchasing a diaper is more economical than my making them. And if you're making your own, then you know how much work goes into making a diaper...I would say a lot of wahms really aren't getting paid very much for their work on a $10 diaper.

Not trying to be snarky or anything...just wanted to show the flip side. =)

[ajsgirl]

I, too, didn't start CDing my ds until he was 3 months old, so CDing a newborn is new to us too.

I'm torn between prefolds and fitteds. With prefolds, we could afford more, so we could do laundry every 2-3 days. With fitteds, I'd probably be doing laundry every day. I guess I could get a mix. Fitteds, I would think, hold in all that runny poo better.

As far as covers go, I had constant leaks with prefolds and bummis when the poo was runny. So, I won't get bummis for a newborn, since there are no gussets! I'm thinking about a litewrap or prowraps. I just don't want that velcro scratching this babe's new skin. So, if anyone knows of a wrap with gussets AND snaps, let me know!