The real scoop on CDs, please

katie6688 · January 2010

I have been using Pampers that I got for super cheap from a friend, but now my stash has run out! In your professional opinions Wink , would it be cheaper for me to buy and use cloth diapers now? My LO is 15 weeks and 15lbs.

I had done some research about cd'ing when I was pregnant and it seemed that to save money, using the pre-folds with a waterproof cover would be best. My primary goal is to save money and find something that works well. What do you guys think? I'm just wondering if buying everything I would need would be cheaper in the end. I don't really have the money to drop several hundred bucks on a CD stash tho.

Huge TIA!!!!!

Sassy_Cassie · January 2010

If you just did prefolds and covers you would absolutely save money.

We use green mountain prefolds with thirsties duo covers.

EllaandLuca · January 2010

Rather than buying them, look for a diaper service! They come once a week usually, drop off your weeks supply, pick up the soiled ones! They tend to cost about the same as disposables, although many places will give you a discount if you buy 13 weeks worth of service! Plus they're much better for our Earth!

brianna611 · January 2010

Yes, it would still save you a lot of money, especially if you are primarily using PFs. You can get a dozen PFs for maybe 25-30, and 2 dozen would be plenty. A few PUL covers for 11 bucks a piece, and there you go.

papagena · January 2010

Yes, CDing would be a lot cheaper at this point. In fact, it's a great time to get started, as you won't have to get a nb stash. PFs are the most economical, and they work great. All you'd need is 24-36 pfs, 4 - 6 covers (we love thirsties) and a couple snappis. Easy, and you'd save a lot. You can always try and find some/all of it used, if you'd like. check out spots corner on hyenacart, or swap spot here.

smurfetteinred · January 2010

Like everyone else said - if you go prefolds and covers it will cost you very little to get started and will last you for a very long time. I'd say you could get a workable stash for about the cost of 2-3 boxes of disposables (depending on whether we're talking brand name or cheapie Wink

) which won't last you a month.

tommigirle · January 2010

prefolds and covers, plus maybe a couple of nighttime diapers will be TONS cheaper than disposables. and prefolds only get better with time, making them great for second and third kids. if you plan on having more kiddos, def. factor this into your equation. otherwise, keep in mind that used diapers can tyically be sold at anywhere from 30-60% of their original cost, which will let you recoup costs in the end.

can't say that about disposables!

peachypear · January 2010

Definitely cheaper to do cloth. No question! Even when you consider the utilities, it's way cheaper.

IMO, the absolute cheapest is flats (with a cover). You don't have to buy in different sizes, like prefolds, you just adjust your folding. That's what my mom used. She liked it - but I don't even know where to buy flats. I know you don't want the cheap gerber ones that are intended for rags and burp cloths.

And on that note, spend the money on good prefolds. I cannot emphasize that enough! Get the clotheez from Green Mountain.

We are very focused on staying cheap, and we ran the numbers and decided to get one-size all-in-ones. It was a lot up front, but then we won't have to keep buying different sizes. By our math, it's more expensive, but not a lot and the convenience is worth it to us. Also, it's still less expensive than disposables.

To really save money, consider doing elimination communication. It has really cut down on our diapers! Saves energy/water bills, too.

Mrs_mam · January 2010

I use prefolds with covers and it costs the same as my friends who use disposables. In fact I use a diaper service so I don't even have the extra laundry and it still costs the same. Not to mention I don't have problems with leakage like they all have...

Mrs_mam · January 2010

Also, we use Blueberry Coveral adjustable covers, they go from 10-40 lbs. so you can use them for a really long time.

katie6688 · January 2010

You guys are awesome! This info is exactly what I needed!

FYI- I live in Arkansas (read: in the boonies) and there is not a diaper service in my area. Boo!

Big Smile

MTOW · January 2010

peachypear:
Definitely cheaper to do cloth. No question! Even when you consider the utilities, it's way cheaper.
IMO, the absolute cheapest is flats (with a cover). You don't have to buy in different sizes, like prefolds, you just adjust your folding. That's what my mom used. She liked it - but I don't even know where to buy flats. I know you don't want the cheap gerber ones that are intended for rags and burp cloths.
And on that note, spend the money on good prefolds. I cannot emphasize that enough! Get the clotheez from Green Mountain.
We are very focused on staying cheap, and we ran the numbers and decided to get one-size all-in-ones. It was a lot up front, but then we won't have to keep buying different sizes. By our math, it's more expensive, but not a lot and the convenience is worth it to us. Also, it's still less expensive than disposables.
To really save money, consider doing elimination communication. It has really cut down on our diapers! Saves energy/water bills, too.

Flats are the cheapest, and they're all I use. I'd recommend Little Lions birdseye, and the Green Mountain Diapers are supposed to be nice, too. I also like Imse Vimse muslin. They're slightly more per diaper (about the same as a prefold) but very nice and one-size.

EllaandLuca · January 2010

Boo is right! Well at least you know you can order some comfy cloth diapers for your little one with all these great options!

baby_soon_31 · January 2010

I agree that prefolds or flats with covers would be a very economical option and might work wonderfully for you. Trial package would be a nice thing too, you say that you want to pick the most economical solution, but realistically if flats or prefolds that you try will not work well for you it may force you to switch back to disposables (hopefully not) - see the link at Jillian's drawers site:

This option lets you try a bunch of different prefolds, pocket and all in one cloth diapers and covers to find out what you like - for 21 days and return if you decide it's not for you. All it will cost you is 10 $. Keep what you like, they will subtract it from the refund amount.

https://jilliansdrawers.com/products/clothdiapers/tryclothfor10

Consider your washing options also - how often will you be able to wash, how you will pail the soiled dipes, etc.See the detergent requirements for all-in-ones versus prefolds.

Also, i don't want to discourage you, but if you look around the board, there are some threads that talk about strong ammonia stink in overnight diapers, resulting in rashes and so forth (mostly for older babies / tots once they start sleeping through the night i believe). Also leaks.

(read through thread named 'Speaking of ammonia, common sense tells me... " from 01-07-2010 at 11:10 am on this same board - i think you should know what others are going through, not to be discouraged even before you start but to keep an eye for issues and know where to look for solutions)

katie6688 · January 2010

Thank you so much, baby_soon. I was trying to remember the name of the site that offered the trial package. Jillian's Drawer's was it! I have some cloth dipes and wool footies that I am going to try to do a trial run with this weekend.

I have been trying to figure out the details as well. I think should be able to wash every other day and I wonder if I can just use my diaper champ as my pail?

thanks again! Smile

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