Monday, May 9, 2011

Diapering preferences

I'm often asked which cloth diaper system and product I like the most.  There certainly are many to choose from, and, for the beginner, the choices can seem overwhelming.

We started cloth diapering because we wanted to save money.  This means my diapering system needs to be one that gets the most bang for my buck. However, I don't think I'd really stick with it if it were not for the cuteness aspect, so I do "splurge" a bit to get colors and prints I like.

With Keagan, we used one-size pocket diapers, and while I was grateful for them, I found them to be a bit of a hassle.  Later, I changed to Bummis Super Brite covers with inserts instead of using pocket diapers. I bought Keagan two covers, which will lasted us a whole day since they are wipeable and can be used over and over, unless there has been a bit of a blowout, then thrown into the wash at the end of the day. 

I had been given microfiber inserts and had bought a few more of my own, but I disliked how they held the stench and seemed to require extra attention because of this issue (more rinses, stripping, etc.).  I ended up switching to natural fibers.  Bamboo became my favorite insert. They are very absorbent and soft- much softer than cotton, actually.

I decided to use the same system with Evangeline- covers and inserts. I fell in love with Thirsties Duo Wraps. They come in two adjustable sizes. At eight months, Evangeline is now nearly out of her size ones, so I am beginning to build my size two stash which should last her until she is out of diapers.  I like that TDWs come in two sizes because the size ones will comfortably fit a newborn, where as most one-size diapers are too big and bulky on a newborn.

I purchased my first TDW size two yesterday, and she is able to wear it on the lowest snap, so I know it should accommodate her until she is diaper-free as she has plenty of room to grow.

I personally prefer the Aplix version (think Velcro) over the snaps, because the aplix not only allows me to put the diaper on quicker (my fingers fumble with snaps), but seems to make a snugger fit around her waist.

We do still use disposables, and, as I've mentioned before, we also use the method of Elimination Communication. We have found that a combination of the three work best for us.

I think pocket diapers work best for night time, especially if you have to wake up to nurse and change your baby in those wee hours. Pre-stuffing pocket diapers for this occasion makes it less of a hassle since you'll likely be quite groggy at that hour. I don't know about you, but I don't like having to fiddle with a cover and insert when all I really want to do is snuggle back under those covers!

That is the upside to pockets- if we prestuff them once they been washed and dried, they make diaper changes just as easy as disposables.  I like Bumgenius Aplix pocket diapers. A friend of mine gave me some hand-me-down BG pockets, and I love them! I also like Blueberry's pockets.... and they have some adorable prints!

I used folded up birds eye flats as inserts when Evie was a newborn. (Similar to prefolds, but with more options, since they are not "prefolded".) These are perfect for newborns. Don't be afraid to buy inserts in newborn sizes- you can always use them as a "booster insert" as your child gets older and requires me absorbency.   As I previous mentioned, I prefer bamboo inserts. That is what we mainly use now. My bamboo stash is small though, so when I run out, I use birds eye flats or prefolds.

1 comment:

  1. I'm the same as you...not a huge fan of microfiber inserts once they are soaked!! I like bamboo and hemp ones as well.

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