I am a newbie here too. I have been cd a little over a month now. If you are looking to go at it the affordable way go with prefolds and wraps. They are very absorbant and cheap!! I have some aio's that I bought for dh to use as he doesn't know how to pin or snappi. Thse types of diapers are mor $$$ but dh friendly. I am sure these ladies will give you lots of info. This is where I came to learn about cd'ing. Good luck!
I'm taking the cd plunge....I have questions. Do you have answers??
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My son has had an unexplained diaper rash for about 2 or 3 months now. It would show up, get real bad, go away but still have that brown shadow left, come back 2 weeks later, then he had a yeast rash....you get the picture. We established early on that he was "allergic" to the combination of huggies daipes and pamers wipes. But he was fine with Luvs/pampers diaper and huggies wipes
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The onyl thing we can figure is that he has developed a sensitivity to the diapers and wipes again. Dh's family has all kinds of weird skin things and sensitivities so I'm not surprised!
So, now my questions....
1. Never had a diaper pail before but what is the best for cloth...and cheap I might add
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2. What can I do for wipes besides cloth ones. I'm not doing this for the environment (sorry) so disposable doesn't bother me. This is what I was thinking and you tell me if it is possible. When ds was born they gave us disposable wipes that were dry and you just ran under the tap. Can you buy those? I was thinking about using them in essential oils.
3. I'm looking into using prefolds and wraps (I'm trying a lot of different brands and types to find what I like). Can you reuse a wrap without washing it if it isn't wet or dirty? (thats a dumb question but its been bugging me!)
4. Are AIO worth it? Are they better for certain ages?
5. What is the best advice you can give a newbie?
6. What do you wish you would have known before you started?
The onyl thing we can figure is that he has developed a sensitivity to the diapers and wipes again. Dh's family has all kinds of weird skin things and sensitivities so I'm not surprised!
So, now my questions....
1. Never had a diaper pail before but what is the best for cloth...and cheap I might add
2. What can I do for wipes besides cloth ones. I'm not doing this for the environment (sorry) so disposable doesn't bother me. This is what I was thinking and you tell me if it is possible. When ds was born they gave us disposable wipes that were dry and you just ran under the tap. Can you buy those? I was thinking about using them in essential oils.
3. I'm looking into using prefolds and wraps (I'm trying a lot of different brands and types to find what I like). Can you reuse a wrap without washing it if it isn't wet or dirty? (thats a dumb question but its been bugging me!)
4. Are AIO worth it? Are they better for certain ages?
5. What is the best advice you can give a newbie?
6. What do you wish you would have known before you started?
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
I hope you don't mind my not anwering each of your questions individually, but you can find my opinions on my cloth diaperiing info site (link is in my sig). Feel free to e-mail me if you don't find your answers there
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We use a rubbermaid kitchen trash can that has a push button lid that flips up with spring hinges I think I paid about 8-10.00 for it.
I use AIO's primarily b/c they're easy to use when out and about. I use fitteds with covers at home and for night time.
I use cloth wipes, I have a nice assortment, and as long as you're washing diapers it's actually easier to use cloth wipes b/c you don't have to separate diaper/wipe and put each in a separate bin. You just put both in the diaperpail and dump both in the wash(not to mention saving money
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You can resuse covers/wraps as long as they aren't wet or dirty, heck I even air dry some covers then reuse before washing as long as they don't smell :LOL
What I wish I had known before I started was that it would be so easy, not to mention addictive :LOL
I use AIO's primarily b/c they're easy to use when out and about. I use fitteds with covers at home and for night time.
I use cloth wipes, I have a nice assortment, and as long as you're washing diapers it's actually easier to use cloth wipes b/c you don't have to separate diaper/wipe and put each in a separate bin. You just put both in the diaperpail and dump both in the wash(not to mention saving money
You can resuse covers/wraps as long as they aren't wet or dirty, heck I even air dry some covers then reuse before washing as long as they don't smell :LOL
What I wish I had known before I started was that it would be so easy, not to mention addictive :LOL
1. Never had a diaper pail before but what is the best for cloth...and cheap I might add
Anything with a lid that seals. I've heard there is a Sterlite can that Target carries that works well but I have no Target.
