Lets have a cloth diapering roll call

mirdamae03 · April 2014

You may try this if you have diapers with a rise (haven't tried it myself, but may be worth a shot)

springbeduk2 · April 2014

Is there room for one more in this roll call? I'd bookmarked it ages ago but just finally finished reading through all the wonderful pages of questions I had too and helpful answers. Didn't want to post until I'd read everything. It's great to see so many people who have been happy CDing and many FTMs like me getting ready to!

DH is still not 100% on board but at least stopped saying anything about that and I don't really think he's going to be doing a lot of diaper changes anyway so I'm plowing ahead with plans to CD, for all the million reasons you all know about plus we don't even have trash pickup from the house and transfer station is 25ish minutes away. Between composting and recycling most waste and barely ever cooking meat at home we usually only take our trash to transfer station every 2-3 months which will totally NOT be OK if trash is full of stinky 'sposies!). I think we'll use one of the "greener" kinds of disposables like Bambu for travel - especially when we go to my mom's in CO where there's severe drought and the extra laundry would cause me lots of guilt. But definitely cloth at home and the person who'll be doing daycare next year even said she's fine with CD. Yay!

I am on my first official day of mat. leave today and eagerly awaiting a box from GMD which should arrive today with dozen each of newborn and small prefolds and 8 workhorses - I think all nb size but maybe I forgot what I ordered already ... plus a few covers I couldn't resist (and probably needed - don't think we had quite enough before) and some other odds and ends. If it arrives early enough (if they only leave a slip and i have to drive to PO to get it i will be annoyed!) then I plan to start prepping those and the other cotton prefolds and flats I got as gifts (1 dozen osocozy prefolds and a dozen some sort of flats and some other inserts if it seems they can be prepped together with the all-cotton things) today.

- Washer is front-loader/HE.

- Well water which I think is a little hard (it pits/leaves funny residue on stainless steel pans - otherwise we don't notice problems with it).

- Old septic system which worries me.

- Planning to use Charlie's powder for washing CDs (and maybe everything else too)

- NB diapers will be mostly cotton prefolds and workshorses; have some other inserts of various fibers that snap into I think Bestbottoms and/or thirsties duo? I've a little bit lost track of what we got so far. Was going for some variety to see what we like.

- For when baby is older I have about 15 pockets - fuzzibunz and maybe rumparooz? used from a coworker. Will probably add to that stash depending on what we find we like while baby is a newborn.

Questions I still have after reading all the pages here:

First: Clothing over CD. It looks like CDs are bulkier than disposables. How do they fit under a onesie for newborns? Under leggings/pants? Any other tips for CD-compatible clothing choices?

I'm feeling a lot of FTM;-cluelessness about clothing in general. (how are you really supposed to layer it for warmth?) May and even June in Maine are often still quite cold and I'm stumped even at what to plan for a coming-home outfit since baby can't be swaddled in the carseat!

All the pictures I've seen showing babies in CD are meant to show the diaper so don't really show how they fit under clothes. Of course when it's warm enough I can see having the baby just in the CD with super-adorable cover, but it won't be that warm for quite a while here!

The rest are more just about cloth diapers and laundry and/or fabrics.

Group 1: related to protecting our somewhat suspect (old) septic system:

- Early on some of you mentioned powder detergent being worse for septic systems. anyone know why? are they all equally troublesome? I'm starting out with Charlie's (my skin is way too sensitive for Tide so don't even want to risk it on baby - plus dh and i are pretty anti-fragrance) and was planning to just start using it for all our laundry (switching from 7th generation or sun and earth liquids) to keep things simple and prevent build-up in machine. But maybe that's a bad idea?

- How necessary is it to bleach previously used diapers? I am bleach-phobic because of growing up with horror stories of how my parents killed their septic system with bleach from the CDs they used on me. Plus I hate chlorine in general. the used ones I have are from a coworker (whose kids have not had any scary diseases ... just the usual kids stuff everyone gets anyway) and also have sat dry/unused for about 6 months which is not good for germ survival so I wasn't planning to bleach.

