Lets have a cloth diapering roll call

mrstengallonhat1 · February 2014

@Mirdamae03 @kitchencolors @ABColeslaw @Allibob, thanks ladies! This was super helpful.

ABColeslaw · February 2014

You don't need a special detergent for covers, but you'll wash them with your dipes, so you'll end up using whatever it is you use anyway.

RachelCA29 · February 2014

Thanks @kitchencolors

In preparation for starting to CD this Spring we've already stopped using dryer sheets and got dryer balls instead. I've heard the build up in the dryer wasn't good for CDs, so I wanted a few months to get rid of any build up that we've created over the past 2 years of using our current dryer with our Bounty sheets. My husband hasn't seemed to notice our non-"softened" clothes.

ETA: Thanks to @JmeJme and @ABColeslaw too!

ABColeslaw · February 2014

RachelCA29 said:

Thanks @kitchencolors

In preparation for starting to CD this Spring we've already stopped using dryer sheets and got dryer balls instead. I've heard the build up in the dryer wasn't good for CDs, so I wanted a few months to get rid of any build up that we've created over the past 2 years of using our current dryer with our Bounty sheets. My husband hasn't seemed to notice our non-"softened" clothes.

Interesting. I've never used dryer sheets because they break out my H's skin. But this is good to know for when I pass along cd info.

JAM85 · February 2014

@tjkdlhb I've seen the flushable liners before any my question is if I am using covers then would that mean I use cloth inserts and stick the liners on top of them? This was a relatively new thing I discovered- so we would still be washing diapers just not with poop on it from what I understand.

@kitchencolors it is more like it breaks down better in a landfill as I don't have a compost right now as we rent in a condo. I want to be moving to full cloth eventually once DH is more comfortable.

QOTR · February 2014

Re: the laundry question, I bookmarked this to print later. Can the veterans weigh in on the use of the wet towels in the front loading HE? Do you find that step necessary?

ABColeslaw · February 2014

JAM85 said:

@tjkdlhb I've seen the flushable liners before any my question is if I am using covers then would that mean I use cloth inserts and stick the liners on top of them? This was a relatively new thing I discovered- so we would still be washing diapers just not with poop on it from what I understand. @kitchencolors it is more like it breaks down better in a landfill as I don't have a compost right now as we rent in a condo. I want to be moving to full cloth eventually once DH is more comfortable.

Yes the liners would go on top of the cloth. The thing is, they suck with nb poop...it is too runny, so that is more for something you'll use once you have plopable poop

runningyogimama · February 2014

QOTR said:
Re: the laundry question, I bookmarked this to print later. Can the veterans weigh in on the use of the wet towels in the front loading HE? Do you find that step necessary?

That sounds like a lot of unnecessary work, unless you find out your diapers aren't getting clean enough down the line and need to throw in a wet towel. I just do a rinse/spin, heavy duty wash, and then an extra rinse. And I only rinse poopy diapers, and that was only after starting solids.

RachelCA29 · February 2014

ABColeslaw said:

JAM85 said:

@tjkdlhb I've seen the flushable liners before any my question is if I am using covers then would that mean I use cloth inserts and stick the liners on top of them? This was a relatively new thing I discovered- so we would still be washing diapers just not with poop on it from what I understand. @kitchencolors it is more like it breaks down better in a landfill as I don't have a compost right now as we rent in a condo. I want to be moving to full cloth eventually once DH is more comfortable.

Yes the liners would go on top of the cloth. The thing is, they suck with nb poop...it is too runny, so that is more for something you'll use once you have plopable poop

You know what I think causes a lot of confusion with the disposable/flush-able liner thing? G-Diapers! Because their disposable inserts are like a replacement for a cloth insert that any other CD system uses, people think of liners and the G-Diaper inserts as the same thing. It add confusion in the language because both are flush-able.

So when people start researching all the different types of Cloth Diapers they learn about covers/shells and inserts as the 2 pieces that all non-AIO cloth diapers need to work. And then flush-able liners are like an accessory you can use. Then you go to the G-Diaper website and they are talking about these flush-able inserts and it just mixes people up when they are still learning the lingo of Cloth Diapers - I know this tripped my husband up for a while.

tjkdlhb · February 2014

JAM85 said:

@tjkdlhb I've seen the flushable liners before any my question is if I am using covers then would that mean I use cloth inserts and stick the liners on top of them? This was a relatively new thing I discovered- so we would still be washing diapers just not with poop on it from what I understand. @kitchencolors it is more like it breaks down better in a landfill as I don't have a compost right now as we rent in a condo. I want to be moving to full cloth eventually once DH is more comfortable.

yes. The liners are meant to catch the poop. We haven't had any trouble with them clogging the toilet... except for the time DH decided to flush a full wetbag's worth of liners at the same time :-S
They aren't designed for septic systems.

