HELP!! So many cloth diapers...

Paula - posted on 09/13/2009

This is going to sound like the wierdest reply but... anyway if your kid is already 15 m old, chances are her turds arent' as runny most of the time as for younger babies, so you could use any type of cloth diaper and get those flushable liners (they look like dryer sheets) and put it on the diaper every time around the time you child needs to take a #2. So then it's less work rinsing and soaking the diapers. It's an easier age to diaper them because there's less work, and they use up less diapers. You don't have to go out and buy the best cloth diaper brands like Fuzzybunz or whatever, they are really awesome diapers, but they are VERY expensive. So if your child stains them, you will be sad. Use OXICLEAN to pre soak all of your soiled diapers and make sure you rinse them out first. I do it in the big sink in the laundry room, then once the stains are out I wash them in the washer with HOT water and whatever laundry soap we generally use (my kids have no irritations to it) then I dry them on HOT and they're fine. You can order Kushies from Sears COD and they work very well. Or you can sew your own. Good luck :)

Andrea - posted on 09/12/2009

Well, I guess you're right; that's just what works best for us. We tried prefolds and it was fine for a while but my daughter was getting rashes from the excess moisture. As far as the cost of prefolds vs. pockets. There isn't that much of a difference. Anyways, it doesn't matter how much you spend when you're going to be saving hundreds to thousands of dollars anyway.

Jen - posted on 09/12/2009

Quoting Andrea:

You must must must get one-size pockets. The reason why is that if you take good care of them you will never have to buy any diapers ever again, even for future babies. Pockets are much less work than prefolds (trust me I've tried them), but because the insert can be taken out, they are easier to keep clean and dry faster than all-in-ones. It really isn't that much more work to put the insert in the dipe. Another plus of pockets is that they wick the moisture away from your baby's bottom. Although some swear by wool, I can't keep up with all the work it takes to maintain them.
As far as the brand, you have to find which one fits your baby the best as all babies and all brands are different. Buy one of each brand and use them for a week or two before you invest all your money in a bunch of dipes you or your baby don't like. You also need to consider if you want snaps, hooks, or velcro closures. So like I said, buy one of each if you don't already know what you're looking for.
Ok, now, how to wash them. After much experimenting and trial and error, this is my tried and true method. Trust me, I've been doing it this way for my 14 month old for many months and may types of poops and different types of dipes.
Step one: Dump the poop in the toilet or spray it off into the toilet or wipe off with TP if you don't have a sprayer (I have an extendable shower head that can reach to the toilet).
Step two: Put all the dipes in the washer and fill with warm water till all the dipes are covered and use have the recommended detergent (from the approved detergent list below) Fill downy ball with vinegar. You can also pour some baking soda in there.
Step three: Wash on heavy cycle
Step four: Preferably hang dry. If this is not possible dry on low heat until covers are dry then take them out and dry the inserts on high heat. The covers will last longer if you wash and dry them with low heat; it doesn't really matter for the inserts.
I know it sounds like an ordeal but when you actually do it it's simple. I've never had trouble with odor or stains or build-up or diaper rash using this method. Here are the best detergents to use on cloth diapers. You're risking hurting your diapers or your baby if you use anything else. http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-ch... Use only the one's with four star ratings. I use Arm&Hammer Essentials. Hope this helps!

True about MAYBE only having to buy one diaper for the diapering years of your baby, but prefolds are cheaper and can be just as easy as pockets if you just trifold and lay in wrap.  Just saying.  You will be surprised which diapers you like.  For that matter, the Gro Babies fit birth to potty training, are cotton, and you don't have to stuff. 

We are sold, as an American society, that babies prefer "stay dry"  Hello, have you ever felt with your hand a saturated pocket pee diaper with the stay dry fleece?  It's still kinda damp.  Babies don't mind being wet as much as we think they do.  Plus it's really healthy for their skin to change often.  Yeah, I can keep my girls in their diapers for three hours or more, but I don't.  Think of all that bacteria building up over time, yuck! 

