Cloth diapers come in different types that parents could choose from depending on their budget, their baby’s weight, and how much changing their baby normally requires.  Learning all about cloth diapers will teach parents about how to choose from these different types of cloth diapers as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each one.  The most common considerations are usually the cost and convenience.  Websites that contain materials all about cloth diapers would show that cloth diapers are definitely a less costly alternative to disposable diapers.  Pre-fold cloth diapers that are worn with protective one-size covers usually cost the least, while the AIO and the AI2 cloth diaper types being on the upper end of the price scale.  Online resources containing information all about cloth diapers also estimate about 24 pre-folds and 6 protective covers or enough AIO or AI2 cloth diapers for about 10 diaper changes per day as the ideal cloth diaper supply parents would have to maintain.

More information all about cloth diapers are available online to guide parents in making the decision to trade in their disposables for cloth diapers. Most cloth diaper websites that contain material all about cloth diapers would also have links to websites where these clothing diapers can be purchased in different sizes and designs.  As different babies would have different needs, it would be a good idea to test out particular brands and to ask around for recommendations from other parents using cloth diapers.

About the Author:

Bryana is the owner of Diaper Junction and a cloth diapering parent of three. She’s passionate about cloth diaper education and advocacy and looks forward to sharing with you through Cloth Diaper Blog. If you’re a Virginia Beach local, you can stop by Diaper Junction’s warehouse/retail store and chat with her in person!

1.    Cloth diapers  are difficult to use – If you take the time to gather information about cloth diapers available today, you will find that they are no more difficult to use than disposable diapers.  Those who are especially worried about the cumbersome folding and using giant safety pins to fasten the cloth diaper onto the baby’s privates can rest easy knowing that modern day cloth diapers come pre-folded and belted with snaps or Velcro straps.  Other versions such as the All-in-Two come with separate inner absorber pad that can simply be taken out and then replaced with a fresh one once it becomes soiled.  

2.    Cloth diapers are difficult to wash – Washing cloth diapers is no different from laundering ordinary clothes with the exception perhaps of the soaking that some prefer to do while waiting for laundry day.  While others feel more comfortable about cloth diapers that are rinsed before soaking them in a wet pail, others have already adopted the dry method that has been proven to be equally as effective in keeping the soiled diapers from smelling as it sits in the sealed dry pail before laundry day.  Heat drying the cloth diapers with your dryer or line drying them under the sun would be enough to kill any bacteria in the washed cloth diapers.

3.    Cloth diapers are not sanitary – On the contrary, cloth diapers are more sanitary because they are replaced every time your baby soils it.  Disposable diapers that contain special gels that keep the baby dry actually keeps the baby’s waste matter in contact with the baby’s bottom longer than it should.  Reading material about cloth diapers versus disposable diapers would show you that there are more babies who develop diaper rash with disposable diapers than with cloth diapers.

About the Author:

Bryana is the owner of Diaper Junction and a cloth diapering parent of three. She’s passionate about cloth diaper education and advocacy and looks forward to sharing with you through Cloth Diaper Blog. If you’re a Virginia Beach local, you can stop by Diaper Junction’s warehouse/retail store and chat with her in person!

You can be sure that after months of reading about, researching, purchasing and even dreaming about cloth diapering, that as my due date neared, I was full of expectations! To be completely honest, my expectations were rather low. In all my internet searching and reading of reviews and “how to’s,” I came across several discussions of leaky cloth diapers, problems with ammonia, or the diaper pail smelling like a barnyard. I fully expected cloth diapering to be challenging, time consuming, gross and well, a pain. Despite these expectations, I was committed to doing it because my 2 year old’s obsession with the Wall-E movie had permeated my thinking and I was determined not to leave a legacy of waste for my daughters.

Perhaps this is why I waited 3 ½ weeks before I even tried to put a cloth diaper on my newborn. I expected the cloth diapers to fail and that I would hate it! It was with hesitancy and trepidation that I put that first Zinnia Flip on my tiny newborn daughter. I couldn’t believe it! It was so easy!! I had imagined myself spending half the day, stooped over the toilet, dunking, swishing and wringing out diapers. Instead, I found myself quite satisfied to simply place the soiled insert in the wet bag and put the clean insert & cover on the baby.

