Cloth Diapers

Virginia90

Anyone else cloth diaper? I cloth diapered my first kiddo from birth (she's never worn a disposable), and I plan on cloth diapering this next kiddo from birth as well. I'll probably have 2 in diapers when this one is born (my dd will be about 22 months) and I must say I've very excited to be able to start buying newborn dipes soon!

Oh, and if anyone has any questions, I probably can answer them!

FaugHorn

I would like to do cloth diapers, at least at home. We won't be able to have anyone be at home full time and most daycares don't do cloth diapers. I am going to try to work from home two days a week (I currently work from home one day a week) and then my mom wants to start telecommuting one day as well, so the kid will only be in daycare about two days a week.

I am really liking what I am seeing about cloth diapers (my husband is a little suspicious of the clean-up).

This is our first child

busyPK

Yep, I use cloth on both my sons! My oldest is 26mo and my baby is 6.5mo and I'm expecting again in early November. I used disposables on my first son for a few weeks until he fit into the one-size diapers we had, but with DS2 he was in cloth from the moment we got home from the hospital as I had a great newborn stash. With this one, we could very well have 3 in diapers so I am going to use some disposables in the beginning until DS1 uses the potty. He has no interest right now, but we'll be working on it in the upcoming months.

If anyone has questions, please feel free to message me too! I love that we use cloth and so does my husband.

FaugHorn

I would LOVE advice on how many, in what size, etc. I have seen a ton of them online that are used (but clean) for affordable prices and I have to think that it's better than going disposable on the wallet (not to mention the environment) and the kid's lil' tushy.

mpederson

YAY! I've been waiting for this post.

BusyPK gave me some great advice to get going. I have decided to give them a try. I am hoping to use them 100% of the time when we're at home and then disposables if I have to when we are out and about or visiting family. I did find a woman on our local kijiji website who was selling her stash of diapers. She only used them for four months before she gave up and she gave me a box of 20 assorted brands along with some detergent and liners. I was going to get a few of each kind anyway so this worked out for me as I paid about half price for each diaper. I also found a diaper exchange on that website where people go and swap the styles they don't like for ones they do. Surprisingly enough my husband took a look at the box and was all for it. We're really optimistic now, hopefully this continues once the baby gets here! :laugh:

Virginia90

Great to hear others cloth diaper as well! =D It was definitely one of the best decision I've made - I can't believe the money we'd have to spend on disposables if we didn't. We use cloth wipes too that I made from the million receiving blankets I got from my baby shower!

cutmd

I am interested in cloth diapers, but kind of afraid of mess/stink and laundry loads. Thinking to start with gdiapers. Thoughts?

FaugHorn

Which brands do people use? I've looked at some of the patterns online but I think it would be easier and almost as cost effective to just purchase used covers (clean of course) and try to save as much $$ as possible.

busyPK

Here are some common questions and my thoughts based on my experience.

1) Which one is your favorite? I love CottonBabies diapers (they are the makers of BumGenius, Flip and Econobum brands). I use BumGenius Elemental One-Size diapers for both my boys during the day. They are super easy with organic cotton inside and wash up well. For nighttime we use fitteds and fleece covers because my boys tend to pee more and need more absorbation. The website for CottonBabies is just there name if you want to look them up (but don't want to spam here).

2) How and where do you keep the dirty ones? For pee diapers I put them in a plastic trash can. You can get what is called "wet bags" to put all your dirty diapers in until it's wash day, but I find a cheap plastic trash can works just as well (and cheaper). For poopy diapers you will want to get a diaper sprayer to hook up to your toilet to help spray the poo off (around $45 and a must have in my eyes). If you breastfeed you won't need to do this because breastmilk poo is water soluble and washes right out in your washing machine, but once you start puree foods you might have to stay spraying off the poopy diapers. I love my diaper sprayer though! And once I spray off poopy diapers they go in the same plastic trash can.

3) Do you need special soap for the dirty diapers? Some babies are more sensitive to detergents than others, but mine have never had any trouble with me using Tide Free & Gentle on their cloth diapers. I wash diapers every 24-48 hours (since I have two in diapers right now, but I wouldn't go any longer than 3 days between laundry) and use up to the "1" line on the Tide scoop.

