[flitabout]

I am considering using cloth diapers with the baby I am pregnant with now. But after reading some of the posts and the info section I think I am more confused than when I got started. Things like how many do you need? What kind? Which brand/type works best. is I know nothing about this. Please help!

[JenH]

When I first started creating a stash, I purchased 28 organic unbleached prefolds (seconds) from Green Mountain Diapers and 5 XS Thirsties covers. I also purchased a Snappi but I have yet to actually use it so I don't know how "necessary" one is. I also purchased around 50 cloth wipes (I use Gerber washcloths purchased from BRU) and a spray bottle (I use water) for cleaning my baby's bum. You'll also want to have a wet bag for your baby's diaper bag and a couple of pail liners (so that one can be in the wash while the other is in your diaper pail). I think those are the basic necessities for starting out if you're going to go the prefold/cover route, which is cheapest and easiest (in my opinion) for CD'ing a newborn.

As for CD'ing Devan when he got bigger, I purchased a bunch of different brands, types, sizes of all-in-one and pocket diapers to try out. I wasn't sure what would fit my baby the best.

Hope this helps.

[bettyearl]

It's so confusing, isn't it? There are about a zillion brands and there is always some new "system" people get excited about. If you're in it to save money, I would totally recommend a high quality set of prefolds with covers. I wish I had done that in the beginning. They are simple to wash, dry and put on. If you get a fitted-type cover, like a Thirsties or Blueberry Coveralls then you don't *need* a snappi (or pins). I have enough diapers for about 1.5 days which is just about right "for me".
I use a front-loader He washer and dryer and use a generous squirt of biokleen in with a double cold rinse on low spin. Then I do a custom heavy duty hot wash with 2Tb or less He Tide a double rinse.
I've only been doing this 2 months, so I'm no expert - but I can say it has been easier than I expected and actually fun! I enjoy doing diaper laundry because I feel so useful to do such a needed service for me dear little baby.

[bettyearl]

Green Mountain Diapers: First time mom
Here's a very detailed site talking all about cloth. Be aware, though, that it is biased toward cotton and wool. (I hate wool, but some absolutely adore it) I also like the stay-dry synthetics (such as bum genius pocket diapers) for car rides and longer stretches sleep.

Resources - Mom's Milk Boutique - For Breastfeeding, Babywearing, Cloth Diapering

[mgm78]

i started with an assortment of brands and types of diapers. very soon we learned we are AIO and pocket people. once i knew what type and what brands we liked, i purchased more. it is trial and error to find what works best for you.

[SuperMomma]

It IS very confusing.... I spent 3 days racking my brain before deciding to CD.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this site-- it explains everything about CDing to a T!
Basics of Cloth Diapering by PinStripes and PolkaDots

[Samiel]

You know, a great way to get started is to get a starter pack, like the one at Mom's Milk Botique. It will have lots and lots of different brands and styles, you can try them all, and once you see what works best for you you can send back those you don't want and get your money back!

[flitabout]

Thank you guy so much, I think you have taken a lot of the confusion out of the process for me. I know that I will be back later with more questions. But at least I have the next 6 1/2 months to prepare!
One other question what are the wet and dry pails?

[Samiel]

Originally Posted by flitabout

One other question what are the wet and dry pails?

They are both methods of storing your dirty diapers until laundry day. A wet pail is when you store them in water, letting them soak. A dry pail is when you just put the dirty diapers (minus any solid poo) in a pail, usually with a liner. I think most people use a dry pail because it's less nasty and the diapers get just as clean when you wash them anyway. I use a kitchen trash can with a swaddlebee's waterproof liner in it. You wash the liner with the diapers.

[JenH]

Wet pails are extremely dangerous for a baby/toddler. They need to be locked, if you choose to use one. I don't know of anyone who uses a wet pail. I use a dry pail and we use pail liners - Planet Wise brand. They work well for us.

[flitabout]

Thanks you guys have taken the mystery out of all of this! I am really into the idea now. I think this is really doable now! Finally I can start buying something for the baby that will be easy to store and that is really useful!

[mom2xander]

We are having to use a wet pail right now. The smell of ammonia was becoming an issue for us, and it seems to help. It is kept in the bathroom, where the baby can't get into it. I use covers and prefolds, which is more cost effective right now - until we build up a stash of pocket diapers. My son is really squirmy, and it's difficult to use prefolds sometimes. BG pocket diapers are great for a nighttime diaper.