Tell me about cloth diapers

[pebbles1977]

This is my first pregnancy, and it seems there are a lot of decisions to make. I've been thinking about cloth diapers, but don't know where to get good info from. My mother and stepmother both had the following to say: "Cloth diapers? You will hate them. I used them for x weeks/days and it didn't take me long to go to disposable. They're nasty and the smell will turn your stomach. Start stocking up on disposables now!"
However, I'm still interested. I know with cloth you have the cloth diaper part and a plastic part to go over it, right? Do you just throw them in the wash, or do you have to rinse them out first? I'm sorry, I really know nothing about them! Also, can you do the cloth for say at home and then disposables for when you take the baby out, or say a visit to grandma's?
Thanks guys!

[Shenandoah]

There are a lot of different kinds of cloth diapers these days. The old prefolds are still available but instead of a pin most people use something called a snappi. Personally, I'm prefold challenged. You can really save a lot of money by using cloth, especially if you plan to have more than one child.

Here's a decent primer: http://www.diaperpin.com/howto.asp

Diaperpin also has reviews of all kinds of cloth diapers.

Personally, my favorite is Mother-Ease. They are one size, which means they have lots of snaps and fit from newborn to 35 pounds. This comes in quite handy if you have more than one child in diapers at the same time. No fussing for which size is clean, etc. Then you just need to buy the different size covers and you are all set.

I use a spray hose attached to the clean water input on the toilet to rinse dirty diapers, then drop them in the pail until wash day (every 5-6 days). Wash on the hottest water you have with very little detergent. I use Bio-Kleen.

[proudhsmommy]

There are so many different diapers out there that it can seem a bit overwhelming.

I did sposies with my first (she was a preemie, I had hellps and it took me over a year to get back to full health). We started cd with our 2nd daughter at 13 months. We've been doing it now for just over a month. And we plan on cd this baby as soon as we can.

Do some research and check out the Diaper Forum on here to see all the different kinds. We use fitted diapers with a cover. We are using Kushies. I have a wahm that I am buying my newborn diapers off of, they are just SOOO adorable.

CD really aren't that much work. We do a bit more than is usually required. I rinse my diapers in the sink after dd is changed, then spray on a bit of vinegar and hang them over the tub to chill out until I do laundry. I do laundry every other day. Most mommies do either a dry or wet pail, the smell gets too me too much and makes me nauteous.

For laundry, I let them soak for an hour or so in cold water, then I go through a cycle of hot (Note!!!! DO NOT use your normal amount of detergent, you only need a few tablespoons, if that!!) Then I do an extra rinse with cold water and about 1/4 cup of vinegar. DO NOT use fabric softener!! I don't have the option of line drying, so I plop them in the dryer W/out a dryer sheet (the dryer sheet will put a layer of coating on the diaper that will make it less absorbant).

Currently I have to use sposies during nap time b/c dd is a houdini at getting the cd off when she has a poopie.... I've had too many cleanups to keep her in cd during this time.

I'd encourage you to get a mix of diapers. If money is a big factor you can do prefolds with a cover. I like my fitted and covers. We have a few AIO (all in ones) for going out and for babysitters. There are just so many that you have to decide what will work best for you. I would discourage against getting all of them in AIO b/c the pul layer on the front can wear down easier b/c of being laundered lots. And I wouldn't put AIO's in a wet pail.

Covers need to be handwashed and Never put in with your dirty diapers, they will absorb the smell. I wipe mine while she is being changed and just let it dry. You can just use a mild soap in the sink and hang over the shower curtain to dry. I have about 7 covers and that is good for us, b/c we have some in the changing area, some in her diaper bag and a few just for backup.

If you decide to cd full time, when you go out ... plan to have a diaper for every 1.5 to 2 hours that you are out and 2 extras for those mishaps hehe. I keep mine assembled in ziploc bags and then just put the dirty diaper in another ziploc bag til I get home.

If you sew, you can save a ton of money making your own diapers. I belong to a yahoo group specially for that, I could give you the group if you are interested. I'm making my own liners for now. I'm not that confident in my sewing skills to make diapers yet hehe

I'd be more than happy to answer any other questions you might have.

Denise

[my_baby_love]

I am also doing cloth diapers for the first time. I actually just bought my first few yesterday (Kissaluv, size 0 fitteds). After doing some research my husband and I decided they seemed just as easy as disposables, and WAY cheaper. When we were first starting to research, I asked a friend of mine who cloth diapers to tell me about the different kinds. She referred me to greenmountaindiapers.com. You can buy diapers there, but the really great thing is that they have tons of varieties and pictures of everything actually on babies so you can get a good idea of what you like. It was a great site for researching and getting information. So, that's my suggestion. Also, here on MDC are a ton of people who know a lot about it, especially in the diapering forums, which is where I also got a lot of info (check out the stickies at the top). Good luck!

