Oct
22
2009
22
2009
Cloth Diaper Fun & Giveaway
Filed under: Cloth Diapering
Cloth diapers are making a comeback…but these aren’t your mama’s cloth diapers. They’re easy to use, adorable, and they save you LOTS of money. Here’s the scoop.
This “modern” cloth diapering business has exploded into a HUGE industry in the last 5-7 years…and it can be quite overwhelming to dive into. But, the best way to begin is to JUST BEGIN! You can spend weeks and weeks researching if this pocket diaper is truly better than that fitted diaper…but in the end, it really comes down to your preferences and your baby’s body type. Each diaper will fit differently. If you just jump in and start, it’s much easier to determine what will work for you.
Instead of re-writing all of the information that is already out there regarding the logistics of cloth diapering, I’m going to send you to my friend Sarah. She is the cloth diapering guru. 
Why Use Cloth Diapers?
How to Cloth Diaper
Is Cloth Really Cheaper?
Now that you’ve read all of the basics and know the terminology…I’ll tell you my personal experience with cloth diapers. Before Bella was born, I bought pretty much one of every type of diaper so that I could see what I liked best. I found that for the newborn stage, I LOVED the Kissaluv Size 0 fitted diapers with a plastic or wool cover (we used Proraps). As she grew out of the Kissaluvs, we transitioned into pocket diapers. I also had a handful of hemp fitted dipes for nighttime diapering and I LOVED the Aristocrat Soaker. Awesome.
When it came to diapering Bella, I was pretty fanatical. It was at least a year and a half before a disposable even touched her skin I took them on airplanes across the country and everywhere else. While I certainly think it can be done (never using disposables)…I don’t want anyone to think that is the only way to do it. This time around we’re a little more laid back. We used cloth and elimination communication with Lucy until we went on the road in July, and then used mostly disposables while traveling. Now that we have a larger RV with a washer and dryer, I’m starting up with cloth again. I am hoping to get going with elimination communication again as well…I LOVED being able to “read” her that way, and it will cut back on how many diapers I have to wash!
I’m super excited to receive my order of pocket diapers from Sarah…I need a diaper that dries quickly (our washer/dryer in the RV is a combo unit and dries slowly) and a pocket diaper stuffed with a microfiber towel fits the bill perfectly. I will continue to use disposables when we are flying home and when we are out and about. When we are “en route”, we don’t always have water and electric hookups…which means to do laundry, I need to run the generator (loud!). When we settle in one place for a little while, it’s much easier to do cloth because we have full hookups.
My personal diapering system looks like this:
- 18 Pocket diapers with microfiber inserts (I get the inserts at Costco)
- Cloth wipes
- Wet Bag (one big one for the diaper pail and a small one for the diaper bag)
- Large stainless steel step can (for dirty dipes)
And that’s it! Pretty simple. I don’t use any sort of special wipe solution…I just run the cloth wipes under warm water. If I am out and about, I might use a spray bottle with a simple solution of apricot oil, Dr. Bronner’s and water…or just put some wet cloth wipes in a baggie. Or you could try Sarah’s wipe solution here.
As far as number of diapers, you CAN get by with just 12. In the newborn stage, that would last 1 day. I like to have at least 12-18 on hand so that I can go a little longer between washing.
When it comes to washing the diapers…it’s just as easy. I think this is the part that scares people away…but it’s really no different than doing another load of regular laundry. I just grab the wet bag out of the step can when it’s full and dump it all in the wash on hot water with natural detergent. If you want to avoid staining in the early poop stages, you can do a cold soak first or “sun” the diapers to get rid of staining.
For more information than you could ever possibly take into your brain in one sitting, check out the Mothering.com diaper forums here. Just be warned…you may feel VERY overwhelmed after reading there. I use it as a tool, but I don’t spend too much time there because it’s information overload!
Once you get into cloth diapering, you might also consider starting “family cloth” or cloth toilet paper. I blogged about it several years ago. We don’t do family cloth while we’re on the road, but I LOVE it when we’re in a sticks & bricks house.