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2. What can I do for wipes besides cloth ones. I'm not doing this for the environment (sorry) so disposable doesn't bother me. This is what I was thinking and you tell me if it is possible. When ds was born they gave us disposable wipes that were dry and you just ran under the tap. Can you buy those? I was thinking about using them in essential oils.
Seriously, I used sposie wipes when I first converted and cloth ones are really easier. Why? Because you don't have to make an extra trip to the trash can. Now I know you are wondering if I am the laziest girl alive but when I switched to cloth wipes too it made things a lot easier.
And I wasn't doing it for the environment at first either but once I learned what I know now I became a total cloth advocate. It doesn't matter why you are making the switch, we are glad to have you.
3. I'm looking into using prefolds and wraps (I'm trying a lot of different brands and types to find what I like). Can you reuse a wrap without washing it if it isn't wet or dirty? (thats a dumb question but its been bugging me!)
Yep as long as it doesn't stink or have poop on it. I like to rotate covers between uses letting the just taken off one air out a bit.
4. Are AIO worth it? Are they better for certain ages?
Depends on who you ask. I use mainly fitteds but like having a few AIOs for when ds is with dh or MIL or when I am out and about. It makes things easier but is really not necessary.
5. What is the best advice you can give a newbie?
Just take it one step at a time. do what you feel comfortable with and come ask for support if you are having a problem or need encouragement to make the next step. I started with cloth at home only, worked up to cloth on outings and finally cloth for overnight. Don't try to read all of the cloth diaper sites out there because you will get overwhelmed and confused, it's too much to take in at once.
6. What do you wish you would have known before you started?
Gosh there was a lot I didn't know before I started, it would be hard to pick a few things. Maybe I will come back and edit an answer for this one in.
WELCOME!
Anything with a lid that seals. I've heard there is a Sterlite can that Target carries that works well but I have no Target.
2. What can I do for wipes besides cloth ones. I'm not doing this for the environment (sorry) so disposable doesn't bother me. This is what I was thinking and you tell me if it is possible. When ds was born they gave us disposable wipes that were dry and you just ran under the tap. Can you buy those? I was thinking about using them in essential oils.
Seriously, I used sposie wipes when I first converted and cloth ones are really easier. Why? Because you don't have to make an extra trip to the trash can. Now I know you are wondering if I am the laziest girl alive but when I switched to cloth wipes too it made things a lot easier.
And I wasn't doing it for the environment at first either but once I learned what I know now I became a total cloth advocate. It doesn't matter why you are making the switch, we are glad to have you.
3. I'm looking into using prefolds and wraps (I'm trying a lot of different brands and types to find what I like). Can you reuse a wrap without washing it if it isn't wet or dirty? (thats a dumb question but its been bugging me!)
Yep as long as it doesn't stink or have poop on it. I like to rotate covers between uses letting the just taken off one air out a bit.
4. Are AIO worth it? Are they better for certain ages?
Depends on who you ask. I use mainly fitteds but like having a few AIOs for when ds is with dh or MIL or when I am out and about. It makes things easier but is really not necessary.
5. What is the best advice you can give a newbie?
Just take it one step at a time. do what you feel comfortable with and come ask for support if you are having a problem or need encouragement to make the next step. I started with cloth at home only, worked up to cloth on outings and finally cloth for overnight. Don't try to read all of the cloth diaper sites out there because you will get overwhelmed and confused, it's too much to take in at once.
6. What do you wish you would have known before you started?
Gosh there was a lot I didn't know before I started, it would be hard to pick a few things. Maybe I will come back and edit an answer for this one in.
WELCOME!
2
1.)Cheap can, easy, go to walmart get a kitchen trash can with a flip lid (I like the step to open kind, like $8 tops)
2.)Wipes, you could easily just use paper towel? that is what we did when we used sposies. However once you get into cloth diapering you will probably find that cloth wipes are much easier. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but honestly it was a pain to throw away the dirty wipes and put the diaper some where else. So much easier to just wrap up the wipe with the dirty diaper (like the disposable ones in the disposable diaper). They all get washed together.
