Snappi or Boingo? When I started cloth diaper there was no choice… you used a snappi or pins. Then a new product came out- the Boingo. Suddenly there are choices when it comes to pin-less cloth diaper closures.

This video explores both options, and below there are more photographs and information to help you decide.

 

I prefer the Snappi if I had to choose between the two. Luckily, they are both so inexpensive that you can easily afford one of each. Overall, the Snappi works well for almost all ages and diaper types. I also think it is easier to put on a baby thanks to the stretch it has and the extra room at the end for grabbing onto.

The Boingo does have a few tricks up its sleeve though… when newborns are so tiny that the diaper tabs or prefold tabs practically overlap one single Boingo can secure it in the center. They also help extend the life of prefolds when a snappi can’t quite reach all the way from left to right.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boingos also have the added bonus of being cuter. I did find though that with an active toddler, I had droopage in the center where a snappi would have held the diaper in place. With a cover on this is less of a concern but it is worth noting.

The video above should answer all of your questions- it will show you how to put each on, when each works best, and also gives you a few warnings about the safety of these items. The tines are sharp and both the Snappi and Boingos should be kept out of the reach of children.

This is the first videe on the 2 week long event Everything but Cloth Diapers. Look for a Snappi giveaway to post tomorrow and a video all about Wool Dryer Balls for Wednesday. Lots more ahead too!

Say that title 5 times fast.  Go.  I know you did it… so just admit it!  Now that your homework assignment is finished lets move on with today’s video and review for the Tushie Ties Bamboo Velour and Simplicity Typing Prefold.  I first heard about these over a year ago and they very much intrigued me because they are so very unique and they look like a little gift tied onto your baby’s butt.  But as cute as they were I needed to see for myself how well they worked and if tying was more hassle than it was worth.  I reviewed the bamboo velour version myself which is the original.  The idea for a typing prefold came about because bamboo velour does not take a snappi well and so mamas who wanted OBV (organic bamboo velour) prefolds had to learn to pin.  The WAHM behind Tushie Ties created a different solution to the problem and began making and selling these.  Later she added the Simplicity line which is a cotton version and comes at a lower price point.  I have a review of the Simplicity line from Katrina, my contributor who tested the newborn size on her new little one.

Bamboo Velour Tushie Ties One Size (reviewed by me)
Ease of Use ✩✩✩ Now that I have been using the TT for a while I am getting faster at it and pushing the ribbons through the two openings is getting easier and a little more intuitive. That isn’t to say that I started out doing it quickly and there was quite a bit of fumbling around on my part early on. For me the most difficult part was getting the prefold snug around the legs without sagging. I really have to pull the wings around his leg and then tie, and sometimes that can mean him moving and loosening one or both sides and starting over. If you don’t do it very fast that is a real possibility and could be frustrating in the beginning. So yes, there is a learning curve here but there is one for Snappi’s too and a lot of other diapers. This is just a unique style. After you get the hang of it it can be a 4 or even 5 star prefold but to account for a steep learning curve it is a 3 for me.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ Their regular retail price is $15 for the One Size and if you do the math that is almost a brand name pocket diaper with an insert. You would still need a few covers in your rotation too. Bamboo velour is a more expensive material and the diapers are WAHM made in the US and that always increases the price. With these kinds of diapers usually people will buy a few to have and not necessarily buy 2 dozen to make up their stash. It is fun to try new diapers even if they are more than you would normally pay. If you pay attention though they have sales sometimes and have been as low as $7.49 each which is a much better deal!
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ Bamboo Velour is absorbent and has a slight stay dry property (though not nearly as stay dry as microfleece/suedecloth it is more so than cotton) plus it is a natural fiber. Bamboo velour is technically a rayon because of how it is made but still bamboo. As long as you have the diaper on correctly it should work without any leaks. We used it both with a cover and coverless and overnight and never had issues with leaking from fit or from lack of absorbency. I do always say that Ev is not a heavy wetter so while that was the case for us it might not be so for everyone but there are a lot of layers so you should be pretty good.
Fit ✩✩✩✩ I reviewed their One Size prefold which states it fits 8-40 pounds. I can see how it should last to 40 pounds because it has a lot of room left on the rise for my 20 pounder which did add bulk in the front due to folding it over. They offer a newborn size as well. The legs took time to get snug and I did ask for advice from the maker to help get it right. Bamboo velour is a heavy material so there were times the middle sagged by the time I changed his wet diaper despite my best efforts of tying tightly. This can happen with other diapers too and is more related to the style and material. It would be more noticeable without a cover and might lead to a leak but with a cover there shouldn’t be any problems.
Overall: The ribbon is made of grosgrain and ties nice and tight without much worry of coming undone on its own. It is secured to the diaper very well and you shouldn’t worry about it coming off. The holes are stitched all around so there shouldn’t be any fraying as well. From what I can tell the diapers are made really well. For me it just isn’t my favorite style of diaper and wouldn’t be something I would reach for but I have always been a pocket lover or a flats girl. I do think it is adorable and see that there is a good reason for the tying if you really love bamboo velour and prefolds.

