Cloth Diapers Anyone?!

JohannaD22 · April 2014

DH and I are still on the fence. My SIL is all about them. DH has admitted he'd like to have the old school ones. If we CD at home I'm not going to at the daycare center. DS will have to be in disposables while there. I couldn't do that to his teacher or myself.

chickpea912 · April 2014

JohannaD22 said:

DH and I are still on the fence. My SIL is all about them. DH has admitted he'd like to have the old school ones. If we CD at home I'm not going to at the daycare center. DS will have to be in disposables while there. I couldn't do that to his teacher or myself.

@JohannaD22 Not to be snarky, but what would you be doing to his teacher or you? Seriously... if I sent my kid to day care, the ONLY difference between a disposable diaper and a cloth diaper is instead of throwing it in the trash, they put it in a wet bag and I do everything else. I use diapers that are JUST LIKE disposable diapers, you just don't throw them away. I guess I'm just confused what you think you're asking of them that is so unreasonable.

tbmadeamistake · April 2014

Before we decided that I was going to stay home, I asked my daycare about it and they were super open to the idea, just wanted a tutorial before hand so they didn't mess anything up. You'd be surprised.

chickpea912 · April 2014

Lilygrace48 said:

Before we decided that I was going to stay home, I asked my daycare about it and they were super open to the idea, just wanted a tutorial before hand so they didn't mess anything up. You'd be surprised.

I think when most people hear "cloth diaper," they have something very old fashioned in mind. When I show day cares or people what I'm actually talking about, it's an entirely different proposition. I've never encountered someone who said no once they saw what I was proposing.

Now, if you're using prefolds and pins, I can totally see a day care being against it. But most modern cloth diapers? I'd be surprised.

JohannaD22 · April 2014

@chickpea912 I totally understand what you're saying. I just know how hectic it can be and most of the people I know that use them are SAHMs. I'm not completely against the idea of taking them to the daycare center. My main concern is keeping up with them after working two jobs a few days a week. I'm sure I'm just psyching myself out and it's not as hard as I feel like it will be.

chickpea912 · April 2014

JohannaD22 said:

@chickpea912 I totally understand what you're saying. I just know how hectic it can be and most of the people I know that use them are SAHMs. I'm not completely against the idea of taking them to the daycare center. My main concern is keeping up with them after working two jobs a few days a week. I'm sure I'm just psyching myself out and it's not as hard as I feel like it will be.

@JohannaD22 I know I've mentioned it before, but both my husband and I work more than 40 hours outside of the home, and I didn't find it to be overwhelming. Try not to psych yourself out - you can totally do it!

chickpea912 · April 2014

ugabamafans said:

Chickpea - does your daycare make you put yours in a bucket with some solution in it? Mine was double checking (they don't have anyone in CDs), but she said that she knew that was the state regulation. That sounded super gross to deal with every day...do you know what she's talking about? Could the solution ruin the diapers?

@ugabamafans Sounds like she's talking about a wet pail, which isn't only pretty gross, but it's also a hazard for children. It used to be the way they did things, but it isn't any more.

I'm a big fan of the Real Diaper Association, who does a good amount of advocacy for cloth diapers. Here is their guide to using cloth in day care: https://www.realdiaperassociation.org/daycare/tip-sheet.php

and here: https://www.realdiaperassociation.org/daycare/Daycare-tip-sheet.pdf

@ugabamafans - here is the list of regulations in Georgia - lucky you, there seems to be a bunch.

This seems to be the most recent regulations for in home day cares: https://nrckids.org/default/assets/File/StateRegs/GA/GA_FDCHRulesAndRegulations.pdf

this looks to be for centers: https://nrckids.org/default/assets/File/StateRegs/GA/GA_CCLCRulesandRegulations.pdf

NEITHER of these documents mention a wet pail - it mentions putting soiled diapers in a closed container. A wetbag would surely fulfill this.

My guess is she doesn't know what she's talking about

chickpea912 · April 2014

ugabamafans said:

Thanks @chickpea912 - I'll research it - I just didn't know where to start. We all really appreciate all the effort that you go into educating us on using cloth. It is really overwhelming for noobs.

I am always happy to be helpful. I think more people would consider cloth if they just knew more, or had questions answered, so I feel like this is my way to help make the world a little better. It is totally overwhelming at first - it's a whole new world (like having a baby already isn't enough of a new world!), and it's hard to know which way to go, especially when others think you're nuts.