Group 2: HE/front-loading washer related:

- Any of you with HEs have tricks to speed up the process? Our washer is so SLOW! A regular load of wash (with 2nd rinse ... sensitive skin paranoia) takes 1:15 by the timer on the washer but I think that runs slow and it really takes longer. I am worried about how long washing CDs with having to do the pre-rinse will take. During the summer it'll be OK but during the school year we'll be getting home quite late (7 many days) and we don't like to have the dryer running while asleep or away for safety reasons.

- Do all of you with HE/front loaders add water in some way? (like the saturated towel) Or do some of you find no need to?

Group 3: Concern about various materials/fibers ... some of these were discussed above but the answers blurred together in my mind and if someone would be gracious enough to answer again it'd be great for me and maybe for other FTM/CD hopefuls...

- For washing (after prepping) do you wash PUL covers (like Thirsties duo wrap-snap and similar) with the cotton pre-folds on the same protocol (cold or maybe warm prerinse, then hot wash with double cold rinse) or is the hot wash too bad for the covers?

- Do inserts that are all or partly hemp count as natural fibers and need to be prepped with multiple washes like brand new cotton prefolds do?

- Someone earlier said for prepping don't mix synthetics with naturals so that the oils we're trying to wash out of the naturals don't deposit onto the synthetics but by the 3rd wash or so could they go together? I have inserts for BestBottoms - some are organic cotton/hemp (above question) but i think there are a pack or 2 of the microfiber "overnight" ones.

- Cotton vs. non: My CD stash started with a bunch of used pocket diapers from my coworker. They're all OS so I'll only be able to use them once baby gets a bit bigger. My coworker was happy with them and I know others with same/similar kinds who also were. I think their insides and inserts are largely polyester. They don't seem to be the kind of microfleece that i hate to touch (as I think some of you discussed - that kind that finds every teeny snag on my winter-dry hands and even snags in warmer seasons) but maybe are still the fabric that counts as microfleece? (fuzzibunz and i think rumparooz are the brands). After spending a lot of time reading on the GMD website I'm afraid I'm going to hate these after starting out with cotton ... with polyester being harder to get smells out, etc ... (especially since I won't be using Tide or any other fragranced laundry detergent). Some of you like pockets, though, right? And have found the synthetic fibers to be OK? Is Karen of GMD just way over-the-top in her devotion to cotton?

- Covers with PUL - am I understanding correctly that hot dryer once is good to seal, then probably better to hang to dry? Or would some of you suggest to never put in dryer? Or only ever on warm?

Lastly .... how does one stop obsessing over reading about CD and comparing the different kinds and wanting (and maybe buying) all the adorable covers, etc? I've even had dreams about CD the last few nights!

If you read all the way to the end and even more if you answered any of my questions, many thanks to you! May it bring you much good karma in the form of no leaks, blowouts, and especiallly, no washing-machine malfunctions!

spacepotatoes · April 2014

@springbeduk2

Regarding the clothing, I've been wondering how things will fit over the bulkier CDs too. Trial and error, I guess! As for layering, at our prenatal classes, we were told that in the warmer months, we should go a little lighter than what we'd find comfortable for ourselves and in the colder months, to do the opposite. As long as the layers are easily removable, I think you'll be just fine. Keep an eye on LO and watch for signs of discomfort. Adjust accordingly.

Regarding the bleach, if you can put them out in the sun, that'll do it too.

frasey · April 2014

ooook thats a lot of questions @springbeduk2 ! . Where to start. Let's see. Ive never been on a septic system so I can't answer anything related to that .

Natural vs synthetic: natural stains easier, and is not stay-dry. This is not a big deal for some people, but its a big deal for others. Its a personal preference. Try both and see what you prefer. We use pockets and like the micro FLEECE but not the micro SUEDE lining.

Inserts that are partial natural fibre like hemp count as natural fibres and need extra prepping.

Washing: we have an HE front loader. For extra water, I find that after the prerinse cycle, the dipes are heavy enough to make the machine add enough water during the main wash cycle. Alternately, you could do a second prerinse w no spin to make the load super heavy if you find you're needing it. Again, you will have to play with it and see what works best.

Drying: I put my bamboo pockets in the dryer w my inserts and AIOs bc they take aaaaages to dry otherwise. But I try to hang-dry my PUL pockets. I don't notice any difference after a year of doing this between the 2, and I only ever use warm heat for anything.

