Would you like to start cloth diapering but are overwhelmed with all the options and don't know where to start? This article will answer all your questions and get you on the cloth diapering path perfect for you.
Which kind?
The cheapest way to go is buying prefolds, covers, and a
couple Snappis (they hold the prefolds closed). It is not the most
fashionable or convenient, but definitely the most cost effective.
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| prefolds |
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| Snappis |
The
next best is buying pocket diapers with the inserts. I used my pocket
diapers as covers by putting the inserts/prefolds outside the pocket so I
could reuse the diapers if they weren't soaked through or soiled, and
so they didn't get stained and were easier to resell. Some companies have designed diapers meant for just switching out inserts, called AI2s (all-in-twos).
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| pocket diaper (pocket at top) and microfiber insert |
The most
expensive but easiest are AIOs (all-in-ones). They're just like disposable diapers and therefore perfect for when Daddy or a babysitter watches Baby or when out in public.
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| handmade AIOs |
There are also fitted diapers, which are much easier than using prefolds but still require a cover.
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| Kissaluv fitted diaper |
Which style?
I
prefer snap closures to velcro because they last longer and
are harder for Baby to take off. However, they are not the best for nighttime because they are loud to remove and take time to close.
Buying one-size diapers is better
so you don't have to get every size. They can be more expensive up
front, but save you more in the long run. However, they're always too
big on newborns, so you might want to buy a few XS covers/diapers or use
disposables until they fit. And I would definitely recommend using
disposables the first few days until all the meconium is pooped out!
Cloth diapers also come in different fabrics. The more expensive ones use hemp, bamboo, or wool, which are more absorbent and don't retain odors.
Which brand?
Most brands
are pretty much the same. Some have improved qualities, like leg gussets
and hip snap closures. I've never had a problem with basic designs,
though.
I didn't care for BumGenius because the velcro
didn't last long. I like thick/quilted prefolds, not the cheap Gerber ones.
Bummis whisper wrap diaper covers come in the perfect size for newborns,
but they get wet easily. I
love Kissaluv fitted diapers. They
are so soft and don't stain easily. They are pricey though. I have a Thirsties cover I like. There are also many Etsy shops selling cloth diapers, but most
are overpriced. A brand I would like to try is
Smart Snugs. Their most expensive and appealing diaper is still reasonably priced
and they offer many discounted packages and free diapers with certain
orders.
What you decide to get depends on your
reasons for cloth diapering. Do you want to save money or to go green?
Do you want to save the most money
possible or are convenience and style important factors? How often do
you want to do laundry? It is important to understand your motive(s), because many women start out doing it to
save money, but end up spending just as much as parents who use
disposables because they buy all the cutest, most expensive cloth diapers or just
keep buying more ("You can never have too many cloth diapers" you will
hear a lot!). It has become a more trendy thing to do, so if you go
trendy, it isn't really saving you money. Some women don't care because
their reasons weren't for saving money but for going green or because
cloth diapers are better for Baby. Your motivations
will determine what/how much you buy.
What price?
Most
brands range from $15-$25 depending on the type of diaper and whether
or not they come with inserts or other extras. Off brands are cheaper
and usually just as good as or better than the name brands. You can also join a deal site like
zulily.com, which often has great deals for cute cloth diapers (pocket or AIOs).
Obviously,
buying used diapers is cheaper, as long as you buy smart. I'm not
willing to pay more than a certain amount per diaper, which varies on the brand and condition. I shop Craigslist (
where I got my original stash and they were all new!) and eBay. There are a lot of new ones for really cheap on eBay too.
How many?
It
really depends on what type you buy and how often you want to wash
them. You can find great suggestions on cloth diaper sites (though
naturally,
they may exaggerate how many you need so you buy more of their
products) and mommy blogs. Also, newborns go more often than older
babies, so more is needed when they are young. I remember the first
couple months I had to wash them almost every day since Caden peed so
much and hated being wet.
What accessories?
In addition to diapers, you will need 2 or 3
wet bags. Even if you don't use cloth diapers, they're essential for when babies have blowouts in disposables or spit up all over their
clothes. Also get a simple diaper pail and 2 cloth pail bags. When it's time to do laundry, just empty the bag into the wash and throw it in.
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| wet bag |
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| simple diaper pail with pail bag |
You will need special laundry detergent for cloth diapers to keep them
absorbent. The less chemicals and additives the better. There are
certain brands made specifically for cloth diapers, but I just buy the
free & clear biodegradable detergent from the health food store Sprouts. Cloth-diaper-safe detergent is a
little more expensive than regular detergent, but since you only need to use so little, it lasts a
long time!
You can also try cloth wipes if you want. I use cheap baby
washcloths and a cut-up fleece
shirt (fleece stays soft and doesn't stain easily). No need to buy fancy ones!
I hope this helped answer all your questions and decide how you want to proceed with your cloth diaper journey! If you have friends who use cloth diapers, ask if you can try them out to find which brands and styles you like and to make sure your baby is comfortable in cloth diapers. Good luck!
