17 month old seitch to cloth?

Question

I'm thinking of switching to cloth nappies on my 17 month old. I've been thinking about it for a while but I just don't know where to start. 
Can someone talk me through what's needed at this age? I see posts about leaking when this old in cloth. How do I prep the nappy? I know absolutely nothing. 
I have another baby on the way and am hoping if this goes well to use cloth on him/her from the start. 
I'm really intimidated and Google is making it worse with all the different info. Would like to hear from real people with experience. 
Thank you ❤️

Answer

I used cloth on my 3 year old with no leaking issues. We just used covers and prefolds, with a fleece liner in case of poop.  Thirsties fit her best at that age, but flips her well fit her before that. Eventually during potty training, we used flips trainers, which have side snaps but can also be pulled up and down like undies and have replaceable inserts.

Answer

I know the amount of info on the internet can be overwhelming. I found this site to be a really great place to start. Yes it can lead you to more questions but it will explain the basics and then you can decide what you’re most interested in and go from there. I think an important thing to understand is that there isn’t one “best” style or brand. Every family has different priorities so that’s why there are so many kinds available. You can try a few different things and then decide what works for you.
https://www.thinking-about-cloth-diapers.com/

Answer

My kids have been in cloth from the start. I use pockets with my kids and I don't ever experience leaks. I wouldn't worry about leakage at that age. My seven month old needs to be changed way more frequently than my two year old. And honestly, I find it to be less of a hassle to deal with him (less frequent changes, less poop) than my baby. Plus, their poop is decently solid at that age and can be dumped straight in the toilet.
If you are using a good brand of diapers and a decent insert material, you don't really have to worry about leakage. I use Mama Koala, Alva, Nora's Nursery, and Kawaii Goodnight Heavy Wetter for night time. I prefer bamboo inserts and bamboo + hemp for night time.
I personally wouldn't use Mama Koala for any baby under six months, but they are my favorite for my toddler. They are slimmer and fit in his pants better, but the rise snaps are weak so until they get tall enough not to use them, it's too much of a hassle getting them on without the rise snaps springing open.
Really the only con I find with cloth is that you have to move up in onesie and pants size, especially when they are young and need the rise snaps. It might not be that big of a deal for slimmer/taller children, but my kids are short and their normal pants size are too long, nevermind going up an entire size.
As for prepping, depends on what you mean. To prep them before using, you just need to wash the diapers and if using microfiber, wash them too. If using bamboo or hemp, they either need to be boiled or washed 6-8 times in hot water before use. They shouldn't be washed with diapers or microfiber inserts before they are prepped because the natural oils can make the diapers and microfiber inserts less absorbent. They can be washed with everything else after being prepped and in use.
If you mean how to use them.. I only know about pockets. You just adjust your rise snaps where you need them, put an insert (or two if your kid is a heavy wetter/three if it's a night time diaper) in the pocket and you're good to go.

17 month old seitch to cloth?

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