Tushie Ties Simplicity Newborn Size (the economy line, reviewed by Katrina)

Ease of use ✩✩✩✩ I love that this diaper doesn’t require me to carry anything extra around to fasten it, the tie system really simplifies the prefold system in my opinion, if you can tie your shoe you can operate this diaper. There is a small learning curve and the need for a cover so that is why it earns 4 stars.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ Bamboo Velour range from $13.50 – $15.00, and the Cotton Stretch Simplicity line is $7.99. The price is higher than your traditional bleached prefolds, and you will also need to purchase a cover for this diaper. I see it as a bit of a splurge for the bamboo version, but for many the luxurious material and the antibacterial properties make this a steal. The large size range that can be accommodated with prefolds also adds to their value.
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ Bamboo Velour is a very absorbent material, which worked well even at night for us and if you need more you can purchase separately an additional soaker.
Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ It’s a prefold, so as long as you’ve used it properly even newborn poop stays fairly well contained and I love that since it’s simply a ribbon closure that I do not have to be concerned with the comfort of more restricting closure devices. It’s also quite a trim fit compared to a typical cotton prefold.
Overall: This is a prefold that I feel you could leave with dads and babysitters which is such a bonus to me. This diaper is so cute it will become a photography prop for many families. I am a fan, I’ve used the Tushie Tie, washed it and reused it again that same day I like it so much, and I just bought myself two more!

Where to Buy: http://hyenacart.com/stores/TushieTies/

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I don’t often review or video prefolds because, well, ummm…. they aren’t that exciting. “Hello look at this rectangle of cotton. It soaks up pee.” And even though the OsoCozy Stay Dry Prefolds aren’t sporting any crazy bells or whistles the simple additions of a stay dry lining and a size that fits perfectly into a cloth diaper cover when trifolded. Well, that is pretty neat.  And after writing my review I surprised myself by giving this diaper a perfect score.  

