Cloth Diapers?? a Good Alternative?

Hello!
I have 2 children, 4.5 years and 4 months. With my older one, i did some cloth diapers when she was older, around 1 year. it worked out okay for me to do partially cloth, partially disposable. i tried stocking up with cloth this second time around and it has just not been working out. im afraid i wasted quite a bit of money. it really does create a ton of laundry, especially because the diapers sometimes have to be washed twice, and the loads are small. plus the diapers can take a long long time to dry. in addition, the cloth diapers definitely dont wick away the wetness from the baby's skin. i suppose if you are very dedicated and prepared to do lots of wash, cloth could work. i think for me, it may have worked if there was a diaper service around here but i never did locate one.
hope that helps for you!
K.

we live in an area where the water bill is high so would definately be a toss up on whether washing diapers everyday and the work it involves would be cheaper or worth using cloth diapers. I used luvs with my kids and they seemed to absorb more so didn't have to change them as often as pampers or some of the other brands and all 3 of them were allergic to huggies so couldn't compare to them. I did use select-a-size bounty paper towels for baby wipes and saved a ton of money that way. I had a bowl of water near the changing table and would wet the papertowel with the water and use them in place of baby wipes. You could also put warm water in the bowl everytime and then wouldn't be using cold wipes. We had baby wipes for the diaper bag when we were away from home. That saved a lot of money and the wipes gave them diaper rash often so that also helped using the water and just using wipes occasionally.

M.,
I've used cloth diapers for both of my girls, and I would recommend it to anyone. With my oldest, we were trying to do it as cheaply as possible, and though I had some blunders (buying things that didn't work for us), I spend about $400 or so. I used prefolds (Diaper service quality, not the ones at walmart, I bought some of those and that was a total bust) and covers (bummis super whisper wraps are my favorite). I've found it fairly simple and I don't think that you can spend less or be more environmentally friendly with disposables. With my second I've gotten some fuzzibunz and bumgenius (I have 6 all together), which are nice for night time and going out, but truly unnecessary and much more expensive, as you need more since you only use them once before washing. The only diaper rash I've encountered was from Thrush, not normal diaper rash. As far as smell, they don't get as stinky as disposables and we've never really had a problem with diaper pail smells. When we moved, my diapers had a smell problem (I think because of the different water) with clean diapers, but I started adding hydrogen peroxide to the wash and we haven't had that problem since (don't use bleach, as it will greatly reduce the life of the diapers and covers and negate some of the environmental perks). On top of that, I believe that the statistic is that children potty train an average of 10 months earlier if they are in cloth diapers, so you will not be spending the money to run the washer and dryer as long either.

This is long and you have lots of responses, but if you'd like to ask me any more questions, feel free to. I love my cloth diapers, I just wish I had had some more guidance when first starting!

K.

I have gone through the whole gammut of different types of cloth diapers, paper diapers, both, 2 in diapers and pull ups. This is what I have found; unless you have a front loader, and you use prefolds and diaper covers or plastic pants, the cost isn't any different or less if you are buying WM Paren't Choice diapers. You can actually save more money by buying in bulk at WM, the bigger boxes of diapers and having two in, that is cheaper, because you use less gas and are at the store less, saving other money. If you have a top loader, which most do with only 2 children, it will probably cost you money to do cloth diapers.

Now, saying this, I used cloth of all types, for environmental reasons too, but then you use all that water and electricity with all in ones, which I have made myself. You can't line dry those all the way. Otherwise, they are stiff.

Now, doing the extra loads of diapers is actually less work than having to go to the store for just diapers and taking all my littles in tow? KWIM?

I will warn you though, you have to be careful, or your other loads will smell like diapers because it gets into the washer. Extra rinses and not using too much soap is the key. Diaper rash can be a problem with any type of diapers depending on perfumes, soap residue, etc.

Now, the other thing I really liked was a diaper service. The same cost as cheapie diapers, environmentally friendly, someone else does the work of washing them, and provides the diapers and covers. I LOVED that!! But, those are usually only in bigger cities. When we had one allergic to all diapers we did that.

