Cloth Diapering Newborn

I am very interested in cloth diapering my newborn, but I really have no idea where to begin. I know there are different sizes, types, etc, but really need to find some place to get me started. Any suggestions? TIA!

Because a newborn usually needs to be changed very frequently, the most economical way to go is prefolds and covers. You can probably get everything you need (3-4 dozen infant size prefolds and 6-8 small covers, and some pins or Snappis if you want them) for about $150-200. You may be able to get by with less than that, it just depends how often you want to wash diapers. I usually wash every other day.

I've included a couple links for you that should really help - the first is a cloth diapering community with tons of cloth diaper users, who can definitely answer any questions you have. The second is for a store with great prefolds, good information and great customer service - it's the only place I buy prefolds! I would recommend getting unbleached prefolds, they are softer than the bleached ones.

You also have the option of using fitted diapers and covers - this is one of the systems we use on my son now as a toddler. These come in sized or one size fits all versions.

Then there are pocket diapers or all-in-one diapers. These two types are similar, except that pocket diapers have a removable absorbent part where as the AIOs are all sewn together in one piece. These also come in sized or one size fits all versions. If you go with pockets, I highly recommend BumGenius One Size pockets, we use them and love them!

Good luck and congrats on your baby!

2008-09-11 10:17:52 by Stacy654

A video highlighting the many options for cloth diapering a newborn. Video includes flats/prefolds, fitteds, covers, sized All in Ones and pockets ...

So, I've finally decided to give cloth diapers a go. I'm feeling overwhelmed by all the choices. Anyone with experience cloth diapering? What should I buy and how much? I was thinking of getting a couple dozen newborn, chinese prefolds. What else? What kind of covers should I buy?

it depends on your preferences and how you like whatever type you're using.

for us, we used a combo prefolds with covers and one-size pocket diapers when my son was a newborn. newborns wet and poop a lot so it was nice to have the prefolds around because we were constantly changing him (every hour or so). we had a dozen prefolds and have about 20 one-size diapers. once he was out of the newborn pooping-all-the-time stage I gave up the prefolds because I didn't like them really. they're the cheapest option but they are difficult to put on until you've got the hang of it and they're the most bulky of all the cloth diaper options. BUT if you're tight on money, I'd recommend getting chinese or indian prefolds with bummis or thirsties covers. you want a good, quality prefold that's absorbent -- and the two covers I mentioned are the most popular I think. I only had 3 covers but you might want a few more if you decide to do prefolds full time. get some snappis too so you don't have to use pins.

if you want to do pocket diapers, I think the most popular choice is bum genius one-size. they're awesome, very trim and very easy to use -- pocket diapers have a separate insert that you put into the diaper. you take out the insert when you wash them and then you can dry the covers separately (saves the velcro from the dryer). all-in-one diapers are the same thing but with the liner sewn in -- they're easiest to use but they take longer to dry and you can't make the absorbency customizable like you could with prefolds or pockets.

in general, you want about 2 dozen to get you started and with that amount I was doing wash every other day. now that my son is older, it takes me a week to go through our entire stash so I'm glad we had prefolds to hold us over in the beginning when he was wetting a lot.

see if you can get a couple different kinds before deciding on what one you like. it is a big initial investment, but sites like jilliansdrawers have a try before you buy deal where you can try a few different kinds. also look into getting some used -- most of the ones I got were in excellent used condition from mothers who gave up doing cloth after a few tries. you can try looking at diaperswappers too or craigslist. I wouldn't recommend ebay for used diapers because people sell them for the same price as brand new ones. you can also register at a lot of websites for cloth diapers. google cloth diaper registry and find a reputable site that you like and register for various kinds you'd like to try. if people ask you if you need anything for your baby, tell them you're registered at that site and they can go on and order a diaper or two from there. you'll slowly build your stash up over time.

as far as any extras, I have a metal garbage can with a lid that I use to throw the dirty ones in. it's got a plastic liner so I don't use any sort of liner with it anymore, but I did used to use a pillow case. I have a wet bag too but it's not necessary -- just throw them in a plastic bag when you're out and it's the same thing. here's a detergent chart:
http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-ch art.html

cloth diapering is fun and it's really worth the initial investment. I didn't spend a lot on mine at all -- we got a lot as gifts and I found the other half on craigslist for $100. I've bought a few here and there too. it's just so nice not having to worry about the constant expense of diapers and we don't worry about running out either! plus you can use them for future children.

lots of reviews and info:
http://www.diaperpin.com/home.asp

eta: sophia, you're getting TD's because your answer is completely irrelevant to the question.