4) Is there a process that you use? This will all depend on the type of washing machine you have, but here is my process. I put all diapers in the wash and do a cold rinse only. Then after that (takes about 30 minutes) I do a HOT wash cycle with a 1hr soak with as much water as possible with Tide detergent up to the "1" line. After that they get hung outside to dry or in the dryer to dry depending on how low I'm running on diapers. About once a week I will do an extra rinse cycle after the wash cycle to make sure all detergent is washed out of the diapers. If your baby is sensitive you might have to do this extra rinse after each wash cycle. I've had no problems with stink and minimal stains.

5) I heard you can buy used ones, is that safe or is it better to get new ones? Yes, you can buy used, I bought a lot of ours gently used. You will just have to wash them really well before using. There is a great website out there where you can buy used diapers, message me if you want to know what it is. That same site has a lot of information on cloth diapers as well.

I also want to mention that most "one-size" diapers won't fit newborns. If you want to use cloth on your newborn then I would recommend prefolds and PUL covers. That is the most inexpensive method to use for those first couple months and usually after 2-3 months your baby will have put on enough weight to fit into most one-size diapers. Prefolds can be bought inexpensivly in many places in premie/newbore sizes or you could pick these up used to save some money. For covers over the prefolds I like Thirsties XS and Thirsties Duo size1.

I also wanted to say if you buy new, you will need to "prep" your diapers if they are organic cotton material. Prepping just means washing and drying 3-5 times before use to reach maximum absorbancy. I hate doing this so this is one reason I buy gently used because this step is already done.

Feel free to message me with any questions you ladies might have!

kmreynolds11

I am interested in cloth diapers, but kind of afraid of mess/stink and laundry loads. Thinking to start with gdiapers. Thoughts?

Melissa - I'm thinking about trying the gdiapers too. I love the idea of having the disposable or cloth liner option, but hate that they are not a one-size option (i.e. you have to keep buying new size shells --$$ --ugh!)

busyPK - THANK YOU for all the info! This is great!!!!

busyPK

I am interested in cloth diapers, but kind of afraid of mess/stink and laundry loads. Thinking to start with gdiapers. Thoughts?

Melissa - I'm thinking about trying the gdiapers too. I love the idea of having the disposable or cloth liner option, but hate that they are not a one-size option (i.e. you have to keep buying new size shells --$$ --ugh!)

busyPK - THANK YOU for all the info! This is great!!!!

Ladies, look into Flip or GroVia diapers. Both brands have a disposable option as well as cloth option and presonally I find both of those brands higher quality than gdiapers. Plus the covers are one-size so they will grow with your baby.

JulaMonster

I would love to cloth diaper, but our washing machine is on a greywater system that waters the yard, so not safe to wash poopy stuff in there. Kuddos to those of you who do cloth diaper though!

Brandy715

I would love to cloth diaper- but I will only be able to stay at home for 5 months- afterwards baby will be in a daycare. And they do not like cloth diapers.

I would feel bad having baby get used to cloth diapers and then putting in disposable. Any suggestions on how to get around that would be great!!!

What are the gdiapers???

Virginia90

You might actually show the daycare what diapers you'll be using - especially if you get velcro diapers, they work exactly like disposables, they would just send them home with you instead of throwing them out. Even day cares around here that say "no cloth diapers" have decided that the modern velcro closure diapers are fine because there is no difference between how that and a disposable works. You can explain it all day, but actually taking the time to go in and show them is pretty effective.

Virginia90

Oh, and I second the Flips as a disposable insert option - I've never used the disposable inserts, but I have a couple Flips with the reusable insert and I love it. It actually looks near identical on the outside to a BumGenius (I think made by the same people, actually), and it comes in one-size and fits wonderfully.

busyPK

My first born was in daycare for 1yr before my husband started staying home with him and they used cloth on him. He went to a licensed home daycare and once I showed the provider the diapers (one piece, snap/velcro on and off, super simple) she had no problem using them.

