CD ??

bellelamb · January 2013

I don't know enough about it obviously! How to you pretreat them? Can they be washed with lo regular laundry? Could they be washed with homemade detergent? Would it be worth doing it part time? Would it be worth starting now??

littleredfish · January 2013

If they are natural materials you wash a bunch of times (typically 3-5) to get the absorbancy up. Microfiber like they use in the pocket or AIO diapers just have to be washed once to get the factory grossness off. Some people use homemade detergent with no issues, I swear by Tide Powder.

A lot of people CD part time and find it worth while. I did my whole stash and acessories for under $300, probably closer to $360 now that I ordered more, but I did sell some I found I didn't like to buy more. So If you think you would only do it part time you wouldn't need to spend that much so I'd say if you think you'll spend more than $200 on diapers from now till potty training go for it! Plus you can sell them after, lots of people look for used to save some money and you can get some back.

ETA: The CD board FAQ is awesome, the board is so great about answering questions. Also if you type in Cloth Diapering 101 in youtube there is a wealth of great videos out there that are super informative.

tjkdlhb · January 2013

The CD board is awesome. So much useful advice. You can lurk there and ask questions too...also Cloth Diapering 101 series on youtube is great.

They can be washed with homemade detergent, or some people use ultra tide original scent. I use Tiny Bubbles from Costco, but it lasts forever. You only use about 1/4 of the recommended amount if you are using regular tide. Tiny Bubbles is a CD detergent so I use the amount on the box. I think most people who use homemade detergent use about 2 tbsp.

Since our babies have started solids, poopy diapers need to be rinsed before they go in the wash... at some magical point, it can just be plopped in the toilet. I only need to rinse one diaper or so a day, so it's NBD. I have a sprayer that attaches to my toilet and I spray them off. If I'm at my mom's I dunk the diaper in the toilet and swish it against the toilet to get the poop off... had I realized that it wasn't such a big deal, I probably wouldn't have bought the sprayer.

A typical wash cycle is

cold rinse, no detergent ~ to rinse out any extra pee

hot wash, small amount of detergent

extra cold rinse ~ so that any extra detergent comes out... too much detergent can coat the diapers and then they don't absorb as well.

You definitely could do it part time. Prefolds and covers are really easy to use and wash. Pocket diapers are also popular. You stuff an insert into the diaper. Cheaper pocket diapers that have great reviews are Kawaii and Alvababy.(roughly 6-8$ each) You could order one of each and see which fits your LO before buying more.

I like the prefolds because I just fold it into thirds and lay them on top of the diaper cover.

For full time diapering and washing every other day you'd need rougly 20-24 diapers. If you were doing part time, 15 would be a good number.

Prefolds are about 3-4$ each and Thirsties covers are about 13$ each. So, for example, I just ordered these prefolds at 12/$41

https://www.sweetbottomsbaby.com/Better-Fit-Unbleached-Indian-Prefolds.html

and you'd need about 3 covers

https://www.sweetbottomsbaby.com/Thirsties-Duo-Wrap_p_76.html

This site has free shipping, so 12 diaper changes would be less than $80

You use the same cover for several changes, unless it's dirty.

You also cannot use regular diaper cream or vaseline...because they coat the diapers

a lot of people swear by coconut oil.

other links: kawaii www.theluvyourbaby.com

www.alvababy.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVo6SMebcX8

tjkdlhb · January 2013

I'll sometimes wash them with towels or something, but usually since I cd full time I've got a full load. There's no reason you can't though, just do a cold rinse first.

LER091811 · January 2013

I find it really easy. In my opinion it would be worth starting now since it'll be at least a year before you start looking at potty training. Think of how many diapers you'll have to buy between then and now. My advise to you would be just to go on the more economical side with diapers like Kawaiis instead of pricier version. I don't really do anything special laundry wise, but I do use "Tiny Bubbles" which is a cloth diaper safe detergent. You can use it on all baby clothes and even your own clothes if you want, though I use Tide for our clothes. I just toss them all in, do a cold rise then wash them warm. It's very easy.

selockar · January 2013

It's easier than I thought it would be. I have many different kinds in my stash. If I had to do it again I would buy more covers and inserts or prefolds. I really like my flips. Covers and prefolds are a cheaper way to go, and they work great! I use tide powder for laundry. Prerinse cold, throw in towels or blankets, wash on hot, extra cold rinse. We have VERY hard water, so I use calgon every few washes. The cd board is great. They were very helpful when I had all my questions.

angelfire02 · January 2013

We have the BG Freetimes and most of the time I love it. It has saved us so much money and unless your kid is super boy, he isn't going to be potty trained for a few more years. I would think it would still be worth it, I wash ours every 2-3 days with just the diapers. We use liners so we don't have to rinse them. I also just feel so much better about not adding to the landfills nearly as much as we would without CDing, we use disposables at night and when we are going out for the entire day.

bellelamb · January 2013

So wait, your basically washing each load three times?? Rinse, wash, rinse?