I have two little ones in diapers (2 and 1 1/2) and made the switch to cloth diapers about 6 months ago. I wish I had done it sooner we HAVE SAVED so much money by not constantly buying diapers and wipes. We wash all of our cloth diapers in vinegar (which kills germs and neutralizes urine odors) and baking soda (one each in prewash and wash cycle). We don't have any problems with diaper rash (actually used disposables last weekend when camping out for several days and kids instantly had diaper rash) and I feel SO much better about not exposing my kids to the chemicals in diapers and on wipes (and there are a lot, check out www.cosmeticsdatabase.org for rankings and information). We don't have any more leaks, and probably actually fewer, than we do with disposables. As far as the cost, it's MAYBE added $5 or to our monthly water bill as we do a small load every other day with two kids in diapers. Myself, a friend and my mom have sewed a lot of our diapers, a very inexpensive way to go (http://fernandfaerie.com/frugaldiapering.html is great for some basic ideas about using things you already have at home, if you want more websites with free patterns, just let me know), and we cut up old flannel sheets with pinking shears to use as wipes (use can use just plain water or mix together water, witch hazel and two or three drops of tea tree oil for a good, clean, safe alternative). There are several places to get much more inexpensive, gently used diapers, try diaperswappers.com, ebay, the local diaper service in St. Louis sells their prefolds for about $.35/diaper last I heard, Cotton Babies in S. Co. St. Louis (which sells new cloth diapers) is having a cloth diaper "garage sale" on Saturday, Oct. 4th in the morning, sometimes you can find them on craigslist.org or at local kids resale shops like Kids Again in Florissant and Once Upon a Child (mulitple locations in St. Louis area). It really is easy once you get into a routine and find a diaper you like (least expensive and very easy to use with the right cover are prefolds laid inside a fitted waterproof cover). There are a lot of options out there, but you can save loads of money not buying disposables! A couple of the more expensive type of diapers - all-in-ones, like the Fuzzi Buns you mentioned - can be great for when you go out so you don't have to put everything together, but you can use less expensive options around the house (another cloth diaper bonus while you're out, diaper goes in a wet bag, no searching for a trashcan carrying around a dirty diaper and a baby!). http://www.thediaperhyena.com/ has a lot of good info on cloth diapering, links to sites to make your own diapers, how to fold diapers, make wipe solutions, etc. Oh, and craftster.org has a lot of great postings from people who make their own diapers and covers often with instructions on how to do it yourself (just type cloth diapers in the search box). Good luck, I think you'll like the switch once you get in the groove, and feel free to email me if you have any questions!

I have cloth diapered my two daughters and we will do the same with our third daughter (on the way). I have no regrets. Sometimes the laundry gets overwhelming, but I deal. I always keep one package of disposables on hand in case I "run out" (I've had the same small package for over a year now!). When there is a soiled diaper, you just knock the solids into the toilet (I balance the cloth diaper on the toilet seat to do this)... I would do this with a disposable anyway because storing feces (even in a receptacle intended for such) is a total biohazard in my mind. Anyway, I used pocket diapers and would fold the soiled diaper unto itself (it makes a little pocket) and toss it in a cloth/waterproof bag until laundering time (once a day or every other day, depending on your stash of diapers). Unfortunately, Fuzzi Bunz come in three sizes, and so you'd have to upgrade from small to medium to large eventually. But the alternative is a one-size pocket diaper like Happy Heiney's or Haute Pockets or Bum Genius (which the just recently started selling at Target - a two-pack for $34.oo). I will be an online diaper retailer in February. Let me know if you won't need your diapers until then. Good luck, and remember, no matter what anyone says, it is a fact that disposable diapers contain chemicals and toxins (for their waterproofedness) that are not good next to baby's bottom for two and a half years. That's when the workload of laundering seems worth it. Take care,
K.

I tried to start using them but I found they leaked often and the amount of laundry (and SMELL!) was overwhelming to me and especially my husband. I didn't want to keep a washer full of diapers going all the time. I think it's all in what you are willing to deal with. But when I looked at the amount of laundry, detergent, bleach, water and electricity I was going to use, I decided that disposables were just as good. I have found LUVS to be just as good as Huggies and Pampers but the store brands are thinner and tend to leak (or you change them twice as often). I think it's a personal choice but beware the smell can linger all through the house!!! Good luck!