JohannaD22 · April 2014

@chickpea912 Thanks! If I have any questions I know who to ask!

Ellebee85 · April 2014

@chickpea912 how do you cloth wipe? I've tried it once with some scrap fabric, but it didnt last long since I didn't know what to do with poopy wipes. Do you have to rinse them before they go into the wet bag?

chickpea912 · April 2014

Ellebee85 said:

@chickpea912 how do you cloth wipe? I've tried it once with some scrap fabric, but it didnt last long since I didn't know what to do with poopy wipes. Do you have to rinse them before they go into the wet bag?

@Ellebee85 I usually use baby wash cloths (I"m not handy or crafty) - I never really had super poopy wipes, but the few times I did, I just sprayed it off with the diaper (once we got to that stage in the poop game).

cinnamonsmiles · April 2014

been keeping up with this thread and it has been SO HELPFUL.
I'm glad that you ladies suggest s NB stash. DH and I decided to start with mainly NBs to figure out which brands we prefer before spending the cash on the sized, but we've been getting a lot of flack from people we know on that.

my question only comes up because of Zulily sales, but with the subject of blowouts, do they happen almost never with cloth? or would something like this actually be useful for nights?
https://www.amazon.com/Blowout-Blocker-Diaper-Extension-Blowouts/dp/B00CVG9CQY

tbmadeamistake · April 2014

cinnamonsmiles said:
been keeping up with this thread and it has been SO HELPFUL.
I'm glad that you ladies suggest s NB stash. DH and I decided to start with mainly NBs to figure out which brands we prefer before spending the cash on the sized, but we've been getting a lot of flack from people we know on that.

my question only comes up because of Zulily sales, but with the subject of blowouts, do they happen almost never with cloth? or would something like this actually be useful for nights?
https://www.amazon.com/Blowout-Blocker-Diaper-Extension-Blowouts/dp/B00CVG9CQY

My local cd store said to only buy newborns until you know what shape your baby is, becuaw that will affect brands that work best for you kater . also, that blow out guard looks great, but C always knew out up her front...still don't know how she did it, but cleaning poop out of a tony bellybutton is gross and hard.

chickpea912 · April 2014

We never had a blowout with cloth. I definitely had a disposable diaper explode gel all over M once. That was lovely.

temursgirl · April 2014

Pocket diapers: someone told me you can use prefolds as inserts, but they seem like they would be too big? Are there different prefolds that would work? Also, can any brand insert work in any pocket diaper? What are some good types of natural fiber inserts? Can you add inserts to an AIO if needed (like just lay it in there)?

MrsRahl · April 2014

What mixture or spray do you make to clean baby's_ bottom?

chickpea912 · April 2014

Temurlang1 said:

Pocket diapers: someone told me you can use prefolds as inserts, but they seem like they would be too big? Are there different prefolds that would work? Also, can any brand insert work in any pocket diaper? What are some good types of natural fiber inserts? Can you add inserts to an AIO if needed (like just lay it in there)?

@Temurlang1 - you CAN use them, but they likely won't be the trimest option. Most diapers come with inserts anyway. If you're really interested in the pf as insert thing, you can buy different size pfs.

I think there was a question about hemp inserts/overnight diapering options up above, where I linked to two different hemp inserts that are good to pair with microfiber for overnight. There are a ton of inserts out there, I'd check out some of the online shops for the various options. My absolutely favorite hemp inserts (which I sometimes use alone for a super trim option) are no longer being made.

Most inserts will fit most diapers, but it depends on the diapers. FuzziBunz, for example, have a slightly different shape than other diapers (slightly more hourglass), so I'm not sure if EVERY SINGLE insert out there would work. But you can always try it.

Remember, different materials are good for different things:

* Microfiber - absorbs quickly, but doesn't hold a TON (it holds enough, it often isn't enough for overnight on its own)

* Hemp - slower to absorb, but is thirstier - can absorb a good amount

* Bamboo - like hemp

Some AIOs have pockets, some don't. You can always add absorbency to an AIO by laying in an insert, but keep two things in mind - 1) adding more can make a diaper bulkier and can affect fit and 2) certain materials shouldn't go directly against baby's skin (microfiber, for one).

MrsRahl said:

What mixture or spray do you make to clean baby's_ bottom?