2010-02-13 18:13:18 by CosmicMama

Price: $3.98 $3.98

3 pairs per pack
Soft spandex waist and elastic leg openings provide maximum comfort
Waterproof vinyl prevents accidents
Newborn fits up to 13 pounds
Machine washable

I'm new to the whole cloth diapering scene. First off, I would like to buy NEWBORN sized APLIX (velcro) closured diapers in bulk. (12,18, 20 packs) Does anyone have any suggestions for a good newborn cloth diaper that won't be ridiculously expensive? I really prefer aplix as my hubby isn't too fond of the cloth diapering idea. (snaps might be too confusing)

Also, has anyone had any experience with Kiwi Pie one sized diapers? Or Rocky Mountain diapers?

Thanks in advance!

I just got mine from: http://www.niceclothdiaper.com/NCD-minky -one-size-pocket-diaper.htm
They are really great cost saver, great appearance(so cute to wear) and last from newborn till potty train!
I think if you are getting about 20 packs, you would be getting almost free international shipping and some free gift giveaway. i got myself a wet bag which was nicely sewn!
Write to the store owner and see what they can do for you. :)

2010-02-12 19:13:01 by bella

Price: $29.99 $23.98

Machine washable, reusable cloth insert for use inside little gPants
Soft microfleece wicks moisture away from baby?s bottom. Hemp/cotton absorbs moisture naturally.
2 layers of 55% hemp, 45% cotton
2 layers of soft polyester microfleece
Trim-fitting, no folding

After researching about which cloth diapers seem to be the best, we decided to get the: Bum Genius 3.0 One Size pocket diaper, Fuzzibuns new small pocket diaper, and hemp/fleece infant prefolds with Bumpkin covers. Thinking about getting the 12 pack in the Bum Genius, 12 pack in the fuzzibuns, 5 covers (only the prefolds I'm getting need covers), and 24 prefolds. 1st, is this a good number to start with for a newborn? I would want to launder every 2 1/2, 3 days. 2nd, does anyone know if the Bum Genius 3.0 one size is too big for a newborn, or if the fuzzibuns are? 3rd, does anyone know if the Bum Genius 3.0 or the fuzzibuns are okay to use for a baby with an umbilical chord, can they be folded down? If anyone has any answers to even one of these questions it would help alot, Thanks!

Bum Genius all in ones are great, but they aren't so good for newborns as they are a bit large (our daughter was just about 8lbs when she was born, of course, babies lose a bit of that weight afterwards) and whenever she laid sideways, it leaked through the side. They did cover her umbilical cord and it was awkward, if not hard impossible, to fold it and still close it with the velcro tabs. We used Pampers Swaddlers until it healed. Maybe the prefolds will be your best bet if you want to avoid disposable diapers. When our daughter turned 4 months, we decided to get Happy Heiny's...avoid it because the snaps pinches her, even though there is an insert & somewhat loose. Although it could be that since she is pretty active and not fully unbuttoned, she is being pinched -- regardless, stick to the Bum Genius. They may be a bit bulky, but they're totally worth the purchase.

Depending on how much your baby pees, which is usually at every feeding, you may or may not need more in addition to what you have listed. Be sure to wash before you are down to the last one -- the inserts take some time to dry, even in a dryer on high.

2008-04-11 22:46:05 by J G

i am 25 weeks pregnant and planning to cloth diaper. but i dont know anything about cloth diapering or what all those different types of diapers do. i would like to know, from mothers or fathers who have cloth diapered, what diapers i should start off with, for a newborn? which diapers are for what? how many should i have? keep in mind i am on a budget. thank you.

Yes, Mystic is right! There are a lot of people who write stupid stuff like "ewwww, why would you do that?" They're the ones who make a bunch of typos.

For a newborn baby, nothing beats a stack of newborn prefolds http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info .php?cPath=28&products_id=89, a Snappi http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info .php?cPath=37&products_id=100 and 4-6 Proraps http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info .php?cPath=36&products_id=284. Nothing gets through that combination, and Proraps are indestructible. Since I assume that your baby will be born in the winter, so you don't have to be bothered with cute diapers unless you can't resist.

If you're thinking about rash prevention or looks (and we all are), then you might want some printed Bummis SWWs http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info .php?cPath=36&products_id=92 , a few BumGenius one-size pockets http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info .php?cPath=98&products_id=954 or a homemade wool cover. My mom and MIL have made beautiful woolies for my girls and they just use free patterns from the internet. I also just love Kissaluvs fitted diapers http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info .php?cPath=28&products_id=283. They're sooo cute.

You just have to read, read, read until you finally make a decision. I love prefolds and they're cheap, but you may be willing to spend more than me for looks or convenience. There are so few of us out there that we have to start this alone, but you'll figure it out in time. Soon, you'll be a pro and you'll be proud that you're keeping harmful chemicals away from your precious baby.

I'm not sure the other posters have used a cloth diaper in the past ten or twenty years. It's not pins, flats, rubber pants, bleach and toilet dunking anymore! The internet has done wonderful things for cloth.

2007-09-12 20:10:52 by pilar