Yes, Flips are made by the same people as BumGenius and Econobum. GREAT company imo!

Brandy715

Thanks for the ideas on the daycares- I will add that to my list of quesions!!! I hate putting baby in daycare but do not have a choice just yet.

9Honey16

Yay so happy there is a cloth diaper thread! I am slightly addicted to the babycenter cloth diaper group as well as about a million and one cloth diaper blogs and websites! Lol As a ftm I call it my new hobby There are a couple cloth diaper stores here and one of them offers free classes which I brought Hubby to a few weeks ago. It was super informative and luckily Derek got really into it and is totally on board now! Our plan so far is buying our newborn stash of gmd prefolds, workhorses, some kissaluv Fitteds and an assortment of covers--and then on our registry we put all our dream one size diapers(trying to get the most bang for our buck) Hoping we receive a few cuz older family think we're crazy for not doing disposables lol Anyone have experience with wool covers? Trying to find a good price to get a couple--really interested in the natural fiber diapers. Oh and at the class the teacher loved Flip organic inserts!(though she likes to use them in a blueberry cover). Who knew diapers could be so interesting!?

millionsofpeaches

I am cloth diapering.

I bought a variety of kinds to see what works... Bum Genius and trend lab being the two that I bought the most of.

I am excited... I am also adding you as a friend.

kcurtis05

I will be using CDs! We can't wait! Thanks for all the info!

millionsofpeaches

I am interested in cloth diapers, but kind of afraid of mess/stink and laundry loads. Thinking to start with gdiapers. Thoughts?

Melissa - I'm thinking about trying the gdiapers too. I love the idea of having the disposable or cloth liner option, but hate that they are not a one-size option (i.e. you have to keep buying new size shells --$$ --ugh!)

busyPK - THANK YOU for all the info! This is great!!!!

Every babies butt is different... So I can't comment on fit but... I have a friend who bought some of the gdiapers from Target. She said that they were falling apart after a few washes and did not hold up.

So I figure... Well the higher quality ones are more $$ money up front -- In the end you are going to save the bucks. I think my husband and I figured the savings would be about $3,000 for the first three years. So far we have spent about $350 for a variety of brands. Plus, you can use them for a second baby as well. However, if the second is a boy... I will have to buy some boy colors to replace the pink and purple ones I bought for this one.

millionsofpeaches

Oh, and I second the Flips as a disposable insert option - I've never used the disposable inserts, but I have a couple Flips with the reusable insert and I love it. It actually looks near identical on the outside to a BumGenius (I think made by the same people, actually), and it comes in one-size and fits wonderfully.

I like the idea of the flush-able inserts for vacations. That way I wont have to tote around a bunch of poop/pee liners. I can just have the shells and if they get messed with leaks/etc... Then I can hand wash them in the sink and hang to dry.

FaugHorn

I plan on going completely gender nuetral on as many things as I can in case we have another baby after this one. My brother and sister in law had everything girl-oriented for their first and then ended up having twin boys! Had to go buy ALL new stuff. Going to learn from them Everything that I can get (safely and cleanly) used/second-hand/nuetral I'll be getting! I'll leave it up to baby showers to provide the pops of pink or blue as necessary

I already want to start buying the diapers! I found a woman in my town who makes them for about half the cost of buing commercial ones, and I'm wondering about trying out one pattern and seeing if I'm any good at it

bmfrazie

I am using cloth for the first time with this baby. We are going with Thirsties covers and inserts. We attended a diaper class and felt so much more confident about it after that class. If you are interested but have questions still I would def look into if anyone in your area has a class like this.