And, yes, newborn poop is runnier, so it would catch some, but not all of it.

RachelCA29 · February 2014

kitchencolors said:

That makes sense @RachelCA29! I didn't realize G Diapers said they are flushable. I would ONLY flush those in an industrial type flush toilet, never in my own. No way those wouldn't clog our toilets.

I would never flush a G-Diaper insert - I've heard horror stories of people having to do a lot of plumbing work due to massive clogs; especially in older houses (potential roots invading pipes, etc.). I'm even planning to avoid flush-able liners for this reason. Just to be safe.

tjkdlhb · February 2014

Yeah, the whole insert/liner thing is confusing.

Inserts - absorb the pee. (thicker)

Liners act as a barrier - either to prevent non CD safe cream from getting on the diaper, to make it easier to get rid of poop, or in the case of fleece liners, to prevent wetness from touching baby's bottom. (thin, single layer)

The top layer is a liner
middle layer - insert (prefold in this case, but there are other types)
diaper cover

The liner is totally optional... but you NEED to have an absorbent part (insert) and a cover for the diaper to work. Different types have different configurations

All-in-ones for example have the insert and cover built together so it goes on like a disposable, no stuffing.

Pocket diapers you need to stuff the insert inside a pocket in the cover. The entire diaper needs to be changed each time

All-in-twos you lay the insert (such as a prefold) on top of the cover, and you only need to change the cover if it gets dirty.

LunaBug924 · February 2014

So I have a question about creams/ointments/powders and such since now I've read in a few places that you have to use special products with CDs. So can someone make a list of the no-nos, and give some recommendations of brands you can use that are still fairly accessible in stores?

Roufi · February 2014

@spacepotatoes & @jmejme - thanks for the feedback! This is stuff that I've been worrying about, and your comments are reassuring.
I think I'm still leaning towards less newborns just because I hate the idea of spending as much or more on diapers that will only be used for a couple months max (and I've even heard of some babies who outgrew them, if not right away, then within a week or 2). The uncertainty of it bugs me lol, so I'm thinking that newborn will be a pretty good time span to cheap out on cloth and supplement with sposies. And while he still spends the vast majority of time sleeping (even if it is in short spurts) seems like as good a time as any to do laundry more often.

Question for you CD vets: anytime I have researched people's wash routines there are usually notes on stripping the diapers and I just don't get it - what is stripping? Why/how often should one do it?

TaylorHam86 · February 2014

kristine526 said:

I spent most of my afternoon on the CD swap on FB and on diaperswappers looking for ways to enhance my stash, since right now all I have are 15 OSBG 3.0's

I'm late to the party so excuse me if I end up posting several times in a row as I catch up. FTM and I'm super excited to CD.

@Kristine526 I did that today too!

As I mentioned on FB, so far I have a handful of BG and Swaddlebees AIOs. I'm still catching on to the lingo, but the Swaddlebees have a liner that is sewn in on side and untucks in the wash, and there's room to stuff. The tags say AIO, but does that make them a hybrid?

I also ordered a handful of OS Rumparooz, Alva, and Sunbaby pockets today on a CD trading website.

That's all I've got so far. I'm just warming up and getting super excited. My husband is on board with the daddy-friendly AIOs, but I plan to get prefolds as well, especially for the newborn stage since I expect baby boy to grow out of them quickly (DH and I are both very tall, and my 7 year old SS looks like he's 11 years old.). I'd rather put more money into the ones we'll get more use out of.

TaylorHam86 · February 2014

pistolpackinmomma said:

Me!!!!! I need to find the time now that my stuff has come in to finally get to try to DIY some pockets myself!

I was thinking about this earlier and wondered if you'd started yet. Can't wait to see yours!

ABColeslaw · February 2014

LunaBug924 said:

So I have a question about creams/ointments/powders and such since now I've read in a few places that you have to use special products with CDs. So can someone make a list of the no-nos, and give some recommendations of brands you can use that are still fairly accessible in stores?

