What to start with...

cozylittlecave

Aloha! Total cloth diapering newbie here- I'm just starting to research them more & really decide if it's for us & what is most likely to work for us. DH & I plan on taking a local cloth diapering orientation class as well soon. I'm trying to learn as much as I can, but I'm also feeling pretty overwhelmed! My question for today is more about what to actually start with or already have when the baby arrives.

Should we keep it to JUST the smallest newborn/small sizes until we're more sure? Should we attempt to figure out what we're likely to want beforehand, or should we buy an array of things and only try to figure out what we like best when the baby is here?? I know budget and all goes into this as well, but what do most people do??

Dr.Loretta

Hi and welcome.

If you haven't checked out the FAQs at the top of the board, I highly recommend.

It's really up to you how you want to start. Some people do a trial package, where they get an array of diaper types in a certain size (eg, newborn), send back what doesn't work, and stock up on what does.

Most people recommend getting one or 2 of a few different types/brands to see what will work. For the newborn stage, prefolds and covers are an inexpensive and pretty easy place to start. You can decide to supplement with other diaper types, and fitteds are very popular.

As a brand new momma, I had a small stash of (mostly used) diapers in a mix. I had some XS pocket diapers (I ended up loving them for DD but they don't work for everyone), a couple different brands of fitteds (they also worked well), and some prefolds and covers (not my first choice but they were definitely in the rotation). As DD grew out of her diapers I sold off much of my newborn stash and slowly built up an OS stash. This consists mostly of pockets (they're what work best for my LO, but may not be your CD of choice) in several brands, and a few fitteds thrown in for good measure.

GL and keep asking questions!

Germangirl86

Most people will say to get a few different types and then pick what works best for you. There are FAQ on top of this board and it has some great info. I got Pockets, AIO, fitted and prefolds to start. Two months in, I like AIO and pockets best. Also get different brands bc they will work better for different body types.

cozylittlecave

Thanks guys!!! I'll definitely try to look into some of the 'trial' type packages. And HOW the heck did I not see the FAQ??! lol sorry about that... I was used to the sticky from TTGP I guess!

Any suggestions on the best places for trial/starter packages?? 

Dr.Loretta

cozylittlecave:

Any suggestions on the best places for trial/starter packages?? 

Jillian's Drawers has a popular one. The FAQ might address it (I can't remember). You can also google "cloth diaper trials" and see what you can find. I know there are a few others out there, the names just escape me right now.

GL