[LizaBear]

"Disposable diapers? You will hate them. I used them for part-time for 4 months with my first child and it didn't take me long to go to cloth full time. Disposables are nasty and the smell will turn your stomach. Start stocking up on cloth now!"

That's what I say ! *G*

My first was in disposables for outings and over-night for the first 4 months of his life, when we made the switch to full-time cloth.
My second has never had a disposable diaper touch her bottom, and neither will this baby.

My favorites are pocket diapers because they wash and dry so quickly. But they are a bit hotter in the summer, so I keep some thinner fitteds around for DD to wear if she NEEDS it (she's working on potty learning right now, so is mostly naked). I don't even have my own washing machine - we go to the laundromat !!

It's so EASY, I swear. And the odor is NOTHING compared to the stench of disposables.

[jenr]

I have cloth diapered both my boys from the beginning (so for three years now) and this baby will be too. To start I use Kissaluvs size 0 fitted (I like the littel umbilical cord fold-down) and a cover. Then I use either a prefold in a over (you just fold it over and pop it into the velcro cover - no need for pins or snappis or a pocket diaper. DS#2 is currently in pocket diapers exclusively because he had a reaction to the laminate in one kind of cover so we switched him. DS#1 potty-trained very early and easily (at barely 24 months - he was ready earlier, but I delayed him because of a family camping trip) and DS#2 is well on the way to being potty trained and is only 17months - he always loves to go sit on the potty, now we just have to work on the actually going "potty". Cloth diapered babies are annecdotally potty trained earlier, and it is true for my boys.

To clean, you simply toss them in a dry pail - wet pail is not recommended as it will break down the fibers of the cloth, after shaking off the poop. If it is really messy then rinse off the poop. Be careful about using too much vinegar because it will eventually cause a urine smell rather than removing it. Also be careful about using too much baking soda as that has been shown to break down the fibers. The best thing to use for anti-bacterial purposes and for odor is Tea Tree Oil - just put a little splash in the wash water and presto clean smell and super clean. Put them in a cold water rinse and then a hot wash, with extra cold water rinse. You can machine wash the wraps, just don't put them in the dryer. I hang my wraps and pocket diapers up to dry on a little hanger thing my mom found at the Dollar Store.

I will never put disposible on a child if I can help it. The one time I tried for each of the boys (on trips) they both had horrible rashes. I also don't use disposible wipes, but use terry cloths. The absorbent crystals they put in dsp. diapers these days are so toxic to the urinary tact of anybody that I shudder to think of what would happen if the diaper broke and my baby ended up with crystals up their urethra.

I don't find they smell at all, but gag at the fake baby powder smell of disposables.

Jennifer

[Jess A]

I'm going to keep reading this thread because I am going to cloth diaper this baby. I didn't with my other too. I've done lots of research, but there's so much information out there--it can be a bit overwhelming. One of my friends cloth diapers, so she's been a help too.

[kalisis]

Oh wow...cloth can be so easy. It can be really hard, too, if you make it that way.

Let me warn you, too, that it can be addicting!

I didn't start with cloth until DS was about 6 months old (long story - but there was too much going on in my life for me to figure it all out), but once we switched, we loved it. I only use sposies when we travel now, although I could conceivably use cloth, I just don't.

The easiest setup is a couple dozen Chinese prefolds (or there are Indian ones now too that are just as nice) and several covers. For a newborn, you need more covers than for an older child b/c of the those runny, get all over the place newborn poops. I tell people they can safely get away with 6 covers if they wash almost daily. If you can afford it, get double that amount and wash every other day.

There are also fitted diapers that are contoured instead of just flat like the prefolds. Those will also need a cover to keep the wetness in and sometimes the fitteds are bulkier than the prefolds so you need a larger cover.

There are also AIOs or all-in-ones that are basically just like sposies. You put one on the baby and when it's wet/soiled, you take it off and toss it in the wash bin. There are all sorts of designs out there with wings and flaps and extra absorbency.

As well, there are pocket diapers, like Fuzi Bunz that are almost all in one, but they have an insert that you put in and out. A lot of people like these for their ease and convenience. They are also usually made out of microfiber on the inside so there is a wicking property that you don't get with just a prefold or fitted.