3.) Yes you can re-use a wrap or cover if it isn't wet or poopy, they will get funky after a day or so, so unless they get poopy before that mine go in the pail at the end of the day (rarely do they make it that far though, I have a poo monster)
4.) Are AIO worth it? tough question, um some are, some aren't, if you need an easy diaper for someone who won't try prefolds, or you need something fast, then yes they are worth it, but over all I have a lot of AIO's and a lot of fitteds/prefolds and covers and I prefer the fitteds/prefold and covers. They leak less even though they are more time consuming to put on. However my AIO's see rotation by DH more often, and they are always standard in the diaper bag for sitters (always an aunt or grandma) or for church nursery (left a prefold in there and today the chick used it as a burp rag LOL- um that goes on his butt)
5.) What is the best advice you can give a newbie? Try lots, buy a little of what you think you will like before jumping in whole hog. Prefolds while a 'bit' old fashioned have been around forever and there is a reason for that, they are the best!
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6. What do you wish you would have known before you started? That pockets and AIO's weren't the only way to go. LOL I had a friend that got me into it and she wanted me to start making cloth diapers, so I did, I honestly only knew about pockets and AIO's, not that she kept the rest from me, it just never really made sense to me to have cute fitteds when you covered them....LOL boy things have changed now!
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and I wish I had found out about wool earlier.....I wouldn't have so much PUL then! ~
2.)Wipes, you could easily just use paper towel? that is what we did when we used sposies. However once you get into cloth diapering you will probably find that cloth wipes are much easier. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but honestly it was a pain to throw away the dirty wipes and put the diaper some where else. So much easier to just wrap up the wipe with the dirty diaper (like the disposable ones in the disposable diaper). They all get washed together.
3.) Yes you can re-use a wrap or cover if it isn't wet or poopy, they will get funky after a day or so, so unless they get poopy before that mine go in the pail at the end of the day (rarely do they make it that far though, I have a poo monster)
4.) Are AIO worth it? tough question, um some are, some aren't, if you need an easy diaper for someone who won't try prefolds, or you need something fast, then yes they are worth it, but over all I have a lot of AIO's and a lot of fitteds/prefolds and covers and I prefer the fitteds/prefold and covers. They leak less even though they are more time consuming to put on. However my AIO's see rotation by DH more often, and they are always standard in the diaper bag for sitters (always an aunt or grandma) or for church nursery (left a prefold in there and today the chick used it as a burp rag LOL- um that goes on his butt)
5.) What is the best advice you can give a newbie? Try lots, buy a little of what you think you will like before jumping in whole hog. Prefolds while a 'bit' old fashioned have been around forever and there is a reason for that, they are the best!
6. What do you wish you would have known before you started? That pockets and AIO's weren't the only way to go. LOL I had a friend that got me into it and she wanted me to start making cloth diapers, so I did, I honestly only knew about pockets and AIO's, not that she kept the rest from me, it just never really made sense to me to have cute fitteds when you covered them....LOL boy things have changed now!
Yay Megan and Tracy!!! You guys will love cloth!
Ok, here are my answers to your questions:
1. I just use a big metal trash can with a foot-pedal lid...I line it with a washable liner that I throw in the wash with my diapers.
2. Cloth wipes are so much easier to use then disposible, esp. if you are using cloth diapers. The reason is, when you change a poopy diaper, you never have to seperate out the poopy wipes (yuck) you don't have to put them in a seperate trash container. You can just cut old recieving blankets up into squares, or old thin towels for wipes. Also, those thin baby washcloths work well. Just buy a cheap pack. With a toddler, you really won't need that many. You don't have to use them after every pee, just poops or when the butt smells funky. Just throw them in the pail and wash with diapers.
3. I have no idea about prefold and wraps, I have never used them.
4. AIOs!!! That's what we use, it makes up about 90% of our stash. We switched from sposies when dd was about 1, and we went for "ease of use" when buying AIOs. I truly believe they are no more difficult than sposies. I think they are worth the money. We bought basic white AIOs when we switched, then I gradually bought prettier more fun dipes on the Trading Post. I love them.
5. Best advice for a newbie: Just do it. Just switch. It may seem like a pain in the butt when you think about it, but it's really not much harder...just a little more laundy. Oh, and more advice: make sure you buy enough diapers to last you at least 2 days, cause laundy every day sucks.
6. I wish I would have known how gross sposies are, cause I woulda switched earlier. I also wish I would have known about all the beautiful diapers out there before I bought so many white PUL ones.
GOOD LUCK, Megan! Cloth is fun, and easy, and I'm sure it will be better for Tracy's bum.
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Ok, here are my answers to your questions:
1. I just use a big metal trash can with a foot-pedal lid...I line it with a washable liner that I throw in the wash with my diapers.