So vaseline based ointments are out. They will kill the absorb of your dipes. This will include vase, desatin, aquaphor, butt paste, stuff like that. I use coconut oil, it is nice and easy and I don't have to wait for it to go on sale

NorthernGal248 · February 2014

I have a question - I'm not planning on cloth diaperering but I am curious!

How often do you change the diapers if it's only pee? One of my friends said she only changes the babies diaper twice a day unless there is poop involved. I find this very odd.

ABColeslaw · February 2014

NorthernGal248 said:

I have a question - I'm not planning on cloth diaperering but I am curious!
How often do you change the diapers if it's only pee? One of my friends said she only changes the babies diaper twice a day unless there is poop involved. I find this very odd.

ummm no. A change a newb every 2 hours regardless of poop. An older baby every 2.5-3 hours. More often when poop is involved. The rules don't change, no one wants shit or piss on their skin for long periods of time. That will burn the skin.

busterbeagle · February 2014

I have poop in my washing machine! (Just kidding. The sprayer takes care of that shit, for real).

ABColeslaw · February 2014

I love my sprayer, I know a lot of people live without them, but I just can't.

TaylorHam86 · February 2014

This might be a stupid question, but I've tried to go ogle (

) and can't figure it out.

What is GMD? And what are workhorses?

ABColeslaw · February 2014

TaylorHam86 said:

This might be a stupid question, but I've tried to go ogle ( ) and can't figure it out.

What is GMD? And what are workhorses?

www.greenmoutaindiapers.com

Green Mountain Diapers. Usually referring to prefolds...which are amazing. Workhorses are GMDs fitted diaper...also amazing.

pistolpackinmomma · February 2014

rt4life said:
We are planning on it this time around. I've got an array of different diapers. BG pockets, free times and nb size. Some thx, g diapers, groVias, TT's.

My question is...we are planing on circumsizing our son. But I'm not sure how to care for it and protect the cloth diapers..

We did sposies but you can also use a fleece liner. Some claim the Vaseline never came through the gauze but I don't have personal experience with that. If this one is a boy he will also be circ'd but I have heard of using coconut oil instead. I need to do more research.

ABColeslaw · February 2014

ErBear1010 said:

I am just now opening this and if I go through all 4 pages I will totally forget my questions. So 1-if they've been answered..sorry. 2-if they are stupid..sorry again. And one of them is actually pretty stupid so you're welcome for the laugh.
1. Why don't people like pockets? I have a couple pockets that I've gotten because I'm trying them out..but I have a bunch of different kinds to try out.
2. Ok-this is the stupid question so get ready. I was reading about the pre-rinsing-which makes sense. Here's my issue. My washer is old. Like, a very basic, old washing machine. It was here when we moved into the house and we just haven't needed to replace it. Here's the issue-I'm not sure it has a pre-rinse cycle. Seriously. So...do I wash everything twice? What do I do? (yeah..I'm aware this is a dumb question...forgive me)

Neither is dumb.

1. I hate pockets because the material the inserts are made out of give me the shivers. The feeling so my skin dragging on it as I stuff, fuck I could die. I'm also lazy and stuffing isn't something I like to do.

2. I have an old washer. If you have one cycle, then you turn the knob to the end of the cycle that is the rinse and start the wash from there, you may have to play around to figure out where that is if you washer in ancient. Then when it is done, you start a regular wash.

pistolpackinmomma · February 2014

Peaceb0ne said:
We're going to cloth diaper starting with prefolds and covers and a few AIOs/pockets. We'll see how we like those and build our stash from there. One thing that I'm not quite clear on is the washing regimen for soiled diapers for babies who aren't on solids yet. My understanding: Rinse (cold, warm, or hot?), then standard wash cycle (hot)? Do you need to rinse twice after the wash cycle? I've read good things about tide original powder detergent and CDs. Do any of you experienced ladies care to share your wash routine?