These really aren't your mom's cloth diapers - they have snaps and velcro and can really fit into your life.

Washing can be really easy. You have to find the right washing system for your water and your child's bowel movements, but most people do a couple of washes with one wash using soap and the others not. Some people do vinegar and/or baking soda rinses, some don't. I found it to be a bit of trial and error, but once I figured it out, it's been pretty smooth sailing.

Good luck, I hope that you enjoy it as much as we do.

[Twilight]

I am a fan of prefolds / snappis with prorap covers - it's like the cheapest combination you can get.

That said - my husband much prefers pocket diapers and fitted diapers. I don't know why DH's are much more inclined to use less "technical" diapers but there you go! Pocket diapers are easy. Easy to clean, easy to dry, easy everything.

Disposables stink much worse than cloth. It's awful. If you're breastfeeding, the stink factor is negligible with cloth. You will get some staining on the diapers... but if you get any sunshine at all, you can hang the diapers in the sun and the stains come right out.

You'll love it. Do it!

[bc1995]

I never rinsed the poo out of my cloth diapers when they were exclusively bf. I had to start using a mini-shower when solids were introduced though. It made cleaning them off super easy. There are SO many options for cloth diapering. Washing them is easy and fun. I always enjoy folding and sorting my fluff.

I agree that sposies stink especially when wet. Once you use cd, it can be hard to go back to sposies and smell that stink. I used cloth 100% for the longest time. I do however use pullups on ds2 when traveling these days instead of my cloth trainers. I will use cloth 100% of the time on the babe whether traveling or not.

[Mama~Love]

I love my cloth diapers!! I use mainly Indian unbleached prefolds with pins, since a Snappi hurts DD's tummy too much (she's 2 yrs. old). We use Fuzzi Bunz pockets at night stuffed with a prefold.

Washing is super easy too. Once you get the hang of what's what & get a washing routine down, it's SO MUCH FUN!!!

I'm dreading using sposies next week while DD is having her heart surgery, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

[emdeecee_sierra]

Heehee, I must say first that I am in love with cloth diapers!!! Truly, I enjoy using them. I know that when my final baby is done, I will have a very hard time parting with the diapers. And I even do it the 'hard' way, washing in the machine and line drying them. Actually, they do smell much much better that way than by drying them in the dryer. Sure, pee and poo smells. Fact of life. I switched because I heard that doctors are finding talcum powder on women's ovaries- powder that was used on their bottoms as babies that migrated up and has been in their bodies ever since. Disposable diapers have all those chemicals and such that I just really didn't want migrating and STAYING in the bodies of my DC.

There are lots of websites that are informative about cloth diapering. You'll sort of find your own way. I decided to use all fitted diapers so it would be easier for DH. The wraps (or covers) aren't 'plastic' anymore- they are waterproof and have cloth; very soft. There are also wool wraps. There are lots of methods and choices; you could buy one of each that interest you, then decide what you like best and buy a supply of those. There is also the cloth diapering board here that would be a good resource. I bought lots of mine on ebay; you have to be careful, though, to avoid paying more than you would for brand new stuff retail.

As for rinsing, I never did. If it was a big bm (once baby was older) I would shake it off in the toilet. Otherwise, dirties just go in the diaper pail (a plastic garbage pail with a spring-loaded lid) and I wash every other day or more often. Just hold my breath as I dump the dirties in the washer and close the lid quickly. Then wash out the pail in the shower. I never used soaks or anything in the pail; just a dry pail. Sometimes I'd sprinkle some baking soda in just for kicks.

As for going out and about, I just carried a waterproof bag with me for dirties, put them in the diaper pail when returning home. When travelling/camping, asked to use in-laws' washers and used coin-ops.

One of my qualms was the initial outlay of money for the cloth. But as soon as I figured out how quickly the cloth pay for themselves vs. disposables, I felt amazingly frugal lol.

HTH a little.

[Fuamami]

I get so overwhelmed by the cloth diapers! I've tried that forum, and it's CRAZY!

That said, I've used cds for both my kids.

I went on down to Babies-R-Us and got five packs of the Gerber Birdseye Prefolds, three things of safety pins, and a bunch of Gerber vinyl pants in different sizes.

Total outlay: about $50. Plus the washing expenses.

That's one way to do it, if you're like me and too wimpy to hang out in the CD forum and research all the millions of choices.

[Sharlla]

Everyone that I've talked to that have used cloth, love cloth. I was sceptical at first, but now I'm adicted. I let DS run around in just his dipe all day cause they are so cute. I am proud to say that I cloth and show it off every chance I get.