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩✩ A prefold with 5 stars you say? Fold, fold, lay, snap/velcro. Whether you have your prefolds already laid in the covers ahead of time or you grab one from a basket and fold on top of your baby then put in the cover, it takes mere moments. If you have chosen a more complicated cover system that will add to your time but most covers are easy on!
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩✩ These prefolds are sold by the dozen as most are. The Infant Size (purple) are $28.00 per dozen and the Premium (red) run $34.00 a dozen. They also make a toddler size for $44.00 a dozen. At $2-3 each these are a total bargain and a stash fluffer that you can use to get more changes from your existing covers.  Trifolded prefolds and covers are the original “All-in-Two” and are still pretty awesome.  Plus they are far cheaper than most AI2‘s on the market depending on what kind of cover you buy.
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ A prefold usually can’t go wrong- there is a reason they have been around and holding strong for centuries. This style of prefold was plenty absorbent for us and we did use it (the premium size) overnight trifolded in a cover also. Now, unlike traditional prefolds, having a stay-dry layer might complicate your life when it means it can build up soaps or minerals and resulting in repelling.  One thing to consider would be how a trifolded prefold would work on the youngest babies who still have liquid or sem-iliquid poops.  Usually you will want a nice snug fit around the legs with your prefold and a trifold isn’t that.  You can either rely on a snug cover to make up the difference and save the day (and your baby’s clothes) or try using these with a snappi, or just wait until that isn’t an issue.
Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ The infant sized prefold will fit into almost any cover. Yes, the larger the cover the more space at the back or front but that doesn’t mean it won’t work. The premium won’t fit every size cover (smalls and possibly some mediums,although it fit in all of my mediums I had) but will fit better in larger ones and will be more absorbent.
Overall: I have a soft spot in my heart for really simple cloth diapers that will work for any baby without having to learn a complicated sizing system. Any prefold will just about work the same as the OsoCozy Stay Dry but these were designed with trifolding and fitting into covers in mind, with the addition of an optional stay dry layer. If you don’t want stay dry then you canfold it the opposite way. Plus these are super cheap, you’ll just need to invest in some nice covers and unless you have expensive taste even that won’t break the bank.
Where to Buy ClothDiaper.com

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted a video cloth diaper review.  Most of you are aware of our home renovation situation and recent move so I hope you are bearing with us during this transition.  Today I have a video and review of the Geffen Baby prefolds.  These diapers are made in the USA and use 60% Hemp and 40% Organic Cotton for an absorbent prefold!  They come in sizes and you can choose to buy either their hemp fleece or hemp jersey prefolds.  The fleece will feel fuzzy and the jersey has more stretch (think t-shirts).

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ In terms of applying any diaper a prefold, regardless of brand, is not high up on the “easy” list. That being said, you can make it as easy or as hard as you really want. You can simply trifold the prefold in thirds and insert in a cover or pocket (easiest method) or apply using any number of folds (see 4 popular  prefold folds) and snappi, Boingo, or pin onto the baby and then add your cover. The Jersey Geffen Baby doesn’t hold a snappi as well as the fleece. That is true of any jersey fabric as well. If you plan on relying on a snappi the hemp fleece would be a better choice for you. The jersey Geffen Baby takes pins like a champ.

Sizing Information:
Orange XS (perfect for newborn covers/pockets and brand new babies) 12″ x 13.5″
Green S (infant and most pocket diapers) 14.5″ x 16″
Lavender M/L (older babies, fit perfectly in a large pocket/cover like Flip) 16″ x 18.5″
Navy XL (bigger toddlers and XL pockets/covers) 18″ x 21.5
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ Usually prefolds are the most inexpensive option (or close to it) in cloth diapering. “Luxury” prefolds are more for those who love prefolds than for people trying to save money. They are still cheaper than a pocket or all-in-one and are still economical overall. The price per prefold will vary depending on the size and if you choose fleece or jersey. They use more hemp than most prefolds and are made in the USA so these are contributing factors to the price. Expect to pay about $5-8$ per prefold.
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ I’ve been using the hemp fleece prefold (green edge) trifolded inside of my Applecheeks envelope covers. I’m a big fan of natural fibers at night (less chance of leaks) and these prefolds have been plenty absorbent for Everett’s needs overnight. The Jersey prefolds are so soft I like leaving Ev coverless in them. Both are very absorbent and they have been wearing like champs for the past few months.
Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ The Lavender edge is a good size for Everett and should last him a while. They have enough room that I can easily snappi them. Some parents might need to bump up the size if the waist doesn’t allow enough room to fasten though. The green edge we were also sent was too small to fit around his waist (which is fine) but it worked the best for trifolding. It was also fleece so there was no stretch, but the rise (when folded) would have worked for Everett. For reference he is 22 months and 22 pounds.
Overall: The Geffen Baby prefolds are really nice and much softer than traditional Chinese/Indian prefolds. They don’t look like the traditional prefolds either but trust me, the fold and function the same. They are a newer company and I appreciate their commitment to providing a quality, Made in the USA, prefold. These are rather rare!
Where to Buy: The Geffen Baby Website is under construction but you can still shop via their fanpage: Facebook.com/GeffenBaby

