Cloth Diapers for Dummies Please 😂

Chelsi

My hubby and I have finally decided were going with cloth diapers after some serious conversations about it.

A friend at work told me it's a good idea to start buying diapers ASAP so we can get a good stock by the time the baby comes.

But I have 0 idea what I'm doing.

We know we want to do disposable inserts when we're not at home and regular inserts when we are, and we're gonna get a mini washer and dryer combo specifically for diapers since we have to pay for laundry in our apartment.

We've got one bumgenuis newborn diaper and some disposable inserts but that's about as far as I've figured out.

How many covers do we need? How many inserts to start? What kind of diaper pail do we get? What is the difference between flip and freetime (in bumgenuis) and can flip inserts go in freetime diapers? 🤯

*Though not exclusively sticking with bumgenuis it's the most readily available to us right now

I need an adultier adult 😂😂

268 views • 6 upvotes • 17 comments

COMMENT (17)

B

Posted at
If you want to use covers and prefolds/flats, you'll need 5 or 6 covers and around 40 inserts, to allow for 2-3 days between washes in the newborn stage. They're a good choice because they're economical (you dont need to replace the cover every change) and they are great for containing leaks and messes. They can be intimidating for babysitters, though. Best Bottom has All-In-Two diapers that have snap in inserts, so you need about the same numbers as covers/prefolds. They are also really good at keeping messes in. Pockets and All-In-One diapers are easiest for sitters, but need to be changed completely each time. AIOs are usually more expensive than pockets and take longer to dry. Pockets require you to stuff them after everything is washed and dried, but it's just like folding a load of tshirts. It becomes part of your routine pretty easily.

Sy

Posted at
I agree with going on YouTube and kinda get an idea what some look like. Try and grab a couple of grands I have some G diapers. They sell disposable inserts and cloth as well! Only thing they have size ( small, medium, large ) but they are easy to use and great for when we are out and about! Pockets are my favorite because it’s easy to add different absorbency. I bought some Chinese cheapies. Some people have mix reviews but they are cheap and work wonderful! I also have 2 bum genius and they are okay but not my favorite. Also have some Charlie bananas preloved diapers that my friend gave to me! These are super expensive but are my favorite !!!! The only thing they come with microfiber inserts which don’t hold as much! So now I need to find some insert to add like hemp! Get different kinds of insert so you can play with the absorbency. Like hemp, bamboo, charcoal bamboo( has some microfiber) I have some and love them, microfiber ( which are great to have to double up since they are quick to absorb) I’m making my own wipes since I’m washing the diapers anyways.

Co

Posted at
You’ll learn more as you start using them, so for now I’d just enjoy your research and have fun shopping and trying different types.I started with a smaller stash of just prefolds and covers since babies are tiny when they are first born. Maybe about 5 covers and 20 prefolds. Then I think I had about 10 newborn AIOs I got from Facebook Marketplace second hand.

T

Posted at
Fluffloveuniversity.com is an endless wealth of cloth diapering knowledge! It was my main go to when I was figuring things out.

B

B • Jan 25, 2019
I've not personally encountered anyone who has had bad luck with their advice. Perhaps they're out there, but the information I've gotten from them has been helpful.

Gr

Grace • Jan 23, 2019
And they constantly ruin full stashes of diapers with poor advice

Me

Posted at
Keep an eye out for 2nd hand nappy stashs'. A lot will be in excellent condition. Will save you $$$$$$

Gr

Grace • Jan 23, 2019
Tons of bst pages on facebook

Am

Posted at
Go to youtube and search cloth diapering 101, there are tons of videos that will help you understand everything cloth diapering.Get a variety of styles & brands of diapers to start with to see what you like and what works for your baby.

Na

Posted at
All companies that sell cloth diapers will have information on their websites involving how to care for, strip and sanitise, wash etc their nappies.Think of it this way:You need to do washing every 1-3 days absolutely maximum. Babies can go through 10-15 nappies per day. And you always need extra inserts for: night time, heavy wetters, quick wee changes.There are shells that have snap liners.There are shells that have proper inserts beneath the fabric.There are microfibre, charcoal, bamboo inserts. You should have some of each, or most mamas will recommend bamboo as their more absorbent.You’ll need to research which brands are the best. My recommendation is Grovia.Spend a little every month or so because it is up front expensive but long term effective.Google or Facebook search for a group that has cloth nappy advice. If you’re in Australia, there’s ‘Cloth Nappies Down Under’ which includes a link to their website which has recommendations on washing powders and wash routines per brand, washing machine, and hard or soft water. (These are all things you need to consider with a wash routine too, to avoid ammonia, stains etc)You can use any pail or bin. It really doesn’t matter. What’s recommended is buying their reusable pail liners which are just very large wet bags that you can wash with the nappies and re-use.Also purchase gloves and a bucket to rinse poo nappies. I could go on and on but I do know there’s a group on this community somewhere about cloth diapering.Good luck.

Ch

Chelsi • Jan 14, 2019
Haha thats okay!

Na

Nat • Jan 14, 2019
Oh wow hahahahaha I just realised this IS the group. Fml. Baby brain, forgive me.

Gr

Posted at
Why disposable inserts? You cant flush them. They are bad for sewage systems. So you arent keeping anything from the landfill. If you exclusively breastfeed you dont need to rinse, just wash.

Ly

Lynndaline • Jan 22, 2019
I’ve seen the flushable liners but liners and inserts are different. The liners just make it easier to clean solids but don’t have absorbency.

Gr

Grace • Jan 15, 2019
You really shouldnt flush anything more than TP. Recently there was an entire city sewage line backed up due to flushable wipes. I dont even use disposable menstrual products anymore but when i did they went in the trash not the toilet. Doing cloth outside the home is actually very easy. We get a ton of compliments.

Ch

Chelsi • Jan 15, 2019
I've seen ones that said flushable that's the only reason i mentioned it but we haven't bought any so i have no idea really lol