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Cloth Diapering
looking into cloth.. diff between pockets/ai2? trying out
hi all,
i spent all afternoon looking into cloth diaper/options and am somewhat overwhelmed. i have lots of time (only 5 weeks along) but with the 8+ newborns belonging to friends around me, i realized that NO ONE i know is using cloth diapers. one laughed at me when i mentioned it. there is no question in my mind that i want to use cloth diapers - i remember changing my baby bro's diaper when i was 10, and mom used cloth exclusively (except for the occasional free disposable), so i know it can be done.
from what i've read, it seems for us, that fitted or all-in-twos might be our best option (not entirely sure what the benefit of pocket diapers are over the ai2s). some seem very expensive and i hate to make an expensive mistake. has anyone ever bought used diapers to trial, or is something like jillian's a good option?
any thoughts would be very appreciated! thank you so much.
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Re: looking into cloth.. diff between pockets/ai2? trying out
I love pocket diapers. They are very easy to adjust the absorbancy and they dry much faster than the AIOs.
You could always do a CD trial to try the different types to see what you like. Jillians Drawers is a popular choice for that!.
GL!!
BFP #2: 8.31.16 Dx w/ GD @ 28w DD Born @ 36w: 4.21.17
hello,
thank you for responding! i don't think we'll go the AIO route, but am considering all in twos. but from what i'm reading it sounds like fitteds might be more leak proof?
do you have any thoughts on fitted vs. pockets?
so many choices!
With #1 I used an A-I-2. Basically it's a shell with an insert laid into it. When you go to change your baby, you remove the insert and then can use the shell again with a new insert. (Unless poo has gotten on the shell.) I would rotate 2 shells during the day so one could air out a while LO was in the 2nd one. I used flips.
With #2 I am using pockets. These are easier to use and they are a one time, once LO has gone, it's no good until you wash it type of diaper. You can control the absorbancy by adding more inserts.
I liked my flips, and I was lucky my daycare used them. However, I like the pockets more. I think my daycare will too.
You can try a diaper trial to see what you like before buying.
The kind of diaper you choose really comes down to what you like and what works for your family. They all have their pro's and cons. And everyone has a different preference.
What are your priorities? Cute, Budget, Organic, Quick Dry Time, Easy to Use...
My hubby likes AIO's because there is no stuffing etc but they take a bit longer to dry. I like the idea of one sizes but most are bulky on a small baby. So it really all depends my suggestion is to do a trial package or to buy a variety of ones you think you'll like and fill in when you have a better idea pf what works for you. You might also be able to find a consultant in your area, I do parties and consulting in NorCal.
wow, thank you all for the information. it's much easier to ask here than to scour the internet!
where would i find a consultant? unfortunately for me i am as far as i can get from you and still be in the same country. i was thinking about visiting a local diaper/baby supply store.
I would suggest visiting the local store. They will give you tons of info. Mine helped me out alot. We use pockets - they dry super fast and are easy IMO. But use fitteds and wool at night because they work the best for STTN!
BFP #2: 8.31.16 Dx w/ GD @ 28w DD Born @ 36w: 4.21.17
Once you get a little familar with it all then you can do a diaper trial. I like the idea of a customizable one because it lets you pick and choose what you are most interested in. For instance, I have no interest in the expense or long drying times of an AIO so I didn't want to test those. I would rather test all four of the most popular AI2 systems. Here is a link to one that is customizable (most are not):
https://www.diaperdaisy.com/Custom-Cloth-Diaper-Trial_p_9.html
My family is a Foreign Service family. Families like mine are posted in every corner of the globe. We live our lives away from family, friends and the conviences and comforts of home. We often live and work in dangerous places among those that misunderstand our intentions and purposes. Sometimes members of our ranks sacrifice our lives to further diplomacy. Please remember that we serve too. And I'm always open to questions.
A diaper trial is probably a good idea. But you can also make the decision based on what you and DH want out of diapering. We started with prefolds and covers because we CD for the money savings. We used newborn covers at first, but now we're in flips OS with snaps for the long term (we plan on CDing a second child someday, and velcro is less likely to last). I added in a few cute pocket diapers assuming DH would like them better, but he hates stuffing them, so we use the prefolds and flips for most of the day. Go figure.
I like AI2 because it's a more affordable option than pockets. You can buy 4-6 covers and a few dozen inserts, and that's all you need. To use pockets and wash every other day, you need a few dozen shells and at least as many inserts with a few extra for night time. If you prestuff them though, they're one of the easiest types to use. Plus the cuter diapers are usually pockets.
Then you have to decide if you want one size or fitted diapers. One size has rise snaps so you can make the diaper bigger and use them until potty training. Some people have problems with getting an exact fit or looking to bulky. Fitteds are more trim, and you can get a more exact fit. However, your LO won't fit in them forever, and you'll have to buy the next size up as they grow.
I definately recommend going to your local CDing store and looking at the diapers in person. Ask someone there if they'd be willing to walk you through the diapers and how to use them (as well as if they're reusable, weight ranges, prices, etc.). I didn't personally use a diaper trial. I wanted to use flips, so I purchased 2 and tried them when DS was in that transition stage where the newborn covers still fit but he could barely fit in his flips. Once I was sure they would work, I bought the rest of his OS stash. You could do the same once you have an idea of a couple brands you think you may like.
Best of luck to you. Check out the FAQs too. There's a ton of info there about the different kinds of diapers.
My local CD store offered a free CD class where they showed us all the options, passed them around for us to "play" with them and explained the pros/cons of each. I highly recommend seeing if your local store does something similar.
FWIW, we went with pockets so we could change absorbency. Plus, we had a lot of ppl who will be babysitting DD who were apprehensive about CDing and these were most like disposables.
Emerson Kate born 4/6/12, 5 lbs. 13 oz. 18 3/4 inches.
Happily expecting Baby Mac #2 around 4/13/14