Hi, I am new to the group and will be new to cloth diapering! I am expecting my first baby in September and have finally convinced my husband to get on board with cloth diapering (my family still thinks I am crazy and that it's gross). Any advice on where to start? We received a ton of NB diapers at our baby shower, so my plan was to start cloth diapering as soon as we run out of those (we probably have enough diapers for 1-1.5 months). Should I skip newborn cloth diapers since we won't be starting until he is 5+ weeks old? How long do babies typically fit in newborn sized? I am thinking that pocket diapers, AIO, or AI2 or maybe fitteds will be the best option for us (since they might be slightly less of a learning curve for stubborn family!). My husband said pre-folds with snappis "looked to complicated" (I made him watch CD 101 series on youtube with me lol). Any advice on brands or types you like? How to build a small stash on a budget? Thanks in advance!!
Re: FTM due in September looking for advice for cloth diapering!
A lot of OS starts fitting at 10lbs/8 weeks, some earlier. It's based on leg chubbiness and baby's shape, so there's no way to predict it. The earliest fitting for us were Fuzzibunz elite OS (9 days), the latest was Alva OS pocket (3 months). I recommend to everyone to try a few brands before getting a full stash. Once you narrow down what you like, but a few and try them out. You can always sell what doesn't work for you.
My suggestion-based on you wanting a small stash and having a stubborn family, look at pockets first. AIOs take a long time to dry, fitteds require a separate cover. With pockets, the shell line dries quickly (even on a rack inside) and the inserts can pop in the dryer. Once you stuff them, they're one piece-as easy to put on as a disposable. My favourite pockets are fuzzibunz (best elastic), bum genius (elastics will only last 1 kid, but they fit well on most shapes) and Happy Heiny (great velcro, great fit, holds up well to wear). Bum genius often has buy 5 get 1 free promotions. Family will come around eventually, my DH was skeptical, and now tries to convert all his coworkers. Even the most expensive brand works out cheaper than disposables, plus there's lot of great sale pages on facebook when you're done.