Lets have a cloth diapering roll call

cnbean · February 2014

Since there have been a couple questions about wool, I'll chime in. Wool is great because it it both absorbent and water resistant. So its really good for overnights to get a little extra leak protection. It does have to be hand washed otherwise it will shrink, and it takes forever to dry.

The upside is you don't have to wash very often. I only had 2 covers and would just hang the used one out in between changes to dry from any wetness that got on it. Unless they got poop on them or started to smell like pee when dry I didn't wash them. It ended up working out to washing about once a month.

The whole lanolizing process scared the crap out of me at first, but its not that bad. I just looked up a couple videos on youtube and went for it.

Hopefully that answered some of the wool related questions, and made sense!

usernewname · February 2014

Ok. Dumb question.

When I think wool I think itchy and uncomfortable. Is a certain type of wool used for covers? How is it comfortable for those little bottoms?

cynthiarene · February 2014

We are doing prefolds with Thirsties covers for the newborn phase, and we have a basic start on some AIOs and pockets for when he fits in them. I'm so relieved that so far daycares are on board with them - win! I was nervous we'd have to do disposables during the day.

My main question right now is on detergents... We went to a class and the woman was pro-Tide. I use some mainstream cleaners in the house, but I hate the idea of using such a strong product on something that will go on LO's skin. Should I get over it because of the extra rinse? Or try something less harsh? Any input appreciated!

tjkdlhb · February 2014

cynthiarene said:

We are doing prefolds with Thirsties covers for the newborn phase, and we have a basic start on some AIOs and pockets for when he fits in them. I'm so relieved that so far daycares are on board with them - win! I was nervous we'd have to do disposables during the day.

My main question right now is on detergents... We went to a class and the woman was pro-Tide. I use some mainstream cleaners in the house, but I hate the idea of using such a strong product on something that will go on LO's skin. Should I get over it because of the extra rinse? Or try something less harsh? Any input appreciated!

I use Tiny Bubbles and love it.
I tried Tide when DD was a newborn, but she was sensitive to it. I haven't tried it since to see if she has outgrown the sensitivity.

ArmyMedic7588 · February 2014

Just needed an AW moment... just ordered my first CD supplies! Just a few items but none the less so excited that I finally did and SUPER excited to get them and just play around with them! I know I'm crazy... its been a long day! haha

kristine526 · February 2014

Someone (if my husband asks, it wasn't me) just bought and is having sent to our house some Lil Joey's NB AIO's, thirsties covers, bummis covers, swaddlebees covers. And I have a friend who is so very awesomely giving us some NB BG AIO's.

Prefolds, and a few more covers and I should be sitting pretty nice.

Oh, and I just applied for two positions with Cotton Babies, because ya know, that couldn't ever end badly...

yogasailmomma · February 2014

I just wanted to say thank you for this post! Helped answer so many questions I had! I am a FTM and excited about cloth diapering for many reasons despite the reactions of my friends and family. My husband is on board because we will save money but everyone else just tells me I will hate it. To hell with them all :-@

frasey · February 2014

Word to my fellow cd mamas! Pocket lover right here. This baby will be cd'd from day 1. We have a full stash I currently use for dd but I did get some nb dipes too. I have kawaiis, a few bgs, a few thxs, and a few happy hineys. Love!

We use tide. Ive tried others like charlies, tlt, nellies, but never ended up really liking anything. Dipes just never seemed clean enough. And tide is cheap so thats a bonus!

we used wool and fleece over fitteds for a while overnight but I got tired of the work it was to wash the wool. We went back to our kawaii gnhws and theyve been great.

the other thing.... I see lotsa people saying that youndont know anyone who uses cds in real life. I can almost guarantee that will change once you start doing it. People just start coming out of the woodwork who cd too! Its kinda cool.

bostongrl23 · February 2014

I'm really late to this thread and I tried to skim and see if this had already been asked, so I apologize if I missed it!!

We are planning to CD, I'm just wondering if it's worth it to CD right from the beginning and get newborn ones, or do disposables until the one size fit?

