[neetling]

I am a cloth diaper virgin, but am considering it, at least while the newborn, breastfeeding poo is so non offensive.

Can someone enlighten me, please?

Are they expensive?

Easy to use?

What is laundering like?

Do they leak?

How do they fasten?

Anything I forgot, please add. I've done some research online and it seems VERY expensive to get set up. I don't want to spend the money if I won't like them. I have OCD and am germaphobic, used ones won't be an option for me.

 

[didkisa]

I have no experience with CDs yet, except that my parents used them on me when I was a baby!

I plan to use gdiapers. They are a hybrid between cloth and disposable...you can flush the whole thing (except the soaker, of course). More environmentally friendly than 'sposies, but most likely more expensive in the long run than cloth. www.gdiapers.com.

If any of you have any experience with gdiapers, I'd love to hear about it!

 

[heathenmom]

I started cd'ing dd at 10 months and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I went through a bunch of different things (FuzziBunz, different AIOs, fitteds & wool, etc.) and eventually simplified my stash to prefolds & covers (wool, pul wraps, and fleece), with 4 AIOs for the diaper bag. I still keep sposies around for dh (he refuses to use cloth). So here are my answers to your questions:

Are they expensive? Prefolds & wraps (non-wool) are the least expensive method (aside from making your own, of course) and are FAR less expensive over the long haul than disposables.

Easy to use? There's a learning curve with pfs, but I personally can get one on dd as fast or faster than a sposie. AIO's work just like sposies, so no learning curve there.

What is laundering like? We cd about 80% of the time and I do one load of diapers every 3-5 days. I do a cold soak/rinse with a few drops of tea tree oil and a couple tablespoons of bleach (controversial, I know, but we're on well water; if you have municipal water, it already has bleach in it ... I found that the tiny bit of bleach I use keeps stink down; if you have city water you wouldn't have to do that). Then I do a hot wash/cold rinse with 5-6 squirts of Dawn dish detergent. I either put them in the dryer or hang them on the line.

Do they leak? Nope.

How do they fasten? I use a snappi. I try pins every so often, but can't get a good, tight fit.

Feel free to ask me more questions, or go hang out in the cd forum. Those ladies are AWESOME!!!

 

[aburroughs]

I have a lot of friends that CD...most say they're cheaper over the long run but you have to shell out a LOT of money initially, like a few thousand. So it just depends, money wise, if you like to get it all out of the way or spread it out.

 

[heathenmom]

A few THOUSAND!?!? Holy monkeys, what're they cd'ing with, gold bars? No, you can totally get started for FAR, FAR less than that. Post over on the cd forum. There are women who have gotten their entire stash for $100 or less. You can also google frugal diapering to find some interesting sites.

If cost is an issue, flats are the way to go. They're cheaper to buy and REALLY easy to make your own. If convenience is your priority, you can spend $200-300 on a full stash of pockets or AIOs. You *could* spend a ton on hyena dipes & wool, but there's absolutely no reason to.

 

[Christi2705]

I've been cd'ing my dd since she was 6 months old. We mainly use pocket diapers, which have a waterproof outer, a fleece lining (to keep baby dry), and then you put in an insert to absorb. Our favorites have been Fuzzi Bunz.

I have purchased quite a few diapers (almost all brand new) and have only spent about $400 total (16 months)! That includes everything, even some pricer nighttime diapers and wool! When she grows out of a size, I just sell her old ones and buy new stuff.

Most of them are as easy to use as sposies.

I wash every 2-3 days...cool prerinse, hot wash, xtra rinse, throw them in the dryer.

We occ. have leaks, just like you would with sposies.

Depending on what kind you use...snaps, velcro, pins, or a snappi. All very easy (I've never tried pins).

For newborns most people seem to like prefolds and covers (usually velcro). Super cheap and easy. Alot of people like to use fitteds too (diapers that are more "fitted" but need a cover) like Mutts, Kissaluvs, or swaddlebees. They hold in BF poo much better, so that it donesn't get on the cover.

If you need any specifics just ask

 

[Christi2705]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aburroughs I have a lot of friends that CD...most say they're cheaper over the long run but you have to shell out a LOT of money initially, like a few thousand. So it just depends, money wise, if you like to get it all out of the way or spread it out.

A few thousand?!?! I have only spent about $400 over the last 16 months!

 

[neetling]

What does SIO mean? Thanks!

 

[heathenmom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by neetling What does SIO mean? Thanks!

