Cloth Diapers

[Caprice]

Just noticed this area (thanks to Leanna - I don't visit the Christian Only area that often so I never would have realized on my own) and thought I'd chime in by asking a question: Anyone here cloth diaper their children? My wife and I do as we've found it to be a relatively simple way to save a lot of money and feel good about not having the additional trash on a regular basis, among other things.

We've also had a lot less issues with diaper rashes compared to some people I know using 'spozies, now that I think about it.

Anyway, just being nozy. I'm good at it.

 

[snarfywarning]

We don't cloth diaper yet (as I still have 6 months to go! haha) but my husband and I plan to cloth diaper, and already have a sizeable stash of prefolds, and one hemp fitted waiting. haha.

 

[Linnis]

I worked for a couple who had twin girls and they used cloth. They used these cloth ones that looked like normal diapers which had material inserts which went inside. Normally unless it was a really messy poop, only the inserts needed to be changed, although even so we changed the diaper once a day. For poop we held the insert in the toilet and flushed. and then put the liners and stuff into the special bucket.

They also had these plasticy pants which went over top, they had plain ones at first, after they knew they had girls we got prettier ones.

I don't know if I'll use them when I have a child, it really depends on if we have our own washer and drier since most laundry mats wouldn't let you wash cloth diapers and it would be a pain to go up to the laundry mat 3-4 times a week.

 

[vscola]

My husband and I don't use cloth diapers, but my dad does (he watches our little boy while I work a few days a week). My dad swares by them and thinks we are crazy for using disposables

 

[sara elizabeth]

I've used both and finally ended up with just disposables. I found that to keep the diapers as clean as I wanted them to be I was using lots of bleach and that totally wears them out. I also had one child who needed to be changed every hour or less when I used cloth. So, even though I like the idea it just became much more practical to use disposables.

 

[Leanna]

Nope we use disposables. I'm too big a wuss among other reasons.

Do you or your wife stay home to do the cloth diapers, or does your child care provider do them also?

 

[Leanna]

Oh and how old is the baby? I am thinking maybe 3 months ish from the pictures

 

[Caprice]

I don't know if I'll use them when I have a child, it really depends on if we have our own washer and drier since most laundry mats wouldn't let you wash cloth diapers and it would be a pain to go up to the laundry mat 3-4 times a week.

I agree, total pain in the butt to go to the laundrymat, although I think it is funny that the three laundrymats in my town have no workers at them regularly so no one would ever notice the dipes going thru the wash. The only time they have anyone there is at closing time to lock up and clean.

If we had any 24 hour mats I can imagine there would be someone there on a more regular basis (I can only imagine the various thefts and drug deals that would go on otherwise).

I've used both and finally ended up with just disposables. I found that to keep the diapers as clean as I wanted them to be I was using lots of bleach and that totally wears them out.

Ahh, yes. Bleach will do that. We actually don't use any bleach in our washing process, we do a 20 minute soak in cold water, then wash in hot water with a cap-full of tea tree oil, a cap-full of dawn soap, and a cap-full of whatever laundry detergent is on sale.

We have bleached stained dipes on a few occasions but we also will sun dry them when the weather is good so that helps get the stains out. I never knew the sun generated a bleaching effect until we started doing cloth diapers. LOL

I also had one child who needed to be changed every hour or less when I used cloth.

That isn't surprising. My main way of "justifying" all those changes is the fact that I wouldn't want to sit in my pee so I don't mind making sure Dalton doesn't have to for any stretch of time.

I'm also sorta hoping that the fact that he feels the wetness might help him potty train early, but that isn't something I'm banking on so-to-speak.

Do you or your wife stay home to do the cloth diapers, or does your child care provider do them also?

Well, right now we work alternating shifts (wife works 8a to 5p and I work a variable 2nd shift) and only have to have babysitting three days a week for 2 hours each day. I have disposeable dipes availible (we buy a new 42 pack every time his size increases just as a backup measure) for our sitter to use but she uses the cloth ones 95% of the time.

We don't cloth diaper yet (as I still have 6 months to go! haha) but my husband and I plan to cloth diaper, and already have a sizeable stash of prefolds, and one hemp fitted waiting. haha.

If you are interested, you can find a lot of useful information at www.diaperpin.com - they have a forum that is populated with very knowledgeable mothers (mostly). I'm a member there (same callsign as here) and my wife is one of their moderators. I generally hang about in their "off topic" area but occasionally I'm able to offer thoughts on more serious subjects. LOL

Congrats on the new little one coming! I hope you have as much fun being a parent as I do!

Oh and how old is the baby? I am thinking maybe 3 months ish from the pictures

He is presently 7 1/2 months old. The avatar photo was from 3 months and the sig photo was from 5 months if I remember right. Due for a new one (got some really good ones on our website too if you would like to check them out.

 

[Leanna]

I'm also sorta hoping that the fact that he feels the wetness might help him potty train early, but that isn't something I'm banking on so-to-speak.

Yeah we haven't potty trained yet, and I am NOT going to try early because I have heard how early experience can go bad and leave your kid with potty training problems for years to come. So I am scared to try early and won't.

