Cloth Diaper Choices

I have been using cloth diapers for the last 3 1/2 years. I also used them 10 years ago, for the first year of V's life. So, altogether I have 4 1/2 years of experience.

Over the last decade, cloth diapering has exploded in popularity. When V was in cloth diapers, I didn't know another soul who used them. Now, even though I moved halfway across the country away from the granola capital of Austin, TX, I still run into other users of cloth diapers. Hurrah!

I'm not sure whether cloth is becoming more popular because there are more options, or if there are more options because they are becoming more popular - but I'm glad either way! Back in the old days, when the grandparents used cloth, they only had rubber pants to cover the diapers. Most people probably used flats, which is basically a big square of absorbent birdeye weave cloth. 10 years ago, I used Chinese prefolds with diaper pins and covers. I tried pull-ons, which were the cheapest, but they didn't adjust around my baby's skinny legs. I also tried ajustable velcro and snap covers. They gave me a much better fit, simply by their adjustability. I also tried wool soakers, especially for overnight.

When I decided to go back to cloth, when S was a few months old, I jumped right in with prefolds and bought some Bummis velcro covers without even thinking. I also was intruduced to the Snappi (a plactic device for holding the diaper snug without pins) and totally loved it. By the time he was potty trained, I was already diapering little A. I decided to branch out and try some other options. I tried Thirsties velcro covers, which worked comparably with Bummis, and I got some Flip adjustable covers. They are a bit cheaper than some other adjustable size covers, but I am not able to get a tight enough fit around my baby's skinny legs, so they are not my favorite. I do like that they fit my 4 month old and can also fit my 2-year-old in a pinch!

I am notoriously frugal, so I have mostly stuck to prefolds and covers rather than sized diapers, pocket, diapers, all-in-ones, etc. I do use disposables a lot at night because my babies have sensitive skin, are heavy wetters, and disposables fit better under pajamas then cloth diapers.

I recently purchased some BumGenius onesize pocket diapers and am ready to put them to the test. So far, I can tell you they do fit both M, at 4 months and A at 25 months (though admittedly, A is petite). They fit snug around the waist and legs and haven't leaked yet. They do need a little more particular care than prefolds. They need to be washed every 2-3 days in a special detergent (one free of phospates and other chemicals). Detergents such as Rockin' Green are sold where cloth diapers are sold. This is my first foray into other types of cloth diapers and I look forward to trying out several types on my little guinea pigs :)

Cloth diaper deal

I just wanted to tell you about a pretty good deal on an order I just placed for cloth diapers.

I ordered 2 bum-genius 1-size all-in-ones AND 6 premium prefolds for $41.85 (no shipping fee). I thought this was pretty good, since the bumgenius are $18 a piece. I have been wanting to try them and have them on hand for when I am out and about. Also, I needed to replace some of my prefolds that were getting holey.

New customers can get $10 off their first order (if $49 minimum) and $5 off their second order. If you decide to do it, please use my referral code -- PAWN2271 -- I will get a credit for referring you. (don't use my email address, because I ordered with a different junk email account that I use for online stuff)

3 BumGenius diapers for $43.85! That's less than $15 each! I'm wondering if I should have gotten a 3rd one instead of the prefolds... If you have trouble with having the code take off the $10, just call them and they will manually take it off.

Why I am switching back to cloth diapers

In case you are wondering, "Why all the cloth diapering posts?" Yes, I am switching back to cloth with baby #4. And now for that "Why?"

1. Chemicals in disposable diapers and wipes - The long-term and cumulative effects of chemicals used in our everyday products on our health is ultimately unknown. Additionally, some of my children have developed severe atopic allergy symptoms. It seems prudent to cut down on chemical exposure where possible.


2. Cheaper - This is indisputable. Even after factoring in minor utility increases, you can't argue that one.


3. Better for the environment!!


4. I have too much time on my hands. LOL. Yes, kidding. And, yes, I do value my time. It doesn't take as much time as you think.
5. I can change as often as I like instead of skimping and waiting until the disposable diaper is really saturated.


