Cloth Diaper Update

There've been some changes around here - hopefully for the better - so I thought I'd update you.

My entire stash with prices is here - most of my diapers were purchased used from diaperswappers.com. I highly recommend doing it this way.

Basically, we've abandoned the happy hempies. They weren't doing the job at night, and they are way too bulky for daytime. I am pretty sure that Joseph is a pee machine, so they'd probably work great for most people overnight.

Right now we're using Bum Genius 3.0 pockets for overnight. They are working great so far, but we'll see. Most people have a LOT of stink issues with the microfiber inserts. We had some problems even with our hemp inserts, so I'm not sure it is much different.

I do wonder if front loading machines are not quite as good for getting cloth diapers rinsed out. They certainly do a great job of cleaning, but my diapers continue to hold a lot of detergent, which is why they are getting smelly, ironically. It's a relatively easy fix - I just rinse them out periodically in the sink after washing them. But I'd obviously prefer not to do that. My mom friends assure me that he doesn't smell like a urinal, so I think we're alright!

During the day we've been avoiding the prefolds lately in favor of our fitteds, especially the one Muttaquin we have and our Bububebe diapers. I just love them. The mutt is so soft and trim, and the b4's are adorable and super absorbent. They are also easier to get poop out of than prefolds (because of the fold) and Joseph has been going 3+ times per day, so I have had my fill of having my hands in the toilet. Our Thirsties covers remain as all stars, and I wouldn't even bother to recommend a different brand for PUL covers now.

At first I was so excited about the BG 3.0 that I wanted to replace everything with them, but for some reason they leak during the day! Go figure, they last 10-11 hours at night, but can't last 3 hours during the day. I think it's because he has skinny legs and we're getting leaks out the sides. So we'll stick with what we've got.

In summary, my current "recommendation" would be:

Newborn: Kissaluv size 0 with thirsties xs. Orange edge prefolds from Green Mountain diapers are a great option, as well, though they are a little more "scary" when you first get started.

Infant: yellow edge green mountain prefolds and thirsties covers (cheap) or a good fitted like a mutt or b4. If you formula feed I would do something w/ a fleece liner (easier to get poop off) like a bumgenius 3.0. Also, if you are doing daycare you'll probably want a pocket or all-in-one as they are just like disposables for your provider. Personally I'd go with a pocket because I think they are able to get cleaner in the wash. The BG 3.0 seem great. I've also heard good things about fuzzibunz pockets.

Toddler: I'm hopeful that we can switch back to prefolds for potty training (brown edge). Assuming Joseph starts acting like a normal kid and pooping once a day (or if there is a fold I am missing out on that will reduce the smear) we'll get those in the rotation, so he can feel when he's wet better. Of course most of what we are using now is *supposed* to fit to 28-35lbs, so in Joseph's case they should definitely last until he's using the toilet.

Hope this was helpful! Please feel free to post any questions you have.