I made my own cloth diapers for my daughter out of flannel and terry cloth (the same stuff towels are made of). We cloth diapered her full time from birth through potty training. For covers, my favorite were wool covers. They are a little more work because you have to lanolize them every so often and wash them separately, but they are naturally antibacterial and breathe very well. You can make your own out of old 100% wool sweaters, which you can usually find very cheap at thrift stores. There are lots of patterns available online if you do a search for diapers and covers.

If you are not interested in making your own, I would look into a sampler pack or check out diaperswappers.com. You can get some great deals on used diapers and have the option of trying out several kinds before you invest.

As for diaper rash, the only time that my daughter had a problem was when we used a package of disposables that was given to us as a gift. I didn't find the laundry to be too much. I usually did a load of diapers every two to three days and it was very simple. I just dumped the entire diaper pail into the washer and started it up. Once you figure out what washing method works best for your family, I think that cloth is a much better and cheaper option than disposables.

Bum Genius 3.0! Buy a few at first to see if you like them. You can also buy them used at CottonBabies (they have a website too: www.cottonbabies.com - but I don't know if you can find them used) to save a few $.

After a month of using disposables, we bought a few Fuzzi Buns and Bum Genius diapers. Did NOT like the Fuzzi Buns - they definitely leaked through and he hated the way they felt when wet. Bum Genius are great, though! They wick the moisture away from the body so he stays drier (only time he is damp down there is when he's wet heavily (overnight).

The great thing about these is that they grow with your child depending on how you snap them together - thus saving in $$ in the long run. They are an investment up front, but 6 months worth of disposables will pay for about 24-30 diapers. Do a load of laundry every other day and you're set. PLUS - you'll save money in diaper creams/A&D ointment as you are NOT supposed to use them with these diapers... I was worried at first that I would need to - but we've been using them for 2 solid months now and have not had a hint of a diaper rash.

Good luck and have fun! ((The color selection is fun too :) )

J

I love cloth diapers. A good resource in St. Louis is Cottonbabies.com -- they have a retail store in south county across from St. Anthony's Hospital. You can also buy used on diaperswappers.com -- yes, you might initially say "Ick" to the idea of using used diapers, but it's a great way to try out new types and to build up your stash even more cheaply. They say that from when a child is born to when he is potty trained, you spend at least $2,000 on disposeable diapers -- and I bought a pretty decent stash for about $300, and I can reuse it for the next child. I do laundry twice a week and I'd rather do that than be running to Target all the time to drop $20-$30 for a box of diapers. The choices are overwhelming at first, but my best advice is to choose a couple brands, buy a few at first, and build up your stash with what you like. I also like Fuzzi Bunz but Bum Genius are also easy and made by the Cotton Babies folks. You can also do the old-fashioned prefolds and covers for a cheap alternative on those days you're just hanging around the house. Good luck!

I raised twins in cloth diapers and YES, its a lot of work and the rashes are much more of a problem. I guess you could say it saves money, but you have to figure in a lot of other variables that some don't think of, like the laundry costs, the medications and pain of dealing with rashes, your time and work, etc. and then you end up having to buy some disposables to use when you go out or to the babysitters anyhow. Its work intensive and inconvenient to be sure. My suggestion would be to buy one pack of cloth diapers and give it a try. Its a whole different gig. You have to dump the BM, rinse them out, soak them, then wash them. If you go out you have to store them till you get home - there's a lot to think about.

We use cloth and we love them. I also use G Diapers for travel and when we are out and about most of the time just because it's a lot less to carry in a diaper bag. Overall, babies in cloth develop diaper rash less often then those that wear disposables. Once you have your laundry routine down, it's pretty easy. I do a load of diapers every other day and my daughter has a pretty good sized stash.

If you really want to save money, they I'd highly suggest checking out a website like Wee Bunz (http://www.weebunzdiapers.com/index.php). She offers sampler packs that allow you to try different types of diapers and sizes. The initial outlay can be pretty steep unless you want to stick with prefolds and covers which are actually what I favored when my daughter was an infant.