I kept waiting for my daughter to have the inevitable “blow-out,” or at least a leak, but to my great delight, it never happened! To think, we dealt with blow-outs on a weekly basis while using disposables with our first daughter and I avoided cloth diapers then because I thought they wouldn’t be able to contain the mess! I could not have been more wrong!

Days somehow slipped by and now my teeny tiny newborn is no curious 15 month old toddler who loves to go to the basket of diapers and pick out a brightly colored diaper when she needs a change! I have found that I am not only satisfied with cloth diapers, but I am delighted to the point of “proselytizing”! I love it and I want other people to experience the joy I’ve discovered in cloth diapering.

The reality of cloth diapering for us has been amazing–I’ve not had to deal with rashes or blowouts like I did when we used disposables, I didn’t have to start rinsing poopy diapers until my baby starting eating solids at 6 months, I find that dirty cloth diapers smell far less than a pail of dirty disposables, and we have never dealt with ammonia or other stink issues.

My greatest disappointment in cloth diapering came that first day. Apparently, I expected cloth diapers to be as trim as disposables! The One-Size Flip diapers felt so big on my 8lb daughter and the fluffiness just seemed to envelop her. At the time, it really bothered me, so I ordered several Bum Genius XS All-in-ones and I was overjoyed to find how trim they were in comparison. I was so happy with them I ordered more, and to this day, I prefer AIO’s–especially the trimmer natural fiber type like Bum Genius Elementals and GroVia AIO’s

As you can see, when my expectations of what cloth diapering would be like collided with the reality of cloth diapering, the overall result is satisfaction! What are/were your expectations for cloth diapering?

Guest Blogger

About Anna: I have two wonderful little girls that I have the privilege to stay at home with! I love cooking, art, photography and cloth diapering. I decided to combine my love of cloth diapering and photography and start a cloth diaper photo review blog. My husband and I live in Germany and work with the teens of US Air Force personnel stationed here in Germany.

As you can see in the picture, the top of the table has a waterproof pad on it which is on top of a folded up blanket,The blanket helps for cushion and to prevent too much sliding around.  He does enough wiggling on his own, I do not need the extra help! On top of the table there is also a tub of coconut oil, and any covers that have been used but do not need to be washed yet. Lastly, there is a small  travel container that holds enough cloth wipes for 2 days, and a small clear bin that fits most of our prefolds. We have 14 prefolds in total that ds is wearing now, and we have 6 xs prefolds we use as doublers for night time.In the drawer I have his burp cloths, bibs, heiny wipes & face wipes, 2 bottles of lotion, a tube of cj’s and Method diaper cream ( which is cd safe, btw).  On the bottom shelf, I have a wicker basket that I put some of his clothes in, so I don’t have to go upstairs to get an outfit for the day, pajamas at night, or if he ever needs new clothes during the day.  There is a wire basket that can hold (when I have just done the laundry) 2 wetbags, 2 flats, 3 organic flip inserts, 4 flip covers, 1 wool cover, 4 duowraps and any extra prefolds that don’t fit on the top.  Next to that bin I have all of my pocket diapers stacked.  This includes; 4 Kawaii diapers, 16 BumGenius 4.0 and1 Tot Bot Easy fit.

I have enough diapers I can wash every 3 days.  As they come out of the wash, I put everything right away when it is dry.  This system works really well for us.  When we had two changing areas, I just split up the diapers between the two areas.   You want something that can be easy and practical so you don’t have to spend extra time getting diapers when you need them.  I believe the key to staying organized is to find something that works for you and your family, and run with it!

Guest Post:

About Colleen: I am a 28 year old, first time stay at home mom to my wonderful son, Gavin from Upstate New York. My husband and I have been together for 11 years, married for
almost 5, and can not wait for more children!

This Twitter Party will be hosted by the Cloth Diaper Geek.  Details are below.

