What are your thoughts on cloth diapers?

Marie - posted on 04/23/2010

I use a couple brands/kinds of diapers but I prefer the BumGenius 3.0 pocket diapers. At first, cloth diapers appear very expensive, especially if you buy the more convenient and "prettier" designs, but once you start looking longterm, cloth gets cheaper by the day. Even with accounting for money spent on running the washer.



I do wish I had gotten cloth with my daughter instead of after my son was born, but not only was there a lot going on then (moved twice and then cesarean), I didn't realize how much variety and choices were available. I thought cloth diapering would be so complicated and time-consuming, but in reality it's no worse than cleaning up any other mess kids make. Especially if you've ever had to clean up poo that escaped the disposable diaper.



Aside from a pre-rinse for extra dirty diapers and using a little less detergent in the actual wash cycle, I wash the diapers like any other clothing. Some covers are recommended to air dry, but most bits I feel comfortable getting in the dryer at either extra-low or low temp. Not that I don't ever take advantage of solar power though. ;)



Another site to check out is DiaperSwappers. You can get some decent deals on diapers and there's plenty of community support.

Celeste - posted on 04/23/2010

I use cloth diapers with my twin boys. For us, YES they are a HUGE money saver. I was going through a big box of disposables in about a week or so.

I paid probably a total of $300, maybe $500 for my whole stash. I used Chinese prefolds and covers with a snappi, and I also use pockets.

Chinese prefolds are the cheapest route. But, if you choose to go this route, I highly recommend *NOT* getting them from Walmart and/or Target. The Gerbers aren't as absorbent as the ones that diaper shops would have. I also used Bummis Super
Whisper Wraps and Thirsty covers.. These do have a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it's not a big deal.

For pockets, I have Fuzzi Bunz, Tiny TUsh, Blueberry, Bum Genius and Haute Pockets. the TT, BB, BG and HP's are all one size, meaning, they go from 8 lbs to 35 lbs. I LOVE my OS's and my favorite out of those are my Tiny Tush. These are easy to use-they go on just like a disposable.

As far as washing, I use Purex Free (no dyes, etc) and put them in the wash. I do a rinse, hot wash/cold rinse and then another rinse. I pop them in the dryer on low.

There are also All in ones (AIO's), contours, and I believe they have some hybrids now.

Here is some more info that you can learn more.
http://www.diaperpin.com/home.asp

Ash - posted on 04/23/2010

I love love love cloth diapers! I switched about a month in a half ago when my daughter was right around 3 months and it is absolutely wonderful! They save you so much money! I use Fuzzi Bunz Perfect size and One size diapers and they are both wonderful! I have numerous friends that also use them. You spend around $2500 on disposable diapers over a 3 year period but with these cloth diapers you spend around $500 over a 3 year period depending on which type you get....less if you buy the One size. You wash with a biodegradable non fragrance wash like Seventh Generation. Depending on the brand of the diaper they may have a different way to wash. But they give you instructions. I do a pre cold rinse and then a hot wash with an cold rinse. and then you can either tumble dry low or hang to dry. You use 1/4 amount of detergent from what the brand says. So a bottle of detergent will last you forever. I'm not sure if you are into blogging but theres quite a few bloggers that review and do giveaways on cloth diapers. Here are a couple... http://changediapers.blogspot.com/ and http://www.ecocheapmom.com/ You can also go to http://fuzzibunz.com/ or http://fuzzibunzstore.com/ to look at their cloth diapers. I hope this helps!!

Kristin - posted on 04/23/2010

You should check out the cloth diapering communities in here. There is "moms using cloth diapers" and "cloth diapering mommies." The ladies there will be better able to answer your questions about types.

I just use the tri-fold bridseye with pins and the plastic covers. It's a little messy, but it's kind of part of it. I mean really, we still get messes with the disposables. I do still use those for nighttime though. I would rather sleep than change diapers a few times a night. As for cleaning, you will probably want to follow the manufacturers directions. I just do ours in the washer in hot with a little bleach from time to time.

They cost more initially, but do save in the long run. I also truly believe they make it easier to toilet train.

Hope this helps a little.