MyrianeO

Hi! Just wondering if anyone has the experience of using both kinds of diapers (disposible and cloth). I'm having trouble convincing my boyfriend, he's scared of the clean up.. What are the pros and cons of each? Thanks for all the info so far, this is great help!!

ehg87

All of my aunts used cloth....I used disposable.....
The only perks I've noticed for cloth diapers is not having yucky chemicals against your baby's bum (BIG ONE), and it may be cheaper once you're established with a good amount of diapers. But the amount of time that goes into washing, laundry detergent, clorox to me makes it maybe not AS cost effective. Plus if there's a poo, you need to rinse it out into the commode; can't put that in the washing machine. You have to get the plastic undies that go over the cloth to prevent a leak....and you have to change much more frequently; b/c most children I've seen wearing cloth can't stand the wet sensation they get and start fussing as soon as there's a wee. But I would say the perk there is earlier potty training.
For me and my lifestyle; disposable was just a choice of ease and convenience. With my oldest I worked and it was easier for her babysitter and me. My second I've stayed at home, but it's just easier for me.....if he pees once he doesn't start fussing for a diaper change bc it gets absorbed. (Although I am not one of those folks that think I should get my "money's worth" out of the disposable and leave it on all day) it is nice to go out shopping and not have to worry about him fussing over a wet diaper, or it leaking. I already have to wash at least 2 loads of clothes a day, and I can't fathom having to wash an extra load or two a day. And it's easier to toss them in a Diaper Genie. Downside...the Diaper Genie can get to smelling pretty foul if you wait to long to switch out the bag.....AND some kids have a more sensitive bottom than others, my son could wear Huggies, but not Pampers as Pampers made him break out really bad.
Hope that helped!! I would say just do what works out best for you, and your family. Good luck!!

FaugHorn

We'll probably end up doing a combination, easier to use disposable when traveling, etc. I've registered for a TON and hopefully can get enough that way but there are also exchanges etc. to get them cheaper. The husband is not totally on board yet but because I get to stay home the first three months I'll have the final say

Going to get one of those toilet sprayers too to make it easier and not have to deal with more poo than necessary :sick:

busyPK

Hi! Just wondering if anyone has the experience of using both kinds of diapers (disposible and cloth). I'm having trouble convincing my boyfriend, he's scared of the clean up.. What are the pros and cons of each? Thanks for all the info so far, this is great help!!

We use disposables when we go to my parent's house for the weekend to visit (usually once a month). I have two boys in diapers now - my son turned 2yo in January and my youngest is 7mo now. Clean-up was my biggest worry with cloth diapers as well, but look up a diaper sprayer! It's about $50 (or if you are handy there are ways to make your own very cheap). It hooks up to your toilet and you turn a switch and it is like a hand-held sprayer that sprays the poop off the diapers! Super easy! It was the bst $50 I ever spent. Pros of cloth diapers for me are: I am saving money, no chemicals against babies delicate skin, they are cute colors/patterns, no stinky trash, neither of my boys have ever had a diaper rash and I never have to worry about running out of diapers and running to the store. Cons of cloth would be the initial investment, getting use to them being a little more bulky under clothes (but if you never used disposables on a past child you would have nothing to compare to, lol) and just finding the right cloth diaper brand for your little one.

busyPK

All of my aunts used cloth....I used disposable.....
The only perks I've noticed for cloth diapers is not having yucky chemicals against your baby's bum (BIG ONE), and it may be cheaper once you're established with a good amount of diapers. But the amount of time that goes into washing, laundry detergent, clorox to me makes it maybe not AS cost effective. Plus if there's a poo, you need to rinse it out into the commode; can't put that in the washing machine. You have to get the plastic undies that go over the cloth to prevent a leak....and you have to change much more frequently; b/c most children I've seen wearing cloth can't stand the wet sensation they get and start fussing as soon as there's a wee. But I would say the perk there is earlier potty training.
For me and my lifestyle; disposable was just a choice of ease and convenience. With my oldest I worked and it was easier for her babysitter and me. My second I've stayed at home, but it's just easier for me.....if he pees once he doesn't start fussing for a diaper change bc it gets absorbed. (Although I am not one of those folks that think I should get my "money's worth" out of the disposable and leave it on all day) it is nice to go out shopping and not have to worry about him fussing over a wet diaper, or it leaking. I already have to wash at least 2 loads of clothes a day, and I can't fathom having to wash an extra load or two a day. And it's easier to toss them in a Diaper Genie. Downside...the Diaper Genie can get to smelling pretty foul if you wait to long to switch out the bag.....AND some kids have a more sensitive bottom than others, my son could wear Huggies, but not Pampers as Pampers made him break out really bad.
Hope that helped!! I would say just do what works out best for you, and your family. Good luck!!

