Rethinking disposables

momof2buggs

Ive always used disposable diapers, and my 4th baby seems sensitive to them, or it could be the wipes. I've tried several different brands of both diapers and wipes, and am now thinking about cloth diapers and wipes. I've never used either before, so I'm starting at square one. I e been researching all of the brands, but I'm honestly overwhelmed and pretty clueless. Can anyone offer any advice on how to get started? My baby is 1 month old.

lovesclimbing

I recommend googling "overview of cloth diapers" or something like that or searching it on YouTube to figure out the different types. These are the most common types.

 -Flats - a flat piece of cloth you pin or use a snappi (a handy closure that's quicker and no risk of pricks) around the baby. This is the old-fashioned type grandma used, but they are still used today.

 -Prefolds - similar to flats but already partially folded and sewn to be thicker in the middle.

 -Fitteds - layers of absorbent material sewn in a diaper shape with elastic at the legs and back, usually with snaps or aplix (generic name for Velcro) to close, although a few brands sell them without for use with pins or a snappi.

-Covers - most commonly made of polyurethane laminate (PUL), but some people use wool or fleece covers. The above three types of diapers are not waterproof, so a cover must be worn over them. Wool are typically pull-on. PUL typically have aplix or snaps.

 -Pockets - waterproof cover with a wicking layer sewn in. Absorbent material (which can be anything. Most commonly an insert, but some use prefolds) is then stuffed into the pocket. Closes with aplix or snaps.

 -All-in-ones - Most like a disposable diaper. Absorbent material sewn into a waterproof cover. There are also all-in-twos out there. They come in different types depending on brand but typically have adjustable absorbency with the use of snap-in inserts. Closes with aplix or snaps.

 Typically, flats or prefolds and covers is the cheapest option followed by fitteds and covers. All-in-ones are the most expensive.

There are two different ways of sizing. One size or sized diapers. One size diapers are supposed to fit your baby from birth to potty-training through the use of adjustable rise snaps and extra snaps or Velcro on the waistband. However, a lot of users report that they typically don't work well on newborns. Thirsties is one brand that has tried to get around this with their Duos covers, which are basically a small "one size" and a large "one size". I think FuzziBunz is doing something similar as well. Sized diapers are just like disposables - you buy them in newborn, small, medium, large, etc. sizes.

A lot of people recommend buying a couple of all the different styles to figure out what you like before investing in one type. There is a big used cloth diaper market out there. Check Facebook groups and there are some forums out there too that facilitate buying and selling.

 I think you should do some googling and read up on pros and cons of the types on blogs and such before buying anything. You could try looking at some reviews on YouTube to catch things to look for, but I don't really recommend that. Most of the reviewers are terrible. I've seen some who give great or poor reviews for silly reasons (like giving a good review because of loving the print while hardly mentioning anything about the actual functionality of the diaper, or a poor review for slightly relaxed leg elastic even though the diaper still works fine and doesn't leak at all).

That was long, but I hope it helps!

randilea0110

It's a whole lot to take in when you are just starting to do your research. I have a HE top loading washer that pretty much stinks when it comes to diaper laundry so I decided to stick with flats with covers and pocket diapers for my husband and caregivers to use because it is less layers for the washer to have to get clean. (Something to consider before buying anything would be how your washer works) I got lots of information from GMD (greenmountaindiapers.com) Karen posts lots of pictures and all kinds of information based on her own personal experience, which is nice. I wouldn't buy a bunch of any one single brand because what works for one baby will not work for another. I've read rave reviews of Bummis covers and had nothing but problems with them so I sold the one that I had after a month of getting frustrated with it and always having leaks. You can look at paddedtushstats.com they have lots of reviews of different products for different sized and shaped kids. I did lots of reading and ended up ordering 1 of each type of cover from GMD, found that I love Thirsties and Blueberry so I sold off everything else to buy more of those. When I realized how much I liked Thirsties I found a bunch of used pocket diapers for a really good price and snatched them up, but I use my GMD flats to stuff our pocket diapers in addition to the inserts that came with the diapers that I bought. It's a whole lot of trial and error to find what works best for you, but once you figure out what you like and what fits your baby best, it is wonderful and worth every penny. If you have questions, there is a Green Mountain Diapers Friends Group on Facebook and they are all very helpful with questions as well. Good luck! 

momof2buggs

Thanks, guys! I appreciate the input!

[Deleted User]

Since your baby is here already, not sure how much you need worry about newborn sizes... I think some thirsties duos size 1 and blueberry capri size 1 is a great place to start, plus do ypur research and pick your favourite prefold.  Fitteds can be pricey, but sustainablebabyish have a reputation for being bulletproof for overnights, along eith a wool cover.

It is a lot to take in a first, for sure, but once you get started, you'll likely catch the bug and enjoy learung abput all the different styles/brands out there.  Plus you can even sew your own!  Skies the limit, and truly no one solution fits all. ;) 

minimalistoverplanner

i've been researching them forever since DH and i plan to cloth diaper after the newborn stage. everything i've read says the best way to get started is to get a couple of each type of each major brand (grovia, rumparooz, bumgenius etc) so you can see what you like best before committing whole-hog to one brand/type. cloth diapers can resell, too, so you won't necessarily lose that small initial investment (or you can keep them for backups)

hailey1207

Hi,Have you tried the Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive? They are hypoallergenic and stay looking great and blemish free. It can last up to 12 hours.

lovesclimbing

hailey1207 said:

Hi,Have you tried the Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive? They are hypoallergenic and stay looking great and blemish free. It can last up to 12 hours.

Hi, welcome to the board! I noticed you've posted a bunch on older threads really recommending disposables. This is specifically the cloth diaper board where people are using and researching cloth. It's not really helpful to come into a thread where someone is specifically asking about using cloth and recommending disposables. Disposables are better discussed on the baby gear board or on a BMB (if you're currently pregnant) or in a thread where people are specifically asking about disposables.