Someone else also suggested DiaperSwappers and I'd second that recommendation. It's another great way to pick up some pricey dipes and better prices because they are being re-sold. I was a bit leery at first about buying that type of thing used, but all the diapers I've received from DS mamas have always been in wonderful condition and they are usually very good about taking reasonable offers. DS mamas will also teach you all the ropes about the different kinds of diapers and best places to buy. I personally like buying dipes online because there is usually a much wider selection at online stores, you don't have to pay taxes and on many of the sites if you purchase a good amount, you can get free shipping.

I know that Fuzzi Buns also has a Yahoo group that alerts people about seconds. There is nothing wrong with the diapers as far as I know other than stitching may be off here and there, etc. If you check around, some of the online sites will also have thing like that listed, you might check out Cotton Babies, I think she has them on occasion too.

Cloth diapers are more economical, disposables are convient. If they are prone to rashes, then use disposable, they will stay drier in between changes. They are 2 yrs ols and don't you think it's about time for training pants and pottytraining. I mean come on, now. That may be why they are so prone to rashes and probably yeast infections, have the pediatrician check em out. My advice is to get them trained ASAP and everyone will be happier in the long run, even your checking account. :-)

We switched to cloth when my little boy was 4-months. And 4 months later we're still LOVING it! We did it purely to save money - and be a little greener.. At the time, we absolutely could not afford the $40 for a box of disposables, but we could afford the $20 for prefolds and covers... (The water bill wasn't due until after we got paid.. lol) We have since upgraded to "bigger and better" cloth diapers, but we still use the prefolds. Our favorite is the BunGenius 3.0 one-size pocket diaper. (http://www.bumgenius.com/one-size.php) And it might be just the solution for you, because it fits 7-35 lbs (is that big enough for your 2yo?). They're about $17 each, but you don't need to buy a cover, and should last your younger one for quite a while).

Our other favorite is the Thirsties fitted. (http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/fab_fitted.htm) These are a bit cheaper, but you do need to buy a cover, and the size range isn't as large. They also have a live chat option at their website so you can ask questions from someone who really knows if you like.

I haven't tried FuzziBunz, but some friends of mine who have said they absolutely loved them.

We've had less problems with diaper rash since switching, but we're also very careful about changing diapers frequently... (It seems to be more of a problem with the prefolds than the others). As far as laundry, it's not bad at all. We have a VERY small washer, so we do every other day. I start out with a cold rinse, then a hot wash with very little soap. My son is still eating once a night, so I start the wash when I go to bed, then switch to the dyer while I'm up feeding him, and that works out nicely.. With double the diapers, though, you'd probably want a larger washer to make it less of a hassle...

Anyway, that was a lot of rambling, I hope something made sense and was helpful to you.. Good luck!

I have not used cloth diapers in a really long time because my kids are now 12 and 14. However, I used a cloth diaper service from newborn through potty training. At that point in time the savings was fairly small. It cost just a little bit less than buy disposable. If you are going to do this on your own without a service, I highly suggest you look into good diaper covers. Do not use the plastic pants? When I was using the diaper service they were jsut coming out with new covers where you didn't have to use diaper pins. They were good but I still felt like I could get the diaper tighter with the pins. If I were you, I would do some good research. Make sure that if you are going to make the investment that you get the best. Otherwise you may regret it after the purchase and then it is too late and you have already lost that money.

I even used cloth diapers on vacations but that is becuase I am a single mom and didn't want to shell out any more money that needed. It is all in what you set you mind to.

Good luck in decision making!!!!

I had 5 children I used cloth diapers with. No problems with rashes. I would recommend a really good (soft plastic) plastic pants-I used Gerber brand exclusively. The type of diaper wasn't a big factor, but the plastic pants made a big difference in the number of "accidents."
I did not use any special laundry soap--just the usual and I always used liquid fabric softener. For years, we didn't have a dryer and my diapers were always soft even with being hung out on the line.

I did both with my kids and it is really six-of-one-half-a-dozen-of-the-other. You don't save any money. By the time you by the cloth, and the liners, and the outer guards (in my day it was plastic pants) figure in all the extra hot water and soap, and the diaper creams (because rash is more likely)........ it's no less expensive than paper diapers.
It's not any "greener" than paper because, again, the soap and extra hot water.
It's more work because you have to stay on top of those wet diapers to prevent rash. The paper are a little more forgiving in that area.

