brand new to cloth diapering...seeking advice

coastalmaine

Hello-

 I am only 17 weeks pregnant but am trying to understand cloth diapering and where to start. I have done a lot of research but thought it would be great to see what other people have done. I am thinking I would want to do the 2 in ones (as I understand it, this is the type with the removable inserts).  However, I don't know which brand to go with...or if anyone has tried one of those services where you get the newborn set in a variety of brands which he trade in after?   As you can see I could use some direction!  Thank you so much in advance!

Jessi...almost Loftin

I would buy some disposables at first and try out the trial from jilliandrawers.com. It is a 21 day trial so just order it a couple of days before your due date. I just started with my 17 month old and I am almost 23 weeks with my 2nd. The diapers came in like 3 days. They sent me several different types and I have been able to eliminate what works and doesn't before making a huge investment. I'm new it also, but that is my suggestion as a newbie. I am so glad I didn't buy based off of reviews alone, because some of the best rated diapers have not worked well for us. Good luck!

jennyann28

Read the FAQs at the top of the board...

And as a FTM, the biggest thing I've taken away from reading this board is to NOT go with just one brand/type of diaper.  Have a variety. 

Dr.Loretta

Ditto the FAQs

They're called all-in-twos, abbreviated AI2s. But as the pp noted, don't bank on them working. Every kid is different, so AI2s may not work for you.

Jilliansdrawers.com is one place to get a trial. You can also see if there are CDing stores near you that have trial packages or used/seconds you can get.

GL

namara5532

We are also going the AI2 route.  Starting out, we are using osocozy infant prefolds closed with a snappi and Real Nappies newborn covers.  Even though DS was a little on the bigger side at birth (8lb 7oz), he's nowhere close to growing out of them yet.  It looks like he'll be able to wear them for a few months.

I bought 3 flips shells, and he doesn't quite fit in them yet.  I only bought 3 because I wanted to see how he fit in them before really investing in them, and it looks like he'll be able to stay in his newborn covers while we make the transition in case the flips don't work.  Luckily, a baby boutique just opened locally that sells CDs, so if they don't work I can sell them there on consignment and buy a different brand.  The plan is to use trifolded prefolds from my newborn stash as inserts since the flip brand inserts are so pricey.  I'll probably transition some one-size pockets into the stash for babysitters, and I plan to try out wool and fitteds when he's big enough to need a good overnight diaper.  Otherwise I'm hoping to be able to get AI2s to work most of the time as it is the cheaper option.

coastalmaine

theresat858:

Yay! It's exciting to see you considering CDing :-). 

I'm not sure I have any advice since obviously I haven't put a diaper on a baby yet... we are starting with 5 or 6 small diaper covers and prefolds, as well as 8 KL0s and a few newborn AIOs for the newborn phase.   Then I plan to use mostly OS pockets, but we'll see how that goes.  (I've been stashing up when things are on sale). 

I know JilliansDrawers has a diaper trial and some other websites do too...but I'd rather have my newborn diapers on hand because who knows when LO is actually going to come? (and rentals/trials start on a certain day).

Oh yay! I will be able to ask for advice from you as you are due way before me it is overwhelming with all the options! I am excited to do it though!

coastalmaine

Thanks everyone! I didn't see the FAQ at the top... Sorry about that! Thanks for your input!

tracke

I had a new born trial through Itsy Bitsy Bums. She also does trials where you can pick out what diapers you want (but that trial is considerably shorter than the newborn trial). I did both trials and was glad I got to try a variety of diapers! It help decide which I like & which I didnt as much. 

I was worried about the diapers being ready for my little one too, and here he was two weeks late

And if you are doing a circ, be sure and read up on cloth diapers during the healing time. I didn't know that was possible and wound up with sposies for three weeks while it healed!