Not contributing to Landfills

[Carrin]

I know this is probably discussed elsewhere, but has anyone done research, or had experience with different cloth AIO diaper companies/brands? I am not ambitious enough to make my own, so I wonder if there are some better than others. Also, I would like to make my own wipes that would be biodegradable/flushable (not sure if there are any all natural ones on the market).

Thanks for any advice!

[rmzbm]

I am sure some of the other Mama's here have some good tips...hint: you may wanna check out the diapering board, too.
Welcome to MDC!!!!
:welcome

~Marie

[Ell-Bell]

I keep hearing that Fuzzi Bunz are the best. They are the pocket kind, where you slip the pre-fold into the liner so it becomes like an AIO. My two cousins swear by them, but they both just use them as covers, putting the pre-fold inside and jsut replacing the pre-fold with each changing.

I think those are the kind I'll get, I like the idea that I can use it with or without the pocket.

[nubianamy]

Huh! I wonder why they don't use diaper covers instead of the Fuzzi Bunz as covers.

I have heard great things about the Bummis covers over Kissaluv fitted diapers. I have also heard Fuzzi Bunz are great! I am still deliberating about what to use -- I am starting my stash with a little of everything and will resell whatever I don't need!

[RedOakMomma]

I'm not a cloth diaperer ( :blush ), but I think it's fantastic that people want to be. :D

Several people I've met have found their cloth diapers online at places like ebay. You can get a pretty good discount--new and/or slightly used.

Seventh Generation makes a great baby wipe. I'd check there first to see if they're biodegradeable/flushable. Also, you could use the adult flushable wipes (for sensitive skin), if you want something that can go down the toilet.

[jessiemom]

Personally I think it is easier to use seperate diapers and covers because you need around 36 dipes for a newborn and AIO's would be very$$$. You only need a few covers and they are around $10 and you only have to wash them if they are soiled otherwise you can use them a few times, plus your diapers will last much longer. The waterproofing on AIO's don't last forever and once it is gone the diaper is good for nothing. That is just my preference, money is always a strong influence on my discisions. The cheapest way to go is to get the flat diapers and fold them but I'm not that talented and my toddler is too wiggly so I use Motherease fitted diapers, they are quite reasonably priced!! As far as wipes go I just use a baby wash cloth they aren't too big and they are nice and soft and are sold in big packs. I figure the simpler the better!!
Jessie

[melamama]

I have a stash of prefolds that I have added to since beginning with dd 6 years ago. I have 2 separate sizes, I think the green stitching and the blue. Having 2 sizes of prefolds probably gets me through 4 different sizes of baby-using different covers and different folds.

At first I only used bummis covers with the prefolds. With ds I expanded into fuzzi bunz and many other covers. I probably like the fuzzi bunz covers the best, but even following their washing instructions they do not last forever. I use fuzzi bunz "as covers"--slipping my folded prefold into the pocket-- because the fleece against the skin wicks the moisture into the cotton prefold. With the bummis, the wet cotton prefold is directly against their skin. With both types of covers, if it's just a pee diaper you can reuse the cover with a new prefold. I also love Imse Vimse covers--they are the same style as Bummis but I've found them to be longer lasting.

As far as wipes, if you're going to be washing diapers it's very easy just to have flannel wipes, and wash them with the diapers as well--no need for disposable wipes. I used to make a soapy mix and keep it in a squirty bottle and just wet the flannel wipes during a change.

[Cedarmom]

I second the idea on the wipes. My favorite wipes are velour/flannel or velour/velour. They are wonderful and I just throw them in the wash with the diapers. Much easier than disposable wipes.

As for diapers, take your pick. Wow. There are so many choices, it is hard to know where to begin.

My favorites have included baby softwraps ( www.babysoftwraps.com ), wonderoos with a ducky buns insert, celestial baby fitted diapers, fleece shorts as covers, poochies...the list goes on. It really depends on what you are looking for. If you want cheap, go with prefolds and bummis super whisper wrap covers. If you want more expensive, go for something like wonderoos or fuzzis, or an AIO option like baby softwraps or very baby.

