Cloth Diapers - Help!?

Question

Can someone please tell me what cloth diaper systems are best and inexpensive, and provide a shopping list of the things i might need? or provide a website where i might find this information. there's just so many different kinds of cloth diapers and such, i want to try them but don't know what is best or easiest? Thanks!

Answer 1

You're right that there are so many options -- cloth diapers today are so different than what our parents had to use!

I used cloth diapers almost exclusively with my older daughter from the time she was 4 months old until she was 18 months old. (Then, my 2nd daughter was born, and I was overwhelmed by 2 in diapers, so I switched back to mostly disposables. I still use the cloth occasionally, though.)

Anyway, I tried out a variety of diapers at first. The cheapest are Chinese prefolds (sometimes called CPFs). It takes a little practice to get used to putting them on, but it's not that hard. (Even my husband figured it out with no problem.) You can use a rubber-band-type thing called a Snappi to help hold it in place, but it's not necessary. Then, you need some kind of cover over it. I liked the Bummis Super Whisper Wraps a lot.

If you're willing to spend a little more money, pocket diapers (Fuzzi Bunz or Happy Heiny) are great! You just stuff them with either the prefolds or some other absorbant fillers and then snap or velcro them on just like a disposable diaper. Oh, and the patterned ones are cute, but the solid colors seemed to leak less, in my experience.

Cloth diapers need to be changed more frequently than disposables, but they're so worth it and not really that difficult. I just kept a plastic diaper pail with a lid next to the changing table and washed them every 2-3 days. For wipes, I just used baby washcloths, dipped them in a little tub of soapy water, and tossed the used ones in the diaper pail, too.

I started out with a sample pack from www.lilbunz.com and a few others from www.heinyking.com. The ladies there were both very helpful with any questions I had.

I also picked up a few diapers on eBay if I wanted to try something new like an all-in-one. Some of those are very nice -- they're just so expensive! If you're planning on having more than one child, you'll definitely get your money's worth, though.

It's confusing at first, but once you get started, it gets so much easier. Good luck!

Answer 2

My little infant son, 26 years ago, went through 25 cloth diapers in a day (not including that night). The cloth diapers should be washed to get out the loose organics, then BOILED. Most people these days do not have the time or where with all to keep up with the job, which includes keeping a boiling pot at the ready. Dryers can add germs--fresh air drying is usually in order.
After two days, my wife and I tearfully went down to the baby store to start our little darling on disposables.
If you're intent on going the cloth route, see if there are any services in the phone book, or look for a neighborhood laundromat. No luck? Talk to the floor administrator at the nearest hospital to see how they get their boil-ables done. B.

Answer 3

I use cloth diapers on my daughter and you are right there are so many to choose from. I want to say do not let anyone discourage you from using cloth, they truly are wonderful these days. Not only are they easier on the environement even with having to wash them but also better for the baby's skin. I did a lot of research and knowing myself I love fast,easy and convenient that is why I chose Kushies Ultra All-In-One. They are fleece lined, so they are not only absorbent but the poopies shake off easily. They are one piece with velcro fasteners so you don't have to have all the extras except for doublers. I recently discovered Mother of Eden doublers and they are GREAT! I buy all my diapering products from www.thanksmama.com. Not only do they have a wide variety but I have found that their customer service dept outstanding, they can answer any questions you may have. I will say as far as the initial cost it's a little hefty at $8/diaper and $2.50/doubler but in the long run I have saved hundreds. I know that you can also find them on ebay for a lot less but they are used.

Answer 4

Make life easy for yourself and go for disposable diapers. With cloth diapers you will have to change every half hour and not only will you spend too much time washing and disinfecting those soiled diapers,cloth diapers will also wet and dirty the bed or yourself. As it is you will be time pressed so save yourself from all that extra work and enjoy your time more with the new baby. All the best.

Answer 5

1) Use 100% cotton cloth diapers

2) Purchase diapers, plastic pants to go over the diaper,
diaper pins, diaper pail, diaper pail liners, baby wipes,
baking soda, scrub brush, air freshner (like what you hang in a toilet bowl, plus spray freshener), diaper pail cleaner (like 409 spray cleaner), bleach (disinfectant of diaper pail).

I'm sure there are form-fitting cloth diapers available these days.

Some cities have diaper laundry service where they pick up your diapers & deliver laundered ones to your house.

Be sure you get quality diaper pins that won't break or become undone easily. Better yet, don't use diaper pins at all and buy some velcro from a fabric shop and sew the velcro on areas of the diapers where you would pin them. Perhaps the new cloth diapers these days come with velcro on them.

The scent of soiled diapers is not pleasant so be sure to use diaper pail liners and hang the deodorizer near it and to clean it thoroughly often and disinfect it.

I used cloth diapers on my son for several months with no ill-effects.

Drawbacks: Your baby can't go swimming with them, the odor, having to do more laundry, have to change diapers more frequently to avoid diaper rashes because the disposable diapers draw moisture away from baby whereas cloth ones don't.

Plusses: Substantial savings in cost of diapers, a natural 100% cotton diaper on your child's sensitive baby skin.

Answer 6

I had no idea that people still use cloth diapers.. I would not know anything about that.

I have 3 children and another one on the way and I prefer to use pampers because it is alot easier.... But that is what you like that's fine.

Answer 7

Over on Livejournal.com there is a great site full of info, feedback, tips and stores from moms who cloth diaper.

http://community.livejournal.com/clothdiapering/profile is the website's info page. You may need to set up an account to view the information on there and to join but I guarantee you won't regret doing it. These women are so helpful.

Answer 8

i would not use cloth diapers cause what you save in buying diapers you will be useing in laundry money they leak bad

Answer 9

here are a few links good luck. i didnt know people still used those

http://search.yahoo.com/search?search=cloth+diaper+systems&ei=UTF-8&fr=ks-ques&p=cloth+diaper+systems

Answer 10

i am sorry, i really wish i could help you out, but i dont quite understand what the question you are trying to ask is. i perfer pampers for my baby...if that helps!