 

[bliz]

Used cloth diapers on 3 kids. Really liked nylon pants over the top which felt so much nicer than plastic! WAs given a set of British nappies, which are made of terry cloth and WOW! Did they absorb a lot! Used white vinigar in the final rinse which really helped get the soap out and mininized rashes. Big fan of diaper liners! Made poopy diaper clean-up so easy.

 

[Joykins]

For what it's worth my son poop trained well before pee training.

I use disposables because the less contact with poop the better.

 

[snarfywarning]

Hmm. The way I see it, people should be changing thier baby everytime they wet or poop regaurdless. How would you like to sit around in your excretments all day? haha. I think with cloth you can just TELL it is wet. thus having to change more often.

 

[Neenie1]

I used cloth on first child, who is now 3 1/2. Used it for 3 years, with a mix of disposables as well, particularly at night.

With second child, still using cloth, and disposables at night and when we go out. (unless it's a short trip in the pram or something like that) the disposables help her to sit in the car seat a bit better because she is still rather small.

I don't use bleach to clean my nappies either. Occasionally do a soak in nappy san or similar. Wash on hot using normal powder, then add vinegar to the rinse.

I find it helps with nappy rash, also it is so much cheaper.

 

[britishtankgirl]

i have to say im incredable lucky
i used cloth on my last one but we have a laundry service in the area that washes the inserts for us. i dont think i could of handled all that washing and wouldnt have used them otherwise.
im now expecting my forth i plan on using biodegradable dispossables this time as my friends all say they are great. im not sure though i might go back to the nappy service just beacuse its really great for nappy rash etc. and you really do feel like your helping the enviroment esp when your putting out a whole bin liner less a week.

 

[Ohiomom2]

I have been cloth diapering since our second was a month or so old. I bought DSQ prefolds and some covers (not those annoying pant things that Gerber makes), for liners I cut up a fleece blanket into long rectangles BM comes off much easier. In fact my mom is buying some AIO's and some more covers for her birthday since she is outgrowing the others. I bought my prefolds brand new from a seller on ebay, she has great service. This time I directed my mom to www.kelleyscloset.com (spelling may be wrong) to order for her birthday. She also bought some washable liners that are supposed to absorb more for at night. The only time we use disposable is if we are out, if I am sick and DH doesn't want to mess with the cloth or I forgot to wash one day and either the diapers or covers are dirty. I put the diapers in with detergent and some vinegar (sometimes a bleach alternative so it doesn't break down the diapers). We don't have a clothes line but since no one sees the diapers but me and DH I don't really care about stains as long as they are clean

 

[sammipher]

What would do you need to get started with clothe diapering...I mean I know clothe diapers...but, pens..plastic covers...that sort of thing..are their any type of particular clothe diapers that your prefer to others? and where do you go to buy them?...I have seen e-bay sell them. The reason why I am asking is because...when I first got pregnant I wanted to clothe diaper..but, hubby didn't really agree and in the end I thought with my weak stomach...not such a good idea and we went with convience. But, now since I have seen what damage she can do...that weak stomach has went out the window. So now I am considering clothe diapers again. We figured up we spend 40.00 a month on diapers...of course everything breaks her out but the expensive ones..that's mommy's girl . Also how do you care for them..any special soaps..I know most probably use bleach. I'm curious about it. I am really new to this.

 

[Caprice]

What would do you need to get started with clothe diapering...I mean I know clothe diapers...but, pens..plastic covers...that sort of thing..

Well, pins are one way, but I really love this thing called a "snappi" that eliminates the need for pins. I'm really not the best person to be trying to elaborate on such things tho so I'd strongly suggest checking out The Diaper Pin Forums. Bunch of really smart mommas (and a few dads like me) on there and they'll answer all sorts of questions much better than I ever could.

are their any type of particular clothe diapers that your prefer to others? and where do you go to buy them?

"Simplicity is beauty" is my big slogan; I love chinese prefolds held together with a snappi and covered with the cheapest cover I can find (or not covered at all when at home).

...I have seen e-bay sell them.

Yeah, you can get some stuff on e-bay, but I'd check out the site I mentioned above, a lot of times you can get stuff for the same price (perhaps even from the same people) as the e-bayers you have seen and you'll get to actually know the person you are buying from.

At the very least, you might learn who to avoid on e-bay. LOL

The reason why I am asking is because...when I first got pregnant I wanted to clothe diaper..but, hubby didn't really agree and in the end I thought with my weak stomach...not such a good idea and we went with convience.

I gotta give you props for at least thinking of it. I honestly don't find cloth diapering to be any less convenient than disposables but to each their own.

of course everything breaks her out but the expensive ones..that's mommy's girl.

That isn't entirely uncommon. Seems like most people I know just lather on the desitin stuff and forget about it...

Also how do you care for them..any special soaps..I know most probably use bleach. I'm curious about it. I am really new to this.