2. Cloth wipes are so much easier to use then disposible, esp. if you are using cloth diapers. The reason is, when you change a poopy diaper, you never have to seperate out the poopy wipes (yuck) you don't have to put them in a seperate trash container. You can just cut old recieving blankets up into squares, or old thin towels for wipes. Also, those thin baby washcloths work well. Just buy a cheap pack. With a toddler, you really won't need that many. You don't have to use them after every pee, just poops or when the butt smells funky. Just throw them in the pail and wash with diapers.
3. I have no idea about prefold and wraps, I have never used them.
4. AIOs!!! That's what we use, it makes up about 90% of our stash. We switched from sposies when dd was about 1, and we went for "ease of use" when buying AIOs. I truly believe they are no more difficult than sposies. I think they are worth the money. We bought basic white AIOs when we switched, then I gradually bought prettier more fun dipes on the Trading Post. I love them.
5. Best advice for a newbie: Just do it. Just switch. It may seem like a pain in the butt when you think about it, but it's really not much harder...just a little more laundy. Oh, and more advice: make sure you buy enough diapers to last you at least 2 days, cause laundy every day sucks.
6. I wish I would have known how gross sposies are, cause I woulda switched earlier. I also wish I would have known about all the beautiful diapers out there before I bought so many white PUL ones.
GOOD LUCK, Megan! Cloth is fun, and easy, and I'm sure it will be better for Tracy's bum.
2
1. Never had a diaper pail before but what is the best for cloth...and cheap I might add
I'm cheap too! I have two diaper pails. I do dry pail which is easy. One pail is a plastic utility can I got a few years ago to use for recycling. It was $3.99! Has a lid. The other I got before dd was born. It's by Cosco and has a flip lid w/ a deodorizer spot and a foot tab to lift the lid. It was $9.99. Works fine and when it's full I wash diapers. It's small for us for one but w/ two it'll fill fast.
2. What can I do for wipes besides cloth ones. I'm not doing this for the environment (sorry) so disposable doesn't bother me. This is what I was thinking and you tell me if it is possible. When ds was born they gave us disposable wipes that were dry and you just ran under the tap. Can you buy those? I was thinking about using them in essential oils.
You can do several things. I do like using cloth things though sometimes. I have baby wash cloths that I use that work great. Also the Costco brand wipes, Kirkland brand, are nice and clothey! I put them in the washer on gentle to get everything out and then dry in the dryer. Then I have cloth wipes that I can throw away if needed or reuse sometimes. I don't do this often and pretty much only for newborn. You can also make your own solution w/ baby soap/lavender oil/water and put in a spray bottle or w/ the wipes if you have a container. I even got "sick" and folded them so that I could pull them out one at a time! Also, Viva paper towels work great! You can make a "dispobable" wipe container w/ them too. Check out the back of the super baby food book for info. We used the viva towels w/ dd when she was newborn.
3. I'm looking into using prefolds and wraps (I'm trying a lot of different brands and types to find what I like). Can you reuse a wrap without washing it if it isn't wet or dirty? (thats a dumb question but its been bugging me!)
You can reuse a wrap, but I like to let them air out b/w changing. If gets poo on it, I put it in the pail. I use fitteds a ton so dd runs coverless too. Wool wraps are by far my fav and again I let them air out b/w changing. A little pricey, but great for rashes and night. I do like pre-folds but for running around at home I like the fitted w/o cover. Plus fitteds work well for dh.
4. Are AIO worth it? Are they better for certain ages?
It depends on you really. I know fuzzi bunz/happy heineys are "aio" but dh loves them for quick todler changing. I also like them for outtings b/c I don't need to have a cover and can pull it out and change her quick. I like little lambs diapers cute prints and easy care. and cheap!
5. What is the best advice you can give a newbie?
start w/ a few different things. Ask if you can get a sampler of a few diapers and covers before committing to a system. You might find that you really like the fitted over the pre-fold or that only fuzzi bunz will do for you. or that you hate pro-raps but love bummis covers, YK? I have so many different kinds now and just realized I grab the same diapers every time. But now w/ a little coming I'm afraid to get rid of the ones I'm not using as often anymore b/c maybe I'll need them too.
