Cloth Diapers - Where To Start

Ok so you are thinking of using cloth baby diapers but you arent really sure where to start right? We are going to try to answer all your "where to start" questions regarding cloth diapers. Call me if you want 603-512-5740, I will gladly talk to you about any questions you may have. My name is Teri and I am a mom with firsthand cloth diaper experience and I also operate this online cloth diaper store. I have talked to lots of moms and have lots of great feedback to share regarding cloth diapers and "where to start".

Cloth diapering is actually very easy and to make it extra easy for you to figure out I have created a list for you of what you will need and where to start:

Cloth Diapers- You will need anywhere from 8-24 diapers. If you want to launder them everyday than 8 should get you by. If you are like me and hate doing laundry you might want to consider getting 24 diapers so that you can wash them about twice per week. Cost is about $17 each or $400 for 24, this means if you use these diapers fulltime on your baby after only 9 short months they will have paid for themselves if you compare them to disposables at a cost of about $20 per week. Not to mention the health benefits to your baby and the environment. Plus they are cuter and more comfortable for your baby.
Cloth Diaper Wetbag- If you use cloth diapers you need something to put them in when you are out and about. Instead of tossing a disposable diaper into the trash you put your dirty cloth diaper into a wetbag, most are lined so that they wont leak. Its so simple even grandma can do it without an issue. Cost $15-30
Cloth Diaper Pail/Pail Liner- You need a tall plastic kitchen pail to store the dirty diapers in. When your baby pees on the diaper you change him/her and toss the dirty one into the pail. When the pail is full you wash it as a full load of laundry. Some people also use a pail liner that is lined, this will keep in liquids and smells. Cost $16-25
Small Bucket-Lets face it, your baby is going to poop in these cloth diapers. Hang the diaper over the toilet and drop the poop. Then rinse off the diaper with your toilet sprayer (highly recommended, see below) if you have one. Next put the dirty diaper into a small bucket-make sure it has a handle. Add a little bit of detergent to the bucket and fill it with water to soak. The next day dump the dirty water into the toilet. If the diaper is still gross looking start the process over. If on the other hand it looks mostly clean toss it into your cloth diaper pail with the pee diapers. Cost-$2-10
Cloth Diaper Detergents-You need to be selective on which detergents you use on your cloth diapers if you want them to last. We recommend Allen's Naturally or Maggie's Soap Nuts. Other detergents that are "free & clear" of dye's and perfumes is also acceptable but be sure to do your homework before choosing other detergents.
Cloth Diaper Toilet Sprayer-This is a small sprayer with a hose, similar to the one found on your kitchen sink, that attaches directly to your toilet. This will allow you to hold poopy diapers above the toilet bowl and spray the nasty mess into the bowl. It gets most of the ickys off the diaper and highly reduces the amount of times you need to use the wet bucket method (above see #4). Cost about $40 and worth every penny.

Cloth Diapers Where To Start - Teri's Personal Recommendations

I have learned lots about cloth diapers and in and effort to save you time and headaches doing the research yourself I have created a listing of the exact items I would recommend to any mom using cloth diapers. Knowing what I know now about cloth diapers after having used them for two years with my daughter and after having learned from other moms while operating MyBabyFirst.com, below are the items I would personally buy if I were in your shoes.

bumGenius One Size Pocket Diapers 3.0 / 12 pak

$203.40

Wahmies Wetbags - Size Large (all day)

$17.50

Wahmies Diaper Pail Liners

$16.50

Allens Liquid Laundry Detergent

$42.95

bumGenius Diaper Sprayer

$44.95

Are you still unsure? Call me already, I want to help. Or if your prefer...read on.

Cloth Diapers Where To Start - Style & Type

So now that you know where to start, you need to do some research as to which style of diapers do you want. Choose a diaper style that is right for your family. If you are lazy get an all in one, if you have a small budget get the prefolds. If you want a diaper that can be used from birth to potty training than try the one sized diapers.

All-In-One Diapers - Most similar to disposable, inserts are sewn into diaper, no stuffing folding required.

Cloth Diaper Covers - Worn over prefold diapers or diapers without layer to hold in liquids.

Diaper Accessories - Cloth wipes, diaper sprayers, detergents, wetbags, pail liners & more.

Fitted Cloth Diapers - Must be worn with diaper cover. Many sizes

One Size Cloth Diapers - Diapers that expand in size as your baby grows! Money savers!

Pocket Cloth Diapers - Pocket opening allows you to stuff inserts for desired amount of absorbancy. Usually 3 sizes, small-medium-large.

Prefold Cloth Diapers - Most affordable, folding is required and diaper covers must be worn over them.

Coth Diapers Where to Start - All-In-Ones Sorted by Brand

Deluxe All-In-One

$15.95

DryBees Hybrid All-In-One

$16.95

Knickernappies Microfiber Diaper Inserts

$3.95

Micro Doodlez Fleece All-In-One Diapers

$18.99

Monkey Doodlez All-In-One Original

$18.99

Thirsties Pocket All-In-One

$17.00