Once upon a time the only way to diaper your baby was in cloth.  Before washing machines were common in the home you either had to handwash or you could use a diaper service.  Once disposable diapers became the norm and pushed cloth diapers out of mainstream life, the diaper service business took a hit.  Some family owned diaper services are still running today, like the Dydee Diaper Service in LA that started in 1938.  Others had to shut their doors.  Today cloth diapers are making a comeback.  Just like cloth diaper sales rising in recent years, more diaper services are opening as well.  Learn more about cloth diaper services and see if they are right for you.

How Does it Work?

The specifics for a diaper service are going to be unique to each location.  In general though, you can expect all or some of the following:

You will choose from a plan that offers a certain number of diapers (typically prefolds) each week.

The clean diapers will be delivered to your home each week, along with a wet bag or garbage bag.

Your starter package will usually include a plastic diaper pail.

You will leave your dirty diapers for the service to pick up.

You will usually have to provide your own covers, although some services do include them.

You will usually have to wash your own covers.  Luckily, most covers can even be washed with regular laundry.

The diapers will have the same PH as your baby’s skin.  Unlike home laundering, you are guaranteed not to have stink/ammonia/buildup on your diapers that could irritate baby and cause rashes.

You are usually required to have your own Snappi.

Many services do not require you to shake out solid waste, but some will.  Take that into consideration as your research.

Why Choose a Diaper Service over Home Laundering?

Why not?- If you have the means, and would prefer to cloth diaper without having to deal with washing them, then why not?

Both Parents Work Full Time- If both parents work full-time there are only so many hours in the day.  Some families would like to cloth diaper but don’t want that added responsibility and time commitment of washing diapers.

Disability- One or both parents have a disability that prevents them from being able to wash diapers easily.

Simplicity- Sometimes it is just plain nice to use prefolds and covers and not have to worry about washing/stuffing/folding/choosing cloth diapers.

Travel- If you are traveling, especially for longer stays, you can use a service in your desired location during that time in order to keep using cloth diapers when you are away from a washer. ( I have done this twice)

What Does It Cost?

Again, this is unique to your region.  Here are a few samples of a typical Diaper Service and costs:

Bundle Baby Shop- Service area includes: Boulder/Denver

$20.00 a week (23.00 for organic prefolds).  OR $33.00 per week for a Fuzzibunz Service.

The Diaper Fairy- Service area includes: Louisville, KY and Southern Indiana

$18-20.00 per week (depending on how many diapers are in your package.) OR “A Wave of the Wand” Wash your diapers is $23.00 a week.

Diaper Kind- Service area includes: New York City

$35 per week for Organic Prefold Service OR $50 per week for All-in-Two Service

Diaper Junction- Servicing most of the Hamptons Roads area!

$20.00 Per Week For Full Time OR $13.00 per Week for a Part Time Service

The cost will still be less than disposable diapers in most cases, however you will be paying more than if you decided to launder your diapers at home.  You can expect that most services will require a set-up fee which will sometimes include items you will need such as a pail, covers, wet bags, and accessories.  You may also be required to buy a minimun number of weeks.

Gifting a Diaper Service for New Moms

Many parents hoping to cloth diaper will request not to receive disposable diapers at their baby shower (I know I requested this).  Since diapers are a traditional gift, you may want to purchase a diaper service for those first few weeks for the Mom-to-Be.  While Mom is healing and having her babymoon this makes a perfect, thoughtful gift.  This also helps bridge the gap between a newborn size set of diapers and One Size diapers that many parents will buy.  Not having to buy a seperate set of newborn diapers will save money.  Tiny Tots is one service that has an option to gift a service, typically for 4-6 weeks.  Most services do offer this newborn timeframe.

Pros vs Cons

I have only used a diaper service myself on two vacations.  It was a very painless event.  The diapers were all clean and stain free and in good condition.  It was very nice to get a vacation from washing my diapers while still getting to use cloth diapers.  To dismiss diaper services would be a mistake.  There are many options for families hoping to use cloth diapers and the Diaper Service is one that is making a comeback.

