Okay, I'll admit that I did not like prefolds in the beginning. They were bulky and I just really didn't care for them. Well, I have found the prefold love in the last few weeks.
I love them for a few reasons:
1) They are cheap. You can get a dozen high quality prefolds from www.greenmountaindiapers.com for less than $35. That's a steal!
2) They are very low maintenance. With some diapers (mainly those with microfiber), you have to be very careful about your wash routine or you can end up with the "stinkies." Prefolds are 100% cotton, so they are pretty resilient.
3) They dry fast. I line dry my diapers 99% of the time and the prefolds are usually dry within a couple of hours.
4) They are easy to use. I typically just trifold a yellow edge prefold and use it with a Flips cover or a Thirsties Duo cover. To trifold, you lay the diaper flat, and then fold in the two sides. All of the fluff is now in the middle. Then you just place it in a cover. Easy peasy! I will say that the trifold method isn't the greatest for holding in poops, but the cover will hold the poop in, so no worries there.
I have actually sold off part of my CD stash because I use prefolds so much.
Showing posts with label cloth diapers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cloth diapers. Show all posts
Monday, October 24, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Types of Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapering can be very overwhelming at first. There are so many different types and brands out there. I spent a lot of time researching cloth diapers, so I hope my research can help someone else. I am going to explain the different types of diapers and the pros and cons of each (in my opinion). G is only 9 weeks old, so please keep that in mind.
Let me also explain that a lot of diaper brands make different types of diapers. One example is Bumgenius: there is an AIO as well as a pocket. Grovia has an AIO and an AI2.
All in Ones (AIO): These diapers can have either an aplix or snap closure. The soaker (absorbent part) is usually sewn in or sometimes snaps in. Common AIOs are Bumgenius (BG) AIO and Grovia AIO.
Pros: Easy to use. Go on just like a disposable. Typically trim. Don't take up too much space in the diaper bag.
Cons: Expensive. (This can be cut down though if you buy used like I did.) Typically take a long time to dry. (I line dry, so this isn't a huge issue. Also, some AIOs such as Grovia have an extra snap in soaker to cut down on drying time.) Not always stay dry. (Organic cotton is not stay dry and feels wet to the touch. If your LO is sensitive to this, just add a fleece liner.) Also, organic materials tend to stain easily. However, if you put the diapers in the sun like I do, stains aren't an issue.
All in Two (AI2)/Hybrid: As the name implies, this diaper is a combination of diapers. Popular examples of AI2/Hybrids include Grovia shell w/ snap in soaker and Best Bottoms.
Pros: Typically dry fast. (The Grovia soaker takes forever to dry though!) Can take up less room in the diaper bag. Flexible. Can be trim (Best Bottom).
Cons: Entire diaper will need to be washed after a poop. (Kind of eliminates the point of an AI2 in my book.) Poo can leak. Can be bulky (i.e. Grovia).
Prefolds: These are the "old school" cloth diapers. The middle of the diaper has extra absorbency where LO needs it. You then fold the diaper, use a snappi or a diaper pin to close it, and put a waterproof cover on top. You can also just trifold the prefold (fold it in thirds) and place it in the cover. I don't personally do this b/c I don't have a lot of covers and if LO poops in this situation, the cover will more than likely need to be washed.
Pros: Inexpensive! This is the cheapest option for cloth diapering. If CDing a NB, you can get 3 dozen prefolds and 4-6 covers for under $100. Dry fast. Customizable-fold the prefold however it works best for LO. Very absorbent. Contains poo well (if folded correctly.)
Cons: Probably the most difficult to use. We used these right away and didn't find them difficult, but yes, they are the most difficult to use. Super bulky! DD does not like the bulk because she can't pull her legs up how she likes.
Fitteds: These diapers are shaped like disposable diapers and have an aplix or a snap closure. Some fitteds don't have a closure and need to be snappied or pinned. Popular fitteds are Kissaluvs, Thirsties, & Happy Heinys.
Pros: Pretty much bullet proof on leaks. Some can be customized for absorbency by adding an insert. Easy to use. I like to use WAHM types without a cover at home to give her butt some air out time.
