New to CDing

Susan - posted on 02/08/2009

Thanks everyone! I agree everyone is different and each baby is different so I think I will start with the prefolds and work into something more if needed! I do have two BG 3.0s to try out too!

Laura - posted on 02/07/2009

If you're looking for the cheapest way to cloth diaper- yes, prefolds are the way to go. You will need to purchase different sizes as your child grows, but they are immediately more affordable. A lot of moms I know start that way w/infants since they have to be changed so often and then switch to another system once they're around 6 mos or grow out of their infant prefolds.

NO MATTER WHAT SYSTEM YOU CHOOSE, it will require a LOT of washing. But in the long run it is still cheaper to cloth diaper. You must wash with HOT water- it's the only way to sanitize your diapers. Cold water just won't wash the ick out the way hot does. You can save on energy costs, however, by line drying and then just fluffing them up in the dryer (cuz line dried dipes get a little "crunchy")

One tip when pricing out your packages- look at what is actually offered. Many diapers will need additional soakers to get your baby through the night, don't forget covers, cloth trainers when they get older, if you get sized diapers- consider pricing out 2 so you get a full range of what you're investing in. I made that mistake when I started using cloth- I just outfitted both kids in Fuzzi Bunz because I could see/touch them before I purchased them. Then I had to go back to that store to buy additional soakers and boosters for my son who's now 2 1/2. I was frustrated because I was stuffing the crud out of them and my daughter who was nursing through the night was getting wet through her diapers. So I started searching for something better. The only diaper system I have found that actually holds up as an overnight diaper, provides 2 soakers (an infant/booster and regular one), fits 8 to 35 pounds and can be used as trainer/swimmers is Bamboo Bums. They're a little more expensive, but they're well worth it.

Everyone is different and every baby is different. Your best bet might be to pick up a sampling of used ones ( from diaperswappers.com a large fsot site) to see what works best for you and your family.

GOOD LUCK!

Amber - posted on 02/07/2009

Hi Susan, Also a new CD'er due in March. I did a lot of research and have decided that we are going to use the BG 3.0 system. I will have to keep you posted on how they work as our little girl is not due until March 26 and we used disposables with our first two as well. Good luck!

Kathleen - posted on 02/07/2009

I use the bum genius shell with a flat diaper as the stuffer. (The microfiber inserts were holding build up and I had to boil them :( ) I do a cold rinse, then a hot wash using only 1/2 amt of detergent I sometimes do another rinse if I see alot of bubbles in the rinse but only if I do. If you are going to do them in a laundromat then a diaper sprayer that hooks to your toilet water supply will be your best friend for getting rid of the nasties ( they cost about $30 from a store online, but if you go to the hardware store you can turn a normal kitchen sprayer into one they have all the parts) Also there is a 5gal bucket that you can buy that has been retrofited to fit on you toilet while you do this so you don't get nasties everywhere. Hope that helps

Heidi - posted on 02/07/2009

You have to use a rinse cycle  first no matter what version of cloth you use.  The rinse cycle is to get all the poo & pee off the diaper before you start the wash process.  I personally hate prefolds & tried GMDs,  but with a wiggly baby they were just too big of a pain.  We used Kissaluvs fitteds for the newborn stage & he is just now outgrowing them- at 3 months.  We loved those.  We're now switching to one sized pockets of various brands.  One size is the way to go once the baby is big enough because they will last from 12-35 pounds without needing to size up. 

Tammy - posted on 02/07/2009

Hi!  Hey, you are exactly the kind of newbie that I'm looking for.  I'm interested in starting a diaper service to help consult moms new to cloth diapering to get them set up with the best diapers and most cost effective and efficient set up.  Is this something you would be or would have been interested in?  Someone to give you a package set up deal and help get you started?  Would you ever be interested in a laudry service?

I started with prefolds and Thirsties wraps which are PUL.  This was great and cheap, but still had some leaks. However, my son has developed to what I have deduced is a very nasty sensitivity to the PUL and will break out anywhere the wrap touches, even around the leg elastic.  It is horrible.  I have made a few of my own supper absorbant fitted prefolds with snaps and am going to a wool wrap instead of PUL.  Wool is great and low maintenance actually.  I'm having Vilate Thaker of Vilates's Nifty Nook make some wool wraps for me.  She has some awesome and inexpensive diapers she is selling.  We are planning to partner in this business venture.  I love her diapers.  check out her site, I think this would be a great option for you.  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?lis...

Wash in cold, it's cheaper and all you need.  I use borax and baking soda occasionally in the soak.  Get's stains out.  I soak at least 30 mins and then start the cycle over without letting it rinse, soak over night and occasionally do a final rinse if you think you need it, but my diapers never smell and I've only had stains if I let them set in the pail too long.  Get a sprayer for your toilet!!!  You will thank yourself over and over!!!  I use just a plastic garbage pail with a locking lid so it doesn't spill when my 8 mo old pulls it over.  I don't use a "wet" pail either.  Too messy and not very effective.  wipe it out with Lysol or best yet a little white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. 

Let me know if this helps and what you think of my service idea!

Good luck and congratulations!

Tammy Barefoot

Susan - posted on 02/07/2009

Thanks for your help! I have decided on prefolds and covers. I have 2 BG 3.0.s so I will try them at night. I have read that they work well for alot of people at night with a doubler. Definately confusing but after reading reviews of alot of different dipers, it seems the good old prefolds work just fine and are the most cost effective. Thanks again!

Kelly - posted on 02/05/2009

Like you I used disposable with my first and 22 months on my second at which point my third arrived and I switched to cloth. I used FuzzyBunz on my older daughter, they are a pocket type. They worked fine. I only rate them as fine because they don't have a gusset to give that extra protection around the leg to help keep the goo in. I never had a problem with leaking but like I said she was almost 2 so she doesn't spend a lot of time sitting.

With my baby I chose the less expensive route. My husband was not sure about washing poop (who blames him, it is gross when their 'big' kids) We chose cotton prefolds and thirsty diaper covers. I chose the prefolds with the yellow stitching I think they are a small. The discription said they would fit up and often past 6 months of age. Her thirsty (that is the company name) covers area small. I have 2 dozen prefolds, 1 snappie, 4 diaper covers I only have to wash about once a week and usually its not because I'm out of diapers is because the diaper pail is full and starting to smell. My baby is now 5 1/2 months old, 19 lbs 26 inches and still fits it all! The only thing I would change is I would buy a second snappie, I am always afraid I am going to loose mine. Also, you don't really need so many diapers but as a breastfed new born they go through so many I did use them at the begining.

I also use disposable at night, I hate to wake a baby to change a diaper...though I have friends who use BumGenius just for night time. BumGenius are an AWSOME AIO diaper, I have a few friends who rave about them with kids from newborn up to 2 yrs, but they are so expensive I just couldn't see the cost savings in them.

As far as washing the prefolds are 100% cotton there is no real trick. Wash just as you would your laundry. Some laundry detergent has more build up then others which eventually will effect the absorbtion of the diapers but I use ALL Free and Clear, it is not on the best list but is also not on the worst list I also use oxy Clean. Sometimes I rinse sometimes I don't, sometimes I soak sometimes I don't, I wash on hot or warm, but I always Double rinse. and never dry the covers. As long as they smell clean and look clean when they come out then that is what I'm looking for :)

Good Luck I found it very confusing there is so much information and choices.