Well anyways, my major advice is to realize there might be a difference for you and your baby between synthetic fabrics like those in the one size pockets, and cotton.  Cotton made all the difference for us, and I probably would've stopped CDing if I had to keep up with the elaborate wash routine it took for me to get her diapers *clean* with all the weekly stripping and 4 wash/rinse cycles.  Seriously!  But some babies are not as sensitive, I guess. 

Of course all of us on here think we have the best answer for you!  lol, and obviously what we've settled on works for us.  But for me, I didn't realize that the BG and Blueberry one size were the problem until about 4 months into my CDing experiment.  Happily, I didn't spend $$ on an entire stash, but I still spent too much :-(

Andrea - posted on 09/11/2009

You must must must get one-size pockets. The reason why is that if you take good care of them you will never have to buy any diapers ever again, even for future babies. Pockets are much less work than prefolds (trust me I've tried them), but because the insert can be taken out, they are easier to keep clean and dry faster than all-in-ones. It really isn't that much more work to put the insert in the dipe. Another plus of pockets is that they wick the moisture away from your baby's bottom. Although some swear by wool, I can't keep up with all the work it takes to maintain them.
As far as the brand, you have to find which one fits your baby the best as all babies and all brands are different. Buy one of each brand and use them for a week or two before you invest all your money in a bunch of dipes you or your baby don't like. You also need to consider if you want snaps, hooks, or velcro closures. So like I said, buy one of each if you don't already know what you're looking for.
Ok, now, how to wash them. After much experimenting and trial and error, this is my tried and true method. Trust me, I've been doing it this way for my 14 month old for many months and may types of poops and different types of dipes.
Step one: Dump the poop in the toilet or spray it off into the toilet or wipe off with TP if you don't have a sprayer (I have an extendable shower head that can reach to the toilet).
Step two: Put all the dipes in the washer and fill with warm water till all the dipes are covered and use have the recommended detergent (from the approved detergent list below) Fill downy ball with vinegar. You can also pour some baking soda in there.
Step three: Wash on heavy cycle
Step four: Preferably hang dry. If this is not possible dry on low heat until covers are dry then take them out and dry the inserts on high heat. The covers will last longer if you wash and dry them with low heat; it doesn't really matter for the inserts.
I know it sounds like an ordeal but when you actually do it it's simple. I've never had trouble with odor or stains or build-up or diaper rash using this method. Here are the best detergents to use on cloth diapers. You're risking hurting your diapers or your baby if you use anything else. http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-ch... Use only the one's with four star ratings. I use Arm&Hammer Essentials. Hope this helps!

Jen - posted on 09/11/2009

Try cotton! Cotton diapers are easier to clean. Prefolds, fitteds, the Gro Baby (I can't believe nobody on here has recommended Gro Baby!! They are so amazing, they are trim and kind of a "low rise" diaper!!) When you consider that you can re-use the shell, it really amounts to about $14 a diaper change, that's for one shell and two soaker pads, and not even considering how much cheaper it would be to buy in bulk if they end up working for you! The soaker pads and booster pads are so DENSE and thirsty and I think that's why these diapers work so great. The cotton is all concentrated in the wet zone, so there is absolutely no extra bulk.

As for prefolds, please buy REAL prefolds if you decide to try them, and buy sized prefolds. Gerber prefolds are about the worst diaper you could go with. If you couple prefolds with a cover that snaps or velcros, you won't even need pins (though I like to pin or snappi sometimes, if I want the diaper to be more trim-fitting. For some reason this just works better for some of her covers) I like GEN-Y covers and Blueberry cover alls and Imse vimse are okay too. GEN-Y covers make me LOVE my prefolds.

Gro Baby are great for on the go.

My fitteds also fit in the GEn-Y and Blueberry covers, and they are super absorbent too!

www.preciousdignity.com ... they are way cute. USA milled organic cotton, it's a great choice for our economy.

oh, and I like using a diaper sprayer and Charlie's Soap.

Good luck!

