i want to try to use cloth diapers, i jsut have a few questions?

Question

i was looking into the all in one with pockets that you jsut wash and put on the baby again. but i was also looking into gerber plastic covers and prefolds. i dont think i would like them as much but i was looking for somthing a little less expencive, the good brand of cloth diapers (the all in one easy to use things) are soooo expencive, even off of ebay. i dont think it would help in the long run. we only pay $20 for a pack of disposible paper diapers (luvs) adn we get 120 in the box. one cloth diaper can cost as much as 1 box of diapers. has anyone used the gerber covers adn the prefolds? waht do you suggest i do?i have always wanted to give cloth diaper a try, im all about saving money. what do you think?

im about saving money adn i hear that cloth diapers are suppose to be less expencive but i dont see that? why?

well, crazy, i use them for that too. thats when i got to thinking about jsut trying cloth diapers, but is does seem like a lot of work

Answer 1

I used cloth diapers with my son, now age 3 and potty training.

For a newborn, prefolds and inexpensive nylon or poly covers are easy to use. Newborns don't try to wiggle or escape while you change them! You can use pins, but there is a little device called a "Snappi" that I find much easier to use than pins. It has clasps like an Ace bandage to hold the diaper closed.

I switched to the more expensive pocket-type diapers you described when my son was about 6-7 months old. At that age, he moved around too much for me to take the extra time to affix the diaper, then put on the waterproof cover. By this age, you will know if you are committed to using cloth diapers or not.

When you break down the economics of buying cloth vs. disposable diapers, EVEN FACTORING IN WASHING COSTS, every study I've read indicates that cloth is cheaper. If you have another child later and re-use your cloth diapers, you will save SIGNIFICANTLY over disposables since there will be very little extra to buy for the second child.

As a rule, you will get the best quality diapers and covers from internet retailers who only sell cloth diapers. Drugstore brands are lower quality because so few people use cloth anymore. I recommend you look for "Chinese prefolds" that are "diaper service quality" to get the best basic prefold diapers. My favorite cover brands are Re-Uz-Um POSO (pull-on snap-off) and Stacinator. You will find the Snappi fasteners from the same type of online diaper store.

Good luck! You will save money, and you will be doing something better for the environment, but, even more importantly, YOUR BABY will probably have a happier, healthier bottom. Diaper rash was far less common before the majority of babies wore disposables. Make sure you avoid harsh detergents (no Tide!) and NEVER use fabric softener on diapers or they won't absorb properly.

Answer 2

I have just jumped into cloth diapers also. Here is what I learned in my research...Everyone seems to agree that the Gerber prefolds with the extra inner core are garbage. Apparently the inner core is not very absorbent. I hear that the all-in-ones take a long time to dry because of the extra layers. This is why a lot of people seem to like the ones where you add the folded up classic cloth diaper to the diaper cover. If you use a separate waterproof cover then it will have no drying time to speak of and can be put back into circulation faster that the separate cloth diaper insert...meaning you could get by with less covers than cloths. Do you sew? There are a lot of free patterns out there on the internet. I told someone at my local La Leche League what I wanted to do and they brought me 2 sacks of their cloth diapers and covers (many of which she had made but never used). So, there might be someone that is just looking for a good home for their old ones if you ask around. Another resource for cloth diapering questions is: www.mothering.com/discussions
there is a forum for all things cloth diapers. These moms are really knowledgeable. Also, I think in the long run you will be saving money. Good luck.

Answer 3

I love my Chinese prefolds and Bummis covers. I also have a few wool covers and some fleece for better air circulation. The Gerber prefolds are no good. Not even the DSQ diapers. I recommend you purchase mostly prefolds and inexpensive wraps (I like Proraps for newborns). For me it was a good combination of cost and convenience. For going out, treat yourself to a few BumGenius, and when people ask you what you need, ask for more. Bumgenius are one-sized, so they will last until potty-training. A lot of people are suggesting paper liners, but a breastfed baby doesn't need these. If your diapers are stained, use baking soda in the wash (maybe 1/3 cup) or hang the diapers in the sun. As for convenience, cloth is so much easier. The idea that disposable is easier is no longer true. It is so much easier to toss in a load of wash than it is to run to the Wal-Mart, and who can go there without buying a bunch of other stuff? Cloth is less leaky, less stinky, far cheaper, healthier for baby, and better for the Earth. It will take some time to establish a routine, but those of us who have used disposables and cloth know that cloth is better. You can do it!