When:  Thursday, December 15, 2011
Time: 9:00-10:00pm EST
Where: Twitter via TweetGrid, TweetChat, Hootsuite, etc.
Hashtag: #kinectwithcloth
Grand Prizes: 18 Pack of Rumparooz Diapers, Microchamois Liners and Pail Liner courtesy of Rumparooz
or
XBox Kinect Adventure Pack/Holiday Bundle courtesy of DiaperJunction

Additional Prizes:

• (4) Changing Diapers Books  from Kelly Wels
• (1) Rockin’ Green Soap Bundle
• (2) Fuzzi Bunz Elite Onesize Cloth Diapers
• (2) Happy Heiny’s Oneize Pocket Diapers (with aplix)
• (1) Boba 3G Baby Carrier
• (1) GroVia My Choice Trainer
• (1) Thirsties Product Sampler!  *Includes Duo Diaper, Duo Fab Fitted, Duo Wrap, Duo Hemp Prefold, Fab Wipes, Booty Love & Booty Luster!
• (1) Best Bottom (prize to be determined)
• (1) Bummis (prize to be determined)
• (1) 6 Pack of Diaper Rite Pocket Diapers
• (1) Swaddlebees OS Simplex Diaper in Tweet Print
• (3) Knickernappies Super Do Inserts
• (2) 6 Pack of Rumparooz Doll Diapers
• (1) Rumparooz Wetbag & Changing Pad

Rules:  Winners will be chosen at random and announced during the party.  All winners will be verified after the party and must have tweeted at least once, with the hashtag #kinectwithcloth, between the hours of 9-10pm EST.  If they did not then an alternate winner will be chosen.

Participants with private twitter accounts must change to public for the duration of the party or else their participation will not be visible and verification of their involvement will not be possible.

A couple of things you should keep in mind when you choose to cloth diaper are your budget, the different systems available, and the type of fabric you prefer.

Your Budget

One of the main things to keep in mind when choosing to cloth diaper is your budget. You are going to save money with cloth diapers, even if you decide to go with a pricier option, but it’s sometimes hard for parents to shell out $20 a diaper when they first switch from disposables. Not all diapers are the same and not all diapers have the same price tag. You can pay as little as $2 for a cloth diaper, and as much as $30 if you go with a pricier WAHM (work at home mom) option.

Take a look at the following price tags for a couple of the different diapering systems out there:

Disposable Diapers:

1 year of disposables (bought in bulk)-$430-$730

2 years of disposables (bought in bulk) $860-$1,250

3 years of disposables (bought in bulk)-$1,290-$1,770

These prices were taken from both the generic and name brand disposable diapers on sale at Walmart.com and are based on 10 diaper changes a day for the first year, and 6 diaper changes a day for the second and third years.

Prefold Diapers:

1 year of prefolds (24 prefolds and 6 one size covers): $89-$160

2 years of prefolds (36 prefolds and 6 one size covers): $119-$190

3 years of prefolds (48 prefolds and 6 one size covers): $152-$226

These prices account for the need to buy a size up on your diapers each year, buying a new stash of 12 prefold diapers in the next size up. The prices vary due to a differently priced one size diaper covers.

AI2 (All in Two) Diapers:

1 year of one size AI2 diapers: $200-$678

2 years of one size AI2 diapers: $200-$678

3 years of one size AI2 diapers: $200-$678

These prices include 6-12 shells and 24 inserts. The prices vary depending on different brands of AI2 diapers out there.

One Size Pocket Diapers:

1 year of OS pocket diapers: $240- $564

2 years of OS pocket diapers: $240-$564

3 years of OS pocket diapers: $240-$564

These prices are based on the cost of buying 24 OS pocket diapers.

The System

Rather than worrying over the specific brand of cloth diapers you might need, consider instead the type of cloth diapering system you want. What is your daily grind? Is your child an especially heavy wetter during the day, or only at night? Do you enlist the services of a childcare provider or grandparent to help you with your child while you’re at work? Is your caregiver comfortable and familiar with cloth diapers or have they expressed concern over the inconvenience? Some diapering systems are best for parents and caregivers who want quick, easy diaper changes, and other systems work well for those who don’t want to spend lots of time with laundry. It’s important to buy a system that will cater to yourself and any other caregivers who will be changing your baby’s diapers. You can refer to our list of different cloth diapering definitions to help you out, but a condensed list has been included here for easy reference.