Has anyone done disposables and then switched? I'm curious on that cost difference. If I decided to do CD right from the beginning how many newborn sizes would I need?

Thank you ladies!!

pistolpackinmomma · February 2014

bostongrl23 said:
I'm really late to this thread and I tried to skim and see if this had already been asked, so I apologize if I missed it!!

We are planning to CD, I'm just wondering if it's worth it to CD right from the beginning and get newborn ones, or do disposables until the one size fit?

Has anyone done disposables and then switched? I'm curious on that cost difference. If I decided to do CD right from the beginning how many newborn sizes would I need?

Thank you ladies!!

We did it from the beginning. Knowing he wouldn't be in them long we chose to go cheap with prefolds and covers (thirsties duos). We used those until about 8 weeks I think and then he fit into one size after that. DS was so incredibly picky that we saved money because the slightest dribble in a sposie and he wanted changed.

ecinereb · February 2014

Another question:

I've heard lots about CharlieBanana's lately. Can people who love/hate them weigh in? Also because they can use disposable or re-usable inserts are the similiar to g diapers and/or flips?
If you use them with re-useable inserts are they any different from any other pocket?

laurblum · February 2014

We are def planning to try! I am optimistic and so is DH. I think we are going to wait until 3-4 months before we start because I want to be past the first surge of changing diapers constantly. I don't know whether to do pockets or all in ones though.

blibby0713 · February 2014

Yes! Kinda excited to try it out.

Divine0chaos · February 2014

Can't wait to cloth diaper lo! I'm doing a stash of grovia hybrids and BG 4.0's I may try AIO I'm not the biggest fan from what I've read, and I plan on get if a fitted for night time just in case.

KaraS12 · February 2014

yeay for CDs!! I'm a FTM, and my SIL got me hooked...right now we have BG elementals and grovia newborn AIOs. Plus, I have some prefolds and covers in multiple sizes. I *think* I want to stick with prefolds and a few AIOs for people who babysit or at church....but maybe I will be surprised and love something else. Oh, I also bought two BG 4.0s just to try pockets (and possibly because I think irwin and maathai are adorable prints)

I can't wait to start using them!!

ShelbieTurner142 · February 2014

-squee- I was sent here after posting the question on another board! Any tips for a first timer? Any brands better than the others? Any sources I can go to and learn more about them? All help would be greatly appreciated!!!

RachelCA29 · February 2014

ShelbieTurner142 said:

-squee- I was sent here after posting the question on another board! Any tips for a first timer? Any brands better than the others? Any sources I can go to and learn more about them? All help would be greatly appreciated!!!

There is a Cloth Diaper board on the The Bump here. They have an FAQ and brand ratings and stuff there. I like the ratings chart (linked in the FAQ) they have because you can see what different aspects might work for you based on what you see is important.

runningyogimama · February 2014

@bostongrl23 I didn't decide to CD until DD was already here, so we didn't start until she was 3 weeks. In those 3 weeks, we went through $150 worth of disposable diapers. I bought my NB stash AND accessories (wet bags, pail liners, detergent, CJ's, wipes) for under $200. I regret not making the decision sooner! I could have bought so many more adorable diapers instead of throwing my money away!

bumpuser9353653 · February 2014

RachelCA29 said:

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.

We have gDiapers and only use the disposable inserts for travel. I rarely ever flush them b/c it's a lot of extra work to rip open the side and flush twice (I've done it, but only a few times). Plus, they decompose over time, so we just toss those in trash.

bumpuser9353653 · February 2014

bostongrl23 said:

I'm really late to this thread and I tried to skim and see if this had already been asked, so I apologize if I missed it!! We are planning to CD, I'm just wondering if it's worth it to CD right from the beginning and get newborn ones, or do disposables until the one size fit? Has anyone done disposables and then switched? I'm curious on that cost difference. If I decided to do CD right from the beginning how many newborn sizes would I need? Thank you ladies!!

