Help me figure this out!

Tmgs2013

So i wanted to cloth diaper from the start, but we have a sucky laundry situation and it just didn't happen. Well now that we are starting to get more of a set "bedtime" I'm thinking I could make this work

 So our laundry situation is this: we have a laundry facility in our complex but it is downstairs and across the parking garage so it is impossible for me to do laundry when I am alone. I am not opposed to doing it after bedtime though (7:30). Also the machines are very basic and not well kept, I would have to run 2 wash cycles to get it done just the last one without soap. Also the not kept well part is a lot of people use powder detergent where the liquid goes or just uses a lot so there is almost always soap residue. I can pre rinse at home I do have a bucket and a diaper sprayer so that is a possibility as well. I just don't want to ruin my dipes. The washers also only have 4 options normal hot, normal warm, perm press, and delicate cold. What options would be best to get the right wash?

I guess my reason for this post is I really would like to have his bum chemical free, and there is a super sale that just popped up on zulilly and now I need to justify this to DH. I do have some AO1's and covers with prefolds to use today to see if I can do it.

The last thing is DS is a pee monster and hates being in even the tiniest pee. He is 4 months and we are seriously changing about 10-15 dipes per day still. So I either need to get a big stash or do a load every night. Ugh! Help me figure this out! Oh yeah! Laundry is $1.50 per use so I would be doing $4.50 per load. That money does add up after a while and will be hard to justify the cost comparison if I have to wash every night.

TJ1979

Step away from the zulily dipes.

YellowLily2013

Lots of people in your situation buy a portable washing machine. It can hook up to a sink.

The awesome part is you can do other things in it as well, so it will pay off!

If I was in your situation id get pocket and flats to stuff them with since they dry fast if you want something "easier" than your prefolds with covers.

AIOs will take too long to line dry.

TJ1979

YellowLily2013 said:

Lots of people in your situation buy a portable washing machine. It can hook up to a sink. The awesome part is you can do other things in it as well, so it will pay off! If I was in your situation id get pocket and flats to stuff them with since they dry fast if you want something "easier" than your prefolds with covers. AIOs will take too long to line dry.

Also flats or prefolds tolerate a lot more in a wash routine.

Tmgs2013

TJ1979 said:

Step away from the zulily dipes.

Are they not good quality? I really haven't researched them much. Right now I have a few BG's and thirsty covers with prefolds. I was thinking of going the pocket diaper route using the prefolds I already have.

MrsGalligan

Not that I would try to discourage anyone from cding...especially if the environmental factor is a big one for you.  In our case we cd not necessarily bc we want to save the environment (that's an added bonus), we cd for the savings in $$$.  You would seriously have to consider the cost of laundry vs the cost of sposies.  

If you're dead set on trying have you considered possibly a laundry mat?  Their machines may be a bit more versatile, and in better condition (since that's their business) than the ones in your complex (who may see that as an amenity).  You may also want to consider a trial to see if it's going to work for you before you commit to buying your own stash.  

Good luck!

TJ1979

Tmgs2013 said:

TJ1979 said:

Step away from the zulily dipes.

Are they not good quality? I really haven't researched them much. Right now I have a few BG's and thirsty covers with prefolds. I was thinking of going the pocket diaper route using the prefolds I already have.

They are rebranded alvas at a higher price.  If you want alvas, just buy alvas direct.

jcwinsto

Zulily diapers are China (extra) cheapies. You will pay more on Zulily than if you just bought Alva, Sunbaby, Kawaii and they may not even be as good a quality.

lunarrainn

I have a love-hate relationship with zulily. As far as there diapers go, you can usually find a comparable diaper, for a similar price somewhere that has free shipping and decent customer service. I've bought a few when I liked the print, but it is a pretty long wait to see if the diapers will even work for your LO. I'd take a look at Alva and Kawaii for a lower priced pocket diaper. There are some even lower priced options. If you use flats, you can spend far less and can wash them in your apartment if you want, avoiding the laundry situation.

Tmgs2013

Damn those diapers are super cute! That is good information to know! I do want to cloth diaper but I am thinking in my situation pockets/prefolds/covers are the way to go. Prefolds and flats just seem to be able to handle much more in the wash. Now does anyone have any suggestions for overnight solutions that would work well for us?

unaveragejane

For ON, I've had great luck with S'bish bamboo flats (which are made more like prefolds) trifolded in a good PUL cover. They're easier to get clean that fitteds, and you can pin or snappi them on if/when your LO starts side-sleeping (which is when we had a lot of leaks with pockets). At 4 months old, you might not need quite so much absorbency, so you could try starting with a prefold and a doubler in a pocket or cover if that's what you already have.