I do not use any bleach, ever. Bleach could very likely be part of what is in the disposable dipes that give your child's bumm the rashes. Our care routine involves one wash per day, we use about 1/8 or 1/10 of a cup of detergent (we use whatever is on sale) and a cap-full of tea tree oil (found at walmart near pharmacy usually) and a squirt of dawn dish detergent and then two dryer cycles per day (takes a lot to get all that stuff dry) with no fabric softener because the softener will make the dipes repel water.

Like I said, I'd check out that website I linked to above if you are interested in cloth diapering, you'll be amazed how much fun people can have with all the special patterned diapers and covers you can buy.

 

[Neenie1]

I used cloth nappies on Daniel for 3 years, and plan on doing the same for Emily (hoping she trains earlier than 3 years though) I do use a mix of cloth and disposables, I tend to use Huggies at night, and cheaper disposables if I am out during the day, but when we are home, it's definitely cloth.

I use the terry towelling square nappies that you fold yourself. I have used a couple of fancy type that already come folded, but it wasn't for me. I just seem to prefer the squares.

I have never used bleach on my nappies. I use nappy san say if there has been a gastro bug or something, but otherwise don't normally use it.

I tend to wash them pretty much the same as Caprice says they wash theirs. I often wash on hot, sometimes I chuck in a splash of vinegar in the rinse but sometimes don't.

I also use a Snappi, prefer that over pins.

We don't have a drier, so just dry on the line, the sunshine does great things for them.

I would be happy to answer any more questions.

 

[Ohiomom2]

What would do you need to get started with clothe diapering...I mean I know clothe diapers...but, pens..plastic covers...that sort of thing..are their any type of particular clothe diapers that your prefer to others? and where do you go to buy them?...I have seen e-bay sell them. The reason why I am asking is because...when I first got pregnant I wanted to clothe diaper..but, hubby didn't really agree and in the end I thought with my weak stomach...not such a good idea and we went with convience. But, now since I have seen what damage she can do...that weak stomach has went out the window. So now I am considering clothe diapers again. We figured up we spend 40.00 a month on diapers...of course everything breaks her out but the expensive ones..that's mommy's girl . Also how do you care for them..any special soaps..I know most probably use bleach. I'm curious about it. I am really new to this.

What do you need? I prefer the diaper service quality (DSQ) prefolds they are thicker and even if you buy the larger size you can fold them to fit almost any sized child. I used to use pins but then discovered the snappi. I use the Proraps Colors but also like Bummis and Bumkins covers. I bought my first diapers and the Colors covers from granitesmith on ebay (just look up her seller name) they are all brand new never been washed or worn. As for the ones DD is recieving for her birthday my mom is ordering them through www.kelleyscloset.com (kelleys may be spelled wrong, can't remember as we sent in a mail order) we are going to be getting some AIO (all in ones, like disposables. and some washable liners for extra absorbancy at night. For my first liners I just cut up an old fleece blanket, it works and it wicks away the moisture.

As for how to clean and store the dirty ones. I bought a cheap trash can w/lid at a dollar store I put a trash bag inside and just throw the diapers in there. I don't use a wet can and have had no problems and my friends who clothe diaper do not use a wet container either and they have clothed diaper 3 going on 4 kids. I have two dozen diapers (I recommend that many) so when 12 or so are dirty I will do a wash. I put them in on hot/hot heavy duty cycle with some detergent and some white distilled vinegar and sometimes a bleach alternative (bleach will destroy the fibers and break down the diapers) I also do a second rinse so the detergent doesn't chap baby's bottom. I was my covers on warm delicate cycle and hang to dry, you can machine dry them but probably won't last as long. As for solid waste I take the liner out and dump it in the toilet and put the liner in my can.

If you have any questions or want more recommendations/ideas for cloth diapering feel free to email me.

 

[Princessperky]

I got some diapers to prepare for BBY3, and I am at a loss as to how a tiny baby will fit in them! but I got two covers and some liners, and a huge stack of chinese prefolds (though that has to be a lousy name, diapers are not rectangular! Or butts arn't anyway)

On the early training, DS was and no issues, and DD was even earlier and no issues. I have heard horror stories of children left to decide on their own and not doing so at 5, I have heard horror stories of 'traditional' timing (waiting for the 'classic' signs) and kids being REALLY defiant and not trained till 5 (or later) I have heard of Horror stories of IPTing (starting at birth) and kids not done till 5, and I have heard Horror stories of kids started early (like oneish) for various reasons and not done at 5 (or so) ...basically I have heard it all! and I still chose early with DS (average finsih time 2.5) and Modified IPT with DD (average finish time at 2) and both beat their averages, Someone has to to cancel out the 5 year olds. I think a childs personallity has something to do with it, and so does the parents. I hate diapers period, so the sooner out the better. Many people I know would rather be trained to change a diaper than be trained (as I am) to pick up DD to put her on the potty (she is pretty short). to each their own.

On the hourly change, yeah I have had that saggy butt diaper WAY to full but just keep putting it off to change it, and yeah I was letting my kid sit in pee, which before I had kids I swore I would never do....... Maybe the cloth this time will keep me to my convictions?