[Hiker_Girl]

Hello all! I've been CDing for a little while now and have slowly and subtly been trying to get my best friend on board with the natural parenting movement, but before now she didn't seem very interested. Things have since changed and she is now willing to try CDing (as well as swearing off vaccinating her sons and future children)! I am so excited about this! She sent me the below e-mail asking for advice, but I know I'm not the most educated about CDing, therefore I am seeking any and all info, links, suggestions from you gals.

I REALLY want my friend to get the hang of this fairly easily, stick with it, and love it. She and her husband are always on the go and do not have much money, so investing in a huge stash is not possible. Please help me help her. Thank you!

The e-mail from my friend:

Okay, I am seriously considering cloth diapering. I just started thinking about how much money we spend each month on diapers, and it has totally inspired me to try this. The only thing is, I want something that isnt going to leak at night and even during the day (I really wouldnt mind doing this on the go, as long as they wouldn't leak).

I was just thinking about the money we could put on paying off the house much faster, if I choose to be frugal in some ways that I have never considered before (cooking, cleaning, washing clothes).

But since Isaac is nearly 18 months old, and not far from beginning the potty training process, I dont want to put lots of money into this...what are your suggestions for the cheapest ways to effectively cloth diaper? And what about cleaning them? What about cloth wipes?

 

[wfuteach]

I recommend (always) the bumGenius 2.0 pocket diaper. They are one sized, so that she could use them for both of her children. They launder well, I have never had one leak (ever) and they are cute. At $17.95 for one diaper that will last from 8-35 lbs, I believe them to be a great value. When I first started CDing at 10 months, I only had 6, and just did laundry every night. I eventually decided to expand my stash, but really didn't mind laundering every night.

So, that's my recommendation--easy, one sized, convenient for on the go, no leaks (for me at least).

If she is looking for something less expensive, I still vote for the pocket route, just for ease. But, I am pretty much an undomestic goddess

: so that's always my vote!

ETA: I just realized that YOU have two children, and she just has one. Whoops! But still, I vote bG pockets! Good re-sale, too.

 

[dimibella]

She could always buy used too, that would help with the cost, I think pockets would definitely be the easiest route for her.

 

[goodheartedmama]

If I was near the end of diapering, and wanted to save a lot of money, I would buy prefolds with covers. It turns out that's what I like most with my kids. I like fitteds, too, though.

 

[Hiker_Girl]

How well do prefolds and covers work while potty training? Just because I'm curious (my son currently wears them).

 

[Hiker_Girl]

Where are some good places to buy used?

 

[1happymom]

From reading and re-reading what she specifically said she wants it's something that doesn't leak. I've tried lots of diapers and the absolute best leak free (no matter whether the LO is a heavy wetter) is the Mother-ease system. I absolutely love them!! At 18 months her child should fit into the Large Sandy's. I recommend the airflow covers and using the diapers as training pants when the time comes is also an option. She could buy some used ones on the Trading Post here. Or Mother-ease has their own forum for that. One other reason that I recommend these is that a family on the go alot might get compression leaks with pockets and sitting in a car seat (it has happened to us anyway). Another very important factor would be if she buys new ones and takes good care of them she could re-coup a major part of her investment as Mother-ease items hold their value quite well, or she could save them for use on future children if she is inclined : )

 

[Hiker_Girl]

Thank you so much!

 

[larson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1happymom From reading and re-reading what she specifically said she wants it's something that doesn't leak. I've tried lots of diapers and the absolute best leak free (no matter whether the LO is a heavy wetter) is the Mother-ease system. I absolutely love them!! At 18 months her child should fit into the Large Sandy's. I recommend the airflow covers and using the diapers as training pants when the time comes is also an option. She could buy some used ones on the Trading Post here. Or Mother-ease has their own forum for that. One other reason that I recommend these is that a family on the go alot might get compression leaks with pockets and sitting in a car seat (it has happened to us anyway). Another very important factor would be if she buys new ones and takes good care of them she could re-coup a major part of her investment as Mother-ease items hold their value quite well, or she could save them for use on future children if she is inclined : )

I have to disagree, at least a little.

I haven't tried Sandy's but the ME OS are NOT good for heavy wetters! my #1 ds was, and I've not bothered with a one-size since then.

IMO, there is no one fool-proof system that works for every child. All of their little bodies are different I think you just have to try stuff to see how it works on your baby. If you or someone else you know has stuff she could borrow to test-drive it, that's the best way for her to see what she'd like to spend money on. Of course, pf are the cheapest, but aren't great for pt'ing. Wool is a leak-proof solution for any size, but isn't cheap.

I think it's great you're turning her on to cloth (there's no better feeling than converting someone, I know!) but she will have to develop her own reasons for using cloth and sticking it out--finding the right diapers and/or washing system can be a struggle for some.

Carrie