I've gotten mostly kissaluv size 0's for this babe with bummis sww covers, with prefolds as my backup. I'll use those until kiddo can fit into my stash of wonderoos and baby softwraps left from my son.

[Mariposa]

we used cloth wipes. it is much easier since you just throw everything in the diaper pail.

fuzzi bunz are great, but they didn't always fit great with my skinny babe. i loved happy heinys, they are similar except they have aplix instead of snaps.

for a newborn, i like kissaluvs with a bummis super whisper wrap or plain old prefolds with prorap covers. later i liked to play with different kinds, but at first it was easier to use prefolds.

beware of visiting the diapering boards, it can be very addicting.

[Mewsin]

I love talking cloth.

I'm just starting to get my nb stash going now. You do need about 36 diapers to start with for a newborn, but they don't have to be super absorbant (because newborns pee more often but not as much as a toddler). I have some fitteds and prefitteds left over from when my ds was a baby. Lmao, but he is so skinny he still fits some of them.

I am getting a few show off diapers, like my bugnbean bottoms diapers. They are all in one diapers but you can change the absorbancy, which I really like. I like aio for going out, because they change just like a disposable.

And yes, if you're going to wash your own diapers you may as well use cloth wipes. I just took a chunk of flannel and cut it into squares, it works great. Although I do have some other wipes that work well too. I think they are flannel and sherpa and velour and sherpa.

[jyanla]

When I was pregnant with my first one, I never thought I would cloth diaper. When DD was 1 month old, I accidentally found out about cloth diapers and had been since using cloth diapers with both kids. It's good to the environment and to the baby. :thumb I'm addicted. :love

For newborn, I love combination of prefolds ( for the versatility), fitted (for the convenience) and pockets (for nighttime). You'll also need some diaper covers (PUL or wool). Newborn needs so many diapers and they grow fast, I just couldn't afford using pockets/AIO exclusively at this size, both for the budget and washload.

Once DD was 3-4 month old and we move into medium size, I uses pocket diapers only. I also do Elimination Communication (infant potty train) with my DD so she doens't have a whole lot of diapers to wash anyway. I use Very Baby pockets and Fuzzi Bunz pockets.

Definately use cloth wipes. I bought 2-3 dozens cheap walmart wipes for diaper changes. Just throw them into the diaper pail with dirty diapers. So easy.

[nubianamy]

I love your suggestions!!

I just spent an hour at http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/ reading Kathy's very clear, straightforward suggestions. For instance, I just learned not to buy a diaper pail. :)

[Kam]

Just another :wave from another cloth-diapering (and Elimination Communication) mama here! I would most certainly start with a small stash of diapers and see what you like best. It's so easy and looks so comfy, I can't figure why more people (with washing machines) don't do it.

Cloth wipes are no more work if you're already washing diapers. Really.

Fuzzi bunz really shouldn't be reused if the fleece is against the skin. Did I read that right? The pee stays in the fleece, and will irritate and stink. Gotta change them each time they pee.

We've got Kissaluvs and prefolds cut into fitteds (prefitteds), and a variety of wool covers and soakers (old fashioned knitted wool pants).

I've heard Bummis are a little stiff for newborns. Has anyone seen the new Bumpy Soft covers? I think that's the non-wool we'll try first.

Have fun! Tiny little diapers set my heart all a'flutter.

warmly,
Kam, mamamama! to Meg (who's long out of diapers) and one more

[AppleCrisp]

Just another :wave from another cloth-diapering (and Elimination Communication) mama here!



Our local (rural) paper recently had an article about EC. Now keep in mind this is a paper which sponsored a hot month long debate about whether breasts were created by God for babies or men, and recently had a full front page spread with the startling revelation that certain religions are directly from Satan (says local pastor). I'm not kidding. Anyway....I didn't see the original article, but the paper got ton of letters from outraged readers concerned that kids are growing up and thinking its fine to pee in sinks and yards. I guess they missed the point :bouncy

[Kam]

I'm still chuckling. I thought the worst reaction from that kind of readership would be regarding the Freudian implications of forcing children to use the potty. But of course, they're concerned about their sinks and yards! Too funny.