I'm assuming you meant AIO? It means all-in-one. You don't need a separate cover with AIOs ... the absorbant diaper and the waterproof cover are all one piece.

 

[Anglyn]

Christy

What works best for toddlers? I want to start CD right now with my three and one year olds. Would you reccomend AIO? Ive asked before in the cd forum, but they respond with a bunch of lingo that I dont undestand.

:

I have no idea how all this works, but Im ready to find out!

 

[heathenmom]

I'm not Christy, but I cd a toddler too!

: I use almost exclusively snappied prefolds (premium size). Around the house I never put a cover on her. If we're going out, I use a cover - wool soakers, Bummis Super Whisper Wraps, or fleece wraps that my mom made - over the prefold. I do have 4 AIOs for the diaper bag, but I only use those for big trips to town, when I know we'll be gone for 3-4 hours or more.

I bought all of my prefolds used from the MDC Trading Post and they are still in fantastic shape.

Oh, I should add that before we moved to the country, I used a lot of FuzziBunz pocket dipes and LOVED them. Something about our water didn't love them, though. I decided they were too much trouble and sold them for cheap on the TP. But they can be a great option. They work so much like sposies that people who initially don't want to cd (husbands, daycare, etc.) will sometimes reconsider when they see how easy it is.

Have fun!!!

 

[koofie]

DD PL at around 2 and she is 3.5 now, so I have been out of the CDing world for a bit, but I aleady have a few for this little one

When DD was in daycare, I sent AIO and pocket diapers with her. Both were as easy as sposies to use, so they are good for those who are not into CDs. At home, I liked fitteds and covers, usually wool. Fitteds are the diaper without the cover. They are made to snap or velcro on easily, and wool is a great cover - fleece works too, as well as PUL which is fabric that is waterproofed with a plastic-type backing.

I tried prefolds and flats, but I always had a harder time getting them on my wiggly little one, so I am sticking with what I know for this little one.

When I started CDing, I probably spent $100 or so, and then when I found what I liked, I sold the others on ebay or the TP to make paypal and bought more of the type I liked. In the end, I liked Harleyz and Beccabottoms the best and found that hemp didn't work well for DD. Each kid is different (I am told), so what works for me may not work for you, and may not even work for my new one. Right now I am buying used from the TP to try out when the kid arrives. That way I can easily see what I like and don't like. You may want to check out the diapering forum for more advice or info. GL!

 

[MoMommy]

I recommend buying several different types to see what you works for you. Prefolds and covers, pocket diapers, AIOs, etc. We use mostly pockets (some bought and some I have sewn myself) and with a few other random types thrown in. My dd is 2.5 and we've been CDing since she was 5 months old. I'd say I've probably spent $300-$400 total over that time. I LOVE cloth diapers!

 

[User101]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aburroughs I have a lot of friends that CD...most say they're cheaper over the long run but you have to shell out a LOT of money initially, like a few thousand. So it just depends, money wise, if you like to get it all out of the way or spread it out.

WHAT?!?! Are they using dollar bills for wipes?

Seriously, I've CD'd all three of mine. I bought my first stash on ebay for less than $150 and a lot of the prefolds are still going strong. You can spend as much or as little as you want, but I'd say set aside a one to two hundred dollars to build up a stash.

Washing is no problem. Some people have really complex routines, but we've always gone with the KISS (Keep It Simple, Silly) system and have never had an issue.

As far as ease, we even CD'd when DH was in Seminary and we were using coin-operated laundry, and we managed. So they're pretty easy, IMO.

 

[Christi2705]

I think that the easiest would be some sort of pocket diaper (like Fuzzi bunz).
BumGenius is a "one size" pocket dipe that might fit both of your kids (depending on the size of your 3 yr old) and will also work for the new baby. It would be pretty cost-effective for you too

I don't like AIO's because they take FOREVER to dry and it's just a pain.

Pockets work really well and fit nicely under clothes so they work best for us.

You can see of them here: http://www.abbyslane.com/catalog.php?category=52

HTH

 

[Anglyn]

About how many do you think I'll need for two toddlers? I dont really count how many I go through...

AIO's are the whole thing

then there are fitteds..which are the dipe part then you need a cover?

and inserts? diffrent from fitteds? What do you use inserts with?

Im so confused...Ive been at the trading post, but so far am only looking at AIO's. Im afraid I'll end up with things that dont go togather otherwise!

 

[koofie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anglyn About how many do you think I'll need for two toddlers? I dont really count how many I go through...