Sorry, I'm late to the party, but we did 'sposies with DD until she was 6 wks old. I was curious of CD'ing and DH wasn't convinced, but when DD's skin got irritated by the 'sposies and we doubled our trash output, I did more research, and showed DH the cost savings. We went w/ gDiapers (mostly DH's choice) and they paid for themselves in 6 months' time. I want to CD from day 1 with #2, so trying to figure out what to stock up on without going overboard to get us to where we can re-use what we have.

hfooter · February 2014

Just wanted to stop by and say hi. It's great to have all this information in one place!

We are doing disposables for the first 6-9 weeks and then have bum genius 4.0s for the rest of the years.

bumpuser9353653 · February 2014

ecinereb said:

Another question:
I've heard lots about CharlieBanana's lately. Can people who love/hate them weigh in? Also because they can use disposable or re-usable inserts are the similiar to g diapers and/or flips?
If you use them with re-useable inserts are they any different from any other pocket?

We use gDiapers, and I bought 1 Charlie banana b/c I heard good reviews. TBH, it's just OK. It worked well for when DD was smaller and not peeing so much, but now that she's 24lbs, and very well hydrated, I find I really don't like the Charlie Banana. It's solely a back-up, last resort diaper for me. It just doesn't hold in the moisture that well and leaks a lot.

They are just like any normal pocket diaper. Just harder to adjust the size (it's basically a hidden bra strap on each side that you have to pull out and adjust). I've used both the microfiber insert that it came with and a gDiaper Hemp insert with it. whatever fits and is closest!

RachelCA29 · February 2014

RugbyMamma said:

bostongrl23 said:

I'm really late to this thread and I tried to skim and see if this had already been asked, so I apologize if I missed it!! We are planning to CD, I'm just wondering if it's worth it to CD right from the beginning and get newborn ones, or do disposables until the one size fit? Has anyone done disposables and then switched? I'm curious on that cost difference. If I decided to do CD right from the beginning how many newborn sizes would I need? Thank you ladies!!

Sorry, I'm late to the party, but we did 'sposies with DD until she was 6 wks old. I was curious of CD'ing and DH wasn't convinced, but when DD's skin got irritated by the 'sposies and we doubled our trash output, I did more research, and showed DH the cost savings. We went w/ gDiapers (mostly DH's choice) and they paid for themselves in 6 months' time. I want to CD from day 1 with #2, so trying to figure out what to stock up on without going overboard to get us to where we can re-use what we have.

I have no experience with this, but I have heard that people that don't even like G-Diapers DO like the G-Diaper newborn sized ones. They aren't 3-pieces like the regular G-Diapers, but people seem to like the fit of the newborn G-Diapers a lot.

Did you use the cloth inserts? I kind of want to try G-Diapers as one of many options, but the cost seems like more than other brands and a lot of people either love or hate them.

bumpuser9353653 · February 2014

Ok, I'm going to add a question:

We didn't CD DD1 until she was 6wks, so I'm new to the Newborn CD scene. The gist I'm getting is that prefolds and covers are the way to go. OK, cool. My question is - are the covers waterproof or just cotton? I don't want to have to change a whole outfit b/c the moisture soaked through onto LO's clothes.

I'm only familiar with gDiapers (3-part system) and pockets, so no idea how pre-folds plus covers keep away leaks and contain moisture. Will I have gapping issues without the fancy gusseting like pockets have? Or do covers have elastic around the legs?

Sorry, that was more than one question. I'm just feeling lost on this NB stage!

RachelCA29 · February 2014

RugbyMamma said:

Ok, I'm going to add a question:

We didn't CD DD1 until she was 6wks, so I'm new to the Newborn CD scene. The gist I'm getting is that prefolds and covers are the way to go. OK, cool. My question is - are the covers waterproof or just cotton? I don't want to have to change a whole outfit b/c the moisture soaked through onto LO's clothes.

I'm only familiar with gDiapers (3-part system) and pockets, so no idea how pre-folds plus covers keep away leaks and contain moisture. Will I have gapping issues without the fancy gusseting like pockets have? Or do covers have elastic around the legs?

Sorry, that was more than one question. I'm just feeling lost on this NB stage!

