On the Fence

[TXLeslie]

I am on the border of using cloth diapers.

What are the start up costs? What are the pros and cons of cloth?

I have read about the different types on a few sites and it just got more confusing as I read more.

What types do you use and what do you like about that type? Would you use a different type if you could?

Leslie

[Sarah]

The best way to start out is prefolds and covers. It is the least expensive and really pretty easy. If you are going to CD full time and just use prefolds/covers you will need about 2 dozen diapers and 6-8 covers. Then when you get the hang of things you can branch out into all the other types of diapers.

Alot of online stores have package bundles.
http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/packages.htm

[*Molly*]

They are addicting! I haven't CDed since going back to work and we're PTing 3rd now. I think I have at least 80 (if not more).

[TXLeslie]

I am not into using pins, but the velcro looks good. You just fold the padding into the cover and put on like a normal diaper, correct?

Then to clean, you dump BM in toliet and wash, right? Is that part gross or messy?

Leslie

[Sarah]

You don't have to use pins on diapers. They have Snappis (http://www.snappibaby.com/products/snappidiaperfastener.html) that you can use on prefolds.

I personally don't like velcro on diapers because they end up getting snagged on each other. I like snaps.

If you are BFing you don't have to dump the poo, just throw it in the wash.

[TXLeslie]

My husband would like to know why bfing poo can be washed and formula poo has to be dumped?

leslie

[Sarah]

It doesn't stink as much, is water soluble, and won't stain as bad. You can still wash FF poopy diapers, but you might get some more staining.

Some people either use a diaper sprayer or swish the poop in the toilet. I'm a swisher. Especially now since Logan's poop is a little more solid. I can usually flick it off and not have to swish. Man, I wish he would use the potty!

[MamaCulby]

Is the fecal bacteria not a concern? Or does the dryer then kill the bacteria? I wonder if the bacteria would stay in the washer and get on your regular clothing. But i guess if the dryer is hot enough to kill the bacteria it wouldn't matter.

[Sarah]

I haven't ever head anyone having a problem with bacteria. Most people wash with hot and rinse a few times so I would assume it all washes away.

[natalie]

so many questions. There are really great website about all the different brands and types of diaper. You really need to invest in a few different ones and see what works best for your baby and your routine.

Once you start, it really is easy. The washing routine gets easy and everything falls into place.

[<3 Susan <3]

The dryer or the sun disinfects the diapers. The sun is also good for getting rod of stains.

I use pockets and fitteds (need a cover)

My start up costs was about $500 but I just look at it as buying sposies a year in advance. :D

Plus cloth diapers have ahigh resale value.

[TXLeslie]

I mentioned the resale value thing to David this morning. That is truly a positive.

Leslie

[Will's Only Girl]

I started cding with only $70 available. I made most of my diapers out of old flannel receiving blankets, and some flannel off the clearance rack at Joannes. Also you can make them out of old t-shirts, sheets, it is better if they are 100% cotton, but as long as they easily soak up liquid they will do.
Flats are the easiest, you just cut them in (usually) 27"x27" square hem them and fold them, there are sights on you tube about how to fold flats origami and kite style, I personally prefer kite. They are the easiest and cheapest to clean they also dry very quickly, so you don't need as many.
You can look on diaperswappers.com they have a ffs (free for shipping) forum where you can buy diapers and other items free for the price to ship them to you. They have other forums to buy used diapers and WAHM wares.
Facebook has a group called Cloth Diaper Cafe (Chat and Swap).
Good luck! Pm me if you want to talk more or have more questions.