To find a diaper service near you visit the Diaper Service Locator.

Just for fun: Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe- the Diaper Service Episode

Yesterday I posted my Intro to Cloth Diapers video on Prefolds.

Today I have 4 video tutorials for how to do different folds using a prefold.

1. the “Jelly Roll”

This is a great fold for newborns because the legs are rolled in, giving you a pocket to contain the liquid newborn poops.  It is also easy enough that anyone can do it.

2. the “Angel Wing” fold.

I used this fold with my first son almost exclusively in his newborn phase because it was quick and easy.  Hubby was even able to do it.

3. the “Bikini Twist” fold.

A common complaint about prefolds (and cloth in general) is that it is bulky between the legs.  This fold narrows the prefold in the crotch which is good for mobile babies.  This also could be problematic for runny poop, FYI.

4. the “Trifold”

Easy as 1,2,3.  In 5 seconds you can fold a prefold, lay it in a cover, and apply it to your baby.  Some covers are better suited for this though, so be aware of that.  Look for covers with flaps made for this or ones that are more “channeled” between the legs and less poofy and round.

I hope you all find these videos easy to follow and informative.  Prefolds are not scary.  What they are is cheap.  Cheap is good.

In this installment of the neverending “Introduction to Cloth Diapers” series I’m talking ’bout Prefolds. You know, the diaper your rich grandma or young grandma may have used.

There was a time when the Prefold was the “luxe” diaper.  Flat cloth diapers, the very large squares of fabric, required lots of folding to use.  Prefolds, which have more layers in the middle strip  called the “wet zone,” only required minimal folding around the baby.  They can come in white (bleached) or brownish/tan (unbleached.  Unbleached prefolds have natural oils and take longer to prep (multiple washings to reach max absorbency).

Prefolds are rectangular diapers with more layers of cotton (or chosen fabric sewn into the center, and less on each side.  Most prefolds are 4x8x4 layers.  The most common prefolds are Chinese or Indian.  Many brands have colored stitching to help visually tell their sizes.

Today many people see a prefold and think “Geeze, that looks hard” but it doesn’t have to be.

There are lots of reasons to love prefolds, they:

• Are affordable.  A dozen will run between 15 and 40 dollars but you can find them even cheaper used.  Used prefolds should cost more because the work of “prepping” is already done.
• Can take a beating.   Prefolds are very durable and should last through more than 2 kids, but probably even longer.  When it finally starts showing wear, they make excellent dusting rags.
• Are easy to wash.  DSQ (diaper service quality) Prefolds are cotton, and no matter if you have Indian or Chinese, they wash the same.  It would take a lot of abuse to cause a prefold to have detergent buildup.

There are a few downsides to prefolds, they:

• Are sized (usually) and it can be hard to decipher the dimensions and thread colors to choose what will fit your baby.  You will never need every size available.  Many babies skip the preemie and possibly even the newborn size.  Others never get large enough for the large or toddler, or potty train early.
• Have a higher learning curve.  (lucky for you I have videos for that)
• Intimidating at first.
• Take longer to dry than some diapers.
• Are bulkier than many pockets or AIO‘s.
• Need to be prepped more than most pockets or AIO‘s.

The prefolds in the video are Cloth-Eeze brand from greenmountaindiapers.com.

One you have a prefold picked out you will need a good cover.  Prefolds are useless (unless you are giving baby some breathing time) unless your cover is doing a good job.  Intro to Covers coming soon…

I first heard about the Meg a Roo’s Extended Tab Prefold on Facebook. There was a lot of chatter about how great they were. I looked them up and decided that they were genius. Why didn’t I think of that? The simple addition of longer tabs at the back of the prefold gives you much more fabric to work with when putting the prefold on the baby. This really gives you a little more wear out of them and make life easier in general. Plus, these prefolds can be purchased in fun prints or colors.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ For a prefold, these are easy. You can see in my video that it didn’t take very long at all to pull it over my son and secure it. Once the baby gets to prime wriggling stage it might get harder but those tabs will help. Honestly, people think prefolds are hard but it takes less time to snappi these easy prefolds on and put on a velcro cover than it takes to put on some of the snapping pocket diapers.

Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ Usually when you hear prefold you expect a very low priced diaper- between 2-6 dollars each. Because these are not mass produced, DSQ, regular plain ol’ prefolds they cost more. They come in designer prints, they are handmade, and they are just a little more special. The infat is 8.00, mid-range is 10, and premium size is 12.

Performance ✩✩✩✩ I loved these prefolds for overnight! They are actually less bulky than many of my fitteds (but bulkier than a pocket or AIO) so they fit a little better under my son’s pajamas. My son is an average wetter and these were absorbent enough for all night without having to add any extra doublers.

Fit ✩✩✩✩ You can choose from 3 sizes. The added tabs give you more width and so you might be able to use your prefold longer than a regular rectangular version. They are bulkier than other diapers and I mostly use them at night but I am not someone who complains about those things.

Overall: There are lots of mamas who love prefolds and choose them above other, fancier diapers. The Meg a Roo’s make prefolds even easier and give you something to look at. I kept telling myself that I could see myself having a stash of these and not minding one bit, and maybe even liking it!

 

 

 

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I was sent a Meg a Roo’s Entended Tab prefold for the purpose of this review, no other compensation was received.  All opinions are 100% my own and genuine.

I was asked to review Real Nappies, a system that is fairly new to me and to the US, and was happy to do so.  After all, that is what I do!  The diapers came and although simple looking, they are effective and easy to use.  The diapers were developed in New Zealand and can be found in mainstream grocery stores there.  How exciting!  In the US they are pretty new to the market.

You can also view Real Nappies’ videos and different folds on their Youtube.

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ I found the system very easy to use, but I also have experience with trifolding prefolds to put in covers.  It makes it easier that the cover uses velcro tabs so once the prefold is in the cover you can just put it on like a disposable.  To change, remove the old dirty prefold and place a new one in the cover.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰ I am pretty happy with their prices.  If you want to simplify your life and order just one type of diaper, you can choose their Birth to Potty Package which is on sale for 500.00.  You can also get smaller packages for each stage since these are sized covers.  These run 69.00.  The covers alone are 12.00.  They are very well made and prefolds are notoriously durable so I do think they would last through multiple children.  Real Nappies also has a 2 Child Guarantee.

Performance ✰✰✰✰ While as simple as they come this is an effective cloth diapering system.  I personally always use a trifold, which is in the video.  Real Nappies has girl and boy specific folds which aren’t needed for me.  The prefolds are very absorbent and can hold quite a bit.  His poops are pretty solid so I couldn’t test the legs to see if they held in wet poops or not.

Fit ✰✰✰ The only issue I really had with the diaper at all was the way the tabs work.  The diaper feels stiff and I have to really work to get them where I want them, which is against the nature of the way they are sewn.  Does that make any sense at all?  Otherwise the diaper in the medium fit him well.

Overall- I quite liked the diaper.  I see the appeal of having a simple and easy to wash system.  Unline pockets which have a synthetic liner, prefolds are easier to care for and are less likely to get soap buildup.  They are easier to bleach if necessary also.  The cover is a thick durable PUL but doesn’t look as comfortable as others.  Plus, it doesn’t have leg gussets, a feature I like for younger babies with loose stools.  The covers come in a few other colors, and I just saw a very adorable swim diaper if you are in the market for one of those as well!

This post is part of the Cloth Diaper Carnival from Cloth Diapering Bloggers (Ning network) and Dirty Diaper Laundry.  Each participant write about the chosen topic, this month is Newborn Cloth Diapering, and links up using the MckLinky.  Please visit the other participants listed at the end of the post.

Newborn Cloth Diapering is challenging for many reasons.  If this is the first time you are cloth diapering, ever, it is even more challenging in some ways.  If you have cloth diapered an older baby but never a newborn, you have some ideas about the diapers you want to use and how to cloth diaper in general.