Tiffany - posted on 09/10/2009

I use bumGenius 3.0. I have 28 and I have twins. I do a load everyday, but now that we are used to it, it's second nature and not an issue. I wash mine in cold water with All Free and Clear and an extra rinse. The come perfectly clean every time. Now that the girls are a little older and there poops are bigger it requires a bit more effort. When they have a poopy diaper I fold it up and put it in the spare bathroom bathtub. When it's time to do the wash, I flip them open and hose them down with the shower sprayer. Before you say anything, the shower drain and the toilet drain go to the same place so it's no big deal. The poop disolves in seconds and then the diapers go in the wash with the others. When they start on solids, the poop firms up and you can just shake the diaper over the toilet, super easy. My advice is to pay attention to your little ones wetting habits and stuff accordingly. For instance, overnight might need an extra insert. If you do that, you shouldn't have any problems with leaks. Also, invest in a large diaper bag. The cloth diapers do not pack flat like disposables and if you are leaving the house for longer than a couple of hours, you will not have room. I actually have two bags, the one with the diapers, the other with everything else, but this is because I just haven't gotten around to going shopping for a better bag. Good luck!

Cheri - posted on 09/09/2009

I started with Bum Genius and had BIG leaky problem...we had poo coming out the seams!! cotton babies offers a 12 month warranty so they replaced them all. My velco was giving so i went to fuzzibunz one size and Happy heinys one size....I love my FB!!Because they don't have snaps up the front when you pull the diaper up, the size doesnt change!! I had that happen with both my HH and BG. The are also a little trimmerv than the restso they tend to fit my guy better. I work in a retail show were we sell lots of different kinds of one sized diapers and the fuzzibunz go quick, and we have had the least complaints about them since I started there....HH snaps don't snap as tight, the velcro wears on the bum genius and the offered warranty gets used alot!!



I also use and reccomend Charlies Soap...when used correctly and exclusivly it is by far the easiest and cheapest to use!!

Natasha - posted on 09/09/2009

I have a home business where i make my own cloth diapers. Our diapers are called Green Line Diapers. We have a detailed facebook business site with videos, reviews, pictures and more talking about Green Line Diapers. We have had only happy customers, no leaks and the prints are great!!! Looking for a unique design and cheaper diaper... Check out Green Line Diapers (search on facebook). We ship anywhere!!

Katrina - posted on 09/08/2009

ok a lot of replies already so sorry to add to the confusion... but mainly i agree with that you have to try a few and see what the best cloth diaper for you is; also that fitted are better than one size. also search for cloth diaper reviews - that's how I found out from another mom that prefolds + bumkins covers work well on a slender-leg baby. although now at 5 months he's chubbed up, i use prefolds with thirsties covers. they are not too expensive and the covers wash & dry super easily. i also have a few fuzzi bunz pockets fitted (these are nice) & all-in-ones (too long to dry) a family member bought for me to try. too expensive for me to buy more though. i use country save detergent and sometimes vinegar in the rinse if there are any odor problems. however i am still trying to find a cloth diaper solution for night time that doesn't leak! (sometimes I use disposables...)

Kirsten - posted on 09/08/2009

check on ebay! we got a bunch of ours there & it allowed us to try them out for cheaper and see what we liked. We didn't want to spend a ton up front, although it is totally worth it in the end, but we went with newborn size kissaluvs with proraps covers. LOVE them! They are perfect size-wise & my daughter is still wearing them at 4 mo. They aren't bulky so that's nice. snaps are easy to use. I got 18 on ebay and then also got some flat diapers (10 or 12) with a snappi (so you don't have to use pins) and a pack or 2 of kushies newborn size (on walmart.com). I only wash about 2x/week. After the newborn size we use size one kissaluvs and motherease.com velcro covers as well as more kushies (all in ones). Then we have my favorite one-size diaper from motherease.com! I bit the bullet and bought a large order (24) then got some more on ebay and they are THE BEST!!! If you buy a package deal, you get covers too, which are amazing...don't leak either. So easy to use & snap in different ways. My toddler is still wearing them w/ a thick insert for extra absorption. Washing is easy. We do a cold rinse, then a hot wash with a little all free/clear detergent, 1/2 c. of baking soda and 1/2 c. of oxyclean free/clear. Then put white vinegar in the rinse cup. AFter the hot wash, rinse again on cold. Then throw all in the dryer for about 70 min. but make sure you hang dry the covers! They'll work longer. Also www.monkeyfootdesigns.com has amazing wet bags for when you're out & about! They are THE best & do not leak. Get a big wetbag for your diaper pail & it will be easier to carry them to the wash machine. Hope that helped! We love cloth-diapering! :)

