A few months ago (well before finding out we were expecting baby #3) I had written a post about
.

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
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
.

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?