Cons: Can be a pain on wiggly babies - you have to put on the diaper and then the cover. Can take a long time to dry. Some can get crunchy with wear. (If this happens, do a soak in ecover fabric softener. Just make sure to take out any PUL items before doing this!)
Hopefully this helps! If there are ever any questions, feel free to ask and I will answer as best as I possibly can.
Let me also explain that a lot of diaper brands make different types of diapers. One example is Bumgenius: there is an AIO as well as a pocket. Grovia has an AIO and an AI2.
All in Ones (AIO): These diapers can have either an aplix or snap closure. The soaker (absorbent part) is usually sewn in or sometimes snaps in. Common AIOs are Bumgenius (BG) AIO and Grovia AIO.
Pros: Easy to use. Go on just like a disposable. Typically trim. Don't take up too much space in the diaper bag.
Cons: Expensive. (This can be cut down though if you buy used like I did.) Typically take a long time to dry. (I line dry, so this isn't a huge issue. Also, some AIOs such as Grovia have an extra snap in soaker to cut down on drying time.) Not always stay dry. (Organic cotton is not stay dry and feels wet to the touch. If your LO is sensitive to this, just add a fleece liner.) Also, organic materials tend to stain easily. However, if you put the diapers in the sun like I do, stains aren't an issue.
All in Two (AI2)/Hybrid: As the name implies, this diaper is a combination of diapers. Popular examples of AI2/Hybrids include Grovia shell w/ snap in soaker and Best Bottoms.
Pros: Typically dry fast. (The Grovia soaker takes forever to dry though!) Can take up less room in the diaper bag. Flexible. Can be trim (Best Bottom).
Cons: Entire diaper will need to be washed after a poop. (Kind of eliminates the point of an AI2 in my book.) Poo can leak. Can be bulky (i.e. Grovia).
Prefolds: These are the "old school" cloth diapers. The middle of the diaper has extra absorbency where LO needs it. You then fold the diaper, use a snappi or a diaper pin to close it, and put a waterproof cover on top. You can also just trifold the prefold (fold it in thirds) and place it in the cover. I don't personally do this b/c I don't have a lot of covers and if LO poops in this situation, the cover will more than likely need to be washed.
Pros: Inexpensive! This is the cheapest option for cloth diapering. If CDing a NB, you can get 3 dozen prefolds and 4-6 covers for under $100. Dry fast. Customizable-fold the prefold however it works best for LO. Very absorbent. Contains poo well (if folded correctly.)
Cons: Probably the most difficult to use. We used these right away and didn't find them difficult, but yes, they are the most difficult to use. Super bulky! DD does not like the bulk because she can't pull her legs up how she likes.
Fitteds: These diapers are shaped like disposable diapers and have an aplix or a snap closure. Some fitteds don't have a closure and need to be snappied or pinned. Popular fitteds are Kissaluvs, Thirsties, & Happy Heinys.
Pros: Pretty much bullet proof on leaks. Some can be customized for absorbency by adding an insert. Easy to use. I like to use WAHM types without a cover at home to give her butt some air out time.
Cons: Can be a pain on wiggly babies - you have to put on the diaper and then the cover. Can take a long time to dry. Some can get crunchy with wear. (If this happens, do a soak in ecover fabric softener. Just make sure to take out any PUL items before doing this!)
Hopefully this helps! If there are ever any questions, feel free to ask and I will answer as best as I possibly can.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Cloth Diapering: 2 weeks in
We began cloth diapering (CDing) the day we got home from the hospital. I am by no means a CDing expert, but I feel I have a pretty good handle on CDing a newborn. So far, CDing hasn't really been a big deal and it doesn't seem like extra work. I love that I just do an extra 3 loads of laundry each week and don't have to worry about running to the store for diapers. I also love that I am not exposing my baby to extra chemicals and that we are not adding extra waste to the landfills. Here are my reviews on what we have used thus far. Keep in mind that Genevieve was 7 lb 9 oz at birth and is now close to 9 lbs.
1. Kissaluvs size 0 (often called KL0s): Right now, these are in our top 2 go-to diapers. They aren't incredibly absorbant, but we just add in a Kissaluv doubler for extra absorbancy. These fit great and aren't too bulky in my opinon. They are very easy to use and have a snap down for the umbilical cord stump. These wash great and dry relatively fast.
