I want to use cloth... Now what?

So after I decided to use cloth diapers with my son the next decision to make was what type of diapers do I go with?  I was not aware of all the variety out there when I started my venture.  So what are the options?

1.  FLATS -  Basically what it sounds like.  This is a flat square or rectangle cloth that you fold and fasten onto baby with pins or a snappi.  You need a waterproof cover for these as the cloth is not waterproof.  An example of a flat would be like the Hemp Babies Flats.  You could also use Flour Sack Towels ( available at Walmart in the kitchen towel section) or receiving blankets.  I use flats for travelling if there is limited laundry facilities as they are really easy to hand wash and dry really fast.

2.PREFOLD- This is like a flat that has been folded into layers for you.  You still need a cover but you do not need to pin or fasten this type of diaper. You can just fold it into 3 and place right in the cover.  An Example is Bummis 100% cotton prefolds.  These dry really fast, are the most economical option.  I love prefolds for the newborn weeks.  You change baby so much that any other system would be too pricey.  They are soo easy to wash and care for. 

3.FITTEDS-  These are like a prefold but they are actually diaper shaped.  You still need a cover as they are not water proof.  an example is Kissaluvs fitteds or Bummis Bamboo Fitteds.  I use fitteds at night as they are the most absorbent option for long time wear.  These are really easy to use and wash up really nice.  They do take a bit longer to dry than the previous options and they are a bit more pricey. 

4. POCKETS -  These are a 2 part diaper.  They are basically a diaper with a waterproof outer layer, a fleece inner layer and a pocket opening that allows you to stuff whatever absorbent material you like in the middle.  Most pocket diapers come with inserts but you can get a huge variety of inserts to use if you don't like the standard microfiber ones. These are really easy to care for because you un-stuff, wash, hang the shell and machine dry the insert.  These are also super customisable and you can stuff what ever you want into the pocket opening.  My favourite pockets are Charlie Bananas and bumGenius 4.0's.

5. ALL-IN-ONES-   These are exactly what they sound like.  All the pieces are there and they are all together. You put it on baby, baby messes the diaper, you remove diaper, throw in pail, wash and dry on wash day.  These are the closest you can get to a disposable diaper.  The only downside is that these are the most expensive diapers and they can take a really long time to dry because all the layers are together.  My personal favourite is the bumGenius Elemental.

If you are just starting out then I would strongly advise you to get a variety of types and brands.  You will not know what works for you until you are actually using it on your baby.  I never thought I would like anything other than all in ones (AIO) but I love my pockets and fitteds. You can always sell off or trade the ones that you don't like to get more of what you do like.  Want to know a secret?  That is the best part!  Other than waiting for fluff mail to arrive.... Read:  Cloth diapering may become and addiction.

Why on Earth would I use cloth diapers

Why on Earth would anyone use cloth diapers in our modern world of disposables?  Well let's see.... I don't have $2500 that I can send to the landfill,  I hate knowing that my garbage is going to outlive me by like 5 lifetimes at least and I really don't like my baby to have diaper rashes.

$2500!!! People that is what it costs to diaper a baby minimum from birth to potty training and that is not including wipes, lotions and accessories!  I don't know about you but I don't have that kind of money in my back pocket. Especially knowing it is going straight to the landfill.  Depending on the system/brand you go with you could diaper a baby from birth to potty training for $200.  Would you not like having $2300 to put in a college fund for you kids?  Plus when you are done with cloth for baby#1 you can reuse them for #2.  Or you could sell them for like 60 - 70% of what you paid for them... Have you tried selling  a used disposable?

Cloth diapers also don't end up at the landfill for 500+ years... waiting to decompose while festering in bacteria... gross!  Think about all the diapers that you are not sending to the dump by considering/using cloth? Yes there are resources used to make and wash cloth diapers but they do not compare to the resources that are being used to make disposable diapers.  Disposables are not made from recycled paper people!

Now on the last note the jury is still out but in my opinion you have way less diaper rash with cloth than with disposables.  My daughter was allergic to the jell inside of all disposable diapers and had horrid diaper rashes from the time she was born until she potty trained.  I did not know about all the great cloth options at that time and boy I wish I had.  My son has been in cloth for 4 months so far and not even a hint of redness on the bum. 

Cloth diapers today are not what they were 20, 30 years ago... They are not cumbersome square cloths that need to be pinned with rubber pants over top.  They are cute, convenient, easy to use, economical and really not rocket science.  This blog is about my adventures cloth diapering....