Cloth Diapers

 I finally decided to take the time to write about this!!

I had never heard of the idea of cloth diapers until a woman brought them to our natural birthing class one night. I have only heard of the prehistoric ones that our parents and grand parents used- which they say were not fun! Although they do still sell those ( and I do have some:) there have been many more modernized versions of the old cloth diaper used with pins.

My lovely sample stash

Before you get scared away and do not even consider cloth diapers, take some time and think about the idea. If you are not interested in them, they are fun to learn about and you can even pass the info on to someone who many be interested in learning. Some of you may already be using them ;)

Click on the homemade laundry soap recipe and baby wipe solution for the instructions on how to use with cloth diapering or sensitive skin.

My newest additions

(If you just want to skip all the paragraphs, I posted pictures below of my stash if you want a visual. There is so much info that I did not even cover, so go online and check it all out.
I am so glad that I was introduced to cloth diapers. There are endless reasons why you would want to use them verses the regular disposable ones. You can search online all about cloth diapers and almost every website will give you reasons why to use cloth, their benefits, how to select the right one, and how to care/wash them. I am just going to share my reasoning for why I decided to use them.

1. They are CHEAPER in the long run! If you are looking to save money ( who doesn't want to save money, right?) Cloth are the way to go. I could not handle paying for something that you buy JUST to throw away. (Your money literally is going in the toilet)

          Example: Store brand  pack of diapers-  $10.00 to $30.00 depending on quantity and brand
That can amount to  thousands of dollars per year with multiple children! All you have to do is buy 15-20 (maybe 25 for less laundry) reusable diapers once ranging from $8.00 to $20.00 per diaper putting you at about 400.00 total. Pay that once and  you do not have to pay for them ever again!!

2. They are better for the environment. All of that money you are spending does not have to go in the landfill

3. It is better for the baby's skin. The material on cloth can reduce/eliminate  diaper rash,  & irritation. Research has found that chemicals and products used in disposables can be the cause for most baby skin breakouts and sicknesses. The leak guard protection ( the stuff you smell when you open a fresh bag) is the same product that was banned in tampons which caused certain internal problems to develop.

4. It helps potty train!!! Babies in disposables cannot tell as much as babies who wear cloth. Who would not want to use the potty if you pants are soaked in pee!! It also helps potty train because the diaper can be used as underwear. They can either pull them off if there are snaps or velcro OR pull them down like regular undies. It saves on buying undies if you already have a cloth diaper which is similar to your everyday undie.

Potty training can obviously work just as well in disposables, I have used both.  More info on this online.

I am not going to explain all of the info on how to use them b/c online has tons of info that will tell you all the info you need to know. I will share what kind I use and some tips for you to consider when trying this out


1. Choose your style of diaper, yes there are different styles, based on your budget and your lifestyle.
    If you do not have a lot of money and want to try it out, check out craigslist to find used ones for cheaper. Some stores allow you to buy trial kits too
    Also, prefolds are usually the cheapest. It all depends on the brand.

2. If you commit, Do not give up or be discouraged. Buy enough to make it worth your while. 20-25 gives you enough where you are not constantly doing a load in order to have a clean diaper when you really need it. Also, get all the accessories you need to completely do the job whichever method you use.

3. You can use gift cards from walmart, target, babies r us, and other stores online to buy cloth diapers and accessories to save money.

4. GUSSET, GUSSET, GUSSET!!! Get a cloth diaper that has a good gusset ( I mean good leak protection/ tight elastic near the leg) No matter how expensive or cheap the diaper, a good diaper/cover can keep in the goods for a long time- especially long car rides or if you forgot to change your baby. Sometimes you do not always change your baby every hour. Sometimes paying for a more expensive diaper will save you time verses always buying cheap ones that do not work. ( or vice versa)

Poor leg gusset

                                                                     

Good leg gusset

5. Get liners, disposable or reusable, to help reduce staining and flushing away poopies :) It helps with the cleaning process :)

6. Buy clothes for your babies that allow more bulk in their booties. Some cloth diapes can be HUGE. I stretched some clothes of Emery's so either buy elastic/stretchy band waists, overalls,  or just use a size or 2 larger if you have the problem of bulk. Also, try using leggings. You do not have to pull down or un button clothing for a changing. Try making them too :)

My favorite diapers to use b/c of their quality, elastic, material, and gussett!! Most of these websites have great resources  on instructions and print outs for cloth diapering classes. In no order of preference:

http://www.imsevimse.us/
http://www.thirstiesbaby.com

http://www.fuzzibunz.com
http://www.bestbottomdiapers.com/
http://us.bambinomio.com/
http://osocozy.com/
http://hyenacart.com/BubuBebe/


Other good brands are, G diaper, BumGenius,Bummis,happyheiny,kissaluvs,
bumkins,swaddlebees,cuddlebunz,bumwear,drybees, heinyhuggers, and much much more!!!

Some stores that also sell them are cottonbabies and Nicki's diapers. Organic and whole food stores sell these items too. Recently I found out that Babies and Toys R US have a huge selection of organic foods, diapering, and toiletries in the store for great prices.

Check out YOUTUBE for videos on how to use cloth diapers.

Here are the common  types of diapers you can buy and choose from:

1. AIO- all in ones- these have everything in one diaper. You just put in on and go. They have the waterproof outter shell. Best bet for easy clean and changing.

Emery's yellow diaper AIO

inside

2. Prefolds- usually organic material. Chinese and indian are the common types. these need a waterproof cover and you also need snappies/pins. They are the cheapest, but you need to know how to fold them.

Emery's chinese prefold-needs a cover-different ways to fold

waterproof cover

          

close up

Cloth snaps which need a cover, fitted and grow with baby

 3. Fitted/cloth-can just be like AIOs without the cover. All differerent types and sizes.

for newborns

for toddlers

time to fold my stash

Samples from my stash: liners, AIOs, prefolds, covers, etc.

Snappies & cloth wipes

laundry bag and on-the-go wet bags