[wendizbaby]

Okay...so I'm a first time mom and am going to try cloth diapering and I want to put everything I've figured out together to see if it makes sense. I found a package for $65.00 of 3 dozen Chinese Prefolds and 4 covers. I was thinking I would add in 2 all-in-ones and see how I do. This is my first time, so I didn't want to spend about $300 to get started...I figured I'd buy more when he gets past the newborn stage. So you think that's a good start? Do I need to get a special kind of cover for night time? Should I buy more covers? Sorry all the questions, but there is SO much info out there..... :flipped

Thank you ladies,

Wendi

[Kam]

Hi Wendi,
This is just my opinion, so take it for what it's worth. I think you'll want to be sure at least a couple of the covers are good for nighttime (you can check reviews at Diaperpin.com or search here), and to have at least 6 covers on hand. I think 3 doz. prefolds would be a good place to start. Check the sizes of the prefolds. Some mamas recommend getting two sizes so you can ease into the next size without a big shock. Not sure what those sizes would be, though. Preemie and infant? Infant and premium? Anybody know?

Also, you might want to get one wool cover in a small size. It's nice to let baby's bum breathe a little. Of course, you can always let baby lie on a prefold for a while each day, or go coverless for a while each day.

Post your stash on the diapering board with a request for feedback. Most mamas there are very helpful!

warmly,
Kam

[wendizbaby]

Good suggestions, Kam!
I'll post my question on the diapering board and see what they say.

Take care,
Wendi

[nubianamy]

You might also buy some used covers on eBay or on some of the trading posts to try them out. The problem I've heard about used covers is that they might leak more, which wouldn't give you a clear idea about whether or not the cover is any good. I am trusting the reviews on the Diaper Pin review board and buying one or two of several high-rated diapers (some fitteds, some AIOs, some different kinds of covers) to try them out.

And of course I have Aristocrats on my registry. ;)

[honeybee]

Fitteds or prefolds with good covers are the way to go for the bulk of your diapers, IMO. Prefolds are much easier than they sound at first. I would recommend getting the infant sized for a newborn, and then the premium size will most likely work up to potty training. Snappis are great plastic devices you can use in place of pins to make it really easy. You can also buy some microfleece fabric to make liners. I do not sew at all, but luckily microfleece does not need to be sewn. Just cut out the shape you want! This will wick the pee away from baby's skin and keep him/her dry.

AIOs: They're great for going out and about, but IMO they aren't the best all-around diaper for making up the bulk of your stash.They're expensive, and the explosive bf pooh tends to escape them much easier. If you have a fitted or prefold with a cover, you have an extra layer of protection before the diaper leaks. Plus, the covers don't get washed as often, so the PUL doesn't wear away as soon. A pp was correct in saying that once the waterproofing is gone, the diaper's fairly useless.

I like Prorap AIOs. They're very plain, without the "cute" factor, but they are really leak-proof, and can stand up to many washes and even drying in the dryer. They are one of the most economical AIOs. Ebay is a great place to get new ones really reasonably. You can get them in snaps or velcro, depending on which you like better.

Pocket diapers: I have not had the best of luck with Fuzzi Bunz. If you have hard water, like we do, they can start to repel. We have a water softener, but sometimes dh doesn't get the salt in soon enough, and I think that builds up wear on the diapers. My FBs work fine for the day, but ds kept leaking through them at night. He has skinny little thighs, so I think that has something to do with it.

We have Wonderoos pocket diapers, which I like, and don't leak. They're "one size" so theoretically you wouldn't have to buy as many different sizes. But, I didn't use them when ds was tiny, so I don't know how well they really fit a newborn.

