Come on, give it a try
Apr 26 '01
The Bottom Line If more people would just give it a try, I believe they would see that CDing is much easier than most people think!
Cloth diapering is not as difficult and time consuming as you may think it is. I speak from experience. A few months ago I was one of those saying "I could never use cloth diapers, it's too much laundry and extra work." Then, I was enlightened.
A few friends explained to me that cloth diapering was not as hard or as time consuming as many people make it out to be. In fact, most of those who put down cloth diapering have never even tried it themselves. A friend of mine pointed out that cloth diapering only creates one extra load of laundry every two days. I didn't think that sounded too bad, so I started asking questions to find out more.
If you're interested in using cloth, first thing you need to do is invest in some diapers and covers. There are many, many different types and brands, which include, but are not limited to:
Prefolds The most basic (and least expensive) type of cloth diaper. These are rectangular shaped pieces of cloth which are folded (and there are several different ways to fold) and pinned. However - pinning prefolds is not always necessary - if you prefer, you can use a Snappi, which is a piece of elastic with three clips on the ends that holds the diaper closed, eliminating the need for pins. Or, you can elect to just place the prefold in a wrap and leave it totally unpinned (however, you may experience more poop blowouts by going this route). Prefold diapers usually cost anywhere from $11 (for a dozen Gerber birdseye diapers which can be purchased at Babies R Us and Target) to $25 (for a dozen Chinese prefold diapers - which are your best bet, in my opinion, but as far as I know they are only available for purchase online).
Fitteds Fitted diapers are shaped just like disposable diapers. These are my favorite type of diaper, and the only kind we use. All you need to do with fitted diapers is place the diaper under the baby, secure the sides, and place a wrap over top. There are many, many different brands of fitted diapers - my favorites are those made by WAHMs (work at home moms), which can only be found online. Most WAHM diapers are available in cute prints, which make diapering fun.
Fitted diapers close either with aplix (like velcro, but stronger) or with snaps. Personally, I prefer snaps. You can choose either side snap or front snap. I like side snaps best. Front snap diapers tends to droop in the front when they get wet, but with side snaps, the diaper stays night and taut against my son's belly. These diapers usually cost between $7 and $12 per diaper, which may sound like a lot, but when you figure out how much you will spend on disposable diapers by the time your child potty trains, you will actually be saving money (unless you get addicted to buying WAHM dipes, like me, LOL).
All In Ones Referred to as AIOs. These diapers do not require a separate cover, as there is a layer of PUL (polyurethane laminate) sewn directly over the cloth diaper. These diapers resemble disposable diapers also, and most close with aplix, although I have seen some that close with side snaps. This is the most expensive type of cloth diaper, ranging anywhere from $11 (plain white Bumkins) to $30 (Honeyboys WAHM diaper on auction at WAHMall.com - and I've seen auctions where these dipes have gotten as high as $60! Yikes). I have not personally used AIOs yet but I am planning on investing in one or two in the near future for outings and car trips.
Contour diapers These hourglass shaped diapers are usually just placed in a wrap, but they can also be pinned. They retail for about $30 - $35 per dozen. I haven't used these yet, and really have no desire to try :o) I love my fitteds.
Now onto covers (also called wraps):
All of the covers that I have used are made of a layer of PUL (polyurethane laminate) and close with velcro. My personal favorites are Proraps. They are plain white, with leg gussets to contain leaks, and are relatively inexpensive (I paid $5 a piece for mine). I know other people who swear by Bummis, which look similar to Proraps but are a little puffier and are available both in white and in various prints. I can't give advice on the Bummis wraps because I haven't tried them yet. Bummis and Proraps are only available for purchase online. There are also quite a few other brands of velcro wraps, such as Diaperaps, Bumkins, Motherease, Dappi (available at Babies R Us and Target, and more.
Wool covers (referred to as soakers) are also an option. I have a few of these on order, but they haven't arrived yet, so I can't say how well they work. But I have heard many a rave about wool soakers. Aristocrats in particular. These covers just pull on over the diaper. Wool can hold 30% of its weight in liquid before it will start to feel damp. Wool also keeps baby warm in winter and nice and cool in the summer. These covers are a bit pricey - Aristocrats cost about $18 for a newborn size, and about $23 for an extra-large. However I have been told that they are worth the extra money.
Another cover option is pull-on vinyl covers, also referred to as "rubber pants" or "plastic pants". I am not a big fan of these types of covers. Sure, they are relatively cheap ($4 for a two pack of Dappi pull-ons), but they leave red marks from the elastic on my son's waist and thighs, and they don't fit snug enough at my son's thighs, which can cause leakage. If you're on a tight budget, you may want to use these, but if you have the means to buy some more expensive wrap covers, I would highly recommend doing so.
You may also wish to purchase some diaper doublers, or liners. Doublers are a few extra layers of material (cotton, fleece, flannel, sherpa, or velour) sewn together to make an insert for the diaper. These can help create extra absorbancy, which you may or may not need, depending on whether your baby is a heavy wetter or a light wetter. My son is an extremely heavy wetter, and without a doubler, I doubt he would wake up with dry pajamas in the morning after eleven hours of sleep.
Now onto washing. My washing routine is very simple. I wash every day, because I have to (we don't have enough diapers otherwise - I'm waiting on more!). I do a cold rinse, then a hot wash with Purex detergent, with some vinegar in the rinse. Then I do an extra rinse on cold. Ta-da! Diapers are done. Then they get thrown into the dryer for two hours. Way too easy.
If you're worried about stains (I'm not, they're diapers after all!), you can try hanging your dipes in the sun on the clothesline. I have been told this does wonders for stains, and bleaches them right out naturally. I may give this a try sometime, depending if we ever move someplace that has a clothesline.
You'll also need to purchase a diaper pail (you can use a regular trash can if you prefer). I would highly suggest purchasing a liner for the pail (you don't have to spend $20 for a specially made diaper pail liner online, check Wal*Mart's camping section for waterproof bags which only cost $4) so that you don't have to scrub it after each use. I use a Cosco diaper pail, which I do not recommend, because it is too small, and only holds a day's worth of diapers. But it was the only pail I could find, so I bought it. I'm on the hunt for a larger one. You may also want to purchase some Deodisks for your diaper pail, to keep the odors under control. I use a Deodisk in my pail and we have no problems with odors.
That's it! That's the basic gist of cloth diapering. If you need more info, check out the diapering message board at http://www.parentsplace.com. I found tons of helpful information there and I am sure you will too! If you are currently using disposables I urge you to just give CDing a try! It can't hurt, can it? Cloth diapering is so much easier on your baby's tender skin, the environment, and your wallet :o) Happy diapering!
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Epinions.com ID:
luvmysoldier
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Member: Erika Kelly
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 17 members
About Me:
I'm a 19 y/o stay at home mom and Army wife.
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