Covers are waterproof, mostly they are made of PUL. They have elastics at the legs (good ones have gussets). Basically after you put the prefold on and snappi it, you put the cover over top and make sure that none of the prefold (or flat if you go that route) is exposed so that the cover contains any moisture.

ETA: this short video showing a prefold with cover diaper change.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avyFpZXh8Dg

bumpuser9353653 · February 2014

Thanks @RachelCA29 ! That was helpful!

Thirsties Duo Wraps seem to be popular. Any other favorites?

tjkdlhb · February 2014

I like thirsties, BumGenius, Sweet Pea, Best Bottoms, and Blueberries covers.

RachelCA29 · February 2014

RugbyMamma said:

Thanks @RachelCA29 ! That was helpful!

Thirsties Duo Wraps seem to be popular. Any other favorites?

I don't have any hands-on experience yet, but I do have most of my newborn stash. I really like the look and sizing of the Rumparooz Newborn Covers. They have gussets, and scoop down a bit in the front for the umbilical cord. They are so tiny, but have adjustable sizing so they grow a bit with your baby through the newborn stage.

https://www.amazon.ca/Rumparooz-Cloth-Diaper-Crimson-Newborn/dp/B006WR01GI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1392935927&sr=8-3&keywords=Rumparooz+newborn+cover

I also like the Sweet Pea covers because they have double gussets and you can't beat the price. They seem to have really good reviews too.

https://www.amazon.ca/Diapers-Newborn-Diaper-6-12-Pound-1-Pack/dp/B00AEMOAVO/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392936114&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=Sweetpea+newborn+cover

I'm a FTM so I don't have real-life experience yet, but I read tons of reviews about covers and I was really pleased with these two when I got them in the mail!

bumpuser9353653 · February 2014

RachelCA29 said:

RugbyMamma said:

bostongrl23 said:

Thank you ladies!!

*snip*.

I have no experience with this, but I have heard that people that don't even like G-Diapers DO like the G-Diaper newborn sized ones. They aren't 3-pieces like the regular G-Diapers, but people seem to like the fit of the newborn G-Diapers a lot.

Did you use the cloth inserts? I kind of want to try G-Diapers as one of many options, but the cost seems like more than other brands and a lot of people either love or hate them.

@RachelCA29 - Yes, we use cloth inserts (the hemp ones). We are able to reuse the covers/snap in liners through multiple changes, so we didn't have to buy as many covers as we would with pockets(cost savings!). I think we have 10 or 12 covers and 20-30 cloth inserts. We wash them every other day.
It's definitely a love or hate brand. we've been happy with them, but I have a few BG pockets as backups. I'd say buy a few used in size Small to see if you like them and go from there if you're unsure. Definitely go for the hemp inserts - they wear better overtime and are more absorbent than the basic cotton ones.
Also, if you have a Wegman's nearby, get them from there (covers only) b/c they are the cheapest place.

RachelCA29 · February 2014

@RugbyMamma Thanks!

My husband is really interested in them because one of his co-works that had a baby this summer uses them exclusively and swears by them. She said she would lend us some of her smalls to try out, so we would just need to buy the inserts if we wanted to try them. I've been checking kijiji often because then seem like a popular brand around my area that get sold used.

Thanks again!

Bsuhoversnik · February 2014

We're due in a few weeks and planning on using prefolds. This is our first baby and we're pretty excited! We've taken advice from other CD friends and have a good supply of newborn disposables just incase we're too overwhelmed right at the beginning, but me and my husband are both pretty excited about it. We're using cloth wipes too!

