Newborn Cloth

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

Cloth Diapering your newborn is doable. With this great system, you'll have your baby in cloth diapers from day one.

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: $6.99 $6.99

Made of soft terry fabric
Great item for gift giving
3 pack assorted prints

I have decided to go with cloth, and I know about AIO, pre-fitted, pocket, Indian prefold, etc. I want to know what will be the trimmest fit, yet functional choice for a newborn. She will be not be bottle fed (God willing).
I've seen some photos of some of the cover + prefold combos on a newborn, and the bulk just really puts me off. I would rather use ones that fit nice and trim.
Anyone got advice?

Kushies or bumkins look on kidsurplus.com search diapers.

2007-10-04 06:14:52 by Gina A

Price: $9.99

We have several assorted diapers for bigger babies, mostly mediums, but I want to start the cloth diapering at the beginning of my baby's life. So, I am guessing I will need some xs and small diapers. What do you suggest brand wise and diaper wise? Also how many of these should I plan on getting? Thanks!
I really don't want to do prefolds. I would like to do the ones that you only insert a liner-- but I didn't want to get all one size diapers because I heard they do not hit newborns.

Are you sure you want the kind with inserts... I have friends with them and they seem like a lot of work... both because of the time it takes to stuff them and a long washing system...you still have to wash the outside and inside in different ways (3 times!). My son does use an all-in-one, natural diaper, envibum diapers, I love, love them. He is 1 1/2 months and its great...and really easy, easy to wash! I do use doublers...he pees, then I take it out and use the diaper longer becaues its dry. If you are interested in the envibums...just out their website...envibum.com...seriously I love them.

2009-06-27 17:38:55 by lysistrata411

If so, how many XS cloth diapers did you need? Or is it better to just wait two months and then start the small diapers?

My second son has never been in a disposable diaper, and started with cloth from day 1. We started in small pockets, and they fit until about 15 pounds so we got quite a bit of use out of them.

He was almost 10 pounds at birth too!

I would start off with a stash of smalls, and then start working on your mediums because they grow really fast the first few months.

As far as the number, you can expect to change them a minimum of once every 2 hours. So if you wanted to wash every 2 days, then you would need a stash of 24 diapers. Anything more than that, just gives you more breathing room which is nice in the beginning. They tend to go to the potty a little every time they eat, especially if you are breastfeeding.

2009-06-02 20:07:36 by lysistrata411