Bottom line…cloth diapering is fun and easy. Yes, it might cost more up front..but you can use them with multiple children, it’s better for the earth, and for their little bums. If you’ve ever been curious about cloth diapers, now is a great time to check it out! If you’re still intimidated, you can always do cloth just at nighttime to try it.
And now for the fun part! The Giveaway!
Sarah, owner of Wallypop, is a friend of mine “in real life” and Lisa, owner of Full Circle Baby is one of my online friends. Both ladies have generously donated some cloth diapering goodies from their stores for me to giveaway. Be sure to visit both of their stores to see a variety of cool natural living stuff!
Here is the giveaway stash:
- 3 tie-dyed premium sized prefold diapers (see photo above…great for a burp cloth or dipes!)
- One dozen cloth wipes
- One medium fleece cover
- 2 Kissaluvs (size 0) or BumGenius Organic (winner’s choice!)
- Baby’s Bottom Butter Cream
If you are local in the San Antonio, Austin, or New Braunfels, TX area and you want to check cloth diapers out in person…you can go straight to Lisa. Same with Sarah for those of you Des Moines area locals. Sarah also has adorable custom t-shirt fitted dipes and other fun stuff at her Etsy store, Boulevard Designs. And she conducts cloth diapering classes…contact her for more info.
To enter yourself in the diaper giveaway…answer one of the following questions:
- If you are cloth diapering already or have in the past, what is your favorite brand or type of diaper?
- If you aren’t using cloth yet…tell me your favorite fall food (I know, not diaper related…but I like to eat!)
I will choose a winner at random October 30 at 12:00 MST. Have a great weekend!
Posted by Sara @ 8:32 pm | Leave a Comment
23
2009
When I cloth diapered my daughter (six years ago! ha!) I really prefered to use a prefold with a Bummis wrap while we were home. When she had to enter into a daycare setting, they were wonderful enough to work with me and my cloth and I sent her with pre-stuffed Fuzzi Bunz every day!
But for pure cuteness factor, I really enjoyed Full Moon Baby Gear! Her diapers were always amazing and adorable!
23
2009
I am currently 6 months pregnant and very seriously considering cloth diapering. It is a whole new world for me though. My favorite fall food is any kind of soup. This is the time of year that everyone is eating pumpkin favored stuff and I wish I liked pumpkin:(
23
2009
We’re on our 3rd cloth diapered kiddo. There sure are a lot more choices than there were 10 years ago when we started!!
My favorites are “snugglebottoms with velcro” from Baby bunz. I tuck those under a thirsties or a wool cover. Only have a few, so the rest of the time I use unbleached prefolds that have been used with all my kids (and my friends’ kids)!
Thanks for the great post. And keep us updated on the new remodel!
23
2009
We haven’t been cloth diapering because we have a portable washing machine that drains into our sink. I have wondered if that wasn’t sanitary. But I would love to try it!
My favorite fall foods are soups–I love split pea soup and yam chowder.
23
2009
Oh! What a great giveaway! With my other children I just used prefolds that I bought from a diaper service. I gave them all away and now I’m in dire need of new ones! I’m excited to try something new!
23
2009
Thank you so much for your post about cloth diapering. I am 18 week pregnant with my first baby and plan on using cloth diapers and have frankly been over whelmed by the options that are out there! My mom did cloth diapers with me and my older siblings and that was in the days of all prefolds and pins. She LOVED it though and spoke very highly of cloth diapering.
I have an amazing fall food I want to share with you. I am out here in California just waiting for the weather to get cooler so I can make this amazing soup!! It’s a rich root soup with a green tarragon drizzle (If you want the full recipe I would be happy to get it to you!). It calls for onions, garlic, celery stalks, parsnips, rutabagas, and carrots. All of this is roasted and blended into a delicious soup. I have found it to be a great hit for outdoor fall parties. It’s very unique in flavor and warms you from head to toe. The tanginess form the tarragon works perfectly with the rich sweetness of the roasted root. Umm…I want some right now!!!
23
2009
Loved the post!
I absolutely love cloth diapering. I could list all the reasons but I think the biggest reason is that it just feels right to do it.
My favorite diaper:
When my daughter started in CD’s, it was Bumgenius. Since she’s gotten older, I prefer snaps to velcro, so I’m loving FuzziBunz. My favorite overnight diaper is a Blueberry.