Detergent: Id use some mainstream type of detergent. Charlies and other CD brands drove me crazy bc they seemed good for a few washes but I could tell after a few washes that my dipes weren't getting clean enough. You're washing poop. I want a seriously good detergent, not something where I have to hope it will work.

Hope that helps!

pistolpackinmomma · April 2014

As for fitting over clothes, we've probably gone up a size a little sooner in pants (like by a week or two) than we would have with disposables but really haven't had much issue. I buy ON pants (boot cut) and they seem to do the best I've found for his body type. We also used flips which were fairly trim compared to some others. We have done all ON and Carter's clothes with the occasional off brand that others have given us.

springbeduk2 · April 2014

Thank you @spacepotatoes, @frasey, and @pistolpackinmomma !

One more I forgot ... diaper pail with liner or wetbag for home? Teeny tiny bathroom and currently no nursery have me leaning towards just wetbag(s) for being more compact (and hangable) but then again a hanging bag could be a problem with curious and clawed cats so that argues pail.

Any particular favorite kinds of pails or wetbags (for wetbags favorites either for home or for out and around?)

ETA - GMD shipment came as expected and all prepping is now done ... everything cotton and cotton/bamboo is now all nice and quilty and poofy and passes test of immediately absorbing water. Happy and excited! (Though being excited for LO to start peeing/pooping up diapers is a bit cuckoo and will quickly change I'm sure!)

mirdamae03 · April 2014

@springbeduk2, I have our hanging wetbag (Kawaii brand) in the bathroom for the diapers I'll be rinsing and a laundry basket with a Planet wise pail liner in it in the baby's room. I don't have animals in the house though, so I'm not sure how interested they'd be in it. Could you just keep the door shut to keep out the cats?

RachelCA29 · April 2014

Lissiehoya said:

I don't remember who suggested it on this thread, but thank you for the suggestion about typing up instructions for the husband about how to wash the cloth diapers. I have a feeling I'm going to still end up doing it most of the time, but I did type up the instructions so in theory he will be able to wash everything correctly.

I just found this info graphic about washing cloth diapers, I want to print it in colour and have it framed for hanging in my laundry room:

https://www.lilhelper.ca/how-to-wash-cloth-diapers/

Jillzy86 · April 2014

I'm AWing my stash, just finished organizing my gifts from my shower last week. I was so blessed to get my cloth diapers as gifts! I also received a month of send out service to see if we like it, but plan to wash our own to save money.
Those of you who have cloth diapering experience do you think I need to stock up on anything else?
18 wipes
16 gDiaper inserts
6 medium Osocozy prefolds
18 bumGenius inserts
10 large Osocozy prefolds
6 gPant pouches
160 biodegradable gRefills
3 all in one bumGenius covers
10 pocket bumGenius covers
6 gDiapers
1 diaper sprayer ( I may get a second)
2 ubi pail wet bag liners

spacepotatoes · April 2014

@springbeduk2 We are using a regular stainless steel garbage pail with a lid (the kind with a foot pedal thing). The plan is to put just a wet bag in it for the CDs and see how that goes. If we need to double up with a liner, we'll do that. Someone mentioned, not sure if it was in this thread or not, keeping a box of baking soda at the bottom of the pail and changing in periodically. I may try that at some point too.

mirdamae03 · April 2014

Jillzy86 said:

I'm AWing my stash, just finished organizing my gifts from my shower last week. I was so blessed to get my cloth diapers as gifts! I also received a month of send out service to see if we like it, but plan to wash our own to save money. Those of you who have cloth diapering experience do you think I need to stock up on anything else? 18 wipes 16 gDiaper inserts 6 medium Osocozy prefolds 18 bumGenius inserts 10 large Osocozy prefolds 6 gPant pouches 160 biodegradable gRefills 3 all in one bumGenius covers 10 pocket bumGenius covers 6 gDiapers 1 diaper sprayer ( I may get a second) 2 ubi pail wet bag liners

You will absolutely need more wipes (think closer to 40). I'm not very familiar with the gDiapers so not much help there, but are you planning on using CD's for the newborn stage? I don't see any that I think will fit NB size.

