do i have enough cloth diapers?

BluEyedGrrl

We're taking a "hybrid" approach to diapering: primarily cloth but with (eco friendly) disposables for backup.  So, I've got 4 pairs of little gPants in the newborn size with a package of the small flushable inserts, plus 20 cloth inserts that I made (and are freakin' awesome if I do say so myself).  I figure he's gonna outgrow the newborn gPants so quick - why buy more tiny gPants or make a ton of inserts that only fit the small ones?

I'm aiming to launder the cloth inserts every other day or so, and use the flushable inserts & disposables as needed.

Does this sound reasonable, or am I underestimating the diaper changes?  I see some ladies' diaper stashes that look like they're preparing for the apocalypse and wonder if I need to re-check my minimalist approach...

dee1369

I know most say for a newborn there must be a minimum of 24 diapers to do full-time.

I don't know how to approach part time... perhaps ask on the CD board as well (if you haven't already, I haven't been over there in a little while).

Molluskwrangler

We are doing full time cloth (after the meconium) , the lady that sells them told us min of 24 for a newborn. 

smllel

You should post this on the cd board.

 I have 8 gdiapers and 24 inserts.  The gdiaper site recommends 6-8 pants/day and 12 inserts/day.

I also have a couple of BG flips and 6 inserts to try as well.  The gs were given to me so I am going to use those first, then transition to a one size cd that he can wear for the remainder of his time in diapers.

If you make more inserts, you can make them longer and fold them for the smalls, then they willl gradually fit the larger diapers.

I am starting out slow.  I just found a local "shop" so I can purchase as I need and get them fast.

 HTH

MrsCarroll.6-10-07

For newborn stage I had 28 prefolds and a few covers. I got 3 or 4 more later since BM poo can really escape the prefold but not the cover somehow?! I got by with doing laundry in the newborn stage every few days.

Now I have stocked up my BGs because after we're out of the newborn stage I will still have 2 in diapers. (I'm assuming that DD will not be potty trained for a while).

 

BluEyedGrrl

smllel:

If you make more inserts, you can make them longer and fold them for the smalls, then they willl gradually fit the larger diapers.

Fantastic idea!  I hadn't thought of that!!

MrsCarroll.6-10-07

Question - how did you make your inserts? Are they inserts that would work in any pocket style? I would love to make something more absorbent for my BGs.

BluEyedGrrl

MrsCarroll.6-10-07:

Question - how did you make your inserts? Are they inserts that would work in any pocket style? I would love to make something more absorbent for my BGs.

After a lot of research, I decided on a 4-layer approach.  From the top down, it goes like this:

1. organic bamboo cotton (moisture wicking & antimicrobial)
2. organic bamboo terry (absorbent layer in between non-organic fleece)
3. fleece
4. fleece
   

Now, these are my very first inserts, so who knows how they'll hold up in battle. (Although I did test one with a good amount of tap water - it all absorbed in to the pad and didn't soak through!)  I was thinking of switching the bottom layer of fleece for hemp, since everyone seems to rave about its absorbency, but I couldn't source any locally and decided to wing it this round.  Besides, I'm starting out with gDiapers and their plastic snap-in liner so I'm not terribly worried about it.  Sorry I can't speak for the BG style, but I'm sure you could adapt this to suit your needs!

Here are a couple pics.  I don't have a serger, so I used a tight zigzag stitch for the perimeter and just enough of a center stitch to keep the layers from shifting in the wash.

 

 And here it is tucked inside the gDiaper liner.  I gotta say, compared to their flushable inserts, mine are thicker - but not too thick - and seem waaaaaay more absorbent (and comfy!)