On the fence

Bambina54

Does anyone having any convincing statements for cloth diapering?  I love the environmental impact (or lack of) but the thought of the extra laundry, the initial cost of the cloth diapers, and not really having ANY experience with cloth diapers scares the crap out of me!  Also, when researching, I've found there are so many options and designs.  I wouldn't even know where to start!

Any advice?

Thanks!

Megan.10.06

It's a lot less intimidating than it looks.  I started out because I was forced - my son is allergic to disposable diapers.  I started out with prefolds and covers because it was cheapest, but quickly found that I would rather pay up than put out (the effort).    I prefer AIOs because of the ease and convenience.  I have a few pockets as well, and can stuff them with prefolds, and keep them as our backups. 

The laundry thought was horrendous for me.  However, there's no folding, putting away, organizing... They just come out of the dryer and get thrown in the CD bin.  I found quickly I don't mind diaper laundry at all, but my clothes are still piled all over

I was also completely intimidated by the poop, and started with flushable liners.   Honestly, I abandoned them unless I need liners (rash medication currently). 

 The cost really isn't that bad.  I've spent about $200.  Look for used deals, seconds, or cheaper brands.  Kawaii is a well known one that has great prices. 

Check out the FAQs, and I wrote out some differences here:  https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/64501555.aspx

There are also diaper trials at places like jilliansdrawers.com.  

ournaturaljourney

I didn't have any experience with cloth diapers (or much experience with diapers at all really) when we started cloth diapering, but I totally found it to be worth it. The major downside for me was the extra laundry, but diapers were always my easiest load of laundry since they didn't require any folding (or stuffing, since we used hybrid diapers).

If you're unsure about using cloth, I'd recommend doing a trial program like the one offered at jilliansdrawers.com. I knew I wanted to cloth diaper, so I ended up just buying a variety of different types of newborn diapers to try them out. We eventually ended up using Best Bottom diapers.

Also, I wrote a post on my blog recently about some of my top reasons for cloth diapering that you might want to check out: https://ournaturaljourney.com/2012/03/01/if-your-babys-diaper-isnt-cloth-its-trash/

 

cassoppea

It is very overwhelming at first.  But what starts off overwhelming is actually what makes it so fun.  There are so many different types and brands to try out and that's what makes it interesting. 

I was nervous when I first started too because it's all new.  But once you get the hang of it, it's really NBD.  The laundry and prepping really doesn't bother me - its become part of my routine.  

I would suggest looking at this youtube video series.  It really helped me understand the different types of diapers and what they look like/how they are used.  She also goes over positives and negatives of each.  Maybe you can try a diaper trial as well to try out different kinds.  

I'm not trying to convince you, since you already seem interested.  But I just want to let you know that it is overwhelming at first but very rewarding once you start!.  For me, it makes me feel like I'm doing a healthier thing for my child.  And I really like trying different types and brands of diapers!  

hispenguin

I've been CDing my daughter for almost a year now. It can be very overwhelming in the beginning thinking about cost, different options, etc.

In reality once you get started it's not overwhelming at all. In terms of cost. If you start putting aside $20-30 every paycheque, but the time your baby is born you have some money saved up for a pretty good start to your stash. Also look into diaper trials in your area through a store, or an online retailer. It's a great way to try out different kinds of diapers and really figure out what works best for you/your baby.

The laundry really isn't that big of a deal. It's an extra half hour or so a week. 3 extra loads of laundry. You throw them in the washer at night, hang them up or throw them in the dryer before you go to bed, and they're all ready for you in the morning. You'll find a rhythm very quickly.

As for having no experience, we were all there once! 

SaraTF

We got started with just prefolds and covers because they're cheap! And, if I wanted to, I could sell my stash for probably 75% of what I paid. I also bought some OS pockets to try out. Now that DS is getting a little older, I'm looking around for what we'll use next. I've been buying used from craigslist and spot's corner. I figure, once I find something I really like, I can sell those that I don't and get more of what I do. In the mean time, we're mostly using prefolds. 

If it helps you, you might want to stop thinking about it as an all or nothing prospect. Buy enough cloth diapers for a day or so (maybe 12 prefolds and 3 covers) and some disposables. See which you like more. If you really don't like cloth, sell what you've bought. My husband and I were not totally sold on cloth until DS got here. Cloth was so much nicer than disposables! The added laundry was really not a big deal.

 

ETA: Most convincing argument for cloth- We never had leaks with cloth, but we had several the few times we used disposables. 

BrendaLou1969

I promise you - you will be doing alot of extra laundry (more than washing the cloth diapers) with disposables also.  Simply from Poop blowouts up the back and leaks.  I did alot more laundry when I had her in disposables vs her being in cloth.

My biggest reason for her being in cloth is fashion ( I'm ashamed to admit it ) but I LOVE being able to match her diapers to her outfits.  On Valentines day I had her is a little red and white dress and she had on a white diaper with red hearts all over it.  She wore green on St. Patricks day, and I'm looking for a 4th of july diaper now.  I have a white one with blue starts, but I really want something with flags on it.  Cloth diapering if you are into dressing up your child can really make it alot funner than disposables.

KJsbabe

When I first started looking into cloth I was a little overwhelmed, too. There are soo many options and styles it's hard to know where to even start. I found it really helpful going on jilliansdrawers.com and reading through their "new to cloth" section. It breaks down the different types of diapers, how to care for them, and what all you'll need to get started. Also, the Cloth Diapering 101 videos on YouTube are great. The lady in them shows you how to use all the different types, which gave me a much better sense of them.

The prefolds, while inexpensive, seem very daunting to me. I've chosen to start my stash with fitteds, covers, and pockets. They seem like they'll be pretty easy to use and the most like disposables. I'm still waiting on my little girl to get here, so I don't have any real life experience with CD's either. The last thing I want to do is feel like I'm setting myself up to fail, so ease of use was a big factor for me (and getting DH on board!). I'm growing my stash slowly week by week so we're not hit with a huge diaper bill all at once. I've found a lot of good deals on eBay lately on gently used diapers and covers.

Bambina54

Thanks for all the info, everyone!

Josie22

I can tell you why I'm determined to make it work. I have a 4 y/o. He used disposables until about a month ago. He only uses them over-night. The first night we switched there was a noticeable change. He was happier to put them on, called them his "comfy diapers". He fell asleep faster. 20 mins as apposed to 1 hour. During the day, he had a much better attitude. I'm not sure if it's the comfort factor, or the lack of chemicals. But I never want to put my kid in a sposie again. He has convinced me the extra work for me, is worth the benefits for them.