Jillzy86 · May 2014

No we received 3 diaper cakes with disposable newborn diapers. I am going to use those all up until he fits into the covers.

ABColeslaw · May 2014

I'm thrilled this post is still going. Cloth LOVE!

Lild09 · May 2014

Jillzy86 said:
I'm AWing my stash, just finished organizing my gifts from my shower last week. I was so blessed to get my cloth diapers as gifts! I also received a month of send out service to see if we like it, but plan to wash our own to save money.
Those of you who have cloth diapering experience do you think I need to stock up on anything else?
18 wipes
16 gDiaper inserts
6 medium Osocozy prefolds
18 bumGenius inserts
10 large Osocozy prefolds
6 gPant pouches
160 biodegradable gRefills
3 all in one bumGenius covers
10 pocket bumGenius covers
6 gDiapers
1 diaper sprayer ( I may get a second)
2 ubi pail wet bag liners

More wipes

Your missing some sort of cover for your prefolds. G diapers won't be a good fit with their pouches and the cloth their made out of w no PUL. Do you have any snappis boingos or pins to close your prefolds?

For covers you'll need at least 6 and you can check out the following
Thirsties
Blueberry
Bummis
Flips
Econobum
Nickis
Rumparooz
Mother ease

To name a few brands that make covers.

Also have you considered what laundry detergent you'll use? It shouldn't have any softerners or brighteners. You may want to invest in wool dryer balls too to help speed up the dry time and bc dryer sheets are a big no no in cloth diapers as they leave film

Jillzy86 · May 2014

Thank you Lild09 ! I have three snappies ( I need more ) and I will deffinitly look into getting some covers. Right now we are using Country Save and for stains we use a peroxide and baking soda solution. Is this alright to use on cloth diapers? We already don't use dryers sheets and have wool dryers balls.

usernewname · May 2014

Lild09 said:

lso have you considered what laundry detergent you'll use? It shouldn't have any softerners or brighteners. You may want to invest in wool dryer balls too to help speed up the dry time and bc dryer sheets are a big no no in cloth diapers as they leave film

This. And also what type of cream you'll use that;s cloth diaper safe. I usually see recommendations for coconut oil as an everyday, then something else if a rash occurs. I went with burt's bees multipurpose ointment, but I haven;t tried it out yet. Anything with zinc is fine (but stains), its the petroleum that messes with the diapers.

pistolpackinmomma · May 2014

We use a hanging wet bag. I would think that your cats would get used to seeing it and then it wouldn't be an issue but I dunno. We just have a dog and she doesn't go in the bathroom.

Jillzy86 · May 2014

Yep got a big tub of coconut oil and Burt's bees products! I have been using coconut oil during this pregnancy and a sub for lotions. My DH also cooks with it so we bought a big tub of it at our farmers market.

usernewname · May 2014

Jillzy86 said:

Thank you Lild09 ! I have three snappies ( I need more ) and I will deffinitly look into getting some covers. Right now we are using Country Save and for stains we use a peroxide and baking soda solution. Is this alright to use on cloth diapers? We already don't use dryers sheets and have wool dryers balls.

You won't know how your laundry detergent works until you try it out, but no to the dryer sheets. A lot of people I hear don't like the natural or all-free brands as they aren't strong enough, or you end up having to use a lot, which adds up in expenses. So give it a go, and if something happens trouble shoot from there.

It also depends on what you use, prefolds and flats are more forgiving in the wash as they are just like clothes, but when you have inserts/pockets/AIO/AI2 etc. those are tricker as they are layers to wash and dry.

RachelCA29 · May 2014

anniemore said:

I bought the Grovia Magic Stick for diaper rash guard and clearing:

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Stick-Natural-Diaper-Ointment/dp/B002RT8OQE/

The reviews seem pretty good overall and it's safe for use with both cloth and disposables.

Has anyone here used it?

I haven't used it yet, but I just ordered one for myself, it came VERY HIGHLY recommend by a CDing mom at my husband's work.

I also bought a jar of coconut oil this weekend for more everyday barrier needs.

