[Nami]

I've always wanted to CD, since before my son was born even but there's been reasons we have been unable to. Now, it's just that we live in an apartment and can only use the washroom once a week. Lately though I've been overwhelmed by the amount of diapers we go though, having two kids in them. I checked it up and found that you can hand wash them so I'm thinking about that and washing everyday. DH gave me the ok but thinks I wont be able to keep up with it since I hardly get any time to myself but I have an hour in the morning when Alissa sleeps and Chris eats his breakfast.

Now the only problem is.. I have no clue where to start! I don't know what type is best.. AIO, pockets or something else?, what sizes and how many of each I need.. so much to think about! All I know is, here in Sweden there isn't many options on brands and ordering from another country the shipping is a lot and the tax on the package is too much. Any advice or recommendations would be nice! TIA!

ETA: Anyone know anything about Blueberry brand? Are they good?

[**jessie**]

I'm not an expert by any stretch of the word, but I got curious about CD'ing and finally decided to take the plunge. I spent almost $200 and I am finding I don't like CD'ing like I thought I would. I'm not trying to talk you out of it at all because many people love it- maybe I'm the weird one? I am just suggesting that you only buy a couple diapers to see if you like them first. I wish I hadn't purchased so many!

Of the ones I purchased, my favorites are the one size pockets, especially the Bum Genius. Try shopping on ebay.co.uk. Many of the sellers on the British site will ship all over Europe very reasonably (and no import tax!). There is also a large selection of cloth diapers on there... way more than whats available here in Germany.

ETA: I am going to keep going with the CD's for another week or two. If I am still not enjoying it, then I would be putting mine up for sale. Reasonably priced, of course. Shipping to Sweden wouldn't be much at all.

[szczepanski]

If you are going to hand wash, you probably want to just stick to natural fibers, materials like microfiber are more likely to hold onto the stink more. I too would start out with a small amount and see how the hand washing goes. I couldn't imagine hand washing!

[alicenwonderland]

for hand washing, i would recommend flats or prefolds with covers.

Blueberry is great, but they are microfiber and hemp. Neither i think would be great for handwashing.

Little-lions Cloth diapers Home page

I here little lions has great natural fiber choices. I dont' know about shipping though.

[ANGWife]

Originally Posted by szczepanski

If you are going to hand wash, you probably want to just stick to natural fibers, materials like microfiber are more likely to hold onto the stink more. I too would start out with a small amount and see how the hand washing goes. I couldn't imagine hand washing!

Hand washing is very ambitious but CAN be done!

Alot of women get overwhelmed at first wen there is no real need to Just purchase a few dipes and use disposables part time to see how it goes. Also you can buy some used diapers since you aren't sure what you want yet. You can't really go wrong with any brand because different dipes work for different kids. I LOVE our FuzzinBunz but know a few who don't. Just like I couldn't stand the Bumgenius AIO organics but those are a very popular dipe with others. Just make sure pay attention to if it's waterproof or needs a cover.

[alicenwonderland]

found this site. Green Planet Baby: Cloth Diapers, Diaper Covers, Organics

they ship to europe

[~*Bethy*~]

Justine sent me a CD starter kit, including some blueberry's, theyre my go to diaper right now, but I could NOT imagine hand washing thoes suckers!!! They absorb SOOO much that there would be no way without my washer!!

ETA: Maybe prefolds and covers are a route you should start out with, their thin, and would easy to wring out and get poop out of. Or maybe fitted's because they are like the AIO's, but their not water proof so you would need a cover. All the liners and what not are already built in so you dont have to worry about adding more inserts to absorb more.

[Nami]

Thanks for the help and links ladies! We're just going to get a few and go from there. I don't know if it makes a difference but all diapers will be blasted off in the shower right after changing, it's the only way I was able to get DH to give me the ok.

Isn't prefolds and covers a bit more pricey?

[Frozendesire]

prefolds and covers are the cheapest system

[~*Bethy*~]

I can get 20 prefolds for $25! pretty much they even out to be $1.10 or so a prefold

[Nami]

Sweet! I may try them then. We have to wait until payday next month to start so I'll be sure to do a little more research. Is there any down side to prefolds?

[*krista*]

I like AI2s the best, but I've only experimented with prefolds and AI2s. I've heard AIOs are hard to wash and dry and I don't like the idea of pockets, AI2s are the same concept but seem easier to me.

In my experience, the prefolds are a little more bulky but any CD is going to be more bulky than the sposies you are used to. They can be hard to fumble around with to get on, and I've only tried it with a newborn, I imagine they are even harder with older babies! The ones that I got are a little more coarse than the AI2s I have. And if you have a heavy wetter the entire diaper is absorbent, so more of the wetness will touch baby's skin, which is a problem in my case because Charlotte has very sensitive, eczema prone skin.

One thing about prefolds though... they really hold in those blowout poos!

[~*Bethy*~]

Originally Posted by Nami

Is there any down side to prefolds?

IMO, they dont hold as much. I find myself using them if my dipes are in the wash. I use them as inserts in my pockets for nighttime. but their great on hot summer days because they are so breathable and light.