You need to buy bigger diapers as lo grows right?? So what I'd but now wouldn't fit in say 6 months?? How many a day do you go though??
How many extra loads a week do you end up doing? Where do you put the dirty ones between use and washing?

I figured it out I spend about 200 a year per kid on diapers and that's on the high side. My toddler will be potty trained by this summer so I'm not worried about him.

I know I could ask on cding board I just feel like I know you girls and would rather ask here first.

LER091811 · January 2013

bellelamb:
So wait, your basically washing each load three times?? Rinse, wash, rinse? You need to buy bigger diapers as lo grows right?? So what I'd but now wouldn't fit in say 6 months?? How many a day do you go though?? How many extra loads a week do you end up doing? Where do you put the dirty ones between use and washing? I figured it out I spend about 200 a year per kid on diapers and that's on the high side. My toddler will be potty trained by this summer so I'm not worried about him. I know I could ask on cding board I just feel like I know you girls and would rather ask here first.

Most diapers are one-size, so that basically means they come with snaps that allow you to adjust the fit usually up to 35 pounds. For example my friend has an almost 3 year old and a 3 month old and they can both wear the same Grovia diaper, just adjusted differently. For my LO I go through probably 8 diapers a day, and I use a fitted hemp diaper for overnights.

bellelamb · January 2013

LER091811:
bellelamb:
So wait, your basically washing each load three times?? Rinse, wash, rinse?

You need to buy bigger diapers as lo grows right?? So what I'd but now wouldn't fit in say 6 months?? How many a day do you go though??
How many extra loads a week do you end up doing? Where do you put the dirty ones between use and washing?

I figured it out I spend about 200 a year per kid on diapers and that's on the high side. My toddler will be potty trained by this summer so I'm not worried about him.

I know I could ask on cding board I just feel like I know you girls and would rather ask here first.
 
Most diapers are one-size, so that basically means they come with snaps that allow you to adjust the fit usually up to 35 pounds. For example my friend has an almost 3 year old and a 3 month old and they can both wear the same Grovia diaper, just adjusted differently. For my LO I go through probably 8 diapers a day, and I use a fitted hemp diaper for overnights. 

Do they get longer from top to bottom?? My boys are super long and skinny so they pee out the top if diapers aren't long and skinny. Wow 8 a day ok, humm I use 3 or 4 a day now, unless they're sick.

Thanks for answering my dumb questions like I said I don't know enough to even know if it's something I want to look into more.

tjkdlhb · January 2013

bellelamb:
So wait, your basically washing each load three times?? Rinse, wash, rinse? You need to buy bigger diapers as lo grows right?? So what I'd but now wouldn't fit in say 6 months?? How many a day do you go though?? How many extra loads a week do you end up doing? Where do you put the dirty ones between use and washing? I figured it out I spend about 200 a year per kid on diapers and that's on the high side. My toddler will be potty trained by this summer so I'm not worried about him. I know I could ask on cding board I just feel like I know you girls and would rather ask here first.

It takes about 15 minutes of time. It's not like you are watching the machine.

The diapers that I bought are one-size, so they fit from 10 lbs to 35 lbs, so no you don't need to buy more diapers. I bought a mix of pocket diapers, All in one and prefolds/covers. The covers have snaps on them so you can adjust the fit. For reference, my nephew is wearingsome of the same brands of diapers as DD. She fit in them from 9 lbs and he is 28 lbs and still has room to grow.

I go through about 8-10 a day.

I do roughly 3 loads a week.

Any more questions, ask away! I really love CDing... and yes, I know how weird that sounds.

tjkdlhb · January 2013

bellelamb:
LER091811:
bellelamb:
So wait, your basically washing each load three times?? Rinse, wash, rinse? You need to buy bigger diapers as lo grows right?? So what I'd but now wouldn't fit in say 6 months?? How many a day do you go though?? How many extra loads a week do you end up doing? Where do you put the dirty ones between use and washing? I figured it out I spend about 200 a year per kid on diapers and that's on the high side. My toddler will be potty trained by this summer so I'm not worried about him. I know I could ask on cding board I just feel like I know you girls and would rather ask here first.
Most diapers are one-size, so that basically means they come with snaps that allow you to adjust the fit usually up to 35 pounds. For example my friend has an almost 3 year old and a 3 month old and they can both wear the same Grovia diaper, just adjusted differently. For my LO I go through probably 8 diapers a day, and I use a fitted hemp diaper for overnights.
Do they get longer from top to bottom?? My boys are super long and skinny so they pee out the top if diapers aren't long and skinny. Wow 8 a day ok, humm I use 3 or 4 a day now, unless they're sick. Thanks for answering my dumb questions like I said I don't know enough to even know if it's something I want to look into more.

yes, there are snaps on the rise that adjust the length of the diaper.

bellelamb · January 2013

tjkdlhb
That's ok I think I feel the same about couponing as you do cding : and I appreciate that help. I'm honestly just worried about that much extra laundry I already do 810 loads a week and I HATE laundry! Like today we're stuck home all morning so I can do 3 loads.