RachelCA29 · May 2014

Jillzy86 said:

Thank you Lild09 ! I have three snappies ( I need more ) and I will deffinitly look into getting some covers. Right now we are using Country Save and for stains we use a peroxide and baking soda solution. Is this alright to use on cloth diapers? We already don't use dryers sheets and have wool dryers balls.

Country Save is definitely CD safe, a few of the cloth diaper brands I have recommend that detergent on their websites for their diapers. That's what I am planning to use, I've already used it to prep all my diapers. It's got the highest rating on the Pinstripes and Polka Dots detergent list. I'm debating just using it for all my laundry once the jug of liquid detergent I have from Costco is used up.

And I think 3 snappies is plenty. One for wearing, one for the change station and one for the diaper bag - I am hoping to get by with just 2.

springbeduk2 · May 2014

Jillzy86 said:

Right now we are using Country Save and for stains we use a peroxide and baking soda solution. Is this alright to use on cloth diapers? We already don't use dryers sheets and have wool dryers balls.

Where do you buy country save (in the US ...)? I haven't seen it in stores or reasonable online yet but maybe haven't gone to the right stores. I got some Charlie's but would like something else in case it ends up not working well (as someone else mentioned) or also just to change it up from time to time to boost cleaning.

bumpuser9353653 · May 2014

@Jillzy86‌ - Get another 6 pack of small gPouches . And when you size up in gDiapers (if you decide you like them) I would suggest having close to 20-30 cloth inserts if you want to wash EOD. And probably 8 covers.

And you'll definitely need covers for your prefolds. Popular ones are Thirsties (size 1), Rumparooz, Blueberry Coveralls, and Bummis.

Jillzy86 · May 2014

springbeduk2 said:

Jillzy86 said:

Right now we are using Country Save and for stains we use a peroxide and baking soda solution. Is this alright to use on cloth diapers? We already don't use dryers sheets and have wool dryers balls.

Where do you buy country save (in the US ...)? I haven't seen it in stores or reasonable online yet but maybe haven't gone to the right stores. I got some Charlie's but would like something else in case it ends up not working well (as someone else mentioned) or also just to change it up from time to time to boost cleaning.

My MIL buys country save in bulk off amazon and we split it.

RachelCA29 · May 2014

Jillzy86 said:

Jillzy86 said:

Right now we are using Country Save and for stains we use a peroxide and baking soda solution. Is this alright to use on cloth diapers? We already don't use dryers sheets and have wool dryers balls.

Where do you buy country save (in the US ...)? I haven't seen it in stores or reasonable online yet but maybe haven't gone to the right stores. I got some Charlie's but would like something else in case it ends up not working well (as someone else mentioned) or also just to change it up from time to time to boost cleaning.
My MIL buys country save in bulk off amazon and we split it.

I don't know about the US, but it's only available at Target in Canada (at least in my area).

From the Country Save website: https://www.countrysave.com/order_retail.php

Also, from their website about cloth diapers: https://www.countrysave.com/cloth_diapers_detergent.php

Lild09 · May 2014

RachelCA29 said:

Jillzy86 said:

springbeduk2 said:

Jillzy86 said:

Right now we are using Country Save and for stains we use a peroxide and baking soda solution. Is this alright to use on cloth diapers? We already don't use dryers sheets and have wool dryers balls.

Where do you buy country save (in the US ...)? I haven't seen it in stores or reasonable online yet but maybe haven't gone to the right stores. I got some Charlie's but would like something else in case it ends up not working well (as someone else mentioned) or also just to change it up from time to time to boost cleaning.
My MIL buys country save in bulk off amazon and we split it.

I don't know about the US, but it's only available at Target in Canada (at least in my area).

Do you mind if I ask where in Canada your from? I'm in southwestern ontario...was gonna check out my local target tomorrow bc finding other safe detergents has been nellies at winners or home sense lol

RachelCA29 · May 2014

Lild09 said:

Jillzy86 said:

Jillzy86 said:

Right now we are using Country Save and for stains we use a peroxide and baking soda solution. Is this alright to use on cloth diapers? We already don't use dryers sheets and have wool dryers balls.

