Don't know where to start?

Nicole - posted on 01/04/2010

I wanted to thank all of you so much for everything!!! I have done tons of research and have found that I would like to try the "old fashioned" route of prefolds. From what I've read they last the longest and just seem right for me. I'm choosing Chinese prefolds as they seem even more durable, comfortable for baby, and are thicker. I've chosen Prorap Classic Diaper covers to start with because they are cheap and she's going to outgrow those fast. I've also decided to use cloth wipes because from what I've read they're better for baby also, along with saving money. Right now we are really having to penny pinch because I am unemployed, so price was one of my biggest deciding factors. I've found that for a total of only $167.50 I'll be set for a full six months with diapers, covers, and wipes! I'm very happy!

Again, thank you so much for your help and support!!!

~Nikki~

Brooke - posted on 01/03/2010

I was in the same boat when I was pregnant. I spent months doing research and after finding out about all the chemicals that are put in disposable diapers we decided to go with cloth. we bought 16 one size, all in ones pocket diapers. i got half snaps and aplix.(7 bumgenius, 6 happy heiny, 3 smartipants) We bought them from kellyscloset.com My favorites are happy heiny with aplix. we still use disposables when we are out and about because of the convience. hope this helps.

Rosanna - posted on 01/03/2010

I recommend taking a look at cloth diapering 101 on Jillian's Drawers (http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/newtoclot...). They also have a diaper trial that ends up costing $10 (http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/products/...).

Nakia - posted on 01/03/2010

Hi Nicole,
I brought a heap of cloth diapers off ebay. They aren't the typical cloth diapers. They can be used from new born to 9kg's (I think). I use them during the day and disposables at night - lets bub sleep a little more comfortable....

Jenna - posted on 01/02/2010

I also didn't realize that there were cloth options other than prefolds and plastic pants, until my baby was 6 months old! Oops! So first, kudos to you for researching! :)
I can be pretty opinionated about what I like, but -- I have yet to find a diaper or diapering product that I DON'T like! Everything I've tried so far has worked really well for us. I can't really help with diapering a newborn, but diaperpin.com is an awesome place to check things out, like other people have said. I'll just say this: if your babe turns out to be a super pee-er, try hemp!

Stefie - posted on 01/02/2010

I really recommend bum genius as a place to start. I did research when my daughter was two months old and had not gone a week with out diaper rash. We started on Bum Genius because it was simple and highly recommended.
The major benefits we have seen in the last 16 months of use of this diaper system is that:
- complete system available with good instructions
- keeps diaper rash to a minimum
- no leaks
- easy washing (I keep dirty in wet bag and wash every other day in the machine)
- easy poo duty (I love the bum genius diaper sprayer)
- 1 year warranty
- adjustable size and inserts
- not huge investment ($250 for 12 diapers and the sprayer) for the saving you see
- can take with you on outings (we keep one diaper in a bag with a small wet bag)
My only issues with this product
- velcro does wear out after about 10 months (but they have a year warrenty on the product or you can replace velcro)
- big bottom baby
- the bad thing is that you might have to buy larger size clothes and roll up legs
- good thing is that learning to crawl and walk they have padding for falls
We really love them. We are planning to use these for our second baby due in May, as well.

Nicole - posted on 12/31/2009

Thanks everyone, a LOT!!!! **hugs to all** I'm researching my butt off now! lol

Katie - posted on 12/31/2009

I really like this website...

http://diaperpin.com/home.asp

Julie - posted on 12/28/2009

There are so many benifits to useing cloth diapers!

pockets are great because they are so convient..they will leak though if not chsnged often enough.

All in ones are even more convient but they take a long time to dry.

Prefolds are great because you can get a perfect fit

Fitteds when paired with a good cover are awesome. I second the poster who said motherease are a great diaper..they are!

Jennifer - posted on 12/28/2009

When people think of cloth diapering, they think of thin flats with pins and plastic pants. They have changed SO much since I was cloth diapered as a baby. You might find it really helpful to get a little bit of everything, and maybe try a sampler pack. Some places, like
http://www.abbyslane.com/catalog.php?cat...
have options to build a grouping of diapers to try them all.

I use a little of everything, because I like the customization of it all. I use fitteds and covers at night, pocket diapers when out and about, All-in-Ones for my husband and babysitters, and prefolds when my kiddos were infants. Each has their pros and cons, it is just a matter of deciding what fits into your budget and time. Stuffing pocket diapers takes a little while, whereas stacking a bunch of prefolds is easy. :)

Also, try sites like
www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com (click on 'Diapering Basics' on the left side)
www.diaperpages.com

Hope that helps!

Laura - posted on 12/27/2009

Our son is 8 months now and we cloth diaper exclusively... my recommendations would be to 1) get online and research the different types. (Eg: All in one, One size, etc). There are lots of choices. 2) Don't feel like you HAVE to make a decision on what to use right now. We were given two cases of disposable diapers. We used them when he was first born and then transistioned into cloth. Once we got the hang of using them and found our own "system" it became really simple.

We use Mother-Ease diapers made in Canada - the "one size" organic cotton work GREAT! We love them. The package we got was 24 diapers, 12 inserts (which we only use at night) and 4 covers and it cost like $395. (mother-ease.com)... I know there are lot's of other brands out there, but these work great for us...
Good luck...

Lorin - posted on 12/27/2009

yes, do lots and LOTS of research! this is a good place to start because all these moms have either been there and done it or put in lots of researching legwork, but people can be a little more opinionated here (they have their brands and styles and everything that they'll recommend) instead of purely informational. i'm due in two weeks and i've been making my own pocket diapers and fleece covers to use over prefold diapers, but i think most people buy their diapers online.

this site was very helpful for me, especially with the financial comparison of cloth to disposables (copy and paste, sorry i don't know how to make it clickable): http://www.diaperco.com/store/pg/56-New-...

it's good that you're starting early - if you decide to use cloth you can request cloth diapers as shower gifts, or request contributions to your CD (cloth diaper) fund. it's definitely an up-front investment (i've spent about $200 on materials and maybe 40 hours in construction, and retail buyers will probably spend around $600) but it will absolutely save you money in the long run, as well as being environmentally friendly, nicer for baby's skin (no chemicals, less diaper rash) and just plain cute!

good luck with your decision making and research!

Brandy - posted on 12/27/2009

I am do March 26. I had to do alot research on line. A liitle overwelming at first but then it starts to make sense!