6. What do you wish you would have known before you started?
Okay, I know it sounds obvious, but I didn't know you needed to tuck in the pre-fold into the cover! The first two times dd wore them poo (bf poo) was everywhere and I almost gave up. But then read somewhere to tuck it in, LOL.
Also I wish I had known not to visit those cute sites, but I go crazy sometimes and that ebay isn't always the best deal finder for diapers.
Have fun CDing!!! I love it and can't wait until Dec when I get to put those little diapers on my new guy
1. Never had a diaper pail before but what is the best for cloth...and cheap I might add
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Get a garbage can with a closing lid from Target or Wal Mart, etc..
2. What can I do for wipes besides cloth ones. I'm not doing this for the environment (sorry) so disposable doesn't bother me. This is what I was thinking and you tell me if it is possible. When ds was born they gave us disposable wipes that were dry and you just ran under the tap. Can you buy those? I was thinking about using them in essential oils.
I agree with previous posters, cloth wipes are so much easier if you are already tossing dirty dipes in the pail and throwing the whole thing int he wash together. Cloth wipes are great for yucky messes and more comfortable for baby.
3. I'm looking into using prefolds and wraps (I'm trying a lot of different brands and types to find what I like). Can you reuse a wrap without washing it if it isn't wet or dirty? (thats a dumb question but its been bugging me!)
Yes you can reuse wraps/covers. Wool covers do not have to be washed as often as non-wool covers. Wool has antimicrobial properties and does not retain odor. You can wash wool cover about every 1-2 weeks. For all other covers I would wash them every day or 2.
4. Are AIO worth it? Are they better for certain ages?
AIOs are nice for doing quick and easy changes. Dads and childcare providers seem to enjoy the ease and convience. I do not use them. I do not think they breath as well, therefore not quite as healthy.
5. What is the best advice you can give a newbie?
Stick to prefolds and a nice cover and stay out of the diapering forum or else the hyena bug may bite you... which can get pricey :LOL
Seriously, CDing is so much easier than it sounds at first. Most importantly, never use as much detergent as the package says, cloth diapers only need about 1/4-1/8 cup of detergent or else you may get build up. I recommend a cold wash with detergent, followed by a second hot wash or rinse with no detergent to remove excess detergent.
Oh and I see youve got a toddler! You're going to want a minishower for rinsing diapers. http://www.drytushies.com/catalog/pr...roducts_id=117
6. What do you wish you would have known before you started?
Hmm nothing really comes to mind.
Good luck! Happy diapering!
Get a garbage can with a closing lid from Target or Wal Mart, etc..
2. What can I do for wipes besides cloth ones. I'm not doing this for the environment (sorry) so disposable doesn't bother me. This is what I was thinking and you tell me if it is possible. When ds was born they gave us disposable wipes that were dry and you just ran under the tap. Can you buy those? I was thinking about using them in essential oils.
I agree with previous posters, cloth wipes are so much easier if you are already tossing dirty dipes in the pail and throwing the whole thing int he wash together. Cloth wipes are great for yucky messes and more comfortable for baby.
3. I'm looking into using prefolds and wraps (I'm trying a lot of different brands and types to find what I like). Can you reuse a wrap without washing it if it isn't wet or dirty? (thats a dumb question but its been bugging me!)
Yes you can reuse wraps/covers. Wool covers do not have to be washed as often as non-wool covers. Wool has antimicrobial properties and does not retain odor. You can wash wool cover about every 1-2 weeks. For all other covers I would wash them every day or 2.
4. Are AIO worth it? Are they better for certain ages?
AIOs are nice for doing quick and easy changes. Dads and childcare providers seem to enjoy the ease and convience. I do not use them. I do not think they breath as well, therefore not quite as healthy.
5. What is the best advice you can give a newbie?
Stick to prefolds and a nice cover and stay out of the diapering forum or else the hyena bug may bite you... which can get pricey :LOL
Seriously, CDing is so much easier than it sounds at first. Most importantly, never use as much detergent as the package says, cloth diapers only need about 1/4-1/8 cup of detergent or else you may get build up. I recommend a cold wash with detergent, followed by a second hot wash or rinse with no detergent to remove excess detergent.
Oh and I see youve got a toddler! You're going to want a minishower for rinsing diapers. http://www.drytushies.com/catalog/pr...roducts_id=117
6. What do you wish you would have known before you started?
Hmm nothing really comes to mind.
Good luck! Happy diapering!
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