I run mine on heavy duty with a prewash, extra rinse and extra spin. Use enough tide powder for the size of my load and then dry on medium.

mmks · February 2014

We will CD this baby too. (Thanks, this thread helped me remember that I had a load in the wash!) My son is only using dipes for nap and bed and I do have to say that it is SOOO nice not to have to do wash every other day, but I do notice that they are much smellier now that I'm not washing as often, but that makes sense.
Throwing in my 2 cents based on the posts I read....we never rinsed our diapers. I put the breastfed poop right into the washer and never had any issues. After we started solids, they were usually poops that we could 'peel and plop' into the toilet. When the poops were less than solid, we would use tp to get as much as we could off and then into the bag it went. Always did a rinse wash cycle before adding soap though.
My husband is still not totally sold on the whole CD deal, but will actually do the laundry now that I typed out a list of steps for the wash - I wish I'd done that years ago!
We use mostly OS pockets, but I think I'll do mostly prefolds and covers for the nb size this time.
My biggest piece of advice is to never put anything with PUL in the dryer. Didn't think it would matter at the beginning and have had many of my diapers lose their lamination after awhile.

becky7683 · February 2014

We're thinking about cloth diapering part time - our daycare doesn't do cloth diapers, but we're both teachers so we think we'd be saving money just doing weekends and summers. Anyone else in the same boat? My sister in law has mentioned sending us her supply ... fingers crossed!

ABColeslaw · February 2014

becky7683 said:

We're thinking about cloth diapering part time - our daycare doesn't do cloth diapers, but we're both teachers so we think we'd be saving money just doing weekends and summers. Anyone else in the same boat? My sister in law has mentioned sending us her supply ... fingers crossed!

You def still save money AND if your daycare needs you to send sposie, send cheap ones. They have to change very reg so it won't affect your clothes any.

pistolpackinmomma · February 2014

TaylorHam86 said:

pistolpackinmomma said:

Me!!!!! I need to find the time now that my stuff has come in to finally get to try to DIY some pockets myself!

I was thinking about this earlier and wondered if you'd started yet. Can't wait to see yours!

No I'm a super slacker over here. I spent all last week prepping my house for my parents to stay and then the weekend in Florida. I'm hoping to get them cut out in the next day or two and get started.

runningyogimama · February 2014

@erbear1010 I love pockets! Stuffing only takes a few minutes, and I'm slowly replacing microfiber with bamboo, but the BG microfiber doesn't bother me as much as other brands.

rainydayluck · February 2014

ABColeslaw said:

ErBear1010 said:

I am just now opening this and if I go through all 4 pages I will totally forget my questions. So 1-if they've been answered..sorry. 2-if they are stupid..sorry again. And one of them is actually pretty stupid so you're welcome for the laugh.
1. Why don't people like pockets? I have a couple pockets that I've gotten because I'm trying them out..but I have a bunch of different kinds to try out.
2. Ok-this is the stupid question so get ready. I was reading about the pre-rinsing-which makes sense. Here's my issue. My washer is old. Like, a very basic, old washing machine. It was here when we moved into the house and we just haven't needed to replace it. Here's the issue-I'm not sure it has a pre-rinse cycle. Seriously. So...do I wash everything twice? What do I do? (yeah..I'm aware this is a dumb question...forgive me)

Neither is dumb.

1. I hate pockets because the material the inserts are made out of give me the shivers. The feeling so my skin dragging on it as I stuff, fuck I could die. I'm also lazy and stuffing isn't something I like to do.

2. I have an old washer. If you have one cycle, then you turn the knob to the end of the cycle that is the rinse and start the wash from there, you may have to play around to figure out where that is if you washer in ancient. Then when it is done, you start a regular wash.

Pocket diapers do have a weird feeling when you stuff them. I have a ton of pocket diapers (like 45…. I went a little crazy) from DD and won't be buying new ones for this LO since it would be a waste. That being said, if I had to do it all over, I would have done prefolds. They stand up to more abuse, you don't have to pull the inserts out before washing and restuff after washing.

ABColeslaw · February 2014

rainydayluck said:

ABColeslaw said:

ErBear1010 said:

I am just now opening this and if I go through all 4 pages I will totally forget my questions. So 1-if they've been answered..sorry. 2-if they are stupid..sorry again. And one of them is actually pretty stupid so you're welcome for the laugh.
1. Why don't people like pockets? I have a couple pockets that I've gotten because I'm trying them out..but I have a bunch of different kinds to try out.
2. Ok-this is the stupid question so get ready. I was reading about the pre-rinsing-which makes sense. Here's my issue. My washer is old. Like, a very basic, old washing machine. It was here when we moved into the house and we just haven't needed to replace it. Here's the issue-I'm not sure it has a pre-rinse cycle. Seriously. So...do I wash everything twice? What do I do? (yeah..I'm aware this is a dumb question...forgive me)

Neither is dumb.

1. I hate pockets because the material the inserts are made out of give me the shivers. The feeling so my skin dragging on it as I stuff, fuck I could die. I'm also lazy and stuffing isn't something I like to do.

