A few months ago (well before finding out we were expecting baby #3) I had written a post about things I would do differently “next time”.
Now that I am pregnant with #3, I cannot guarantee all those things will happen. I will not have a natural delivery and the no-paci rule has already sunk the bottom of my cares. I do, however, intend to breastfeed and of course, cloth diaper.
I had no idea the world of cloth diapering!
If you are new to cloth diapering, let me fill you in. (And if you’re a cloth diapering vet, please feel free to correct me where I’m wrong and share your tips! I am still learning!)
First things first, if you are new, be warned now – cloth diapers are so cute! They have cute prints and fabrics and are just adorable! I think I am already in possession of 8 cloth diapers (all different colors, fabrics and patterns, including this awesome cow print!) They. Are. Addictive.
Next, after asking around, I was informed that it is safe to purchase cloth diapers second hand. You just need to strip them before you use them. (I was provided this website as a reference for stripping.)
There are a million terms in the cloth diaper world! I’m just going to review the basic terms:
- Diaper cover is essentially the image above. It is the “shell” of the diaper – the outer cover. This is the part that is waterproof. Diaper covers typically come with velcro, snaps or pull on.
- Inserts are the absorbent pieces that you come with diapers or you purchase separately. (I have learned that new diapers typically come with at least one insert and when buying used, the seller will generally include an insert.)
There are several different types of cloth diapers:
- All in Ones (AIO): I think of this as a diaper that has the outer cover plus the inner absorbent pieces altogether in one piece. With these, once they are pottied in, they need to be washed.
- All in Twos (AI2): It is a diaper with a snap in insert (the absorbent piece). When baby potties, you take out the insert and put in a new one – reusing the “shell” (or outer diaper).
- Pocket Diapers: The diaper cover has a pocket in it where you insert the insert. If you were to open up the diaper cover in the image, you would notice at the top of the back side, there is an elastic opening. I would insert the insert into that pocket.
If I have totally lost you, you can see the above information at BabyCenter.
There is also pre-folded and flats, which in my opinion appear to be like the cloth diapers back in the day that you secure with baby pins, but I have not researched those enough to speak much on them. From what I understand, you will still need a diaper cover or “shell” to prevent the leaking when the diaper is pottied in. The pre-folded or flats are just a different type of insert option (although again, I could be wrong so if you are a cd vet, please feel free to fill me in!)
I have been informed that snaps last longer than velcro (the velcro wears out) so I have found myself sticking to snap diapers (although I have heard of those losing their “snap”).
I have purchased mostly pocket diapers and one AI2. While I like the idea behind the AI2, I am finding myself drawn to pocket diapers. I’m assuming it’s because those have been the most accessible to purchase in the cloth diaper swap group I am in.
I currently own 8, but have a long way to go. I read online somewhere that starting out, you need approximately 36 cloth diapers for a newborn (12 diapers per day). You should wash every 2 days or so.
I am also going to be going with cloth wipes and am looking into a wet bag (a vinyl or other fabric lined bag) to keep soiled diapers in. (I’ll have some tips on both of those later!)
Did you or do you currently cloth diaper? What is your favorite brand of diaper? What is your favorite type of diaper?
About Leila
You are so ambitious! I could see myself doing this with baby #1 but with baby #3 I would just count on that kid to potty-train himself when we got home from the hospital.
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I wish #3 would potty train itself! That would make this easier! LOL
I never used cloth diapers, my mom said they were gross. I also never breastfed because my mom looked at me like I was a total creep when I tried to. If blogs like yours were around 10 years ago I would’ve been a much more conscious mother!
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Yeah, I’m not getting a whole lot of support from family for this cloth diaper business so we’ll see how that goes.
I didn’t bf much with #1 (a week and then pumped for a month) before going formula. #2 I bf for 4 months and now I’m hoping to go longer with #3, but between work and school, it’s not easy!
We didn’t have family support either…but since my family is not buying my sposies, I figure they don’t have much of a say
I just remind myself with each change that I’m saving the cost of a can of soda 
April recently posted..Why Russia? Why now? Why more?
That’s my thought! I’ve already been working on my stash through a cd swap on Facebook and am doing really well money wise! I’d much rather spend money on reusable cloth diapers than disposables!
We cloth diaper our twins and it IS a huge money saver
I like Fuzzibunz Elite but others don’t b/c they can be a little harder to stuff….but to me the trimness outweighs the stuffing and I’m developed a system of stuffing that works for me and is not difficult…Also have some Charlie Banana’s that aren’t bad although their pocket is in the front of the diaper…easier to stuff though…Bum Genius while GOOD diaper, they are wide in the crotch so I stick with something skinnier while the babies are smaller…FYI, I AM MAKING CLOTH WIPES AS A FUNDRAISER FOR OUR RUSSIAN ADOPTION. Please check out http://www.helpingtinytoes.blogspot.com to check out my wipes. Personally I don’t have a wipe container with solution in it (although many people do)…I just wet my wipes with water before poops or for face/finger washing! Also, DIAPER SPRAYER… 
Thank you for all the tips! I will definitely be checking out your cloth wipes fundraiser!
So, are you going to BabyWear as well? I watched http://www.Bananahammocksandtutus.com do the cloth diaper thing and she saved so much money doing it! Kudos! Ask her about the day her washer broke though sometime!
Best of luck to you! There are huge support groups to help you out too!
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I hope to babywear! I did a little bit with my second child, but wasn’t all that comfortable with it so I’ve already joined some online groups to learn more – same with the cloth diapers!
I will have to have a little chit chat with Miss Summer! 
Great info. I’ll be sure to share it with my sister who is thinking about cloth diapering.
Diane N – Philzendia recently posted..Duane Reade 100 Broadway Grand Opening
It’s quite an amazing “underworld”! LOL So much information!
You always make me laugh with your posts, they are informative and funny!
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Thank you! I try! I get tired of reading boring informative posts. I like to make them fun (and I typically write my posts the way a conversation would go!) =0)