thinking of CDing and know nothing! Help

lauraryan520

I am thinking of CDing, but I know nothing about it.  We want to have more kids so I will get good use out of them.  What do I need to know?  What type of cloth diapers do I buy - good quality that will last and cost effective?  Waht about those all in ones - those seem like a good deal because you dont need they grow with the the child - right?   how many do I buy?  Thanks for all your help! 

BriBer

This site helped me a lot.

 https://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/basics.htm

roundtheworldgirl

I would recommend going back through posts on this board - there are dozens of CD posts every single day.  People talk about what they like and what they don't like.  When I was researching, I also got a lot of helpful information from Green Mountain Diapers.  The DIaper Pin is another good site.  Other people like Abby's Lane, Nicki's Diapers, Kelly's Closet, Jillian's Drawers, etc.  They are all online stores, but also have information.

You can also check out the blog maintained by some of the girls on this board.

There are a lot of options, and it can be kind of overwhelming, so here is a quick summary on your basic options:

Flats: Your cheapest option.  Not waterproof (requires a cover).  I haven't used them, but I think they are just large, single-ply sheets of cotton that you fold up into different configurations to diaper your baby with.  Secure them with a Snappi or pins.  Pros: Easy to clean and they dry very quickly.  Cons: Require a tiny bit more effort than some other options. Can be bulky.

Prefolds: Next-cheapest option.  Not waterproof.  Probably what your mom thinks of when she hears "cloth diaper."  They are sheets of cotton that are "prefolded" so that there is extra absorbency in the middle.  You fold them around your baby and secure with a Snappi or pins.  Pros and cons about the same as flats, except they don't require as much folding as flats. 

Fitteds: Look like a disposable diaper, usually have velcro or snaps to close, but sometimes require pins.  Not waterproof.  Excellent nighttime option when paired with a wool cover (more about that below).  Usually made predominantly from natural fibers; sometimes have microfiber or something else sewn into the core for absorbency.  Pros: Less work than flats or prefolds.  Cons: Still requires a cover, can sometimes take a long time to dry, bulky.

Pockets: Looks like a sposie, comes in two pieces: the shell, which has a waterproof outer layer and usually a synthetic stay-dry inner layer; and the insert, which can be made of microfiber, cotton, bamboo, hemp, etc.  The insert is stuffed into an opening in the shell (the pocket, hence the name) for absorbency.  Pros: Dries quickly because the shell and insert come apart.  Waterproof.  Customizable - you can add inserts if you need more absorbency.  Trimmer than other options.  Cons: Some people report wicking around the legs and waist.  More expensive than other options.  Synthetic fabrics.  

All-in-Ones (AIOs): The most akin to disposables, these diapers have a waterproof outer layer and are all one piece.  Just slap it on and go.  Pros: Easy, trimmer than other options.  Cons: Takes a long time to dry, not customizable, more expensive than other options.

Hybrids: These are diapers that consist of two pieces - an outer, waterproof shell, and an insert for the inside.  They're kind of like pockets except there usually isn't a pocket to put the insert in - you just lay it in.  The idea is that you just change the inserts and don't have to change the covers except once a day.  Pros: Easy.  Cons: I've not used them myself, but I understand that the way they work, poop will still get on the cover, so you generally use several covers a day.  They're also on the pricey side.

COVERS

PUL:  These are waterproof, usually have snaps or velcro, and are pretty trim. 

Wool: Popular for use at night with fitteds, though many also use it during the day.  Natural fiber, breathable.  Expensive, though, if you don't know how to knit your own.  You can get them used, though.

Fleece: Haven't used these myself, but they are a cheaper alternative to wool.

SIZING

Most one-size-fits-all diapers don't actually fit all sizes.  Most don't fit newborns, and some don't actually go all the way to potty training if your child is larger.  So realistically, you'd probably need at least two sizes of diapers - newborn and OS - and possibly something larger down the road.  

HOW MANY DO I NEED?

Depends on how often you want to wash.  I wash every other day and don't like to let the diapers sit longer than that.  For the newborn stage you'll likely need at 10-12 diapers a day.  For the infant stage, somewhere in the 7-10 range.

 

Allie30

thank you. great advice! off to research!