Just my humble experience.
:o)

I've cloth diapered both my kids, and the savings when reusing the diapers for two kids is huge! I wouldn't buy a big stash of Fuzzi-Bunz right away since they are pricey and not everyone likes them. Try a few different things. If you do like them, Kelly's Closet (www.diapershops.com) has sales on seconds all the time, amking them more affordable. Also check out www.diaperswappers.com for used diapers, much cheaper usually.

M.
I've used cloth diapers for my 11 mo son since he was 2 mo old. I use BumGenius 3.0 one-size diapers. They are GREAT. They don't leak & they fit from newborn to pottytraining. Like the Fuzzibunz they are a pocket diaper which I recommend because you can customize the absorbancy w/what & how much you stuff it with. I would highly recommend to try out a few different brands before you buy a lot of the same kind. Many moms find one brand to work better than another. Oh, since you have 2 in diapers, I would think a one-size diaper to be the most frugal. You won't have to worry about them growing out of a size. I also reccomend going to a store to look at what they have. Cotton Babies is a great resource plus they have used diapers so you can find what you like before making an investment. Oh, re: the laundry, I really don't find it to be that big of a deal. For me, I do a load of diapers a day, but that is just easier for me. You can do 2-loads a week if you prefer, but that also depends on how many diapers you have. I NEVER had a leak or blowout while out w/the bumgenius 2.0 or 3.0's. So, you don't really HAVE to use disoposable if you don't want. My suggestion is to try it out for a week. Just get a few diapers & use them w/the disposables. You should know by then if it is something you want to do. Oh, you can use folded microfiber towels (he kind you wash your car with)to stuff your pocket diapers.

Good Luck!
J.

I use cloth diapers, and I love it. I do laundry about every two days, because I can't stand the ammonia smell of fermentaion. That said, get a good wet bag, it will confine the smell. I have fuzzy bunz and bum genious 3.0 diapers. Although I like the fuzzi bunz, until my son was a bit older, at least a year, they just didn't fit well around the legs. We had leaks out the sides because we couldn't get them tight enough with the snaps. BTW, they were mediums. Now that he is getting a little chunkier, it's easier. The BG 3.0 are grow with you diapers that are velcro snapped. They are a little stiffer on the outside (NOT the inside, they are soft inside), bulkier may be a better word for it, but it was/is worth it for me because I can tighten it just like a disposable, and we very rarely leak out. I have lot's of advice and tips, if you need some, let me know.

M.,

I didn't take time to read all the responses, so you may be overwhelmed. I'll keep mine short. I have used cloth for two kids and have helped lots of mom's do it from the start or make a transition from disposables. I believe that prefolds are the most economic, simple to wash/dry and simple to use. I know novices are scared of how to fold, secure etc. and there is a dizzying array of covers to choose from, but they last longer (size wise) and clean faster (drying particularly). Not to mention that they also can be used for a number of different things (like as rags, burp clothes, under a naked butt etc). For cost savings, we also made our own wipes out of old flannel sheets.

Good luck!

I have used cloth diapers for more than a year now. We use Crickett's Diapers (crickettsdiapers.com) which are made of hemp and organic cotton (rather than polyester). There are only two sizes (small and large) so the cost is less than for brands that have 3 or 4 sizes. Check out diaperpin.com for a good resource on comparing different options.

I am extremely happy with the decision that we made to use cloth. I wash diapers every three days, and it doesn't seem to be overwhelming to me. My son has some issues with diaper rash, but it has not been bad. I think he has sensitive skin, and I know diaper rash is affected by what he eats.

I disagree with some previous posters. The poop issue is not difficult for us, because we use Imse Vimse flushable liners. If he just pees, I wash the liner with the diapers (in a lingerie bag) and reuse it. If he poops, I flush the whole thing. Thus I do not have to wash poop off of diapers all the time. Somebody mentioned that it doesn't help the environment much to use cloth diapers. While it is true that a lot of hot water and electricity must be used, I think the impact of throwing so many diapers into the landfill is appalling. It isn't as though we have unlimited space in the world to throw trash into. I also disagree with it being a big hassle when we go out. Although it takes me longer to change a diaper outside of the house, we have a wet bag the dirty diaper goes into, and it gets emptied into the diaper pail when we get home. I guess the level of difficulty of cloth diapers depends on your attitude. We decided to do it, so we have decided that it will not be all that inconvenient.