6. Oh yes, and they are cute!

Why did I stop using cloth in the first place?

Well, when I stopped I was pregnant with #2 and living in an apartment without a washing machine. It got to be too much to lug the diapers around to wash, especially while keeping tabs on a toddler. Also, I was convinced #1 was going to potty train any day. Then we moved to Italy for a year and I couldn't fit the cloth diapering supplies in my mere 7 suitcases with all our clothes, dishes, linens, etc. (and I didn't know how we'd be washing laundry). And when we got back I was already pregnant with #3. Anyone else with 3 little kids under 3 has my permission to use disposables as long as they want!! In comparison, I really do have too much time on my hands now. But that's another story.

Cloth diaper care

diapers:

1. Dump solids in the toilet (easy if you use a diaper liner or spray nozzle by your toilet)
2. soak in a pail (or right in your machine!) with cold water (and baking soda if you wish) until ready to wash (you do not have to soak diapers, you can just stick them in a dry pail too, then rinse on cold first, simply cover with a clean damp diaper to seal in odors)
3. run one hot wash with baking soda (~ 1/2 c.) and mild laundry soap or borax (1/4 c.)
4. run a second hot wash or rinse with vinegar (~1/2 c.)
5. hang to dry (sun will bleach them and they will last longer) or dry in your dryer
6. wash diapers every 3 days or so

covers:

• soiled covers can be washed along with diapers, hang to dry and they will last longer.
• unsoiled covers can be wiped clean and reused or rinsed in the sink and hung to dry

Here is a page with detailed advice on caring for cloth diapers, including which laundry detergents to avoid.

Cloth Diapering Sources

I liked this website better than several others because she had the things I wanted in stock, and with the 10% discount and free shipping it ends up cheaper. She also shipped right away and I got my order in less than a week.

everydaydiapers.com

• use coupon code: mommy - to save 10% on your order
• if you spend $35 or more, you get free shipping (regularly $5 flat-rate shipping)
• for just $134 you can get the Bummis cotton diapering kit (15-30 lbs), which has everything you need. If you are planning to start with cloth, I recommend this kit.

*If you decide to buy from this site, please use my link (I should get credit for referring you :)

Save Money using Cloth diapers

For both options, of course it depends which brands you use. I am still diapering my 4th baby and have used both cloth and disposables. Here are my estimated costs:

cost for disposables

1 box from Sam's ~ $34/month

x 12 = ~ $408/year

*cost for cloth

2-3 dozen diapers ~ $30-$60 (about $15-$27/doz. depending on quality, fabric, etc.)

4-6 velcro covers ~ $52-$78 (I like Bummi's Super Brites) (no pins - just as easy as disposables!)

Altogether, you spend less than $150

If you only used cloth for 3-4 months, you break even (though you could still sell the supplies at more than 50% of what you spent). In one year you save a couple hundred dollars. Yes, you do have to wash them, and that does cost a bit more than your regular washing. But you will also be able to use these diapers for at least another year. Saving you at least another $400! Then you can use them for your next baby!

OVERNIGHT: If you choose to use cloth overnight, you will probably need some extra absorbent inserts or a special absorbent cover. If you choose to use disposables for overnight, you can still save a lot by using cloth during the day. In fact, I think this may be my favorite option. It is also nice to use disposables for long outings, though many families are not bothered by using cloth while away from home.

*for a baby 15-30 lbs. For me this will last from a baby about 4 months old to about 2 1/2 years old. If you choose to buy cloth for a newborn you buy supplies for the 6-15 lb. diapering supplies which you cannot use as long, but you can reuse for your next baby, or resell when you are through with it.

Modern Cloth Diapering is just as easy as disposables!

1. fold the diaper in thirds and place in cover:
2. Fasten velcro as with a disposable diaper (that's right, no pins!):

And aren't they cute?

These are Bummi's Super Brites

Does anyone have any questions or comments on cloth diapering?