I was totally new to the whole thing.  Babies, cloth diapers, and cloth diapering a newborn.  I was armed with months worth of research, but had never put a cloth diaper on a real baby.  I did practice on a humiliated teddy bear, who was sporting a Bum Genius 3.0 for months before my son arrived.  Teddy also sat very still while I practiced snapping prefolds.

When I decided to cloth diaper, it became an obsession.  I would say I was a little more prepared than some moms because I scoured the internet for any information.  I joined cloth diaper message boards and picked the brains of other parents.  I read reviews of every diaper imaginable before I made purchases.  I stalked Diaperswappers for deals on used diapers I wanted to try but didn’t want to invest the full amount on, just in case it wasn’t for us.

My newborn stash ended up being

24 preemie unbleached indian prefolds.

36 Infant bleached DSQ (chinese) prefolds.

4 XS Thirsties covers.

I had many more cloth diapers, but they were one size or size small.  I went with prefolds and covers based on the feedback from other parents.  The concensus was that one size diapers didn’t fit babies until between 10-14 pounds without leaking.  And it wasn’t in my budget to buy XS AIO diapers or pockets, as cute as they were.

I spent many hours prepping the large amount of prefolds I had.  I went with the boiling method since my washer/ dryer were down 2 flights of stairs and washing them 10 times + would have killed by pregnant self.  Boiling was a mistake.  It steamed my apartment and “cleaned” years of dirt off of the walls.  Fun times.

The moment of truth arrived when we brought our new baby boy home from the hospital.  I began using my cloth diapers here and there the first days of his life.  He did have two meconium poops in cloth diapers and they didn’t stain.  We didn’t exclusively use them because the covers would rub his cord stump, which didn’t look very comfortable for him.

At the two week mark we started cloth diapering about 80% of the time.  We didn’t always use them at night because frankly I was delirious from lack of sleep, and having to put on a prefold then a cover in the middle of the night, multiple times, was hard for me and my husband.  Even though at first my hubby was hesitant about prefolds and vowed to never use them, he did, and did a great job.

We did run into an issue.  My son kept getting a red bum from the prefolds.  It didn’t look like a rash, there were no bumps, just redness.  I asked mommies on my forum and they thought it could be from having wetness against his skin.  I ran to my nearest fabric store and purchased some fleece, then cut them into contoured liners hoping this would help.  Of course, right after that he stopped having that problem.  I think his skin was just extra sensitive from being a new baby, and he grew out of it.

Some lessons I learned:

Unless you know you made tiny babies, preemie prefolds are not necessary.  I heard the infant ones were too large at first.  My son wore preemie prefolds for all of a week before I could hardly snappi them.  Had I known, I could have trifolded them and put them in the cover, but I didn’t.

I bought 36 infant prefolds and never touched at least 16 of them.  I washed pretty often at first, every 1.5-2 days.  I could have gone longer but didn’t.  I either should have waited longer to wash or bought less!

Even with 4 covers I didn’t use them all!  Don’t go overboard with the covers.  4-6 is plenty.

Cut yourself a break.  The wash routine, the snapping, the folding, everything will come about.  You have a brand new baby and the number one thing is keeping them happy and fed.  If you run out of clean diapers and you are sleepy, get your hubby to wash or grab a sposie or two that you surely own thanks to the hospital.  GASP.  I said it…

Breastfeeding was the most awesome thing because the poop was washable.  Kinda gross to think about, but Exclusive Breastfed babies have water soluble poops.  And, the poop doesn’t smell that bad either!  Just put your diaper in the wetbag, poop still in it, then wash.  You won’t have to worry about spraying or scraping poop out of your baby’s diaper until they begin solids, around 4-6 months for most babies.

And finally, don’t expect your one size diapers to fit perfectly from day one.  While I did start using my Bum Genius 3.0′s after he was a few weeks old, I had leaks until he was around 12-13 pounds.

Now that you have read my story, go read the other awesome entries about cloth diapering newborns.

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