Pockets in general can get expensive. I started out just buying FBs for night time, and I planned on using infant prefolds to stuff them. That worked for awhile, but then I needed more stuffing. The premium prefolds were too bulky... the diaper pulled away from his body, and pee leaked out the legs. So, then I had to invest in some hemp soakers. He was still leaking. I finally bought the Wonderoos instead. He was still leaking, so I finally realized that he was peeing too fast, and the hemp wasn't absorbing quick enough. So, then I added a microfiber towel for quick absorption. That finally worked with the Wonderoos (and the FBs in the day, but not at night). I ended up spending a lot more than I'd originally planned, but at least it was only for my night-time diapers, not my whole stash.

I actually have way more diapers than we need... Cding gets so addicting! :love

Melissa

[honeybee]

Okay...so I'm a first time mom and am going to try cloth diapering and I want to put everything I've figured out together to see if it makes sense. I found a package for $65.00 of 3 dozen Chinese Prefolds and 4 covers. I was thinking I would add in 2 all-in-ones and see how I do. This is my first time, so I didn't want to spend about $300 to get started...I figured I'd buy more when he gets past the newborn stage. So you think that's a good start? Do I need to get a special kind of cover for night time? Should I buy more covers? Sorry all the questions, but there is SO much info out there..... :flipped

Thank you ladies,

Wendi

3-dozen CPFs are a great start! I would also recommend getting about 6 covers, especially for a newborn. Pooh gets everywhere, lol, so you need to change covers a lot! Some people just buy the premium CPFs, but they're really pretty bulky for a newborn. I think it's worth it to buy the infant-sized prefolds. They make great burp cloths, general clean-up rags, and stuffers or soakers for diapers when the baby gets older. Our infant-sized prefolds lasted about 3-4 months, I think, before we switced to premium-sized prefolds.

I like Snappis for securing the diaper. They're not necessary if you have velcro wraps, but I found they help hold in the pooh better. I never wanted to mess with pins! You can also find some microfleece in a local fabric store and cut it up to make liners. This wicks the moisture away from baby's diaper, and helps them stay dryer. This especially helps at night.

What kind of covers are you getting? I like Prorap Classics and Motherease wraps. I didn't need a special nighttime cover at first. The baby was up feeding a lot, so I just changed him often. When he was a few months old, I bought a few pocket diapers for nighttime, so I wouldn't have to keep changing him. I've heard fleece or wool covers are great for night, though. You might want to get both some newborn and small covers to start. They grow out of the newborn size very quickly, so it's nice to have the smalls on hand. Maybe get 2-3 newborn covers, and 2-3 smalls to start until you see what kind work best for you.

Good luck!

[wendizbaby]

What kind of covers are you getting? I like Prorap Classics and Motherease wraps. I didn't need a special nighttime cover at first. The baby was up feeding a lot, so I just changed him often. When he was a few months old, I bought a few pocket diapers for nighttime, so I wouldn't have to keep changing him. I've heard fleece or wool covers are great for night, though. You might want to get both some newborn and small covers to start. They grow out of the newborn size very quickly, so it's nice to have the smalls on hand. Maybe get 2-3 newborn covers, and 2-3 smalls to start until you see what kind work best for you.

Good luck!

You can choose which kind you want, and Prorap Classics are on the list. The package comes with 4, so I could buy a few pocket diapers or fleece for night time. The package only comes with small covers...I guess I should also buy a few neborn ones in case he's really small.
So with CPF and covers, does it get a little bulky compared to the AIO or the FBs?
Thank you again ladies, you've been a big help.

Wendi

[nubianamy]

I have been haunting the diapering forum and reading Diaper Pin (reviews) for ideas! I feel like I have a better idea of what I want now. I keep going back and revising my registry. =) I decided to buy my whole newborn stash myself and ask family/friends to buy me the next sizes up, for later.

So far I have a real broad assortment of used fitteds/covers and all-in-ones. I got a LOT of Kissaluv 0's (for the cord dip) and some prefolds, and for covers I settled on Stacinators, Proraps, Bumpy, Green Earth and Bummis SWW. I got a few pocket diapers (Happy Heinies) to try them out, and a few different AIOs. I also splurged on a dozen new small Re-Uz'm Elite AIOs from Blue Penguin, because everyone says husbands prefer simple, simple, simple. :) They are so cute!

