Help!

I have had it. I have thrown away my last garbage bag full of nasty disposable pads.

I'm gonna order a Diva cup and some Mama cloth pads. I am not sure how long it will take me to get used to the Diva cup. I am not a big tampon fan and I think I will have to take it slowly with the cup. So, the pads will be really important at first.

I have been looking at a bunch of sites and am confused. There are a lot of differences between the different types. Ack. There are all in ones, there are holders and pads to put in.

How many pads would I need for my stash? Do most people get the kind that fit into the holder? For the first try, should I just get some heavy ones and then order more to suit my needs? Do people put more than one liner into a holder at a time? What do you do when you excercise, like running? Do the cloth pads work ok?

So many questions. Also, if have people you like to order from, would you mind giving me the link?

Thanks Mamas. I am clueless yet excited about this :D

ND

I did a search here in this forum for this exact same thing hmm..about a few days ago. What I got from people is not to buy too many at first until you find the one(s) you want. They said to try all sorts of kinds before investing. It is something you are going to wear for a long time to get your money's worth so that makes sense.

Here is a place that has a lot of variety that you may want to buy a few different kinds from:

http://www.diaperware.com/mooncare/mooncare.htm

Maybe some others can give you some practical experience on which ones to look at. But thought I'd throw in what I found out while reading.

I plan on buying some too, just waiting for the right paycheck to come along.

Thanks Sherra

ND

Some people like ones with holders and liners, personally it's not my cup of tea.lol I prefer AIO's, there's nothing to mess with. Snap on, Snap off.lol Most people I talk to prefer AIO's too.

Length, they come anywhere from 8"-16". I prefer smaller sizes and do not get any bunching. Others prefer longer sizes because they find it bunches. Some come with wider backs(or fronts depending which way you face it)

Wings or wingless, without wings they may fall in teh toilet. With wings you don't have to worry about that and they do not leak onto your panties.

Price, it varies from really expensive to cheap.

Each category above reduces your options. First figure out if you want AIO or Holders/Liners. Then Wings or Wingless. Then Length. Then Price.

Carrie,

Thanks, your post was helpful to me.

Original Poster, here is another link you may find helpful:

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=295595&highlight=cloth+pads

I'm thinking for myself I may want the all in one type with wings. Looking at lotus pads and tlc pads..have not decided yet.

I buy New Moon Pads (http://www.newmoonpads.com) because they are long (rounder chicks need longer pads) and I don't have to buy 'special' pads to get the length I need, and they are also wingless. When I put them in, I can't even tell they're there, which is lovely! I do have some other winged types and I find that my tender skin chafes, rubbing against it even if it is soft fabric. Instead of my panty elastic being in the crease of my leg, it's pushing the fabric against my labia/leg crease, and by the third day I'm awfully chapped. :innocent These pads also have a velour bottom side so they don't slip around in my undies, so no need for the wings!

The new moon pads... they're the only ones I'll buy now! Wait, i take that back- there is another SAHM who makes a pad that is shaped nicely and has no wings either but I can't think of her name now. *Doh!*

Haha with all the reading I've been doing on this subject, I think I must have seen over 100 different pads. I feel like I'm walking down a row of cereal in the supermarket..too many choices /snicker


Thanks for the input...now I'm waffling between your suggestion and this lady's: DaisyGirl Designs


Maybe I will get one of each , although looks like there is a waitlist for daisy's but I joined her yahoo group to find out when she'll be stocking some to try.

Thanks Mamas, I am hoping to get on the 'puter this afternoon and do some shopping :)

ND

I just saw this thread and wanted to mention that I did NOT like Lotus Pads. The fabric stains easily and gets stiff and pilled after just a couple of washings. The snaps are very big and lumpy.

However, I highly recommend TLC Pads. They are great quality for the price, and the AIO design is really nice. It is absorbent enough to use postpartum! I also like TLC panty liners; I recommend the long size as they tend to shift a bit.

Another good AIO pad is Rhythm & Blues. Those have a PUL waterproof layer positioned such that it's on the bottom when the pad is all folded for use.

I'm running a co-op for Mother and Maiden cloth pads right now on MDC. http://www.mothering.com/discussions/showthread.php?t=370555
Just thought I'd throw that out there . :)

I guess i'm in the minority here because I don't like the all in one design. I have bought so many different types and they all ended up leaking. Once the waterproof liner goes, then that's it. I have a plastic grocery bag full of pads that I won't use because the liner isn't working and they leak.

I prefer a separate liner. I got my pads from: www.amazclothpadz.com and I know that there are other brands that have a similar design, I saw one on hyenacart.com something salts... can't remember the name. I think they use pul in their pads though... I didn't like PUL, thought it was very hot and also not breathable, kinda defeats the purpose of cloth! I prefer the water resistant fleece (windpro) or wool to prevent leaks, they are both breathable. There is one called mom and me creations that alot of moms rave about... haven't tried them though

JLav... I tried clicking the link you posted and it wont let me in (insert sad face here)

I used to wear tampons so it was easy for me to switch to the divacup, when I found cloth thougth... it was over. I hardly ever wear my divacup now.

[QUOTE=allaboutcloth]

JLav... I tried clicking the link you posted and it wont let me in (insert sad face here)
QUOTE]
:( Yeah, you have to have at least 50 post to access the co-ops and swaps forum. If you're interested in the co-op you can send me a pm and I'll give you the info.