@MrsRahl - You can google this and find a whole host of recipes. I use plain water.

MNOpea · April 2014

MrsRahl said:
What mixture or spray do you make to clean baby's_ bottom?

I use water, a couple squirts of baby wash, and a couple pumps of baby lotion. I have also used water, aleo, and a couple drops of tea tree oil

elsa1688 · April 2014

We are going to use disposables at first, then transition to mosty one size pockets. Does anyone have a good target number for a starting stash? I am afraid of buying too many. I have tried to mix up the brands so far also.

MrsRahl · April 2014

@elsa1688 I'm a FTM, but I have a friend who exclusively cloth diapers and only uses a set of 12. Her son is now 2. I personally am aiming for around 20, and I know some people who just love cloth and go bananas with double and triple that number

MNOpea · April 2014

elsa1688 said:
We are going to use disposables at first, then transition to mosty one size pockets. Does anyone have a good target number for a starting stash? I am afraid of buying too many. I have tried to mix up the brands so far also.

It really depends on how often you want to wash. You should aim for 12 diapers a day and probably shouldn't go longer than washing every 3rd day so 12-36 diapers is a good stash size. I have over 50 but still choose to wash every other day

chickpea912 · April 2014

MNOpea said:

We are going to use disposables at first, then transition to mosty one size pockets. Does anyone have a good target number for a starting stash? I am afraid of buying too many. I have tried to mix up the brands so far also.
It really depends on how often you want to wash. You should aim for 12 diapers a day and probably shouldn't go longer than washing every 3rd day so 12-36 diapers is a good stash size. I have over 50 but still choose to wash every other day

Agreed. It's pretty simple math - how many changes do you think you'll do in a day and how frequently do you want to wash. Let's say you're changing every 2 hours - assuming you are up every two hours at night (not impossible), that's 12 diapers for one day. If you only buy 12 diapers, you are going to have to wash them every single day in order to stay ahead of your kid.

I usually recommend 20-30 diapers if you hope to wash every 2-3 days. I wouldn't go longer than 3 days between washes.

elsa1688 · April 2014

Awesome! Thanks ladies. I have about 12 now and am hoping I get more at my shower. If not, I know where my last paycheck is going.
I ordered a few off Zulily, I'm hoping they work as well as other brands that have been recommended

chickpea912 · April 2014

krptcmschfmkr128 said:

Are disposable liners interchangeable? I see that Flip only comes in a box of 18, but Amazon also lists a Bumkins 100ct for around the same price. Can I use a Bumkin liner in a Flip cover? I'm thinking disposable liners might be my middle ground with DH (he doesn't want to clean poopy inserts)
L-)

@krptcmschfmkr128 You might be talking about two different things.

These are Flip inserts - they are absorbent, so this is what baby pees/poops on, you'd take it out, and throw it in the trash (so it's disposable, not reusable).

The Bumkins liner is NOT absorbent - you would put this on top of whatever absorbent insert you had (on top of the stay-dry inner of a pocket or on top of the insert of an AIO or AI2) - this just acts as a barrier so you would lift it, and any poop, off of the diaper, flush, and then deal with the rest of the diaper. People use this to keep poop off of the diaper itself - I've never used them, see no use for them, so maybe someone who has used liners can speak to their experiences.

xinightingale · April 2014

chickpea912 said:

JohannaD22 said:

@chickpea912 I totally understand what you're saying. I just know how hectic it can be and most of the people I know that use them are SAHMs. I'm not completely against the idea of taking them to the daycare center. My main concern is keeping up with them after working two jobs a few days a week. I'm sure I'm just psyching myself out and it's not as hard as I feel like it will be.

@JohannaD22 I know I've mentioned it before, but both my husband and I work more than 40 hours outside of the home, and I didn't find it to be overwhelming. Try not to psych yourself out - you can totally do it!

This was my fear as well. Everyone I know who loves them is a SAHM or works part-time. It helps to hear that other working (outside the home) parents are on board with this as well. My husband and I know one couple who works 40+ hours a week, cloth diapers, and wishes they hadn't made the investment. That makes me super nervous about it. My biggest fear is that the cleaning of CD's and using them outside the home (like shopping trips, etc.) will get too overwhelming. But the amount of money we will save is what motivates me. And, they're cute on a baby bottom!

chickpea912 · April 2014

xinightingale said:

chickpea912 said:

JohannaD22 said:

@chickpea912 I totally understand what you're saying. I just know how hectic it can be and most of the people I know that use them are SAHMs. I'm not completely against the idea of taking them to the daycare center. My main concern is keeping up with them after working two jobs a few days a week. I'm sure I'm just psyching myself out and it's not as hard as I feel like it will be.