Oh gosh, I suppose it would depend on how often you washed, what you liked and how much you wanted to spend. When DD was ~2, I probably had 20-30 different dipes, but to wash I had to walk through my brother's room and there were three other adults in the household who did laundry, so I only washed 1x per week. You could get by with less. I think most who transition do it slowly - start out with 5 or 10 and see what you like and how the washing goes to see what else you need.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anglyn AIO's are the whole thing

Yes! They are very convienent, but some dry very slowly. Out to in, this is how they are built. Most have a outer or hidden waterproof layer, an absorbant layer, and a lay in or snap in inner absorbant layer, sometimes called an insert. Those dry faster because you can dry the snap in or lay in layer seperate from the outer. Others are truely all in one - they have everything built in. Those do take awhile to dry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anglyn then there are fitteds..which are the dipe part then you need a cover?

The fitteds look similar to a sposie in the shape - they snap or velcro on to fit you kid. They are all absorbant layers and if used without a cover they are most likely to leak, especially if you have a heavy pee-er. The cover is typically wool, fleece, or PUL. You can even use thick fleece or wool pants/shorts so you don't have to have a layer of clothes - great for a walker/toddler.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anglyn and inserts? diffrent from fitteds? What do you use inserts with?

Inserts are used with pockets (unless they come with an AIO, see above). Pockets are like an AIO with the inside taken out. They have a open flap in the inside. You put inserts, or layers of something absorbant, inside them. This is nice because you can add more for overnights or if you need to take a long car ride and there is no where to stop or something. You can put in less when they are PL or if they are light pee-ers. I tensed to like these best for day and the fitteds/covers for night because the fitteds are most absorbant imo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anglyn Im so confused...Ive been at the trading post, but so far am only looking at AIO's. Im afraid I'll end up with things that dont go togather otherwise!

It is so confusing in the beginning, but look for advice from the diapering forum (or here!) and try some stuff out form the TP. Make sure you are buying stuff that is not too well-loved - in my experience, that just makes it harder in the beginning because if something leaks you don't know if it is the diaper type/brand, or just because it was used alot and no longer so effective. Also the diapers with stains but in otherwise good condition are nice because they are cheaper, often not too used because the mom stopped using them once it got stained or something, and you don't have to worry about staining a diaper in pristine condition. The longer you use CDs the more you learn about them. You may get obsessed like I did

 

[crazycandigirl]

I am already sewing my fluff stash for the little one. So far I have spent a grand total of 30$ and that has been on wool yarn and a little flannel. I will need to buy touch tape and some elastic, but all in all I really think thats all I will have to left to get. I have been collecting all of the t-shirts, polos, used blankets, ect that do not get used or worn anymore. I asked my friends and family to do the same. Then I have been using these shirts and clothes to cut out and sew my cloth diapers from. They have turned out sooooo cute! and I have been appliqueing some of them to get that cute custom look. I cut up the flannel in 8 inch squares to make some cloth wipes from. I also learned to knit so I could knit my own longies and soakers out of wool. Its really easy as well and they look so professional and soft. As a plus my DD has learned to knit and sew as well, her diapers are for her doll sally though

 

[rstump]

I don't know what world they are living in that you would spend thousands.

I bought BRAND NEW Fuizi Bunz which are the cream of the crop and new inserts. I only spent about $350-400 on a full supply of Small, Medium & larges.

We have now used the smalls on 3 children, mediums on 2 & larges on 2.

Only a ew have lost their elastic. I will probably spend another $100 to add a few more in each size.

YOu need a wet bag or 2 and some cloth wipes. Less than $20 for all of that and that is IF you buy new and organic

. Wipes can be made from old shirts, towels, wash cloths, etc.

 

[CarolynnMarilynn]

I used Mother-ease diapers and they were great. Simple, relatively inexpensive (like 600 for a stash that would take you from babyhood to toddlerhood with their one-size) and liked their absorbancy and leakproofness. They aren't the cadillac of cloth diapers, but are really very good. They lasted through two kids, and are ready for a third.

I used a dry pail method where I just put the diapers, wet or stooled, in a bucket with a cover. If the poop could come off, I would take it off, or used a paper liner and flushed it away. Come wash day, every 2 -3 days, I would throw the covers, diapers and pail bag into the wash and do a rinse. Then I would wash in hot with detergent and some Hydrox, then dried in the dryer. The covers would last long enough for one kid this way. Sometimes the covers got washed on their own in the sink if needed sooner than wash day.

I liked cloth diapering very much, and am looking forward to trying a few new dipes, with my mother-ease diapers as the staple of our stash.