FYI-- Gerber and Kushies SUCK. if those had been my only two options I would have given up on cloth real fast. THere are way better dipes out there. I think I have spent a total of $150 on all mine ranging from size small to large. you can find a lot of great deals on used here and on other sites as well.

[paxye]

For ds#1 I found a whole set of new AIO's at a thrift shop for 5$, they were not even used!!... They were Bebe d'amour brand but I didn't "love" them... and loved the prefold and cover that a friend lent me to try out)

I did a mix of cloth and EC with last ds...

I just went to "Bummis" (It is based in Montreal) and bought 2 dozen prefolds and 3 covers. I could have only gone with one dozen prefolds since I would only use a diaper a day because of EC... (It cost me about 60$)

When ds outgrew the small prefolds and covers I spent another 60$ for the larger sizes...

This time I have no investment except for a few new covers when the new baby is a bit older (so about 30$)

However, I will be trying to do 100% EC this time so I hope that that will not even be needed


BTW.... For all new Canadian Moms... there is a really cool program from the Extraordinary Baby Shoppe that you can "rent" a set of 8-9 different kinds of diapers for a 20$ (and a deposit of the price of the diapers) try them out for a week and see what ones you love the most... and then return them... if you buy the diapers from them the rental fee and the deposit goes towards the purchase of the diapers and if not the the deposit is returned minus the rental fee... !!
(just go to the site and in the drop down menu click on the "Canada-wide diaper loan program")

[mary3mama]

Yep, CD'ing is addictive!

We did sposies with DS#1, but DS#2 has been in cloth his whole life. I love them. We started out with Kushie's Classic AIO's. DH, who was a little bit leary, loved the AIO's...he said they were as easy as sposies without the huge environmental load.

When DS outgrew those we stared using pocket dipes (first Wonderoos and later Fuzzi Bunz). I just stuff them with unbleached chinese prefolds. They are super absorbent and way cheaper than any other stuffer for the pockets.

I've never wet pailed and I've ALWAYS washed the covers and prefolds together. I've found that hanging everything out on the clothesline really helps to eliminate any lingering smells.

I can't imagine ever going back to sposies --- cloth is easy, less expensive and satisfying. I mean, I don't wear paper underwear, I want soft cotton on my bum...so should my babe.

Can't wait til December so that I can start diapering a newborn bottom with wonderful cloth again...hopefully my toddler will be out of them by then...

[juneau]

I used Chinese prefolds with my dd from birth until age 13 months when we switched full time to training pants. She started using the potty at 3.5 months, pooped all the time in the potty from 8 months, and now at 15 months tells me (non-verbally) almost every time she needs to use the potty. SO, I advocate cloth diapers with Elimination Communication! Check out the forum!

Oh, and we also tie-dyed the cloth dipes, which makes them SO adorable I almost hated to give them up. But with another bean coming along they'll get used again.

We did nothing special to the cloth dipes, just threw them in a wet bag until laundry day (every 2-3 days depending on the stash on hand and dd's use). Then if poopy, run a rinse cycle, if not poopy, just wash on hot with little detergent, and dry on high. EASY!

I got addicted and almost never used disposables unless I wasn't going to have access to a washing machine for more than a few days.

[pebbles1977]

I really appreciate all the advice guys! This definitely sounds doable. I have a lot of research to do! Hopefully if I can get some stuff done this morning, I'll have the afternoon to poke around the internet at some of these sites you've recommended.
I'm not sure whether or not I'll need to go back to work after this baby, so I was wondering if any of you worked while you had your babies in CDs? If so, how did that work? Did you have them in daycare or with family? I would imagine if I did go back to work my mom would probably keep the baby, and would gladly hand me over some dirty diapers at the end of the day. I wouldn't want to put the baby in day care, but if that time came, do they let you have them in CDs?

[bc1995]

I have had friends that cd and WOH. Some daycares will use the cd, some won't. It just depends on the daycare.

[cpop]

Another thing that I have never done but my friend did was one of those cloth diaper services. Aparently if you use one of those you don't save the money in comparison with disposables, it comes out around the same, but they pick up the dirties and launder them for you and return them every few days. Like I said it costs about the same as using disposables but your kid is in cloth diapers and you are not creating more garbage for the landfills.
So for those of you wanting to use cloth but too queasy about the laundering perhaps that is an option.
My friend worked full time and just wouldn't have had time to get it done but felt strongly about cloth.