All in One Diapers (AIOs)

AIOs are the most like disposable diapers in their fit and how they fasten. They are perfect for quick, easy diaper changes and require no extra folding, stuffing, or pins. They have an inner, absorbent layer against the baby’s skin, and an outer, waterproof layer—they are a cloth diaper and diaper cover all in one! They often require a few extra rinses when being washed, and take a couple of times through the dryer, or a few extra hours on the line to dry. They are often the choice for babysitters and daycares because they’re very recognizable to those who are accustomed to disposables.

Fitted Diapers (Fitteds)

Fitted diapers are much like AIO diapers except that they do not include a waterproof layer and they do require a cover. Many times, they are more economical than AIOs because you don’t need to buy as many cloth diaper covers as you do diapers—the covers can be used for a couple of diaper changes before needing to be washed. Fitted diapers are easy to use because they do not require any folding or pins, and they attach to your baby much like a disposable. Since they require a diaper cover, there are two steps to complete at every diaper change, attaching the fitted diaper and then covering it.

One Size Diapers

Many different systems of diapers (Pockets, fitteds, AIOs, etc) come in a one size option which basically means that the one diaper will probably fit your baby throughout all of their diapering years. Diapers that boast one size status usually fit your baby from about 7lbs-35lbs. These diapers generally adjust their size with either rise snaps or adjustable leg and waist elastics, plus a generous amount of snaps or Velcro at the waist. For smaller babies, they tend to be bulky, and many parents wait to start using them until their children are no longer newborns. Buying a stash of one size diapers will ultimately help you save even more money in the long run because you won’t be buying your full stash 2-4 times in each size.

Pocket Cloth Diapers

Pocket cloth diapers, also called pocket diapers or even just pockets, are a great diaper if you want to be able to adjust your absorbency, and have the convenience of quick and easy diaper changes. In addition to either snaps or Velcro at the closures, they have an empty space between a waterproof outer layer and a stay-dry inner layer where you can stuff diaper inserts. These inserts are usually made of microfiber, but can be made out of any absorbent fabric. What’s great is that with a pocket diaper you’re not limited to using the inserts that come with the diaper. You can use just about any insert from any brand, and you can stuff in as many as you need. You can also stuff your pocket diapers with trifolded prefolds, or pad folded flats.

Prefold Diapers

Prefold diapers are the most economical cloth diapering choice, but they also require more steps. They consist of a flat, layered rectangle of cotton that has a thicker strip of absorbency in the middle. They are folded and attached to your baby with pins or a snappi, and need a diaper cover. They require a bit of practice to get started, and they aren’t for everyone, but many parents prefer prefolds to more modern pocket or fitted diapers because they’re so soft and absorbent. However, when leaving your child with daycare or a sitter, it might be wise to use AIOs or pocket diapers to make cloth diapering more successful for those without prefold practice.

The Fabric

There are two options when it comes to choosing fabric for your cloth diapers—synthetic or all natural fibers. The great thing about synthetic fibers is that they boast amazing absorbency and also offer a stay-dry option. Microfiber, microsuede, and microfleece are examples of synthetic fibers commonly used in cloth diapers.

All natural fibers require a little more laundry prep before using (because of the natural oils), and they don’t have a stay-dry option, but they are very absorbent and usually get better and more absorbent wash after wash. All natural fabrics include cotton, bamboo, and hemp. When searching for all natural fibers, you may also want to consider the organic option. Organic fabrics should not contain chemicals as the plants harvested for the fabric have not been treated with any harsh pesticides that could compromise baby’s immune system. If a cloth diaper boasts an organic fabric, there will not be any synthetic (artificial) fibers woven into it. Organic fabrics are more expensive to produce, and therefore costlier to buy, but they are easier on the environment and therefore, a more sustainable cloth diapering choice.

With so many cloth diapers on the market today, it can seem impossible to choose just one style. Learning the different Cloth Diapering Definitions and Terms will help you select the cloth diapers, diaper covers and accessories to develop your own personalized cloth diapering system.

Guest Blogger:

Becca G is a guest blogger for the Cloth Diaper Blog. Becca is a part time Spanish Teacher, a part time stay-at-home-mom, and the wife of the best husband imaginable. Becca’s absolute favorite thing to do is to spend time with her little family. She also enjoys doing anything crafty – from making jewelry, to writing, to sewing, to photography.