Our reasons for checking out cloth started financially, because they are way cheaper (especially prefolds) but the more I learn, I'm also very happy to have natural organic fibers and no harmful chemicals on that fresh baby skin!

mrs.cjlange · February 2014

We make our own wipe solution. We've done it in a spray bottle, wet in a wipe warmer, and most recently we've used a foaming wipe spray which has worked best for us. It's really easy and very cost effective. We use an old foaming hand soap dispenser and just throw in a couple tablespoons of baby wash (we use burt's bees) and fill the bottle the rest of the way with water. We typically also put in a couple drops of tea tree oil because of its antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties.

spacepotatoes · February 2014

Bsuhoversnik said:

We're due in a few weeks and planning on using prefolds. This is our first baby and we're pretty excited! We've taken advice from other CD friends and have a good supply of newborn disposables just incase we're too overwhelmed right at the beginning, but me and my husband are both pretty excited about it. We're using cloth wipes too!
Our reasons for checking out cloth started financially, because they are way cheaper (especially prefolds) but the more I learn, I'm also very happy to have natural organic fibers and no harmful chemicals on that fresh baby skin!

@Bsuhoversnik If you're due in a few weeks, you may also want to check out the March 14 board. You're totally welcome here, but we're all due in May so we'll be a few months behind you. Good luck with the CDs!

Lild09 · February 2014

DH has switched to wanting to do CD from his original Eco/organic disposable thought! He likes just how healthy and organic it all is plus the cost savings - woo hoo!

Once we went to a CD store and he saw them and how easy they are to use he got all into it - he's also all into baby wearing and getting a baby hawk ahh I'm one lucky lady!

For NB we are planning on using bummis newborn pack (comes with 2 covers and 12 prefolds...we will probably buy 3 packs and maybe a couple thirsties size one covers for extras). The bummis covers have double gussets and a dip in the front for the umbilical cord.

Then it's on to flips (mostly bc my DH loves them and the cover is easy to wipe if need be!) I'll prob throw in a couple grovia or thirsties too.

When it comes to tide do you ladies use powder? I heard it's better for CDing....

Also anyone try any good organic wipes (like seventh generation, honest company...)?

DH is pushing we do cloth wipes too but I'm stuck on if there will be tons of additional laundry and what solution to use to help clean up extra messy changes.... Also where do you get your cloth wipes from? Is it more economical to make them?

Supermommyhart · February 2014

I'm going to cloth diaper my daughter due in may . I ordered Charlie banana one size . I'm so excited

ArmyMedic7588 · February 2014

Ok so I kinda thought of this while on the "dumb questions" thread...

Meconium... it's sticky!! And I know many of the non CD ladies said they use vaseline or something of the sort to prevent it from not wiping off and having to rub your poor newborn's bum raw. Obviously vaseline isn't good for CD... so what do you recommend to use to make the icky sticky come off easier? Can coconut oil or something else do the same kinda thing?

ABColeslaw · February 2014

Good question. I don't plan on cding until we get home from the hospital, by which time most of the mec tar poop will be gone.

usernewname · February 2014

ArmyMedic7588 said:
Ok so I kinda thought of this while on the "dumb questions" thread...
Meconium... it's sticky!! And I know many of the non CD ladies said they use vaseline or something of the sort to prevent it from not wiping off and having to rub your poor newborn's bum raw. Obviously vaseline isn't good for CD... so what do you recommend to use to make the icky sticky come off easier? Can coconut oil or something else do the same kinda thing?

My MW said to use Vaseline or oil even though they are in disposables. It helps with keeping the bum moisturized and easy wiping.

I would like to know about coconut oil too. I'm going tonight so hopefully I'll remember to ask

RachelCA29 · February 2014

ABColeslaw said:

Good question. I don't plan on cding until we get home from the hospital, by which time most of the mec tar poop will be gone.

This was my plan. Our hospital told us to bring at least 20 diapers for after delivery, so I was planning on buying 1 small pack of newborn size disposables so I don't have to worry about keeping track of my CDs if a nurse changes him. So I guess I can safely Vaseline his little tush for protection there.

In your experience does the mec tar poop pass before coming home (1-2 days)? I was under the impression it did, but I'm a FTM, so that could just be my wishful thinking.

QOTR · February 2014

I have another dumb question to add to the mix (I think I'm about to reach my quota for these, surely).

When you guys reference coconut oil, is that the plain ol' coconut oil that you'll find in the oil section at the grocery store? I've seen it (next to the olive oil, etc.), but never used it. Is it oily or creamy? If oily, do you just pour it on?

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