101
Cloth diapering is a whole other world. I never expected to get so interested in cloth diapering. I started my research when I was pregnant. I tried to figure out the financial gains, environmental benefits and if it was practical. Once I started researching I discovered there is so much to know. I knew nothing starting out. Luckliy I work with midwives who probably have a higher cloth diaper usage rate than other professions, so I learned a lot from my friends and co-workers
Why I like it...
I like not seeing the trash can fill up w/ diapers every day. I like my cute diapers on Charlie (I like to color coordinate with his outfit, very important). Cost savings, I approximated about $900 for Earth's Best for 1 year. You can get disposable cheaper at Costco or Sam's for half the price, the bottom rash is not worth it for me. So we will save money overall for Charlie. The savings for Charlie alone could be argued convenience vs. financial gain. I would like Charlie to have a sibling so if there is a baby #2 we will see a large cost savings. Finally, washing them is not a big deal (so far) and I hate laundry.
$$Price$$
You can pay anywhere from $10-36 dollars for a cloth diaper or at least part of the diaper.
The cheapest set up are wraps w/ prefolds (old school method). You can get a wrap for $10-15 and a prefold for a few dollars. Many people praise this method, it is my least favorite. I think the prefolds don't fit nicely around Charlies legs. People like them because it is the cheapest method, also decreased odor and more simple. In order for me to stick to cloth I need it to be convenient and I don't find prefolds convenient.
The most expensive one I found are the ecoposh fitted diaper $36. This is made from recycled material, is very absorbent and might be used for night time. This particular diaper is made in Golden, CO. I would be lying if I didn't say I have wanted one or two of these. (I am not going to buy them however). I think it's best for Charlie to sleep in his disposable "Earth's Best" at night. In addition to the large cost you still need a waterproof cover to go over this fitted posh method.
I bought my current cloth set for about $15.51 each, on sale. I saved about $5 per diaper :) The majority I bought were Thirsties duo pocket diapers. They should last Charlie until he is potty trained.
Sweetbottoms
www.thirstiesbaby.com
You could look on Craigslist for a gently used set, I would be careful. People want a lot of money for their used diapers. Prior to buying an entire set of one diaper, I would make sure you like the diaper for your baby first. In addition when researching I found I could buy a new set for not much more than what people wanted for their used :(
##Amount##
It depends on how old the baby is and how often you want to do laundry. I bought 16 diapers for Charlie when he was 5 months w/ expectations to do laundry every other day, this is working for us currently. I bought about 24-26 when he was a newborn and I couldn't keep up w/ the laundry at that time.
How to prepare
I went to a cloth diaper 101 course. I was happy I went in with some knowledge because the people who had not prepped were overwhelmed. The problem: I was talked into a newborn diaper set. I would not have done this if I had to reconsider. I spent around $200-250 and don't feel we got our use out of it. We bought mostly prefolds and discovered we did not like this method. I did like the all-in-ones ('lil Joey by rumparooz) for newborns and the fitted. However @$15/ each and it only last until about 11-12 lbs I don't think you can make an argument to stock up on these for a newborn. (You would need about 26 to only do laundry every other day). I ultimately think the 101 class worked in the stores favor on that one. I still think the class helped lay a foundation for me.
At 5 months I was offered a trial at the store that I bought the newborn diapers from. I recommend this! We borrowed $100 of new merchandise for a down payment of $50. We got to see what diaper worked best for us. I took back what I didn't like and got my money back (I only liked 1 out of 5) We tried prefolds again, pocket diapers, all in one's. The pockets, all-in-ones and fitted were my favorite. Of the different brands Thirsties fit the best on Charlie.
For more info search blogs. In addition diaper companies have very informative websites. I went through sweet bottoms for our diapers, they have a trial program but I don't think it includes Thirsties as a trial option.
Cleaning
With breast/formula only just run diapers in a rinse cycle prior to washing. Then wash on heavy. Don't use just any detergent. You can look this up. We use Country Save. You don't want to use harsh chemicals, dies, etc because of your sensitive baby's skin. Regular detergents can ruin the diapers over time.
Once your kiddo is eating solids you can do a toilet sprayer to rinse off or liners to throw in toilet. Soaking in a bucket of water seems to be looked down upon in the cloth diaper community.
I bought an inexpensive white trash can w/ lid. Add a diaper liner (waterproof) bag and toss the bag in with the diapers to wash. Wash every other day. I liked the rumparooz diaper bag.
Stains... hang in sun
Once a month I have heard to put diapers in dryer to help maintain the waterproof factor of the shells/covers. Otherwise line dry.
Types of Diapers
All-in-one: This diaper is convienent, easy to put on (good for Dads). The 'lil Joey is the newborn all-in-one. Love these! The only problem apparently they can get smelly over time for the older baby.
Pocket Diapers: We have thirsties pocket diapers. They are my favorite and what I have the most of these. The insert is removable from the wrap preventing the smell over time (more surface area getting washed and drying). The Thirsties fit Charlie the best. (Many people say thirsties are good for babies with big legs/thighs.) The combined cotten/hemp insert wicks the moisture away from him. The insert will shake out in the wash.
Fitted diaper: The is another convenience (you pay for this). It is the soft, absorbent part fits nicely around your baby and then you get a wrap/shell or pocket diaper to go over this. Fitted are good if you are going on a car trip, night time. Essentially when you need more absorption. They have snaps and easily go on the baby. I liked this method also for newborns, but again expensive.
Prefolds: You get the old school prefolds. You can use a snappi (Dad invention) to help keep the prefold in place. Then place a wrap or shell around it. Diaper stores will tell you to avoid the Gerber/generic bleached prefolds because they are poor on absorption. Instead get an organic blend cotton/hemp/bamboo prefold, not bleached.
Night Time: You can use a fitted diaper. If you have some extra money lying around, an eco posh. You can then do a wrap or pocket diaper w/ extra insert around and/or cover w/ wool underwear. This set up you should have 2-3 of and can be pricey. In addition you have one big bubble butt. Cloth diaper goo 'roo's will put a wool cover over top. Again I am not sure this is worth the effort.
Extra Info
Butt Paste: Can cause decreased absorption and ruin the diapers overtime. You need to get special butt cream, I haven't tried this yet. At night we put Charlie in a disposable and put his Triple Butt Paste on him and he doesn't ever have a diaper rash.
Snaps vs Aplix (velcro): Snaps last longer. Velcro wears overtime and needs replaced, however it is easy to put on and apparently day care providers like it.
I personally like the option for the occasional disposable. I buy in bulk from amazon w/ my prime account (free shipping). My favorite is Earth's Best. (Doesn't cause diaper rash for Charlie). My favorite wipes are Target Sensitive for the price. I want to get into cloth wipes but I haven't yet done this.
Acces
sories: Trash Pail, Diaper Bag (wet bag/waterproof inside), Cloth Wipes, Snappi (prefolds), Small To-Go wet bag, Detergent (Country Save), Laundry line outside
There are many cloth diapers and companies out there. I am not against the other brands, just didn't work well for Charlie and us. If I were to start over I would have gotten a set of size one Thirsties and then have bought a second set of size two around this time.