Support a fellow cloth diapering mom! Becca’s etsy shop: Cloth Diaper Mommy

We have a lot of great stuff in store for you this weekend.  Some items will begin on Thanksgiving Day at approximately 12:15 AM EST (I need a few minutes to load it all in :-) )  The rest of the stuff goes up on Black Friday at approximately 12:15 AM EST.  ALL items will be on sale until Cyber Monday.  Shop early to get the best selection as I am sure that we will sell out.

Sales Beginning Thanksgiving Day: (and continue through Cyber Monday)

HOT! Select Thirsties Diaper Covers $6.00
HOT! Select Thirsties Duo Diapers $13.00
HOT! Select Thirsties Duo Fab Fitteds $10.00
HOT! Select Thirsties Duo Wraps $8.00

Mini Showers $34.95
GroVia Wet Bags $3.50
FuzziBunz One Size (Late Model) $12.95
Blueberry Bamboo Pocket Diapers $18.00
GroVia Shells – Ice & Cosmos $9.95
GroVia One Size All In Ones – Ice & Cosmos $16.00
Country Save Detergent $9.95
Kissaluvs Newborn All In Ones $11.00
Oh Katy Diapers $12.00

20% off of the Following:
All Diaper Rite products 20% off
Boba Baby Carriers & Wraps 20% off
Swaddlebees 20% or more off
Kissaluvs 20% off
Blueberry Diapers 20% off
Happy Heiny’s 20% off
Kiwi Pie Diapers 20% off
CJ’s BUTT-er
Diva Cup

Sales Beginning on BLACK Friday: (and continue through Cyber Monday)

Rockin Green Limited Edition Holiday Scent $11.00

Select Bummis products 20% off:
Bummis Super Whisper Wraps
Bummis Super Brite
Bummis Super Snap
Bummis Whisper Pants
Bummis Swimmi
Bummis Beautiful Basic Kit
Bummis Fabulous Wet Bags
Fuzzibunz products 20% off
Rumparooz products 20% off
Eco Posh 10% off

Free $25 gift card with any Ergo Baby Carrier purchase

*In accordance with manufacturer guidelines bumGenius, Flip, and Econobum will be announced on Black Friday!

GroVia Buy 2, Get 1 Free sale! Includes all in one diapers as well as hybrid shells.

Visit Diaper Junction and shop til’ you drop, these awesome deals don’t come around every day!

It’s super easy to enter and vote and don’t forget that by voting your helping to promote small-businesses, wahm’s and bloggers.

Padded Tush Stats will be choosing 8 winners and voting ends December 15, 2011.  Below are the (8) categories.

(1) Diaper of the Year

(2) Diaper of the Year for Chunky Babies

(3) Diaper of the Year for Skinny Babies

(4) Diaper of the Year for Rash-Prone Babies

(5) Diaper of the Year for Heavy Wetters

(6) Diaper Accessory of the Year

(7) Cloth Diaper Resource of the Year

(8) Cloth Diaper Retailer of the Year

We’re super excited to have been nominated in various categories!  You can vote for Diaper Junction as your retailer of the year, DiaperRite Flushable Liners for accessory of the year or Cloth Diaper Blog as your cloth diaper resource of the year!

It’s super easy to cast your votes!  Click >HERE< for the details.

We used disposables and cloth in the very beginning while I recovered from my c-section.  I loved the softness of the cloth diapers, the feeling of saving money, and disliked the extra, stinky garbage, the crinkly paper feel of the disposables, and those little gel beads I had read so much about.  I was less than pleased the first time I saw those.  They are hard to get off, and can not be healthy!  We only used disposables for the first month, and not all the time. Soon after becoming a full time cd’ing family, I had switched to using cloth wipes, and then decided it was more cost effective to make my own wipes….however my first batch cost around $160 dollars! I wanted flannel wipes, and they needed to be sewed, so I needed(and wanted wanted) a sewing machine.

And so it began…

Who knew one little idea of diapers, could affect so much? As a household we were no way green, and my husband was much less than I. He still is in fact, but I am more now than ever, and I really have my cloth diapers to thank. I have switched to greener/natural cleaning products, made my own laundry soap, put up a clothes line, and have recently switched out our paper towels, paper napkins, stopped using paper plates, and gotten more strict with the recycling.

