[somo_chickenlady]

If someone came to you and asked for your best tips on using cloth diapers, what would you tell them?

[shen7]

- Diapers are not made of golden spider webs. Stink is unacceptable. Wash as harshly as necessary to get them clean. If you have a challenging laundry situation (very hard water, HE washer, limited hot water, greywater system) try to stick to prefolds, flats, and natural fiber inserts without too many layers in each piece, and avoid microfiber.

- If you're trying to save money, learn as much as you can, buy your stash, then GET OUT i.e. don't hang out in CD forums. We are evil temptresses

[greenchild]

That once you have your wash routine down, it's super easy!! People think it's hard work, but the washing machine does all the work, all you have to do is push a button or turn a knob every now and then. Much easier than packing everyone up to go to the store and spend more $$!

[Admin-Rachel]

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket. Try a few different kinds before you invest a lot of money.

Don't believe anyone who says cloth is harder than disposable. It's simply not true.

[MrsR]

Buy a diaper sprayer.

Find out what type of water you have before you start washing.

I really like the tips posted above as well, great ones for sure.

[Admin-Rachel]

Originally Posted by shen7

- If you're trying to save money, learn as much as you can, buy your stash, then GET OUT i.e. don't hang out in CD forums. We are evil temptresses

Truth.

[*~~Shannon~~*]

Be flexible. In diapers, try lots of stuff until you find what works for you. Even then, be willing to try something new. In washing, it will take a while to nail down the perfect wash routine, that's ok.

[alicenwonderland]

Try different things! Different dipes fit different children.

Wash however you need to, to get stink out. Use common sense. Bleach and mainstream detergent are your friends.

[ashleyj88]

Don't get swept up with hype. Remember that at the end of the day, they really are just poop catchers. Don't be afraid to try mainstream detergent. Diapers really aren't special snowflakes, they need to get clean and sometimes you have to be a little rough on them to get them clean.

Buy only a little at a time at first. Figure out what you like and what you don't like before investing in a whole stash.

Realize that at nighttime, bulk is kind of bound to happen. If you want a CD to hold 10 hours worth of pee, don't complain that it isn't as thin as a sposie. You really can't have it both ways when it comes to nighttime diapering...

Don't be afraid of wool!

Natural fibers + HE machines = heaven sent.

[acupofjoe]

I second buying only a little at first..a lot of people i see selling them online bought a ton because they wanted to switch over but then realized it wasnt for them after already spending a couple hundred.