@JohannaD22 I know I've mentioned it before, but both my husband and I work more than 40 hours outside of the home, and I didn't find it to be overwhelming. Try not to psych yourself out - you can totally do it!

This was my fear as well. Everyone I know who loves them is a SAHM or works part-time. It helps to hear that other working (outside the home) parents are on board with this as well. My husband and I know one couple who works 40+ hours a week, cloth diapers, and wishes they hadn't made the investment. That makes me super nervous about it. My biggest fear is that the cleaning of CD's and using them outside the home (like shopping trips, etc.) will get too overwhelming. But the amount of money we will save is what motivates me. And, they're cute on a baby bottom!

It is so hard to anticipate how you will feel about it. I chose to CD because of a) environmental impact of that much trash that won't biodegrade for 500+ years b) knowing EXACTLY what is against my baby's skin and c) cost savings.

What I found, in my personal experience (I feel like I should keep emphasizing that) is that because I was motivated, because I was personally invested in making it work, I didn't find CDing full time, while working full time, only using cloth while out and about - none of those things were so arduous. But I was making an active commitment to making it work, I wanted to make it work. The things that other people seemed to find insurmountable just didn't bother me. I didn't mind the tiny (in my eyes) bit more work I was doing, because I wanted to do the work based upon my choices. Poop never igged me out, so spraying didn't bother me, this or that didn't bother me.

What I'm saying is this - it's hard not to hear and take in other peoples' experiences. They have their own experiences and their own reasons for the choices they have made. You might find that it's easier than you anticipated, or you might find that it is more difficult than you anticipated. And you'll find out whether the reasons that are leading you to want to choose cloth might or might not be enough to make it work.

I have probably said this before, but I'll tell the story here - I still remember, standing in front of the pack and play with my two week old, holding the cloth diaper (it was a Kissaluv fitted size 0 - not terribly scary now, but terrifying then), and thinking "There is no fucking way I can do this." I was totally overwhelmed. Totally freaked out and so unsure of myself. I felt that way a lot in those early days.

Cloth diapering can be overwhelming - like much of parenting, it's this whole world that is new and you have very little experience with (I'm assuming for most people here). But, hopefully you'll find the positives outweigh what negatives you might experience. And you have resources, you aren't out on a limb on your own, forced to figure it out. There are a number of June14 moms who used CDers, so between all of us, we'll probably be able to answer any questions you end up having.

steprozz · April 2014

@chickpea912‌ do you know anything about this diaper? I was thinking this plus a hemp insert
https://www.kellyscloset.com/KaWaii-Goodnight-Heavy-Wetter-One-Size-Cloth-Diaper_p_4179.html

eta: or these? https://www.kellyscloset.com/Thirsties-NEW-One-Size-Pocket-Diaper_p_5159.html

chickpea912 · April 2014

@stephross88 I don't have any personal experience with either of those - maybe there are some ladies here who have tried them?

I do have friends who have used the Kawaii ones - I THINK those might be some of the China-made ones that get a bad rap, but I honestly don't know, so I could be 100% wrong there.

I haven't used the Thirsties pockets, but I have used other Thirsties products and liked them, so there is that

steprozz · April 2014

@chickpea912‌ I knew you recommended thirsties hemp inserts so I thought those diapers might be a good choice since their liners have hemp already in them plus adding a second hemp insert. I think I might try the thirsties and the bum genius 4.0 which seem to be a favorite of a lot of people. thanks for your help and letting me pick your brain

chickpea912 · April 2014

@stephross88 ALWAYS

tbmadeamistake · April 2014

@chickpea912, if I PM you my registry info, will you look at it and let me know if you think I should add anything to it? I'm just getting newborn stuff right now, and am leaning towards pre-folds and covers, but the store made up a basic registry and I've added/subtracted as I see fit. I'd love to get your input

chickpea912 · April 2014

Lilygrace48 said:

