K.
Hi E.,
I live in the city and cloth diaper my 3-month old, and plan on continuing to do so until he's potty trained. I absolutely love the CDs! Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, there are so many choices these days it's a bit overwhelming.
First choice you need to make is whether you're going to go the diaper service route or wash your own. The thought of washing my own was very intimidating when I started thinking about this, but now that I do a load every 2-3 days (as an aside, you must must have your own washer and dryer to make this work) it is really no big deal at all. I looked into the Dye Dee diaper service and decided it wasn't for me.
If you decide to look further into this, there are a paralyzing number of choices of "diapering systems". A very helpful site is www.diaperpin.com - they have reviews on most of the diapers and "systems" out there. Another helpful site is www.diaperswappers.com. They have a lively forum of parents who CD their kids and are very helpful in answering questions. (One thing you'll notice when you start talking to people who CD is that they are all *very* enthusiastic about "converting the masses").
There are basically 4 types of diapers out there you can buy these days:
1. pocket diapers - a waterproof outside with snaps and a pocket that you stuff with something absorbant. Examples are Happy Hinies, Fuzzy Bunz, Wonderoos. These work well but can get pretty expensive pretty fast. I think they run about $15 for the diaper, plus you need a stuffer.
2. All-in-ones - waterproof outers and the absorbant liner are all one piece. Again, nice diapers, a little spendy.
3. "Fitted" diapers - this is just the cloth part, and you use a separate cover. This is the kind that I use. Aside from the cotton prefolds these are definitely the most economical. They run about $9 each and if you get the "one size" kind (I use "Motherease one-size diapers) then theoretically they'll fit your kid from 8-40 lbs. Ie basically from birth through potty training.
4. Cotton pre-folds - the old fashioned kind that you have to pin (or these days you can use a clever device called a "snappi" instead of a pin). These are definintely the cheapest, but take a little skill to put on. YOu want a cover for these too.
You can get most kinds of diapers used (check diaperswappers or the "motherease forum at www.motherease.com. Ebay also has them, but somehow they tend to be more expensive there. However, if you decide to sell YOUR used diapers that may be a good thing). I know, you're saying "eeeewwww... used diapers?" But most of these diapers are sort of like a Honda - they really retain their resale value quite well. After all, once your kid uses them once, they're "used".
Anyway, I can go on and on, and please don't hesitate to shoot me an email if you'd like some more information.
I should note that I did a 2 week stint with Pampers Swaddlers while we were on vacation last month (no access to laundry facilities) and while they seemed to work ok, both my husband and I were very very happy to go back to the cloth. Also, we have never ever had a "blowout" with our cloth diapers, even with that lovely runny breastfed poop.
Whatever you decide, good luck, and congrats on the coming baby!
K.
PS - Motherease has a "sampler" pack that you can get for about $16. It includes one Motherease one-size diaper, one snap-in liner, and one air-flow cover. This is what really got me hooked on these diapers - it's a great way to test out the product.