[enchantingdragon]

Hi. My name is Jasmine. I am interested in learning a bit more about cloth diapering. I have looked through your guides (thanks!) but still have some questions. First off I have no children as of yet so this is all early exploratory research I guess you could say The main reason I am interested in cloth diapering is I am very big on the environment and if I can do my part in reducing waste I would like to. Ill admit the pretty patterns also get me

OK so I have looked through your guides and I am a bit confused I guess by the diapers themselves. Is there a liner to this that you dispose of or do they just go on the diaper itself? I know even if there is a liner you would end up cleaning the diaper but I don't quite get the descriptions I guess,

Secondly what do you do when you are out and there is number 2? How do you keep the diaper with you without it smelling?

How often do you end up doing washes for them? Can I use a machine or do I have to hand wash?

Do any of you buy locally or are only online? I think I would like to see one in person I guess to really understand how it works and about the parts.

Lastly about how many do you think I would need on average if I were to start from an infant age?

Thanks so much for the help! I hope that this is something I can really do.

[PixieQueen]

Is there a liner to this that you dispose of or do they just go on the diaper itself? I know even if there is a liner you would end up cleaning the diaper but I don't quite get the descriptions I guess,[/b]

You can buy flushable liners, but most of us just use the diaper as, well, a diaper.

Secondly what do you do when you are out and there is number 2? How do you keep the diaper with you without it smelling?[/b]

You get wetbags, which is where you put the diaper when it is wet. It is a zipperd bag made from waterproof material. A lot of the smell with sposies is the potty reacting with the chemicals. Cloth doesn't smell nearly as bad, even when soiled, and the wetbags contain the smell quite well.

How often do you end up doing washes for them? Can I use a machine or do I have to hand wash?[/b]

Most of us use machines. I think we only have one lady that hand washes, although in a pinch you can hand wash. How often you wash depends on age and how many diapers you have. I end up doing diapers about every third day. Most do it every other day.

Do any of you buy locally or are only online? I think I would like to see one in person I guess to really understand how it works and about the parts.[/b]

This depends on where you live. There are no physical CD stores where I live so I order online. Some of the online stores offer variety trial packs. They contain all the differnt types of dipes for you to try. Then you can send it back. They refund all but a rental fee, or you can keep the pack and they keep the money. This might be a good option when you get pg and have the baby, then you will only have to spend money on what you actually like.

Lastly about how many do you think I would need on average if I were to start from an infant age?[/b]

I usually tell people to start with about 2 - 3 doz. 2 doz will get you through two days with a nb (laundry every other day) or more with an older child. 3 doz gives you some wiggle room if you don't get around to laundry on the designated day or if you want to wash less often.