23
2009
we just had a baby last month and have been using prefolds with thirsties brand covers. works well and was super cheap! we might try something fancier later. but the whole point for me is to save money so i am happy with this for now.
great post!!
23
2009
i use prefolds with my daughter right now. i like them alot, they seem easier and more straight forward than the pockets or all in ones, but ive never tried those, so i guess its not really a fair assessment. we use plu diaper covers right now, but im about to whip uo some wool soakers and longies for the cold months ahead. pick me!
23
2009
Great blog! I’ve been wondering what you guys were doing with Lucy, especially when you are on the road.
We didn’t Cd our first child, but I just purchased my newborn stash for my baby due any day now!
I’d love to enter the give-a-way! Right now my favorite thing is “wool” since I learned how to knit the summer and have been knitting wool covers/sleep sacks/longies for cloth diapering the new baby. Can’t wait to use them!
23
2009
I used fuzzi bunz with my daughter. I loved how easy the pocket diapers are. My mom was in awe of how cloth diapering has evolved. When she diapered me, it was pins and plastic pants!
23
2009
I’m 6 months pregnant with my first, and planning on cloth diapering (it just makes the most sense to me!) But, in the meantime my favorite fall food is pumpkin pie with whipped cream (so bad for you, but so delicious), but really I like any kind of fall food. I just wished we had typical “fall-like” weather in LA.
23
2009
I’m pregnant for the first time, and we plan on cloth diapering. Your post was really timely! I’ve been putting off the research knowing that we’ll figure it out eventually.
My favorite fall food is pumpkin soup. It is sooo yummy. It’s just pumpkin puree, chicken or veggie broth, curry powder, maybe some ginger, and salt and pepper to taste. Adding a little cream makes it super yummy too.
23
2009
hi Sara
Short of being too exciting..my favorite cloth dipe is still,even after 10 yrs or more of diapering, yummy organic prefolds and wool covers/soakers. There is something that is so satisfying to me about the simplicity of folding those soft fibers around a babe and covering it with something that once was someones beloved wool sweater:)
And just because I love fall food(and eating)too…my fave right now is creamy butternut squash soup, maybe with blue chips and warm garlic hummus on the side…yum!
23
2009
We’ve only used bumgenious, but I like them. We’re in an apartment right now that doesn’t have a washer and dryer, so we haven’t been using them as much as I’d like…in three weeks we’ll have a house with a laundry room though, can’t wait!
23
2009
i’m totally addicted to trying new brands. right now our favorite is bum genius one size since the velcro is quick and easy and mateo is quick and squirmy.
i am soooo crossing my fingers to win this! thanks for the giveaway!
i just made my first pumpkin pie from a real pumpkin and it was super yumy and satisfying. (although it took 4 hours).
23
2009
We are cloth diapering with our 8 month old (and we’re on the road too) and my favorite is the BG 3.0′s.
23
2009
I cloth diaper Ivy and one of my current favorites is the organic snap Bum Genius. I also just bought some gorgeous “all in twos” diapers from es baby on etsy.
What a generous giveaway!
Steph
23
2009
For newborns, our favorites were Kissaluvs 0 with Thirsties covers.
For older babies (the stage we’re in now), Thirsties Fab Fitteds with Thirsties covers are the best in our house.
23
2009
I cloth diapered my first all of one week. I was having great difficulty breastfeeding, exhausted and depressed. Something had to go and it was, unfortunately, the diapers. I am pregnant with #2 and seriously thinking about going back. After seeing a friend do it I think I’m ready to jump back in.
I don’t know if we ever had a favorite, but the Kissaluvs are pretty great for newborns.
23
2009
I am not currently using cloth diapers because I am pregnant with our first. I have researched cloth diapers and am interested in using them but a little nervous to try! Thanks for this post.
My favorite fall food is usually anything with pumpkin in it, brownies, casseroles, soups etc but since I’m still in the first trimester I am having a major aversion to pumpkin and Fall foods. It’s sad but I know it’s only temporary.
23
2009
I am due with my first on Nov. 13 and am planning to use cloth diapers – still trying to figure it all out though. I would love to try the assortment give-away.