[Carrin]

So, should I just skip buying the liners and just use microfleece instead? Everything that I've been reading says that the poop just sort of rolls off of microfleece...

You guys are all such a big help!

[Kam]

Hi Carrin,

What kind of liners were you buying?

If you're breastfeeding, the poop certainly won't roll off anything (except your thighs when baby has a blowout! :lol ). Think thick split-pea soup. But breastfed poop doesn't have any really harmful bacteria because the intestines aren't colonized with them yet, and that poop can safely and easily be rinsed off in the bathroom sink. Some families even just toss poopy dipes as-is into the wash, provided they don't sit for days in heat and humidity.

I know formula-fed poop is a little thicker, but I don't think it will roll off, either. I think that's toddler/solids poo.

Liners still might save your diapers from stains, and wick urine from the skin. I think those are the reasons to use them with little ones. And maybe it makes clean-up easier? Can't remember....

HTH!

[Carrin]

I haven't bought any diapers or liners yet, still in the research phase. Maybe I'll just get a big huge garbage bag to wear over my body to prevent accidental leakage/projectiles and throw the rest in the washing machine while breastfeeding. Our washing machine goes into our septic and then out into a small, homemade septic system designed just for that purpose, so I won't have to worry about any poop residue and/or Bi-O-Kleen BAC going into our main septic.

Oh, this is fun stuff, never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd be discussing such items. I love it!

[Jenny0116]

I am also a first time mom and trying to figure out where to begin my stash.
Are prefolds easier or just cheaper? And if just cheaper would you prefer to go w/fitteds (like kissaluvs w/covers)?
Do the babes wear wool soakers/covers alone? Or do mommies do that to let the skin breathe?
I was thinking of starting w/kissaluvs for my newborn w/bummis sww. Am I crazy? Should I go w/cpf's? Then when the baby is older, I was going to get a mixed package to try a few types and go from there.
I am planning on using cloth wipes. And now going to buy some microfleece to line the dipes.
I am most confused about what to do at night.

[Carrin]

Well, you don't sound confused!

I'm going to just do a registry at thebabylane.com (they have a warehouse near my hometown, so I can go check out their stuff in person), and try to get at least my newborn stuff purchased by friends and family. I am going to get a little of everything to see what I like best (all fitted, I don't want to deal with snappis or pins), Kissaluvs, Bumkins, Kushies and Under the Nile for dipes....Bummis, Bumpy Day and Bumpy Night for covers, and some Bumkins, Kissaluvs and Imse Vimse doublers/liners.

I'm going to ask for a total of about 20 newborn size and the rest I'll probably just get later on my own. By then I should have an opinion of which type(s) I like best.

These are the brands that sort of have popped out, over the course of researching for a couple of weeks, as being the favorites for people.

If you get a bunch of fleece, you might want to buy some nice flannel too for wipes. I'm sure you've found some great wipe solution recipes by now eh?

Also, a lot of people have mentioned the Mini-Shower and the Little Squirt by Wee Bees (which has a toddler-proof shut off) for aiding in cleaning the dipes in the toilet.

We're all in this together sister!

[Jenny0116]

Actually, I haven't really thought about wipe solution yet. I think I was thinking I could just use water?
I haven't decided yet about the toilet shower. But it does totally sound like a great idea and I should just register for it.
You are so lucky you have that store near you.
Good luck w/everything and Congrats!
Please PM me w/any other tips you may get. I will too.

Jen

[kindergirl77]

I have heard negative things about the kissaluvs. I do like the FB's, but it is not 100% cotton and not really truly a cloth diaper. It is 100% polyester. That said, I have a stack of 24 for my 2 y.o. and she is out growing them, so needless to say, I will be using them for this next baby, (possibly as a cover with cpf or hemp inserts)
because we spent waaayyyy too much money on that stash.
If I could do it over, I would've just gotten the cpf's and either prowraps or bummi super whisper wraps as the cover instead of spending so much on FB's. That's what I am ordering for this next baby.