Answer 4

I did cloth for two. I started by buying Little Lambs from E Bay. They were great. That plastic snaps, washable and they were water proof. I tried the Gerber plastic covers and they were horrible. As for the actual cloth part. . . The Gerber Cloth diaper service ones ( they have Blue stitching) they are the only ones that are worth a penny.
The ones that are 4 layers in the center are not good and there is another one that is actually polyester filled, they are horrible.
Best of luck to you. Happy cloth diapering
$ $ $
Each of the Little lambs was $12 each
I will be able to use them, after two kids they are still in great condition
Plus, when I am done I will be selling them. . . try to do that with a disposable. My stash of about 12 covers, and 50 inserts was a huge supply for one, and enough for two in diapers.
As for a pail, I just used a tall plastic trash can from Wall-Mart (less than $10)
As for the inserts, Make sure you get the Gerber Diaper Service ones , they are sold in packs of 6. I forget how much they cost, but they do not wear out and once again you can resell them or you can use the around the house.
Call 1 800 4GERBER and register, you will get coupons for food, clothes, plus they have some for all GERBER products. I was able to use these for my diapers. Let them know that you want to use cloth diapers and the person will get you all set.
Another thought, when I travel or when the kids go to Grandma's I use disposables. I was able to register with 1800DIAPERS.com I was able to register with referral code REMA8993 and I got $2 off my order, plus Now I am able to earn Free diapers. These guys have diapers, wipes, formula and more. Between this site and using cloth when I am home I save a TON on diapering.

As for taking up my time, between getting rid of one car, down grading our life style, using cloth diapers and pinching pennies, Our family has been able to make changes so that I can stay at home with the kids. I would not trade that for anything.

Best of Luck, Have fun keeping Heineys Happy in your house

Answer 5

After the initial cost of a couple dozen cloth diapers and plastic pants and pins, you never have to buy another diaper! That's the savings. Children are in diapers/pampers for several years (depending on child, some longer and some shorter). I bought my cloth diapers at Sears. I washed diapers 1x or 2x a week (you need to have a cuople days worth of diapers to keep your sanity). And I always hung them outside to dry (the sun deodorizes and bleaches them additionally). I used cloth diapers on 3 kids (oldest is 22, youngest 10). Good luck and God Bless.
P.S. I didn't like prefolded much, but you could ask family to give diapers as a baby gift, Christmas gift, birthday gift (whatever) or gift cards to places that carry cloth diapers.

Answer 6

Well a pack of disposables you use ONCE. A cloth diaper you use as many times as you need to.

I've never seen a used cloth diapers run as much as $20 each, however. Even on Amazon the most expensive new one is $19.99

You can buy kits and get diapers for cheaper as well:
http://www.thanksmama.com/Bummis_Cotton_Diapering_Kit_p/bms-010.htm
Includes 24 prefolds, 4 wraps, flushable bioliners,
for $118.99. That's less than $5 per diaper.

Answer 7

Like everything else, companies push the product that will cost you the most in the long run. This even includes cloth diapers.

I used them, and I used the cheapest most simplistic out there. The big sheets you fold into a shape. I bought them at discount stores and even second hand at used clothing stores. When you buy the sheets to fold you can tailor them better for your child you also never ever have to buy a bigger size. I spent about $100 (this is ten yrs ago) on mine (diapers, extra liners, and covers) and the only ongoing cost were the paper barriers (look like dryer sheets. they keep wetness away and stop the poop from sticking to the diaper. Easy clean up).

As for covers, please please do NOT use plastic covers. Think of having your privates wrapped in layer after layer of warming flannel then having it encased in plastic. No air flow with equals alot of skin troubles for baby. My son developed eczema solely in the diaper area becasue of this.

The very best for baby are the wool covers, you can even make them yourself from old wool sweaters. They are pricy, but you only need maybe 3 or 4 and they last forever.

Cloth diapers were the best decision I ever made. I hope you make the same choice!

Answer 8

My son developed an allergy to diapers for awhile and we had to go to cloth. We were broke so we went with the prefold cheapos they were like $12 for a dozen and they worked well. We washed them in the washer (after a good rinsing) with a little hydrogen peroxide and they worked well. They really weren't a hassle, we used the pins and the gerber plastic pants. Leaks were occasional and we got rid of he rashes. We used the all-in-one Gerber plastic pants over a cloth diaper for potty training and they were pretty nice, they kinda sucked for messy accidents though.

Answer 9

I have the cloth gerber diapers, I don't use them for diapering, but for burp cloths. I say try them and don't forget the rubber diaper on top. If it doesn't work out, at least you tried and hey you can use them for burp cloths too!

Answer 10

Saving money? You just said one cloth diaper costs the same as a pack of disposables. How about your time? Isn't it a little more valuable? You will have to wash them and spend money on detergent! I would rather spend the time with the baby than washing cloth diapers!