CD Day 1: Second guessing my choices...

awollenweber

So, day 1 was a little more difficult than I expected.  LO is 7 mo old and I just became a SAHM, so I decided to CD mostly for the cost savings.

I started with 2 flip covers with stay-dry inserts, 5 microfiber inserts, 6 prefolds, DIY fleece liners, and a roll of disposable liners.

These are the issues I encountered/questions I have, if anyone can help, I'd appreciate it!

- LO is just learning to crawl and is VERY squirmy.  He rolled while I was trying to get the insert properly tucked into the diaper and peed all over the place. It takes me at least 2-3 times as long as disposables, mostly getting the insert centered, under the flaps, and snapped up.

- He is already in 12mo clothes and these make him look like a sumo wrestler.  A single insert with fleece liner wasn't too bad, but the tri-folded prefolds were HUGE. I bought the Bummies premuim ones, which are correct according to weight, but maybe thats only when using them with a snappi?

- Everything seemed to bunch between his legs.  Even the inserts were gathered when I removed them; I didn't have leaks, but I change him every 2 hrs anyway. He also had red marks from the elastic around his legs.  I left all of the length snaps open and was only adjusting the waist, so I'm not sure there is anyway I can loosen the part around his legs.  Am I not fitting it correctly or is this common?

I definitely don't think I have enough prefolds/inserts, but I was trying to see which way I wanted to go before purchasing more.  Also, I'd ideally get a few different style diapers to try, but I figured the FLIP covers were a pretty easy and economical route.

I used a disposable tonight and we'll try again in the morning, but I'm definitely nervous about this!  Thanks in advance for the support of this board!

susangilchrist

I'd do a diaper trial.  You re-coup most of your money, and get to try a wide variety of diaper styles and see what you like.  I am not a huge Flip fan.  We, like you, have had the bunching issue.  I prefer using a prefold, snappi, and cover.  My DD is 8 months old, and putting ANY diaper on her is like trying to stuff an octopus into a backpack.  I find that, once you get used to putting on the prefold, it's just nearly as fast as a disposable.  FWIW, I'm not sure of his size, but DD wears her flips snapped to the middle setting.  The waist snaps are usually what controls most of the leg tightness.  I'd try snapping to the middle rise setting and seeing if you can get away with doing it looser in the waist.  

rp_panda

I think that you would be happy with an all in one diaper.  We use bumGenius Elemental diapers and LOVE LOVE LOVE them.  We have been using them for almost a year now and they are doing amazingly well.  One thing that we do have to do now is add a doubler since our little girl is a heavy wetter.  However, it isn't a huge issue.  We use snap closure diapers, but sometimes it does make it harder to close the diaper on a wiggly baby, but I wouldn't change anything.  I think that the other suggestion of doing a trial would be a great idea for you as well.  Good Luck.  Stick with it, I'm sure that you will really love them.  I know I was a little nervous at first as well.

meltoine

susangilchrist:

I'd do a diaper trial.  You re-coup most of your money, and get to try a wide variety of diaper styles and see what you like.  I am not a huge Flip fan.  We, like you, have had the bunching issue.  I prefer using a prefold, snappi, and cover.  My DD is 8 months old, and putting ANY diaper on her is like trying to stuff an octopus into a backpack.  I find that, once you get used to putting on the prefold, it's just nearly as fast as a disposable.  FWIW, I'm not sure of his size, but DD wears her flips snapped to the middle setting.  The waist snaps are usually what controls most of the leg tightness.  I'd try snapping to the middle rise setting and seeing if you can get away with doing it looser in the waist.  

DH and I both just LOLed at this, literally. This is so DS right now. 

ironmommy

A squirmy baby is the reason why I really prefer a diaper without snaps. I happen to love the Bummis Tot Bots, but there are others that will work. AIOs or stuff-its are definitely worth the extra expense, IMO. Keep trying -- you will find what works!

cassoppea

I use the Flips on an 8 month old who does the alligator death roll every time I change her! I suggest having your Flip inserts already prestuffed into your cover. If you have more than 1 Flip cover, then prestuff another one when he's wearing one and then just rotate the covers at each diaper change. Then you don't have to deal with stuffing them while he's on the changing table. This is your first day, but I promise once you get the hang of it, it gets so much easier. I also found prefolds in Flip covers to be very bulky so I just use the Staydry inserts. My inserts do bunch a little as well, but I've never had a leak with them so I consider that a success. I also agree with PP about experimenting with the rise and tightness in the waist to get a better fit in the legs. Aplix may help with this because you can get a better fit. Like PP suggested, you can also try a diaper trial to see what you like. I'd recommend trying pockets or AIOs as well since those are very quick changes. The aplix make it easier too (although I much prefer snaps now that I've been doing this for a while). Keep at it and it will Get so much easier!

mrsnorthernbell

I use the flips as well and dd went through a faze where they bunched a little but I changed the rise and really just got more efficient at how I places the insert.  

I fold in the front now and that helps with any extra bulk.  

Keep at it.  It really does get easier.  Oh and I second the velcro closures.  There were a few months that she wouldn't sit still at all and they really were the only ones I can use.  I still have time when I lay her down for a diaper change and I just know she is not having it so I don't even try to use the snaps.  

Now is a great time to buy too with Cotton Babies having a BOGO sale.