Hi M.,

My husband and I seriously considered cloth diapers for our son. We bought 2 different kinds to try them out and he leaked out of them all but 1 time. We decided it wasn't worth the clean up if it wouldn't even hold the contents. That was our experience. I know others that love them. My suggestions would be to purchase a few and give them a try several times to see what you think. Good Luck.

J.

I used Cloth diapers from the time my daughter was born to 6 months."She is almost 13 years old now" WE never had any diaper rashes at all. WE actually kept a 5 gallon bucket filled with Bleach and water mix in the bathroom and tossed them in there as we used them and I did laundry every 3-4 days and No smell. It was fine and we used safety pins and the old fashioned Plastic panties which I just threw in the sink and washed out with a antibacterial hand soap and hung them to dry.as far as the poo poo thing just hold on tight and flush the poopy down the toilet. Goodluck.

Well kudos for you for taking the plunge. I've had enough of soiled pants with potty training that it just isn't worth my while to do the cloth diapers (ewww)...but if you can great! I would recommend checking out ebay for resales or asking any of these great moms in a forum if anyone has any for resale. Surely, you won't keep all of them for rags??? LOL Good luck!

We've used cloth diapers since my son was born. I don't find the laundry to be a problem at all, however, you will need to do laundry probably every day or two, depending on how many you buy (you will need more cloth diapers in one day than disposables, on average). I like Fuzi Bunz; we also use bum genius (the velcro can get annoying) and prefolds w/ wraps. If your 4 month old is little, I would not suggest Fuzi Bunz...I found that the legs of them don't fit tight enough on little guys.

The initial investment is pretty substantial, especially for your older son who probably wont wear them too long. You probably want to make sure that you are commited before spending the money. I do not use them, but I have several friends that have expermented with them.

The general consensus: They are fine to use at home, but cumbersome and inconvenient to use when out and about. Several of the moms I know use them only on days when they are at home and other moms quit altogether.

A plus...kids in cloth diapers tend to potty train earlier.

Hi M.! I have cloth diapered my son for 7 months and it has been great. I have spent about $300, but I have everything I will need until my son, who is is 12 months now, potty trains. Fuzzi Bunz, Bum Genius One Size, and other pocket diapers are great and very easy. I have 10 of these and use them for overnight, babysitters, and if we are going to be out of the house for a long time. I also have 10 MotherEase One Size Diapers and 12 Chinese prefolds (the old fashioned kind of cloth diapering). Really, all you really need is the prefolds, probably 18 or so for each child,and a few covers. That is definitely the most affordable route. But it is nice to have the pocket diapers too.
I have had less leaks and blowouts since switching to cloth and no diaper rashes. I do laundry every 3 days. Like anything else, there is a learning curve when you are getting used to cloth but you just get into a routine. Please send me a message if you have any other questions! I love to talk about cloth!

My question is this how many diapers do you change in a day with your children that is going to depend on the cloth diapers to buy and to wash.It could be overwhelming but good luck.No I don't use cloth diapers

M.

I used them for a while. I was in the same situation you are.I didn't like them because.The laundry was overwhemling and after washing the plastic pants so much they start to rip.Also it seems like your having to change them constantly. If you do decide to use them when you dry them make sure you use a fabric softner that will help from getting diaper rash.Good Luck

Just wanted to say re:environmental concerns, even if you use more water to wash diapers, the water and other resource usage is much more to produce new disposables. So, there's more going through your house, but much less water used overall.

I was using partial cloth and partial disposables, but at this time my washer backs up into the kitchen sink, so no diapers in there!

M.-

I switched to cloth diapers when my daughter was 15months, and I wish I would have done it sooner. I think that we are saving money, even though I do more laundry now.

The switch does get some taking used to, especially the poopy diapers, but I found a system that worked for me, and now I feel comfortable using them at home or when we are out. You do have to do laundry every 2-3 days, but once you figure out how to best wash them, it's easy. I dump the whole bag of diapers in the wash, do a cold water rinse with no detergent, then run a hot/cold cycle with detergent. I went three months before I had to strip them (washing with extra rinsing to remove excess detergent from them... helps to keep them absorbent), and that was easy.