Not only are these decisions good for the Earth, but they are healthier and more beneficial for my family.Those areas is where my husband needs help. In his eyes it takes two large paper towels to dry our 1 year olds hands, 3 to dry his, instead of using the towel by the sink, and just throw out something recyclable so he doesn’t have to wash it and take it to the recycling bin. He would just assume use a paper plate when eating anything( chips the other day), and will often use 2 plates because he can’t get them apart.  In looking back, I guess I was always more conscientious of these things, turning off the water on him as he is brushing his teeth, shutting off the lights behind him in every room (Which I still have to do) and I have actually gone upstairs to turn the water off on the sink while he was shaving. He was slightly irritated.

Being green was just not how I grew up, and it was for sure not how my husband grew up.  Someone said to my mother about using cloth “Oh she’s going green?” Her response was “No, it’s blue.” (She was talking about the color of ds’s diaper) It went right over her head.  When my in-laws were here for a party my husband actually picked through the garbage to get out the plastic juice containers they had brought for the kids.  Maybe it is rubbing off on him!!

I had no idea when I began cloth diapering to save money this would happen. My arguments in favor of cloth were, it’s cheaper, it’s better for ds (less rash, no chemicals),  less garbage.  Better for the planet was last of my defenses, if it was one at all.  I like seeing how much we can change and become more green, and finding new ways to save, and am now researching compost.  I could not be happier with the impact cloth diapering has made in my life, and how it has opened my eyes to a whole new world.  Kermit, you stand corrected!

Guest Blogger:
About Colleen: I am a 28 year old Stay-at-home mom to my wonderful 13 month old son, Gavin.  I have an awesome husband whom I have been married to for 5 years.

But at our second visit to the library, I saw a young mom with two ADORABLE little boys, walk in wearing her baby/toddler snug against her chest in a baby carrier of some sort—I’m not familiar with brands of baby carriers other than the Moby Wrap (which I swear by as a must have for every mom) but it looked to be something like a Snuggli or maybe an Ergo. A light switched turned on in my brain. “This isn’t your typical mother” I thought. I wonder if she uses cloth diapers?” Then, she pulled him out and as I watched him toddle around after his older brother I noticed that they were both wearing amber teething necklaces. At this point, I was dying to know if her babies wore cloth because the only place I’ve ever seen amber teething necklaces is on all-natural parenting websites and in internet stores that sell cloth diapers. Also I know, that once you’ve seen modern cloth diapers, it’s hard to resist them! I looked down at her toddler’s little feet and saw a pair of beautiful, soft-soled leather shoes. I smiled inside. She was definitely fitting my stereotype of an all-natural mom to the tee. I smiled as I imagined that she probably breastfed and made her own baby food as well, and that maybe she even had time for the perfect garden from which to feed her family organically.

Soon, it was time to go downstairs for the story time. Our little ones gleefully traipsed down the stairs behind their well-loved librarian and sat with anticipation on the colorful rug with the trains on it—each taking a different train car as a seat. We sang and we read and we danced and we listened and I felt kind of like a stalker as my eyes kept wandering over to children of the perfect, all-natural mom who sat beside me. I watched Bunny as she bent over to dance, the red waistband of her Happy Heinys sticking out from her pants as she (all her underwear and training pants were in the wash that day), and then noticed a band of blue—bumGenius! Moonbeam, to be exact—at the waistband of the little boy dancing beside her and I smiled a little smile. I was right. She cloth diapered too!

It’s one thing to see your friends use cloth diapers because you all have influence on each other. It’s nearly impossible to have a group of moms with only one cloth diaperer because once many moms see cloth, they just have to use it. But to see a stranger using cloth diapers is another thing entirely. It means that maybe, in our small group of cloth diaperers that resides mostly in Internet circles, maybe we’re actually making a difference and branching out to people beyond our forums and blogs. Maybe cloth diapers will be just as mainstream and easily available as disposables one day!

Guest Blogger:

Becca G is a guest blogger for the Cloth Diaper Blog. Becca is a part time Spanish Teacher, a part time stay-at-home-mom, and the wife of the best husband imaginable. Becca’s absolute favorite thing to do is to spend time with her little family. She also enjoys doing anything crafty – from making jewelry, to writing, to sewing, to photography.

Support a fellow cloth diapering mom! Becca’s etsy shop: Cloth Diaper Mommy