@chickpea912, if I PM you my registry info, will you look at it and let me know if you think I should add anything to it? I'm just getting newborn stuff right now, and am leaning towards pre-folds and covers, but the store made up a basic registry and I've added/subtracted as I see fit. I'd love to get your input

@Lilygrace48 Sure thing

stephpaez · April 2014

@chickpea912‌ I'm not sure if it's been asked already, but is there any specific detergent you use to wash CD? All of mine are pre owned and I have washed them all in the Up and Up baby detergent. I've read "spray the diaper" but I'm confused as to what this means.... :-/

chickpea912 · April 2014

stephpaez said:

@chickpea912‌ I'm not sure if it's been asked already, but is there any specific detergent you use to wash CD? All of mine are pre owned and I have washed them all in the Up and Up baby detergent. I've read "spray the diaper" but I'm confused as to what this means.... :-/

@stephpaez I do have a post on the blog about washing - feel free to check that out.

I swear by Tide powder. It's what works for us - there are a lot of Tide lovers out there and a lot of Tide naysayers. Part of the concern is any buildup that could happen from detergent, as it could cause absorbency issues in some diapers.

Spray the diaper can mean a couple of things. Once they start eating solids (or, in some cases, with formula fed babies), it is good to spray the poop off of the diapers since it is sticky - spraying it clean can help ensure a clean diaper when you wash it in the washing machine.

Spray can also mean spraying a diaper with bac-out or something like that - basically a pre-treatment spray that can help with stains or smells. I've never used it but have heard people refer to it.

MNOpea · April 2014

stephross88 said:
@chickpea912‌ do you know anything about this diaper? I was thinking this plus a hemp insert
https://www.kellyscloset.com/KaWaii-Goodnight-Heavy-Wetter-One-Size-Cloth-Diaper_p_4179.html

eta: or these? https://www.kellyscloset.com/Thirsties-NEW-One-Size-Pocket-Diaper_p_5159.html

We use kawaii GNHW's for our night time diaper. I stuff with a flour sack towel and a hemp insert. I prefer this because my microfiber inserts held too much stink when used overnight. DS is a pretty heavy wetter and they work for us,

MrsRahl · April 2014

anyone had experience with bumkins brand? they are on sale on diapers.com right now and I'm just wondering if this is a good idea to purchase some...

Edit to add are all cloth wipes you buy just mini wash cloths or flannel? Can I just use the dollar store wash cloths I already have a ton of?

MrsRahl · April 2014

Also, these training swim diapers that are cloth, are they only for older kids or can they be used for new babes too? I want to take baby swimming this summer but they will be tiny of course. What do you use?

chickpea912 · April 2014

@MrsRahl I don't know much about them. I did a quick Amazon search - you can see the reviews there and see what people have said: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=bumkins cloth diapers&sprefix=bumkins+cloth+d,aps&rh=i:aps,k:bumkins cloth diapers

otter1103 · April 2014

Has anyone become completely overwhelmed after researching & reading reviews for all of the options with CD'ing? Right when I think we have it narrowed down to a diaper brand or type I see something else or read something else and am back at square one. I was all set to do AIO's but after going to a local boutique that was highly recommended by friends who CD, I'm back at the beginning and now leaning towards pre-folds to start. The Hubs likes the gPants ones to try as well. Those are more hybrid or pocket type but he's up to try a few of this and a few of that which is what I think we'll do. Maybe 3 AIO's, 3 hybrid/pocket but the more I research the more wishy washy I get about which to do.

temursgirl · April 2014

@otter1103 lol yes, it's a bit overwhelming! I'm starting off with a variety of different types/brands. After reading so many reviews I realize there's no way to really know ahead of time what will work. Maybe some brands will fit your baby really well, but not work on mine at all. I can't know ahead of time if LO is a "heavy wetter," especially long and thin, has unusually sturdy thighs (all of which reviewers always mention), or how big she will be at birth. I'm giving myself permission to work through some trial and error to find what works for us. I also don't want to feel I've "failed" if things don't go according to plan.

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Cloth Diapers Anyone?!

Re: Cloth Diapers Anyone?!

Married DH 7/30/11

CSC arrived 5/7/12

CHC arrived 6/2/14

Married DH 7/30/11

CSC arrived 5/7/12

CHC arrived 6/2/14

Married DH 7/30/11

CSC arrived 5/7/12

CHC arrived 6/2/14

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