Newborn: Benefit of pf vs BG xs?

laurapalmer · December 2010

I'm due with my first in February and I've been lurking and reading the FAQs trying to figure things out. I know variety is good but I'm trying to keep things as simple as I can right now because we're new to this and otherwise it's overwhelming.

For the newborn stage I bought some BG xs but I keep reading about how great pf & covers are. Is that mainly a cost issue or does it have to do with fit and absorbency too?

I was thinking of getting some GMD newborn pf and either Thirsties or Bummis covers. Is this a better option than just buying more BG xs? If I get Bummis will I need a lot more covers because of the hidden PUL? I would really appreciate any advice, thank you!

BrileyLou · December 2010

I think it is mainly a cost issue.You don't get as much use out of a newborn diaper (a few months) as say a one size diaper (a few years). We did prefolds and fitteds for the newborn stage. Not much invested for something he won't fit into long. A few BG would be nice for convenience and out and about though. Also, newborns go through a TON of diapers so getting all BG would be really pricey to get you through 2 days.

carpozi · December 2010

we did prefolds for the newborn stage (GMD) and I really loved it. however, because DS is such a heavy wetter it doesn't work for the next size up but we never once had a blow out or mess with prefolds and thirsties covers (both duo and sized) unless DH didn't do the angel fold tight enough with the snappi. I registered for prefolds for my shower and got them so it was no expense for me except for a few thirsties which I'm still using now with Kissa's fitteds - so those will keep going the distance.

I agree - it's a lot of money to spend for a short amount of time, not to mention you can get to know what your LO's habits/body type is so that you can purchase what makes sense for the future! good luck!

plunderb · December 2010

The BG xs are really small. My daughter was big (9lbs 14oz) and the BG xs only fit her for 2-3 weeks. Her newborn fitteds (Thirsties Fab Fitted xs and Kissaluvs 0) still fit @ 2 months+.

xmeli554x · December 2010

Honestly, I didn't like using prefolds. I never felt like I could get the right fit, and I always had trouble with the Snappis!

My newborn stash consists of:

10 BG XS

6 RaR Lil' Joey

6 FB XS

8 KL0

2 Bummis Super Whisper wrap XS

2 Thirsties covers

I also have 2 dozen unbleached Indian prefolds and two snappis, but I only used the prefolds a few times.

ETA: I just packed up the newborn stash the other day, and E is 10 weeks old. We are hoping to have at least 1 more child, so we'll use this stash for any future children.

HElizabethDU · December 2010

We used disposables for the first week, and we had some RaR Lil Joeys, but she was already wearing the Rumparooz OS at 2 weeks, and she is 7lbs (so pretty small). I had some prefolds and covers, but hardly got any use out of them yet, I know I can use them anytime I want, but if you really like pockets, it may not be worth it to get prefolds and covers. Maybe just use disposables until LO is big enough, which may be sooner than you think!

I know for us we got a bunch of disposables at my showers, so we never spent a dime on the disposables..

Tricia879 · December 2010

I am using fitteds still and love them, pf's dont work for us bc DS is a heavy wetter. But yes most use them bc cost is lower. I have only purchased maybe 10 diapers total new. I bought some of the XS BG bc they are easier and assorted other types. I prefer pockets and fitteds, so I just sell what doesnt work for me and get the money back, I am also a OSFA person for after the NB stage. But I would def look into buying dipes used. I have some pf's I bought used that I am selling and some BG XS's and some small dreameze that I got new.. I use the bummis covers and have no issues with them with our fitteds.

Shortcake2675 · December 2010

We had 2 dozen orange edge prefolds and 6 KLOs. I hate the KLOs because I felt like they weren't absorbent. You change a newborns diaper enough as it is and the prefolds are really easy to care for and dry well.

They don't move much at that age, so if it takes a little longer to put on a prefold, no big deal. And with 5 covers, it wasn't a big deal if poo got on a cover. The Thirsties duo covers kept it all in.

And prefolds are much less expensive than AIOs. I was glad we hadn't put a lot of money into newborn diapers since she was in them for only 2 months and that's longer than a lot of newborns.

That said, I only have four PUL diapers, two PUL covers and I mostly use wool and prefolds during the day now, with some fitteds thrown in for when we're out (though snaps are my nemesis when I'm in a hurry) and fitteds for overnight.

ncbelle · December 2010

While I like the BG sized dipes, nothing holds in runny newborn poo like a prefold/fitted and cover with gussets ;-)

AMYRENEE27 · December 2010

xmeli554x:

Honestly, I didn't like using prefolds. I never felt like I could get the right fit, and I always had trouble with the Snappis!

My newborn stash consists of:

10 BG XS

6 RaR Lil' Joey

6 FB XS

8 KL0

2 Bummis Super Whisper wrap XS

2 Thirsties covers

I also have 2 dozen unbleached Indian prefolds and two snappis, but I only used the prefolds a few times.

ETA: I just packed up the newborn stash the other day, and E is 10 weeks old. We are hoping to have at least 1 more child, so we'll use this stash for any future children.

Which diapers were your favorite?? I have a similar NB stash for my twins on the way.

moussy · December 2010

I have 12 prefolds and coming up on 8 BG xs and 5 BG smalls. I love my BG's. They give her a little more stay dry feeling, require less thought at night, and are easy for my husband to use. He claims he is fine with prefolds, but I usually end up re-snappi-ing them when he isn't looking. He tends to forget the cover on my fitteds (KL0's and fab fitteds). That being said, I have had a few times when she leaked out the legs of her BG. I'm guessing I just didn't get them tight enough as she has a skinny waist and thighs. A prefold in the angel fold with a Bummis super brite (has PUL on the inside so it is re-usable) has yet fail me on even the worst explosive poops. I just get bored with them.

laurapalmer · December 2010

Thanks so much for all the information! It sounds like a mixture will probably work best for the newborn stage. Now I just have to figure out whether to get fitteds, prefolds, or both and what kind of cover

mamamimi77 · December 2010

my son is 4 months old and just outgrew his bg xs. we loved them as a newborn diaper. he was only 5lbs 14ozs so we couldnt use them for a few weeks but they lasted for a long time and we love them! they are so easy to use, i dont think we would have been able to do prefolds in the newborn stage. you have so much going on already it would be hard to keep up with them i think. good luck!

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