Cloth Diapers

Recently, I wrote a bit about my experience with cloth diapers for someone asking on my Bible college alumni website. And today, a friend from KBC asked on Facebook about cloth diaper options. I figured that was a sign that I should turn my alumni site response into a blog post! Here it is, with some updates and additions:

I have used cloth for two of our Blessings, and am planning to use them with our little one who is due to arrive in about a month.

Here is a article covering the 4 basic types of cloth diapering systems. It does a great job of describing and covering the advantages/disadvantages of each system.

This is an article talking about the "why" of cloth diapering. Some good information in there.

And here's one on making/using cloth wipes. You can use disposable wipes with cloth diapers, but cloth are easier in many ways, b/c their destination is the same as the diapers!

And here is a link to Jillian's Drawers, where you can try a bunch of different kinds of diapers for $10 for 21 days (from when you receive them). I believe you pay for the package upfront ($150), then receive the refund (-$10) when you send them back. Seems like it might be a good way to try a variety of types of diapers with almost no risk.

As far as my personal experience, I have used:

~~ Pre-folds with wraps (I use the Prorap, which I like b/c it is inexpensive and you don't need to pin or snappy the pre-fold; the wrap holds it all together very well). I like this system; it is inexpensive and works well with rare leakage.

~~ Fitted diapers with wraps, on loan from a friend. Loved them. More expensive (though would still be a savings over disposables in the long run), easier to use for those unfamiliar with cloth diapering, even fewer leaks.

~~ Pocket diapers. Getting ready to try these. I got a great deal on a bunch of Bum Genius 3.0 (one-size fits from 8-35# pocket diapers) at a recent sale and am excited about using them with our coming little one. They sell special inserts for the pocket diapers; I will be using my stash of prefolds as inserts. You can "pre-load" the inserts and have your stack of diapers ready to go, which makes these as easy to use as a fitted or all in one, I think.

I will admit that I have quit on the cloth diapers in the past once the poops started getting extra stinky (table food). I just don't like swishing my hands in the toilet. :-) However, my goal is to make it through potty training in cloth this time!

A couple of ideas on this:
~ I've asked my hubby to install a diaper sprayer on our toilet once Baby gets to table food. He's not excited about it because of the "play" possibilities, so that might not happen.
~ I think the flushable liners would help this a TON and still be very economical.
~ A dear friend who has recently started cloth diapering her two year old (to help him along with potty training by feeling the wet) shared with me that she doesn't rinse the dipes in the toilet. She gets off what she can (using TP if needed) and uses a wet pail (water and lavender essential oil). She just dumps it all in the washing machine, rinses twice, washes once (correct me if I'm wrong on that, Shawna). No stains, no hands in toilet. Sounds pretty good!

So that's where we've been with cloth diapers, where we're headed, and some links to great resources. Hope it's helpful!