My favorite food is any Thai dish – yum!
.
Thanks for all of the info – I’ll try to take your advice and dive right in.
23
2009
I am five months (24 weeks) pregnant and totally wanting to attempt clothe diapering, this would be an awesome win for me and my husband!
My favorite fall food would actually not be a food at all. My mom makes this delicious and simply apple cider using red hots and as soon as the leaves start falling I want some!
23
2009
Most of my diapers are Bumgenius AIO’s but my favorite diaper is a hemp one I bought on etsy. I am really loving pumpkin right now…pumpkin bread, pumpkin butter, pumpkin bisque, etc.
This is a fabulous give away!!
23
2009
I’m finally moving to a house where I can have a washer and dryer and am excited to start cloth diapering! I guess my favorite ‘fall’ food would be baked apples, we have this amazing recipe from a friend who runs a B and B.
23
2009
What a super fun giveaway! I have two girls and have never tried cloth diapers. Like you said, you really need to stop reading and researching and just dive in and try it. My second is 11 months old, so there is still plenty of time for me to switch to cloth!
Anyway, my favorite fall food is Pumpkin Donuts! Yum!
23
2009
I really like the GADS pocket diapers these days. As we’re moving into the potty training stages, I have found that a loosely fashioned GADS makes a great cloth “pull-up” until we’re ready for the “big boy pants” style cloth traieners.
23
2009
we cloth diapered our daughter starting when we moved from an apartment to a house, when she was about 6 months old. Now we are due in February with another little one and i would love to start right away this time. i loved cloth diapering. we liked pocket diapers – tie between FuzziBunz and BumGenius. Thanks for your post and the give away!
23
2009
I’m expecting #2. With my first, I was way too overwhelmed and exhausted (he was a tiny preemie) to even consider cloth diapering. This time around, I’m definitely interested.
I’ve heard great things about BumGenius. Now I’m off to check out your other recommendations!
Thanks!
23
2009
I’m quite interested in cloth diapering my next baby, though in Chile there isn’t much to choose from!
My fave spring food (cos it’s spring in Chile!) are strawberries! Yum!
23
2009
Fun! I’m really happy with my prefolds and Mother-Ease Airflow covers (love the snaps, they don’t wear out like velcro), with infant-sized prefolds used at night as doublers inside the regular prefolds. Simple, easy, and cheap! I also have some wool and fleece soakers that a friend gave me and that I need to get up the courage to try out.
23
2009
I’m the mama of 2 cloth diaper graduates
and pregnant with my third who will go into cloth.
For me it depends on the age, for newborns I prefer prefolds and covers because they are so much cheaper and newborns can’t wriggle away from me while I’m trying to fold/snappi. For older/pre-walking babies I prefer pockets, they seem to usually be a bit less bulky for new crawlers and babies trying to roll over. For walking babies I prefer AIO’s or fitteds with a cover, my babies tend to be skinny and they need a little bit of bulk to hold their pants up.
23
2009
We used to use FBs with our oldest boy who used the medium sized ones for 2 whole years. By the time our second boy was born, the mediums were completely worn out so we got organic Bum Genius AIO with snaps. LOVE LOVE LOVE them! 12 is enough for us to use for 3 days since we use 7th generation diapers overnight. We can’t find a suitable overnight cloth diaper for our youngest that does NOT give him a rash. We do the best as we can. Like you, we use disposables when taking long car rides or flying across the country. But then as soon as we get to where we are, we go back to the cloths. We go to laundromats to wash them which is cheaper than buying disposables.
Thanks for the giveaway-awesome stuff! =)
23
2009
we love bum genius OS pockets. our stash is almost like yours. 24 pockets and a mountain of wipes. we used newborn prefolds and covers (prowraps and thirsties) before the BGOS fit. for the pockets, we stuff them with the newborn prefolds and the microfiber inserts. so glad you are doing a post aboud cds…we need to get teh word out!!
23
2009
I LOVE cloth diapering! Aside from the eco-conciousness of them they are so adorable one a baby bum!! We use a mix of FuzziBunz, prefolds and either BSWW or Imse Vinse I think its spelled and then the prefolds and wool and the mound of wipes. I have a totally addiction to them!! I’ve been using them for 4 years and 2 kids and they all looks great, I’ve totally gotten my money’s worth out of them!
