Cloth Diapering!

During my pregnancy, Jake and I decided to check out the option of cloth diapers (at the recommendation of quite a few friends who love them). The advantages seemed pretty good - both financially, and environmentally. And I am SO GLAD that we chose them as our primary method of diapering at home (during long trips, it's often easiest to use disposables), because we have already saved hundreds of dollars, and we expect that number to go well into the thousands as we have more children. Of course, I don't make any financial decision lightly, and had to research the options thoroughly beforehand. And not surprisingly, many, MANY people have asked me about it as they prepare for their own babies. SO! I decided to just post all my research so that it's out there for anyone who is interested! I am also planning on uploading a video, or at least some photos so you can see how easy (and cute) it really is! ENJOY!



Overall, I've calculated that (depending on the brand and whether the size is adjustable), most people spend between 200 and 450 on their cloth diaper stash, as compared to 1600 to 2000 dollars on disposables from birth to potty training. Granted, you have to pay for water costs to wash them, but almost all my friends with high-efficiency washers didn't even notice a difference on their bill, and we haven't either! There are quite a few options out there, and it can quickly get overwhelming, so I put together a spreadsheet with the options that were important to me, and estimated cost (my favorites are highlighted). Here are some of the options to think about:

1. Type of diaper - my favorites are:
-cover with pre-folds so you can switch the prefold inserts out but keep the same cover for most of the day...provided there's not a gigantic mess! (Grovia makes an insert that snaps in so it doesn't move around)
-all-in-one (AIO) which is essentially just like a disposable in that you change the entire diaper out each time. Because of this, you'll probably need more of them, but they are easier in some ways
-hybrid (Grovia and G-Baby make these), which basically include a disposable/flushable liner that is good at catching solids, etc. - they're awesome, but can get expensive
-Rumparooz makes a pocket diaper that looks like an AIO, but you can put extra inserts/soakers into a flap for heavy wetters, etc.

2. Adjustable size (or "One Size")
-I LOVED this option because it's such a money-saver! These diapers have a series of snaps across the front that can be used to adjust the size of the diaper from newborn all the way to potty training! So you can get away with one stash the entire time! However, I've heard that the ones that last for 2(ish) years don't always fit quite right, so I opted for the ones that go from birth to 1 year, and then another set from 1 year to potty training

3. Snaps or Velcro (no need to worry about using safety pins anymore! haha)
-again, depends on your preference - snaps will last longer with lots of washing, but aren't quite as quick or as adjustable as a patch of velcro (hook and loop). Something to keep in mind is that babies may learn to undo the velcro once they get a little older! Grovia has an option where you can send your covers in to convert to a snap system for a small fee if you'd like to do it later on.

4. Type of material
-especially when it comes to inserts/prefolds, there are lots of options from hemp to cotton, and with a variety of layers. I'd get a good mix so that you have some super-absorbent soakers for naptime/nighttime, but also some that aren't as bulky during the day. Also, when the child starts to potty train, they say that a lot of absorbency isn't as great because they have to learn to feel and recognize the wetness. So, what you use might change over time as well.

5. Cost
-They range in price from around $10 a diaper all the way up to $35...seems really expensive, but when you consider that it's a one-time cost that will last you through potty training, and even through future children, it's really worth it! I decided to go with about 12 covers, 25 prefolds/soakers, a few pocket diapers, and a few all-in-ones (just to try them, and use them with a babysitter since they're a little easier). I didn't need as many because all the ones I'm getting are adjustable. After a lot of research, I chose the following brands: Thirsties wraps with prefolds, Grovia/Grobaby, and Rumparooz. Also remember that you'll need special detergent that is safe for cloth diapers, a wet, dry, or wet/dry pail (again, preference - you can research the difference..we use a dry pail with some baking soda and it works fine), cloth diaper-safe stain remover if you're concerned about stains, a sprayer if you'd like to try to remove most of the solids into the toilet before washing (GroVia has a bioliner that catches most of the solids so we haven't needed a sprayer), a wet bag for travel/errands, and cloth diaper-safe diaper rash cream.



Check out this website for a good variety of diapers and accessories: www.diaperjunction.com (I actually made a registry on here for my baby showers!), and also http://www.momsmilkboutique.com/

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT!! We absolutely LOVE using cloth, and Eli seems to actually prefer it on his bottom, too! In fact, almost everyone that has watched me change Eli using cloth has suddenly decided to consider it! So, please ask if you have any other questions! Video to follow...