[Kam]

It's so great to see so many interested in using cloth!! Yeay! I wish there were a real live cloth diaper store in my area. Wouldn't it be nice to see them before you buy them?

Do you mean Kissaluvs, kindergirl? or Kushies? I think the first are almost universally recommended as good for the newborn stage (size 0), and the second are almost universally reviled as a total waste of money. I have never seen anyone recommend a Kushies here. :scratch Maybe you're thinking of Kissaluvs for older babies? I guess they aren't very absorbant for the older crowd.

And on using wool soakers alone, Jenny, I'm not sure that would work. They just don't have much in them to absorb pee, and then they would really stink. Maybe you're thinking about the breathability of them together with a cloth diaper, as compared with PUL or other plastic that doesn't breath as well (Bummis, Bumpkins, Proraps, etc)? Diapers can be used alone, but covers alone would be a little uncomfortable and not very practical. Kissaluvs can be resold easily here or on Ebay, so I wouldn't think they would be impractical. I just bought a dozen here for about $80, so you may be able to sell new ones for about that much. There are also seconds for sale at the Kissaluvs outlet that don't seem to be much different from the first quality ones and are cheaper (watch out for high shipping rates, though).

Are PFs easier? Hmmm, simpler, for sure. But not easier to put on. The easiest is something in one piece--an all in one, or assembled pocket like Happy Heiny or Fuzzi Bunz. But there are so many reasons for cloth diapering that I can see all different answers to what's best when money's not an issue. I see lots of mamas on the Diapering board wishing themselves back to the "simple" days of just pfs and covers. :shrug

Nubianamy, what do the Green Earth covers feel like? Are they soft?

[Jenny0116]

Ok, ladies w/ all that said about my newborn stash. What do you suggest for the next stage? I was thinking continuing w/a mix of cpf and kissaluvs w/bummis sww's. I met a woman who had a baby (not newborn not 1yr) in kissaluvs w/a snap in liner/soaker(?). I don't think I want to go w/AIO's due to the negative comments I hear: they take a long time to dry, don't last long, etc.
Thank you for all of your help!
Jen

[honeybee]

I had kissaluvs for the newborn stage, and they worked well. Once he was out of newborn sizes, though, I ended up getting Motherase Sandy's diapers with liners. I'm still using the Sandy's size small (they are 3 sizes, xsmall for newborns only, small and large) on ds who just turned 2. He keeps growing up instead of out, so I've gotten a lot of use out of this size diaper. I also have one Motherease one-size, but I don't like it quite as much. Motherease brand, like Kissaluvs, have a high resale value.

I really don't think prefolds with a Snappi are difficult at all. I was intimidated by the idea at first, but ended up getting some due to the cost factor. Although not as easy as a fitted or AIO, at first, it turned out to be much easier to use than I expected. Now, it's no more difficult changing a prefold than it is anythiing else. Dh doesn't have a problem using them either. although he still grabs the fitteds or AIOs first.

However, during that early poop blow-out stage I'd say fitteds did a better job of keeping everything contained. I still like having them and some AIOs for going out and about. But, at home, prefolds work very well and are easier to rinse out and sun-bleach if they get stained. They also have the advantage for absorbancy.

I'd definitely recommend getting a mini-shower. I hate dunking diapers and trying to get the poop off when we're away from home.

So, did that help, or just make it more confusing? It's hard to know what to get. I have way too many diapers just because I wanted to try a little of everything!

[Jenny0116]

Honeybee-
Thank you, that did help. I feel better about my decisions so far. I am looking forward to cloth diapering more than anything else-except having a healthy baby home w/us. :love
Jen

[nubianamy]

Nubianamy, what do the Green Earth covers feel like? Are they soft?They're a lot like the Bumpy day covers -- cloth feel, but fairly waterproof for day. Comfy!