I also use fuzzi bunz and bum genius 3.0. I recommend the bum genius because they are adjustable size and you could use them for both of your boys (they wouldn't need separate diapers)... also good since your oldest will be potty-trained soon.

I went to Happybottomus in Lee's Summit (www.happybottomus.com) because I felt clueless, and they were so helpful with helping me pick out the diapers, get a pail liner and wet bag for when we are out. I actually just bought 2 diapers to try it, then when I knew I wanted to switch, I went back to get more. I've spent just under $300 on all the diapers and liners/wet bags, and that's buying them new... if you go to diaperswappers or the like, you can spend much less. I still recommend going to happybottomus to learn more about cloth diapering--- they are a great resource.

The only drawback is if your kids go to day care/day school. It is my understanding that they have to use disposables. My daughter just started day school two days a week, so she is in disposables those days.

Oh, and Emily does not get much diaper rash at all... pretty consistent among cloth diapering kids.

Good luck!

Yours in health-
Dr. Alyssa

I use Fuzzi Bunz and the traditional cloth (no covers) with snappis. You can but fuzzi bunz used for $10 a piece at Cotton Babies in South County. I really only need those when we are out or nap time. At home I use the old school CHEAP cotton prefold diapers. If you go with those for at home splurge and get the $3 ones not the bargin packs you see at WalMart. Diaper rash is non existent because you can feel when they are wet right away and with the prefolds there is no plasic barrier to hold moisture in. You use the same diaper pail you've always used. We have a diaper champ lined with a cotton laundry bag. For poo dirties you just empty the diaper in the toilet (no need to wet the diaper at all). We do one load of laundry a night and put our regular clothes in with the load to make it full. Some people might think that's gross, but really it's just pee diapers with one poo one and once you see the poo fall off the fabric and leave no real residue then you will probably include your clothes in there too. We wash on hot cold, do a second rinse and dry on low with no fabric softener.

YES I THINK FINANCIALLY IT'S WORTH IT. I NEVER HAVE TO BUY DIAPERS AGAIN!!!

When I look at the laundry at the end of the night and think of how many diapers I would have pitched that day I am happy with my choice. Which means everyday I am glad we use cloth.

Haven't gotten to this yet in our house, but babies in cloth are supposed to potty train faster because they can feel the wetness.

Good luck and I hope you get to stay home soon.

M. -

I use cloth diapers with my 20 month old. I use the Bum Genius One size diapers and the Thirsties All in One Pocket diapers. I LOVE the Bum Genius. The thirsties are okay, but I still have to stuff them so that they don't leak. I did the cost comparison, and it comes out to be about the same cost as 1.5 to 2 years of disposable diapers per child (that includes the extra utilities). So if your children will be in diapers longer than that...it is a good investment. The laundry is a little overwhelming at first, but once you get your system down and the days that you normally wash diapers (we do Thursday and Sunday) then it's not so bad.

Let me know if you need any other advice about diapers. We started Gabe (my son) about 6 months ago in cloth b/c we eventually will have 2 in diapers as well. It is MUCH cheeper to have 2 in cloth than it is in disposable.

Hope that helps,
K.

of course, the cloth is the best idea and better for the environment but if you don't end up doing this, then i have a tip. if you live in the spfd area, buy the disposable (pampers swaddlers) diapers at the pharmacy in the turner building, just west of cox south. i have price checked every store in spfd, and they are at least half-price. it comes out to 15 cents per diaper compared to around 27 cents at sam's. they also have a light yellow stripe on the diaper that turns green when they wet the diaper. pretty cool.

I actually received a cloth diaper service gift for each of my girls since they were still in existence at that time. I LOVED Cloth diapers!! Better for the environmant, better for the babies! Way less diaper rash, and actually I did cloth with my youngest son for a while and the laundry really wasnt that bad!! It takes a lot of them to make a load so make sure to buy PLENTY!!! There are many other reasons to use cloth diapers if your child has any type of sensitive skin they are WAY better!! I would definitely recommend switching! But definitely shop around and check out the quality of the cloth! You want the thicker ones not the cheesecloth diapers LOL!!! I accidentally bought a package of these when my son was born and they were no thicker than a paper towel!!!!