I first used cloth diapers on Andrew. We lived in Atlanta at the time, in a small apartment. We did not have our own laundry facilities so I opted for a diaper service. Every week I would get a big bag of clean diapers, and I would give the delivery person a big bag of stinky diapers. The service cost about what disposables would have cost, but I felt better about minimizing chemicals on my baby's soft skin, and there was some environmental benefit as well. The problem was that a week worth of dirty diapers in a small apartment got pretty yucky. Once Andrew was a year old, we switched to disposable diapers.
William wore only disposable diapers...we moved three times in his first year...I wanted to keep things as simple as possible.
When Owen came on the scene I researched cloth diapers again. I was amazed at how many things had changed since I diapered Andrew. Andrew had handy velcro diaper covers, but they were boring. Pins were still the fastener of choice for cloth diapers, which always made me nervous. All of a sudden the internet was full of cloth diapering websites and storefronts with advice for washing and even making your own cloth diapers. I decided on a stash of infant sized unbleached prefolds (these are the type of cloth diapers that diaper services use...though theirs are bleached). The unbleached prefolds are an oatmeal color, resist staining and wash up very soft. They are super absorbent as well. I also bought quite a few fitted diapers. Fitted cloth diapers look more like a disposable diaper and have velcro or snap fasteners. They are easy to put on and hold all kinds of messes. With Owen I even purchased some All in One diapers, which are fitted diapers with a cover built in on the outside. These are perfect for dads and babysitters, as they require only one step to put on.
When ethan came on the scene I had all of Owen's diapers, so I did not even have to research or shop! The diapers were ready to go! When Ethan potty trained, I handed down all of his diapers to a friend with a new baby.
When I found out I was pregnant this past summer, I began researching diapers again...it had been seven years since I had shopped for cloth diapers, and a lot of the websites had changed, as well as the more popular diapers. I decided to research and choose one company to go to for all of my diapering needs...this is much easier than purchasing from five different companies. For the most part, pricing is consistent across the board, so service and selection are most important. After reading several reviews, I selected Cotton Babies. Cotton babies has excellent service reviews , an easy to navigate website, lightning fast (and free!) shipping and great selection. They manufacture their own line of diapers and covers as well as carry a wide selection of other companies' products!
I placed an initial order for 3 dozen infant prefolds and 4 newborn sized velcro covers, as well as some snappi fasteners (these replace diaper pins!). My order was around $100...and is enough to keep the twins diapered for about 2 and a half days before doing laundry. Since then I have added four Bum Genius fitted diapers for use at night (they are super soft and thick and absorbent.), I also invested in four PINK Flip diaper covers. The Flip covers are great in that they are one-size covers. They snap down to fit smaller babies (even Emily at barely six pounds) and will fit babes up to 30 pounds. I love that I can buy one cover that will fit my girls all through their diapering years...even chubby William was potty trained by 30 pounds!
Both the Bum Genius diaper and the Flip cover are made by Cotton Babies, and they run specials on their items regularly, it pays to get on their mailing list. The Flip covers come in 8 really cute colors in both brights and pastels. I am planning on ordering some more in a pale yellow and green soon, now that I know how well they fit and work. My best advice is to only buy one or two of a new item to see how well they work for you before you invest in large amounts .
As far as laundering diapers, I have found it to be incredibly simple. There is no soaking, or swishing in the toilet. When washing newborn diapers, all I do is take off the soiled diaper and toss it into my diaper pail. about every other day I empty the pail into my washing machine, for the two girls it ends up being a small to medium load in my large capacity washer. I wash on hot, with a long cycle. I use just a squirt of Ecostore laundry detergent. Do not give in to the temptation to add more soap...it will not get your diapers cleaner. In fact, it will be difficult to rinse excess detergent out of your diapers, which will make them stinky. Every few loads I will run either an extra wash with no soap or an extra rinse. I then toss the diapers in the dryer and dry as usual. I found that I end up doing LESS baby laundry when using cloth diapers. cloth diapers absorb the runny infant poop before it has a chance to escape the diaper and creep up the back...disposable diapers are not so good at this! For the most part, the twins can stay in one outfit all day!
I'll add some photos later when the girls are up from naps. I'm happy to use cloth diapers as it saves money (especially when diapering twins!), I'm not throwing out bag after bag of soiled diapers each week, and I feel better about putting cloth onto my babies...I cannot imagine wearing paper underwear for several years of MY life!