I wanted to chime in here since I use cloth and have for over 2 years, but I also have experiece with dispoables when we travel.
1) Amount of time for washing: all I do in throw the dirty diapers in my washer for a rinse, then after that I add detergent (Tide free&gentle - same I use for ALL my laundry) and do a HOT wash with a 30min soak and a good rinse afterwards. That is it - the machine does all the work. And no special detergent or anything I don't normally have on hand.
2) If you breastfeed and your baby isn't on any other food yet, you can put poopy diapers straight in the washing machine. Breast milk is 100% water soluble.
3) No plastic undies here - there are a ton of brands of cloth diapers that are modern now.
4) You usually do change cloth diapers more frequently, but there are many, many brands out there now that have a stay dry layer against babies skin. My boys have never gotten made after they pee in their diapers and feel wetness because of that stay dry liner.
5) Leaks can happen in disposables or cloth. Some diapers just hold more than other, and some babies just pee more than others. The best thing is to find the best solution for your baby.

ehg87

exactly, personal preference on what works for each individual family. For some cloth seems to work fine, for others disposable seems to work fine.
I'm just curious if cloth really saves that much money. It's expensive to get set up with enough diapers...and then you have detergent cost, water costs (if you live in town), electricity costs for washer & dryer, PLUS you have the hot water factor, ( hot water heaters are about 70% of your power bill) ...we recently put up a clothesline so that would take away from our dryer costs since prior we were using the dryer for about 2hrs 6 days a week. Then there's the time factor which is technically a cost.
When I had two in disposables we would go through the BIGGG (sold at Sam's or Costcos) box of diapers once a month, and that was with two in diapers....which cost a bit less than $40 a month.....which is probably the same, or less than the cost if I broke down, detergent, electricity, and the cost of having enough cloth diapers to diaper two bums....Now that I have only one in diapers we go through a BIG box approx every 2 months, which breaks down into $20 a month....Although I did just remember the diaper genie refills are $6 a roll and they last about a month.
I guess it would just depend on what the reasoning behind your choice is.

busyPK

exactly, personal preference on what works for each individual family. For some cloth seems to work fine, for others disposable seems to work fine.
I'm just curious if cloth really saves that much money. It's expensive to get set up with enough diapers...and then you have detergent cost, water costs (if you live in town), electricity costs for washer & dryer, PLUS you have the hot water factor, ( hot water heaters are about 70% of your power bill) ...we recently put up a clothesline so that would take away from our dryer costs since prior we were using the dryer for about 2hrs 6 days a week. Then there's the time factor which is technically a cost.
When I had two in disposables we would go through the BIGGG (sold at Sam's or Costcos) box of diapers once a month, and that was with two in diapers....which cost a bit less than $40 a month.....which is probably the same, or less than the cost if I broke down, detergent, electricity, and the cost of having enough cloth diapers to diaper two bums....Now that I have only one in diapers we go through a BIG box approx every 2 months, which breaks down into $20 a month....Although I did just remember the diaper genie refills are $6 a roll and they last about a month.
I guess it would just depend on what the reasoning behind your choice is.

Totally agree with you on the fact that what works for one family may not work for another. You can save a lot of money using cloth diapers, but you could also spend more money using cloth vs. disposables if you choose to have a ton of diapers or higher priced brands. If saving money is your only reason to use cloth diapers, then I don't think you will stick with it imo. If I would have known what diapers I liked the best and started with those and did not buy any others I would have spent less than $500 on a full stash, and that would diaper 2 at once (like I'm doing now). Good thing there are websites out there you can sell your gently used diapers at to get back some of that money. I do pay about $8 more in my water bill/month than I did pre-cloth diapers, but I have not seen a noticable increase in my electricity. Now, after I've used cloth diapers for 2 years I can say the #1 reason I love them is that I can use them for more children. The diapers I bought when I was pregnant with my first are getting used by my second and then third, and last, baby come October. I love that!