Nicole - posted on 09/08/2009

I've been using the cloth diapers that you can buy at wal mart and maybe target too. They are the "pre folded" ones. Since you baby is 15 mths, I would suggest doubling the diapers. Use two at a time. These require safety pins. It sounds scary, but I have not pricked my baby... I like these better than any of the all in one kinds. But I had to order the plastic pants on Cottonbabies.com .I like the inexspinsive vinyl ones. This combination has worked out best for me. Dont be discouraged, remember that cloth diapered babies potty train faster!!!!!

Angie - posted on 09/08/2009

BumGenius are great diapers. But I would order one and see how it fits if you have a big thighed baby. BG don't fit my 15 month old well anymore. They leave red marks on her legs and at the bigget waiste setting they still seem a little tight. I also don't like how the the front snaps press into her legs when she is sleeping. Right now we are loving greenacredesigns diapers. There are also some diapers called nubunz on ebay that are very similiar to BG. I got a couple of them and have been VERY impressed with them.

Elly - posted on 09/04/2009

I kept a 5 gallon bucket with a lid in the bathtub. Fill it about 1/3 full with water and Biz. Then I would rinse poopy ones in toilet and throw them and wet ones in the bucket. When the bucket was full I would dump into washing machine and rinse. I used a walmart brand. Then wash them on a regular cyle. I used cloth on both my kids who are 13 and 15 now. When your kids are trained those old diapers make the best dust rags! For me, cloth was easier than boughten. Less trips to the store and the garbage! I think that kids who use cloth are easier to potty train because the moisture is right there and it isn't comfortable!

Danielle - posted on 09/03/2009

I know what your feeling, there are a bazillion choices out there. I went to diaperswappers.com and purchased a few different kinds (used) to see what cloth diapers I liked best. Everyone has different opinions on every kind out there!

Miranda - posted on 09/02/2009

You have all been so helpful!! The more help the better!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!

Danae - posted on 09/02/2009

I used fuzzi bunz perfect fit size (small, med, large) with my daughter, but then with my son I am using the one-size fuzzi bunz. (which I love)



They are not built like all the other one-size diapers. Usually one-size have snaps in the front to adjust the size that are very bulky. These have adjustable elastic in the legs and waist (like the jeans do you know with the buttons) the elastic makes them into whatever size you need. (You can also replace the elastic if it ever wears out, especially if you are having another child that is going to use them)



Also a big plus is that they come with both a small and large insert. You don't have to buy both. And the new Fuzzi Bunz inserts are 4-ply not 3-ply like the old ones. You can use the small first and then the large, but in your case you would use just the large and then if she is a heavy wetter you can put both in there.



The nice thing about the fuzzi bunz also is that you can bleach the inserts if you need to every once in a while and it won't hurt them. I actually bleach everything about every 6mths or so and then run them through 2 full washes with just water and they are fine. (my diaper lady suggested that).



The other suggestion I have (especially if you want them nice for another child) Is since your daughter is older their poop is really gross. You can get fleece liners (or better yet buy fleece fabric (or an old fleece blanket) and cut them the size of the inserts) put them between the diaper and her bum (especially when you think she is going to go soon) and it will keep them all nice. You will be fine even if you don't do that I just never liked the "real" poop in my diapers.



You will want another few items to make your cloth diapering experience easier. A hanging door pail is one of my favorites for your dirty diapers and then you just put it inside out in the wash with the rest of the diapers. And a cloth wet bag for your diaper bag when you are out and about. They are waterproof and really do a good job of keeping the smell enclosed.