2. Bumgenius 3.0 AIO XS: Seriously, these are our favorite for her age. Unfortunately they have been discontinued. I purchased mine used off of www.diaperswappers.com and I actually just got some brand new seconds for $6 from www.cottonbabies.com. Anyway, they are super user friendly, contain EBF poo well, wash well (no stains), and dry really fast. Too bad these were discontinued! I wish I would have purchased more! We did have one pee leak with these, but that is because the babe slept 6 hours through the night. It was our fault for not changing her sooner, but hey, we are sleep deprived new parents.
3. Thirsties Duo Wrap Cover: We have these in size 1 snaps and they are our go-to cover for the KL0s. The double leg gussets do a fantastic job at holding everything in and we have had no leaks with these.
4. Rumparooz NB Cover: Another great cover. It also has the double leg gussets, so we haven't had any leak issues.
5. Bummis Super Brite in NB: This cover was just so-so for me. We were only able to use it for maybe 4 or 5 days before it became too small. This would be a great option for smaller babies as it is easy to use and has the important double leg gussets.
6. Bottombumpers AIO size small: I bought these used and really love them. They have a snap in soaker cuts down on the drying time. They began fitting around 8 lbs. The soaker is topped with bamboo velour which makes it extra soft.
7. Bumgenius Bamboo Fitted in small: Another great discontinued product by BG. We began using these once her umbilical stump fell off (so on day 7) and they are wonderful. They are much more absorbant than the KL0s and is pretty trim for a fitted. I really have no idea why these were discontinued as they were not replaced with a similar BG product. These do take a little bit longer to dry, but overall the dry time isn't bad.
8. Dream-Eze AIO size small: This is a pretty trim AIO that we haven't had any leaks with yet. They take a little bit longer to dry, but I like that they are made with organic fabrics.
9. Lil Joeys AIO by RaR: I almost forgot about these because we used them for like oh, 2 days. I am glad that I bought them either on sale or used because they were a big waste. I would say that I basically hate these diapers, but they are just too itty bitty and cute to hate. However, I would say to not waste your money and just pass. This diaper leaked (pee and poo) each time we tried to use it.
10. Fuzzibunz Perfect Size in small: I have only used this once so far and the one time I used it, it leaked poo out the leg. The size small is supposed to begin fitting at 7 lbs, but that doesn't seem to be the case for us. I had the leg setting snapped down as small as possible and it seemed to be a good fit, but maybe she just isn't the right size yet. I will try this one again in a week or so to see if it works better.
11. Fishnoodles AIO: These are now called Bright Star Baby, but anyway, this is another AIO that has a snap in soaker. These dry really fast and are pretty darn absorbant. I like that the soaker is extra long so that you can fold down it however you like.
12. GMD prefolds: Prefolds are super easy to me, but the baby hates them! They are so bulky on her right now (even in the newborn size) that she can't pull up her legs how she likes. (TMI warning: this makes it very difficult for her to go poo.) I'd prefer not to listen to her scream like crazy when she needs to go #2, so we aren't really using these right now.
Wow, I sure have quite the variety of diapers! If I had it to do over again, I would buy:
1. KL0s with doublers
2. BG Bamboo fitteds
3. BG 3.0 AIO XS
4. Thirsties Duo wrap in size 1
5. RaR NB cover
She is already growing out of her NB dipes, so that is part of why we have such a variety so far. Because I can't resist, here is a picture of Genevieve in her first cloth diaper (a KL0 with a Thirsties Duo Cover):
1. Kissaluvs size 0 (often called KL0s): Right now, these are in our top 2 go-to diapers. They aren't incredibly absorbant, but we just add in a Kissaluv doubler for extra absorbancy. These fit great and aren't too bulky in my opinon. They are very easy to use and have a snap down for the umbilical cord stump. These wash great and dry relatively fast.
2. Bumgenius 3.0 AIO XS: Seriously, these are our favorite for her age. Unfortunately they have been discontinued. I purchased mine used off of www.diaperswappers.com and I actually just got some brand new seconds for $6 from www.cottonbabies.com. Anyway, they are super user friendly, contain EBF poo well, wash well (no stains), and dry really fast. Too bad these were discontinued! I wish I would have purchased more! We did have one pee leak with these, but that is because the babe slept 6 hours through the night. It was our fault for not changing her sooner, but hey, we are sleep deprived new parents.