2. I have an old washer. If you have one cycle, then you turn the knob to the end of the cycle that is the rinse and start the wash from there, you may have to play around to figure out where that is if you washer in ancient. Then when it is done, you start a regular wash.

Pocket diapers do have a weird feeling when you stuff them. I have a ton of pocket diapers (like 45…. I went a little crazy) from DD and won't be buying new ones for this LO since it would be a waste. That being said, if I had to do it all over, I would have done prefolds. They stand up to more abuse, you don't have to pull the inserts out before washing and restuff after washing.

right and you do have to sep the inserts from the pockets, which I know makes me sound lazy...I am lazy.

ecinereb · February 2014

Yes we are! I have a pretty good NB stash ready and I'm doing a registry at a cloth diaper store for OS.

ArmyMedic7588 · February 2014

I'm in the CD boat!! Or at least thats what we're planning on. I found a great trial thing through Jillian's Drawers for NB size (I think they have another trial for OS also) that I'm excited to place my order for soon (you can order 3 months out from your due date and then the actual diaper trial doesn't start until you actually USE the diapers). But I've also been looking into other brands/types that are not included in the different varieties that they give in the trial.

I was gonna ask what creams are ok to use for CD, but looks like someone beat me to it! I'm sure I'll think of something between now and baby... and after! haha So happy to see so many May mommas planning to CD!!

ABColeslaw · February 2014

I should concede that even though I hate pockets, I do own pockets as an overnight solution, because really you can adjust the absorb to what you need so easily. I use GNHWs.

NorthernGal248 · February 2014

ABColeslaw said:

NorthernGal248 said:

I have a question - I'm not planning on cloth diaperering but I am curious!
How often do you change the diapers if it's only pee? One of my friends said she only changes the babies diaper twice a day unless there is poop involved. I find this very odd.

ummm no. A change a newb every 2 hours regardless of poop. An older baby every 2.5-3 hours. More often when poop is involved. The rules don't change, no one wants shit or piss on their skin for long periods of time. That will burn the skin.

I thought what she said didn't sound right! Thank you for clearing that up for me.

BTW I think all of you ladies who cloth diaper are amazing!

Jillzy86 · February 2014

Super excited to start CDing in May. My DH was the one who got me on board and is even creating an awesome changing station in our bathroom to make it easy! I put all my cloth diapers on my registry at Babies R US ( I know there are many other less expensive places to get them but this will be easier if people want to give them as a gift) so hopefully the start up cost won't be that high. Please let me know if this is a good stash to have. I know many people have the brands they love so let me know what works best?

1 box 40ct newborn gDiaper disposable inserts.
6 pack OsoCozy prefolds
10 pack Gerber cloth diapers
6 small gDiaper cloth inserts
6 m/l gDiaper cloth inserts

GDiaper Newborn bundle
-12 NB gPants
- 8 small gPNts
- 80 disposable inserts

Covers
2pk medium gDiapers
2pk All in One bumGenius covers
2pk All in one Flip w/ 6 inserts
5 pack bumGenius 4.0 w/ 6 inserts, 1 wet bag and 3 flannel wips
6 Charlie Banana w/ 12 inserts

I also registered for 2 diaper pail liners one for each bathroom and two wet bags.
Did I go over board or not enough?
Are these brands alright?
Edit for spelling

ABColeslaw · February 2014

NorthernGal248 said:

ABColeslaw said:

NorthernGal248 said:

I have a question - I'm not planning on cloth diaperering but I am curious!
How often do you change the diapers if it's only pee? One of my friends said she only changes the babies diaper twice a day unless there is poop involved. I find this very odd.

ummm no. A change a newb every 2 hours regardless of poop. An older baby every 2.5-3 hours. More often when poop is involved. The rules don't change, no one wants shit or piss on their skin for long periods of time. That will burn the skin.

I thought what she said didn't sound right! Thank you for clearing that up for me.

BTW I think all of you ladies who cloth diaper are amazing!

tell you friend to be kind to her kid's behind dude. I can't imagine changing twice in a day. Its downright yucky when you think about it.

ecinereb · February 2014

Questions now that I've read through.

A few of you mentioned a bleach for used dipes. I'm got a few used ones so how would this work? Soak in bleach water, add bleach to the wash cycle, other??

Does anyone use wool? We're planning to do wool covers especially at night once baby is a bit older. I'm confused about lanolizing (sp?) for wool and if the wash routine is different.

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