23
2009
Sara,
I am almost through the 1st trimester with my first baby, and really want to do cloth diapering. I have a number of friends already doing it, so I’m hopeful for their support and expertise too.
For fall food, try out the stuffed eggplant over at smittenkitchen.com. They are really really yummy. You could sub in lentils for the meat. Enjoy!
23
2009
my favorite diapers are prefolds. nothing beats them for durability and versatility!
23
2009
We are currently expecting our first baby next month and while I always assumed I would use cloth diapers, there are no daycare facilities in our area that will use them. They all require disposables. Disapointing to me as it is no more work for them to wrap up a disposable and throw it in the trash than to wrap up a cloth diaper and throw it into a wet bag…
I love my homemade vegetarian chili. It is basically an everything in the pot type of chili and never turns out the same twice, but always turns out great!
23
2009
I too was a fanatical the first time around and much less this time. We use mostly kissaluvs (Corinne still fits the size 0′s at 10 months) with a Bummis or wool cover. As she grows I have more very loved kissaluvs for her and I might look at trying some all-in-ones this time. We do use disposables too mostly when we are traveling.
23
2009
I love your blog, though I haven’t commented before.
I too, have used cloth diaper for my boys. I plan to do the same for our next little one. So far I have always used the really long thin flat diapers that you fold up yourself. Simply because I don’t have a dryer and these will dry so fast on a wash line, even in the winter. I have used all sorts of covers, mostly second hand or else the simple vinyl taffeta pants.
23
2009
I’ll be buying cloth diapers in the next few weeks. I’m just ready to switch over. My favorite food: green smoothies. I have to gag them down, but I love how they make me feel. And I’m always in the mood to go running afterwards.
23
2009
love, love, love my cloth diapers! we use bumgenius and couldnt say enough great things about them. found them at our local cottonbabies – http://www.cottonbabies.com i only wish i could have found them 10 and 8 years ago fro the older boys when they were little.
23
2009
haven’t clothed yet, the upfront costs and washing scare me. I have been thinking about making my own recently, though I have no idea where to start. My favorite fall food are soups (Lentil, Bean, Chili, Vegetable) something about cool wet weather puts me in the mood for soup. And don’t forget some warm homemade biscuits to go with it!
23
2009
My favorite fall food is definitely soup–so many healthy varieties, easy to make, and inexpensive!
23
2009
I have BumGenius 3.0′s that I love, love. I started with the Kissaluvs size 0 in the beginning newborn stage and loved those too! I also love the BG’s Organics. They take a long time to dry, but are great as well.
23
2009
Oh, I love it ALL!
For the newborn stage, I like Kissaluvs with a BSWW or Imse Vimse cover. For mobile age and beyond, I am a big fan of the new Rumparooz, and am pretty loyal to Fuzzi Bunz and Bum Genius OS as well 
23
2009
I don’t have a baby (yet!) so this isn’t entering, but I do really want to use cloth diapers when ever we get a baby! I think they’re a great way to save money, cut down on garbage and reduce toxin exposure. And my favorite fall food is homemade applesauce on warm whole wheat gingerbread. YUM! ~Emily
23
2009
We use a combo of FuzziBunz (so easy) and also pre-folds with handknit wool covers. I love those wool covers but since I’m not a knitter, it is expensive!!!
23
2009
I’ve used a range of cloth over the past 11 years – starting with Gerber prefolds and plastic pants. I think right now my favorite is Happy Heinys, though I change my mind with every baby. I used to have a full stash of every brand (obsessed? Yes, I was). But now, after selling off all of them a year or so ago, I’m down to just 7 (eeekk!) Try diapering a baby on just 7 cloth diapers. I’m making it happen but it definitely takes a bit more washing.
Great giveaway!
Oh – and my favorite fall food is Black Bean mexican soup. Mmmm. I have some in the crockpot right now.
23
2009
My favorite fall food is winter squash – any kind, any way. Acorn squash with brown sugar and butter, curried butternut squash, pumpkin soup, etc. I love it all!