If my washer has an extra rinse cycle on it would I have to do the rinse after the wash?? I know it may seem silly but trying to get to the basement with a toddler and my lo who crawls and creeps into everything is no easy task. Insert smile if I wasn't on my phone

tjkdlhb · January 2013

bellelamb:
tjkdlhb That's ok I think I feel the same about couponing as you do cding : and I appreciate that help. I'm honestly just worried about that much extra laundry I already do 810 loads a week and I HATE laundry! Like today we're stuck home all morning so I can do 3 loads. If my washer has an extra rinse cycle on it would I have to do the rinse after the wash?? I know it may seem silly but trying to get to the basement with a toddler and my lo who crawls and creeps into everything is no easy task. Insert smile if I wasn't on my phone

No, that would be enough to get the soap out. Mine doesn't have that feature.

I don't like laundry...but for some reason I don't mind doing the diaper loads...maybe because they're cute! And I don't need to fold...

selockar · January 2013

I hate laundry, but CD laundry is easy. My washer has an extra rinse cycle, but no pre rinse. I have to let it run once with out detergent, then go back add detergent and run it again with a extra rinse at the end. The first cycle is very short and I usually run errands during the second cycle. When I get home I hang them to dry. Prefolds and inserts can al be put in the dryer. I try not to put my diapers with pul in the dryer, but it does happen occasionally.

My 3yr old. is potty trained, but still needs a diaper at night. He fits in the same diapers I put my 8 month old in. Just change the rise on it. They have cd trials at several online stores. You could try one and see if you like it. It also gives you a chance to try different kinds.

stoneycakes · January 2013

I think all of the PPs answered your questions, but I just wanted to add that co-ops on facebook are a great place to buy diapers inexpensively. Kawaiis and Alvas are very popular brands and are easy to get on co-ops for usually $4-$5 apiece. You have to wait a little longer for delivery, but it's worth it to save the money, especially if you're buying a lot. Not sure if you said whether your middle one is PT'ed or not, but I have some Happy Flute side snapping diapers that I love for my little guy and they work well as trainers for toddlers because they pull up and down. Those might something to consider, too.

angelfire02 · January 2013

My kids go through 6-8 diapers a day, but I change them as soon as I know they are wet because the cloth diapers do not suck the pee away from their skin like the disposables do and they can get more irritated because of this. It's not a big deal, I have an HE machine so I just put them in on the 'hot' or 'sanitize' cycle with any extra rinse cycle and that works for me. I use Tide powder for the diapers and have had a lot fewer issues then when I was using the Rockin' Green for cloth diapers. I also wash at least every 3 days otherwise they smell too much for me to handle. I can wash 18-24 at a time. I also have the all in ones so they fit from about 8lbs and will work until my kids are potty trained. There are some that are sized but the all in ones with the adjustable snaps work great for us. My kids leak out of the disposables at night at the top, but haven't had any issues with the cloth during the day.

bellelamb · January 2013

Thanks everyone!!
I have a lot to think about I guess! I just can't imagine having to change that much more often or that much more laundry. I know I sound lazy

But I do like the idea of saving and landfill space! Lots to think about

najzomax · January 2013

I just started to CD part time this week. I bought 6 used locally for $5 each. Today I got to about dinner before I had to switch back to disposables because I ran out of cloth. I am planning to buy more cloth once we are close to running out.

It's not as bad as it sounds and diapers are the easiest laundry I have!

I found a seller on eBay that sells Shine Baby diapers for about $5 ea is you buy 10 or more.

i figure at $5 each I will spend about $80 on cloth diapers and that is only 2 months of diapers for me. I am trying to find ways to save money so I don't have to go back to work when my mat leave ends in May. I figure an extra load of laundry is worth it for me if it helps me stay home with LO.

stemms8810 · January 2013

Everyone else gave good advice but I wanted to share that I started when my LO was about 5 months old so it's never too late to start. Also, I technically CD part time and it's totally worth it! Our DC provides diapers and wipes in the cost so we don't take any diapers to DC. We do it evenings, nights, and weekends. Right now I have 22 diapers for part time use but I may get a few more just because!

stemms8810 · January 2013

najzomax:
I just started to CD part time this week. I bought 6 used locally for $5 each. Today I got to about dinner before I had to switch back to disposables because I ran out of cloth. I am planning to buy more cloth once we are close to running out.
It's not as bad as it sounds and diapers are the easiest laundry I have!
I found a seller on eBay that sells Shine Baby diapers for about $5 ea is you buy 10 or more.
i figure at $5 each I will spend about $80 on cloth diapers and that is only 2 months of diapers for me. I am trying to find ways to save money so I don't have to go back to work when my mat leave ends in May. I figure an extra load of laundry is worth it for me if it helps me stay home with LO.

This is me too! I know it sounds strange but diaper laundry is so simple. There is no folding or hanging, like clothes. I have actually come to enjoy it! I would rather do diaper laundry than other laundry any day!

michellepeanut · January 2013

Love love love CDing! The information available is a bit overwhelming at first but the ladies on the CD board are awesome! My main bit of advice is to not buy just one brand/style (you'll hear this a lot) everything fits really differently and different types of diapers are great for different things.

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