Where to start? (cloth diapers)

cstyles

So I'm a little late to the game, but I think it's time to switch.  I just hate buying diapers!

Is there a quick reference guide anywhere like ncbelle has for babywearing?  I know NOTHING!

**I know there is a cloth diapering board, but figured I'd start here since I "know" you ladies

kwinters87

https://www.becomingmamas.com/cloth-diapering-guide/

SteelCityBride

First of all, you're not too late! We didn't start CDing until 8.5 mos. 

When I started, I didn't realize becommingmamas had a CDing page. I just read it over right now though & there's some really good info on there, so check that out for sure. Also, go read some posts on the CDing board & read their FAQ link at the top of their board. Lots of good info there too.

So I'll tell you what I did when I started.  I actually was googling the heck out of different kinds of CDs & was super confused. I came across bumritediapers.com. They are in CA & I am in PA, but I called anyway.  I talked to Angie & she was super helpful. It really helped me to be able to talk to a real person instead of just reading a bunch of stuff.  I knew I wanted to try pocket diapers for the ease of use factor & so that I could adjust the absorbency. With Angie's help, I decided to go with FuzziBunz one size diapers. I also got some Joey Bunz Hemparooz inserts for overnight. (She was really knowledgeable, so if you'd like to talk to a person about your options, I'd highly recommend her! Even if you don't end up buying there, I didn't buy diapers there, just supplies, it was still really helpful).

We used the FBs for a couple weeks, but they were too small on E (he's 30lbs, so the size of some 3 year olds).  The problem seemed to be the rise of the dipe was too short (you could see his bum crack when he would sit down). After a little research I found that the bumgenius 4.0s had a higher rise, so I ordered 3 of them to give them a try. They fit SO much better, so I sold off my FBs (on the swap spot board) & bought a stash of BGs. 

It's been about 6 weeks now & we're still loving them! 

marypmiddleton

We cloth diaper and our LO is 4 months.  I have 24 diapers in total, half are Fuzzibuns and half are BumGenius 4.0 (both are pocket diapers).  I love both brands and the are so easy to use and are super cute!  I'm in NS, Canada and we got all of our diapers from https://www.nurtured.ca/ which is a great little store ear us.  They have lots of info on their site and are super helpful!

Good luck! 

BlindysWife

Jillian's Drawers has a 'new to cloth' section that I found super helpful when I was researching during my pregnancy.

https://www.jilliansdrawers.com/newtocloth

Alirebco

We started right around the same age with DS and the first thing I did, besides scouring all the websites, was to order the trial package from Jillian's Drawers.  It was so helpful to actually see and use different types of diapers on DS and from that 3 week trial, I was able to figure out what I liked and what worked best on his body.  They were great to work with and I definitely recommend them!

stayathomedaddy

We started our son out in the pre-folds when he was a newborn. He wore those until my wife made me stop because they were getting too small (I could still make them fit).

The next size of pre-folds didn't fit him b/c his legs are so skinny so I've gone exclusively to the pocket diapers. I love BumGenius, though I prefer the 4.0 because of the snaps. Their velcro is ridiculously strong and can be hard to get open while your LO is squirming.

The only pocket diapers I had a problem with are the Rocky Mountains. Our son's legs are so skinny that even on the smallest setting there was still some gaps b/c it got all bunched up on his legs and he'd leak pee all the time.

MellsHells

Here's some links I found helpful when researching!

Baby Rabies

The Good Wife

Diaper Decisions

The EFF blog has a TON of info and posts about CDing; here's a big one.

And my most favorite online CD store is Abby's Lane. Free shipping in the U.S., great selection, and she gives a 5% off coupon to newsletter subscribers. Plus, the customer service can't be beat. I can't tell you how many times she's bailed me out, so to speak!

Lilrdmandy

I learned most of what we know from lurking the EFF board (there wasn't a CD board when we started).  You probably realize by now that there are prefolds with covers, pocket diapers that go on with snaps or velcro, fitted diapers that go on with snaps that need a cover, and more.  Generally velcro gets a more accurate fit but snaps are more durable and more toddler proof.  Most pocket diapers come with a microfiber insert (the absorbent part) but as your LO gets older they need more absorbency, and a lot of CD mommas go with adding an insert made out of hemp.  The best ones I've used you can buy here:  https://hyenacart.com/onestore.php?vid=3046&category=18  They dry faster and are softer than joeybunz.  Additional things you'll need are cloth wipes (easy to make if you sew), diaper pail (kitchen trash can), pail liner (2), and wet bag for diaper changes when you're out.  HTH!

asiabutterfly

We use smartipants and I personally think they are great and the cheapest I have found.

Nyki06Wed43530

The CD board has FAQ which were really helpful to me. 

hst

Mothering Magazine website mentioned a youtube link, sorry I can't remember it, but this woman created a series that I watched.  It was the most helpful thing I saw out there.  She really explained all the different systems and the pros and cons of each.  Ultimately I went for a variety to see what I like, and then purchased more from there. 

Good luck! 

naflmj

The cloth diaper board has a link with a lot of FAQ's at the top.

We have CD since day one and this is what has worked for us:

We used prefolds and fitteds at home with wool or fleece to let his little bum breathe. If we are out and about we usually use a pul cover. For daycare we started with about 18 BG's most were pockets and about 1/3 were the organics (now called Elementals). I LOVE the Elementals because they are cotton against his skin rather than microfiber and they don't need any stuffing. We have since discovered BottomBumpers which are similar and I am starying to slowly buy more of those and sell off the BG's. They are really trim and a little less expensive than the BG Elementals.

If I were you, I'd do a trial from Jillians Drawers or Nells Natural Baby since different diapers work for different babies. They will send you a few different types and you can decide which to keep. You send the rest back and then can buy more of what works for your LO.  

Temp206787500007404

We made the switch late in the game too.

We used prefolds and Econobum covers and then a friend gave me some hybrid/AI2 diapers called Best Bottom Diapers.  They're freaking awesome and coming from someone who is used to the convenience of disposables, they're really really easy.  I highly recommend them.  Also great because you don't need to have as many dipes as you would if you went with pockets, AIO's or fitteds.  You can get away with a handful of shells and enough inserts to do wash every other day.

cstyles

Thank you so much ladies!  I bought a lot of diapers off craigslist that came with pail liner, wet bag, and 20 RnR diapers with liners, for 200.  I have to sell about 6 of them since they are girly, so I figure I'll buy some other types to try then.  Atleast it will get us started and I won't have to buy another pack of disposable diapers.

I really can't thank you all enough for all the tips....off to do more research and see what type I'm going to buy next (thinking an AIO and AI2).