I also use cloth wipes so that I don't have to pick any wipes out of the diapers. You can even make them. I used a wipe solution with my daughter Baby Bits I think they were called, and with my son (so far he is extremely sensitive) I just use water, works great.



For washing instructions I think that Elizabeth gave you a website.

Basically its Rinse, Hot wash, Cold rinse... Extra rinse if necessary.

I have used Seventh Generation, Costco's Enviromental Friendly, and Country Save and Like them all.... Also you can throw some oxy clean in every once in a while if they are bad.



NO diaper rash creams. If you do need cream they make some just for cloth diapers, or if you use the liners you can put cream in there, but don't wash the liners with the diapers, the cream will transfer in the wash and gum up your diapers and then they can leak.



Hopefully this helps, you can always message me if you have any other questions.

Good luck.

Dannielle - posted on 09/02/2009

I've been using cloth since my little guy was first born.
I can highly recommend that you buy nappies made from bamboo. I live in Australia and the brand of nappy I use is itti bitti. They are awesome. Not sure if you have ones similar in the States. I used sized nappies for a better fit but having said that I plan on having another child so I don't see it as a waste of money... Having said that I have never owned a one size nappy.
The nappies I use have snap in inserts made from bamboo (itti bitti d'lish - google if you are interested). You just dry pail and throw them in the washing machine, put them on a cold rinse cycle, add 1/4 of the recommended amount of an eco washing powder/liquid and wash on a warm setting.
Any stains on coth nappies can be removed by leaving them in the sunlight (even on an overcast day) because the UV lights remove stains. The suggest that you don't use nappisan or oil based nappy creams with MCN's as it effects the absorbency.
HTH. Good luck with your choice.

Deborah - posted on 09/02/2009

I'm a mom of a 7 week old, and at 2 weeks began using cloth so that we wouldn't cringe thinking of our wallet every time she had a wet diaper. We have kissaluvs sized diapers that we're not that impressed with (they stain easy, even though they're a tan color and they soak right through, they take forever to dry) and we have BumGenius (the newer ones), which we love. Right now, since she's so small we use the liner on top of the diaper, rather than the insert. As she gets bigger, I imagine the insert is great, with another cheaper liner on top (just cut up an old fleece blanket). Often, we only need to change the liner. We rinse off the liner before washing and do about a load a day. We wash the diapers in Country Save detergent (Amazon sells it free shipping) and use Grapefruit seed extract as a bleach alternative (recommendation of a friend, not sure if it works--but the BumGenius are staying clean looking). The BumGenius are not bulky, and especially for a 15mo old. I'm not sure if they have the opposite problem. BumGenius are pricey but you can even sell them after your daughter is potty trained and other moms would be happy to pick them up! As for fuzzbunz,I have a friend who likes fuzzbunz, but I've also heard they leak.

Bethanie - posted on 09/02/2009

A friend of mine started cloth diapering after her son was about your daughter's age. She uses BumGenius and recommended the brand to me when I had my baby 6 months ago. I have been using BumGenius 3.0 for the about 4 months now and have been pretty satisfied. I also recommend buying them from cottonbabies.com because, as Maggie said they come with washing instructions, but also because there is more variety in color there and also you can get a discount for buying in bulk. You really need to purchase at least 2 days worth (I have about 20) if you buy BumGenius because you have to hang dry the cover or the velcro will wear out and then you really won't be saving any money!

Vilate - posted on 09/02/2009

So i know that in the beginning picking is the hardest. I have a webpage tht has tons if info on the different types of diaper and covers that are out there.

http://www.niftynappybyvilate.weebly.com

I also make and sell a fitted and a pocket they are a OS and contrary to what Elizabeth said, I LOVE my OS! I have had no negative feed back from the ladies that have bought it. It is designed to fit below the belly and is a very trim fitting diaper!



My personal fave is a fitted (mine of course) and wool covers. I love wool! I can't get enough of wool. Wool is breathable and easy to care for, and I am picky about my wool so it is very soft!

