[WishIwasinMN]

Hi everyone--I'd like to start cloth diapering my dd, but the upfront cost is going to be kind of hard on us, so had some questions. I was thinking of going aio (feel kind of lazy wanting to do that!), but of course they are awfully expensive. So was checking out fitted diapers with covers and the few that I looked at were more for the two than an aio. And then was wondering about contoured diapers--how do you fasten them--with a pin? And do they leak since they don't have elastic. Thanks so much in advance, I really want to do this.

 

[kate42]

Hello and welcome!

The cheapest way to start out is by using prefolds and covers. That way, if using cloth doesn't work for you and your family, you won't have sunk too much $$$ into it.

I tried a few contours, but decided that a CPF tri-folded into a cover was more absorbant for my daughter. You can also fasten a CPF with pins or a Snappi for a trimmer, more fitted option and put a cover on top.

How old is your dd? How often do you anticipate changing her?

We're here to help.

elcome

 

[girlfactory]

You can find bargains at ebay, and also at the MDC trading post once you have posted enough. Nothing says you have to buy new. Oh and www.familyauction.com Aios are convenient, but they do tend to run more $$. One of the most economical diaper buying place I have found is www.cutest-cloth-diapers.com As for the contours, they do just lay into a wrap of some sort, and if you have a small baby w/runny breastfed poops, you will probably not want to use them. Fitteds or aios are better at keeping messes in.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[WishIwasinMN]

Hello Kate! My dd is 7 months and I do change her a lot! We call her our peepee girl. Still breastfeeds a TON at night, so is very wet in the morning unless I can get her changed during the night. She does not like being woke up LOL! I've been looking on ebay for aios and don't know if that is the way to go or night.
Thanks for the fast reply--i am searching as we type!

 

[Mizelenius]

As for the cost of a fitted + cover v. just an AIO . . . remember that you can often reuse a cover, so you don't have to buy equal numbers of diapers and covers. People typically "need" (we're not talking "want" here) about 24-36 diapers and 4-8 covers.

I'm such a prefold fan that I'd suggest you give these a good try before deciding against them. They are just so easy, cheap, and effective (and readily available!) that I pretty much use nothing else. You can use these as your primary diaper and then try out new things as funds allow.

Since your DD is a heavy wetter, I'd getting something with a lot of hemp layers for nighttime. Even if you use AIOs for daytime, I'd go with a hemp prefold or at least a hemp fitted (with some extra doublers) for night, or you may want to venture into pocket diaper land and use hemp as an insert.

 

[PDeSoToK]

Welcome, welcome and welcome!!!

You are going to

it here.

I'm going to go with the flow and recommend starting with prefolds. I have lots of different diapers in my stash now, but I find myself reaching for those prefolds. Especially since I started using Snappis! I bought my prefolds on Ebay from Granitesmith. They are absolutely *wonderful* and she has great prices.

Ask any questions you might have...I am pretty new here, but I've found that the ladies here are always willing to help.

There are a lot of experienced mamas here with a lot of knowledge to share.

 

[andreac]

Welcome!

I switched my son to cloth just a few months ago, so I know what you mean about how daunting the up front costs can seem. I'll agree with everyone about startng w/prefolds, since you can get a bunch cheap and stop spending all that money on disposables!! And I second the recommendation for Granitesmith on ebay, great mama to work with! Then I'd order a sample pack before spending a ton of $$ on one type of diaper. I got mine at www.diaperware.com and it was a great way to try out a bunch of types of diapers!

I was so intimidated by prefolds, that I actually went straight to the sample pack, then ordered some HappyHeinys. But now that I have them I love them (although not as much as some of my favorite fitteds...Fireflys & Elbees).

Also, I know that there are a few WAHM stores that offer layaways plans, but i'm not sure which ones...maybe one of the other mamas could help?

Also, once I had a small stash built...I started putting aside the money we would be spending on disposables so I can keep buying dipes until I am happy with what I have (LOL, Like that will ever happen

)

Anyway...good luck! You will love making the switch...I sure did!!!

 

[koofie]

Another vote for prefolds - I'd recommend hemp if you can but $$! One of my favorite non-prefold diapers are Happy Heiny's. They have this pocket where you put a filler - prefold or other pee-absorbing material. Then the filler soaks up the pee and the fleece next to the skin keeps the tooshie dry! You may want to buy just one off ebay or try some of the sample packs. There was a thread a few days ago with sites.

GL and WELCOME!

 

[teachinmaof3]

And another vote for prefolds! I started cd'ing 5 months ago in order to save $$$. Prefolds were the way to do it! I really like them!!

If you want to try some of the other kinds...keep an eye out on the Trading Post or at Diaperpin.com.

WELCOME!!!!!!!!!

 

[MamaMonica]

Prefolds are an economical way to go- and really are nice. There are so many ways to use them- wraps, snappis or pins.

There are lots of nice fitteds out there,too- depends on what you like.

Also, maybe look into a one-size fitted like Motherease - this is another ecomomical choice. Good luck!

 

[grisandole]

Ditto what everyone else has said! In the early months, I did switch to fitteds because they contained ds's "explosions" much better- with just a folded prefold the cover would get ruined- so I was going through covers like crazy. I ended up buying a bunch of one size diapers, I got Snug-To-Fit brand. Now, some don't like these, but they've worked great for us so far- they are our "staples"- we do use a doubler with them (doublers are cheap) most of the time so they are more absorbent.

I got a varitey of used fitteds from the tp here, and ebay, and www.orangestarfish.com Then as I had extra money I'd get new ones here and there- I have some from www.monsterbabydiapers.com, www.lizscloth.com, and www.countrycozys.com

I recommend finding a Liz's Cloth hemp for night time- just add a doubler and you'll be set! I see them on the TP alot.

For AIO's, I LOVE LOVE LOVE www.grannysark.com, and they are sooooo absorbent!

HTH
Kristi

 

[pb_and_j]

Nothing to add about the dipes (I think everyone said what I was going to say!) but wanted to welcome you to the board!