Where do you buy country save (in the US ...)? I haven't seen it in stores or reasonable online yet but maybe haven't gone to the right stores. I got some Charlie's but would like something else in case it ends up not working well (as someone else mentioned) or also just to change it up from time to time to boost cleaning.
My MIL buys country save in bulk off amazon and we split it.

I don't know about the US, but it's only available at Target in Canada (at least in my area).
Do you mind if I ask where in Canada your from? I'm in southwestern ontario...was gonna check out my local target tomorrow bc finding other safe detergents has been nellies at winners or home sense lol

I'm also in Southern Ontario! I get Country Save at Target, but only one in my city (of the 5 here) actually stocks. I'd call before you go in to buy it. The first Target I went to said they were a "small store" so didn't carry as much. So they directed me to the "large store" and that Target had it.

usernewname · May 2014

@Lild09 check home hardware or the tsc store. I could see them carrying types of natural detergents as well. I've heard winners and costco carry nellies.

frasey · May 2014

There is also a 'natural/organic' sectoin at Zehrs-type grocery stores. I saw some detergent there today, but can't remember exactly what brand, as we just use Tide.

runningyogimama · May 2014

kitchencolors said:
Mamas who do/will have two in cloth: how do you plan to handle diaper pails, washing schedule, etc.?

We'll have two diaper pails/changing areas, since I won't be using the one in DD's room for #2 while she's asleep at night or napping. Do I wash separately EOD or just wash everything every day? Or wash all the non-PUL stuff together on "hot as heck" and wash the PUL stuff with cooler water?

We only have one changing table and pail, so I plan on washing all together when needed--probably every day or day and a half in the beginning.

ecinereb · May 2014

RachelCA29 said:

Lild09 said:

Jillzy86 said:

Jillzy86 said:

Right now we are using Country Save and for stains we use a peroxide and baking soda solution. Is this alright to use on cloth diapers? We already don't use dryers sheets and have wool dryers balls.

Where do you buy country save (in the US ...)? I haven't seen it in stores or reasonable online yet but maybe haven't gone to the right stores. I got some Charlie's but would like something else in case it ends up not working well (as someone else mentioned) or also just to change it up from time to time to boost cleaning.
My MIL buys country save in bulk off amazon and we split it.

I don't know about the US, but it's only available at Target in Canada (at least in my area).
Do you mind if I ask where in Canada your from? I'm in southwestern ontario...was gonna check out my local target tomorrow bc finding other safe detergents has been nellies at winners or home sense lol

I'm also in Southern Ontario! I get Country Save at Target, but only one in my city (of the 5 here) actually stocks. I'd call before you go in to buy it. The first Target I went to said they were a "small store" so didn't carry as much. So they directed me to the "large store" and that Target had it.

You can get Country Save at London Drugs as well (I'm in Vancouver but I think they have them in Ontario.)

RachelCA29 · May 2014

ecinereb said:

RachelCA29 said:

Lild09 said:

Jillzy86 said:

Jillzy86 said:

Right now we are using Country Save and for stains we use a peroxide and baking soda solution. Is this alright to use on cloth diapers? We already don't use dryers sheets and have wool dryers balls.

Where do you buy country save (in the US ...)? I haven't seen it in stores or reasonable online yet but maybe haven't gone to the right stores. I got some Charlie's but would like something else in case it ends up not working well (as someone else mentioned) or also just to change it up from time to time to boost cleaning.
My MIL buys country save in bulk off amazon and we split it.

I don't know about the US, but it's only available at Target in Canada (at least in my area).
Do you mind if I ask where in Canada your from? I'm in southwestern ontario...was gonna check out my local target tomorrow bc finding other safe detergents has been nellies at winners or home sense lol

I'm also in Southern Ontario! I get Country Save at Target, but only one in my city (of the 5 here) actually stocks. I'd call before you go in to buy it. The first Target I went to said they were a "small store" so didn't carry as much. So they directed me to the "large store" and that Target had it.

You can get Country Save at London Drugs as well (I'm in Vancouver but I think they have them in Ontario.)

I don't think they have stores, but you can order online from London Drugs. And it's cheaper per box than Target, so if you ordered enough to make up for the shipping price it would be a good way to get it.

Thanks!

Lild09 · May 2014

Thanks ladies! My local target doesn't have it but it's good to know I can order it online

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