Good luck in your choices and I wish you lots of luck, please ask away if you have any other questions.

Maggie - posted on 09/01/2009

I've tried several kinds and find that I like the Bumgenius one size the best. I would definately get two days worth at least - that way you can wash some while using others. (I had 7 for the first year I used them and wore them out washing them every day!) If you buy them from CottonBabies they have a 6 month warranty and they send you washing instructions with recommendations for what soap to use.

Anna - posted on 09/01/2009

I love fuzzibunz.They are not too bulky under their clothes, they are quick to dry and it's good that they have snaps instead of velcro because velcro wears out so fast with all the washing. I also use plain old flat cotton diapers - they are cheap, dry fast and you can fold them different ways to suit different sizes. Bamboo is the most absorbant fabric but takes a long time to dry. I'd say sized is better than one size - you'll get a better fit. I prefer pocket to all in one for many reasons. You can just change the inner part if it's only a little bit wet which saves on washing. You can leave the cover off sometimes to be more breathable. The all in ones tend to be bulky and can get stiff with too much washing. Just use normal laundry soap but only 1/4 of the normal amount. Don't soak or bleach or use anything else like baking soda or vinegar - it destroys cloth nappies. Get a fragrance-free soap if you baby has sensitive skin. Just shake off the poo, put them in a dry bucket and wash at the end of the day. Now and then, wash in water only to get rid of soap build up. Dry in the sun rather than a dryer if you can - it sterilises, gets rid of smells and stains. I would use up to 20 a day. Ebay etc is great place to save money - plenty of people buy cloth, use them for 2 days then decide they can't be bothered with it.

Elizabeth - posted on 09/01/2009

You need about 2 days worth.



Pockets dry quicker and less chance of buildup/stink.



I've only owned 1 one size and don't care for them. It was name brand and very bulky in the front on the larger setting but did work great. I recommend trying several brands at first to see what you like best. I prefer wahm diapers over name brands.



There are several detergents you can use and several to stay away from. Here is a good list.

http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-ch...



I have step-by-step washing directions with pics on my website.

http://cdbabies.weebly.com

Paula - posted on 09/13/2009

This is going to sound like the wierdest reply but... anyway if your kid is already 15 m old, chances are her turds arent' as runny most of the time as for younger babies, so you could use any type of cloth diaper and get those flushable liners (they look like dryer sheets) and put it on the diaper every time around the time you child needs to take a #2. So then it's less work rinsing and soaking the diapers. It's an easier age to diaper them because there's less work, and they use up less diapers. You don't have to go out and buy the best cloth diaper brands like Fuzzybunz or whatever, they are really awesome diapers, but they are VERY expensive. So if your child stains them, you will be sad. Use OXICLEAN to pre soak all of your soiled diapers and make sure you rinse them out first. I do it in the big sink in the laundry room, then once the stains are out I wash them in the washer with HOT water and whatever laundry soap we generally use (my kids have no irritations to it) then I dry them on HOT and they're fine. You can order Kushies from Sears COD and they work very well. Or you can sew your own. Good luck :)

Katrina - posted on 09/08/2009

ok a lot of replies already so sorry to add to the confusion... but mainly i agree with that you have to try a few and see what the best cloth diaper for you is; also that fitted are better than one size. also search for cloth diaper reviews - that's how I found out from another mom that prefolds + bumkins covers work well on a slender-leg baby. although now at 5 months he's chubbed up, i use prefolds with thirsties covers. they are not too expensive and the covers wash & dry super easily. i also have a few fuzzi bunz pockets fitted (these are nice) & all-in-ones (too long to dry) a family member bought for me to try. too expensive for me to buy more though. i use country save detergent and sometimes vinegar in the rinse if there are any odor problems. however i am still trying to find a cloth diaper solution for night time that doesn't leak! (sometimes I use disposables...)

Danielle - posted on 09/03/2009

I know what your feeling, there are a bazillion choices out there. I went to diaperswappers.com and purchased a few different kinds (used) to see what cloth diapers I liked best. Everyone has different opinions on every kind out there!