3. Thirsties Duo Wrap Cover: We have these in size 1 snaps and they are our go-to cover for the KL0s. The double leg gussets do a fantastic job at holding everything in and we have had no leaks with these.
4. Rumparooz NB Cover: Another great cover. It also has the double leg gussets, so we haven't had any leak issues.
5. Bummis Super Brite in NB: This cover was just so-so for me. We were only able to use it for maybe 4 or 5 days before it became too small. This would be a great option for smaller babies as it is easy to use and has the important double leg gussets.
6. Bottombumpers AIO size small: I bought these used and really love them. They have a snap in soaker cuts down on the drying time. They began fitting around 8 lbs. The soaker is topped with bamboo velour which makes it extra soft.
7. Bumgenius Bamboo Fitted in small: Another great discontinued product by BG. We began using these once her umbilical stump fell off (so on day 7) and they are wonderful. They are much more absorbant than the KL0s and is pretty trim for a fitted. I really have no idea why these were discontinued as they were not replaced with a similar BG product. These do take a little bit longer to dry, but overall the dry time isn't bad.
8. Dream-Eze AIO size small: This is a pretty trim AIO that we haven't had any leaks with yet. They take a little bit longer to dry, but I like that they are made with organic fabrics.
9. Lil Joeys AIO by RaR: I almost forgot about these because we used them for like oh, 2 days. I am glad that I bought them either on sale or used because they were a big waste. I would say that I basically hate these diapers, but they are just too itty bitty and cute to hate. However, I would say to not waste your money and just pass. This diaper leaked (pee and poo) each time we tried to use it.
10. Fuzzibunz Perfect Size in small: I have only used this once so far and the one time I used it, it leaked poo out the leg. The size small is supposed to begin fitting at 7 lbs, but that doesn't seem to be the case for us. I had the leg setting snapped down as small as possible and it seemed to be a good fit, but maybe she just isn't the right size yet. I will try this one again in a week or so to see if it works better.
11. Fishnoodles AIO: These are now called Bright Star Baby, but anyway, this is another AIO that has a snap in soaker. These dry really fast and are pretty darn absorbant. I like that the soaker is extra long so that you can fold down it however you like.
12. GMD prefolds: Prefolds are super easy to me, but the baby hates them! They are so bulky on her right now (even in the newborn size) that she can't pull up her legs how she likes. (TMI warning: this makes it very difficult for her to go poo.) I'd prefer not to listen to her scream like crazy when she needs to go #2, so we aren't really using these right now.
Wow, I sure have quite the variety of diapers! If I had it to do over again, I would buy:
1. KL0s with doublers
2. BG Bamboo fitteds
3. BG 3.0 AIO XS
4. Thirsties Duo wrap in size 1
5. RaR NB cover
She is already growing out of her NB dipes, so that is part of why we have such a variety so far. Because I can't resist, here is a picture of Genevieve in her first cloth diaper (a KL0 with a Thirsties Duo Cover):
Sunday, May 15, 2011
My obsession: cloth diapering - my "stash"
I am not going to go in to much detail about cloth diapering (also known as CDing) in this post. I am just AWing my stash with what I have and providing the names of what I have purchased so far. A good portion of my stash was purchased used off of DiaperSwappers, but I will include links to the sites that sell the product new.
First off, some of my favorite sites:
www.diaperswappers.com: I used this site to purchase used CDs. I had a lot of luck and didn't have issues, but of course, use your internet smarts when purchasing from here.
www.momsmilkboutique.com: This site always has great goodies.
www.kellyscloset.com
www.nickisdiapers.com
1. Gro-Via AI2 Shells (4) & Inserts
2. Gro-Via AIOs (4) + Doublers
3. BG Elementals (2)
4. Dream-Eze Fitted (Medium) (1)
5. BG Elementals (7)
1. Fleece skirty purchased from DiaperSwappers (no idea of the brand)
2. Dream-Eze AIO size Large (2)
3. Best Bottom Shell
4 & 5. Wool shorties (made by mom except for the pink one which was purchased off of DiaperSwappers)
1. Happy Hempy (1)
2. Goodmama NB (1)
3. BG 3.0 AIO XS (6) - These have been discontinued.
4. Happy Heiny Mini (1)
5. Lil Joey's AIO (7)
6. KL0s (12)
7. Bummis Super Brite (2)
8. RaR NB cover (1)
9. Thirsties Duo Wrap Covers Size 1 (4)
1. BSRB (Bagshot Raw Bamboo) Fitted (1)
2. Goodmama (1)
3. Twinkie Tush Fitted (3)
4. Goodmama Goodnight (1)
5. Newborn Prefolds (12)
6. Small Prefolds (12)
1. Dream-Eze AIO Small (4)
2. Bottombumpers AIO Aplix Small (3)
3. Fuzzibunz Perfect Size Small (1)
4. Fishnoodles AIO Small (4)
5. BG Bamboo Fitted (10) - These have been discontinued.
6. BG 4.0 (1)
7. RaR One Size (2)
8. Blueberry Coverall (2)
9. RaR One Size Cover (1)
1. Kissaluv Doublers
2. Hemp Babies & Hemparoo Joey Bunz Hemp inserts
3. Stay Dry Hemp Doubler (has fleece & hemp)
4. Fleece Stay Dry Liner (Malden Mills)
These are cloth wipes that I made. One side is flannel and the other side is terry or micro-terry. Super easy to make although they were time consuming. I made almost 60 wipes for less than $25.
1. Planet Wise Pail Liner (I have 2)
2. Honey Bun Drops
3. Bummis Liners
4. CJs BUTTer (CD safe diaper cream)
5. Snappis (3)
6. Planet Wise Wetbag (small)
7. Planet Wise Wetbag (med)
8. Planet Wise Wetbag (large)
I will be doing more posts with more detailed information.
First off, some of my favorite sites:
www.diaperswappers.com: I used this site to purchase used CDs. I had a lot of luck and didn't have issues, but of course, use your internet smarts when purchasing from here.
www.momsmilkboutique.com: This site always has great goodies.
www.kellyscloset.com
www.nickisdiapers.com
2. Gro-Via AIOs (4) + Doublers
3. BG Elementals (2)
4. Dream-Eze Fitted (Medium) (1)
5. BG Elementals (7)
2. Dream-Eze AIO size Large (2)
3. Best Bottom Shell
4 & 5. Wool shorties (made by mom except for the pink one which was purchased off of DiaperSwappers)
2. Goodmama NB (1)
3. BG 3.0 AIO XS (6) - These have been discontinued.
4. Happy Heiny Mini (1)
5. Lil Joey's AIO (7)
6. KL0s (12)
7. Bummis Super Brite (2)
8. RaR NB cover (1)
9. Thirsties Duo Wrap Covers Size 1 (4)
1. BSRB (Bagshot Raw Bamboo) Fitted (1)
2. Goodmama (1)
3. Twinkie Tush Fitted (3)
4. Goodmama Goodnight (1)
5. Newborn Prefolds (12)
6. Small Prefolds (12)
2. Bottombumpers AIO Aplix Small (3)
3. Fuzzibunz Perfect Size Small (1)
4. Fishnoodles AIO Small (4)
5. BG Bamboo Fitted (10) - These have been discontinued.
6. BG 4.0 (1)
7. RaR One Size (2)
8. Blueberry Coverall (2)
9. RaR One Size Cover (1)
1. Kissaluv Doublers
2. Hemp Babies & Hemparoo Joey Bunz Hemp inserts
3. Stay Dry Hemp Doubler (has fleece & hemp)
4. Fleece Stay Dry Liner (Malden Mills)
These are cloth wipes that I made. One side is flannel and the other side is terry or micro-terry. Super easy to make although they were time consuming. I made almost 60 wipes for less than $25.
2. Honey Bun Drops
3. Bummis Liners
4. CJs BUTTer (CD safe diaper cream)
5. Snappis (3)
6. Planet Wise Wetbag (small)
7. Planet Wise Wetbag (med)
8. Planet Wise Wetbag (large)
I will be doing more posts with more detailed information.
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