The Scoop On Poop

If you have a baby, know someone who has a baby or have even seen babies, you might have heard about diapers.  Most of us are familiar with Pampers, Huggies and Luvs.  Many times Moms are quick to gush about good sales on diapers because you go through a lot and they are expensive.

As an active, online Mom, I've met Mom's from all over the country and world.  So many of those Moms have talked about CLOTH DIAPERS.

Yes, CLOTH DIAPERS.  They are not the pins and plastic pants of the past.  They are super cute how could you not want to use them?

A lot of people think it is time consuming or gross.  It's really no different then using disposables.

OPTIONS:
1.  Prefolds with covers
2.  Fitted with covers
3.  Pocket diapers
4.  All-in-one/All-in-two

PREFOLDS & COVERS are the cheapest cloth diapering option.  I simply trifold mine and lay them in the diaper cover.  A Snappi takes the place of pins and if you fold the prefold, use the Snappi to keep it in place and put a cover over it.

I use http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/ diaper covers. 

I purchased my prefolds from http://www.little-lions.com/

This link can help with learning more about folding profolds: http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/prefolds.htm 

POCKET DIAPERS are similar to covers but they have a layer of fleece on the inside which creates a pockets with the waterproof cover.  You take INSERTS and stuff them in the diapers.  I use this when going out and at night.  Microfiber inserts, hemp and bamboo inserts are popular.  I love hemp because it's trim and holds well throughout the night.

Right now I use http://www.happyheinys.com/ & http://www.fuzzibunz.com/

STORAGE

1.  Store used diapers in a dry pail with a waterproof liner

2.  Wetbags are great for transporting wet/dry diapers when you are out

MY WASH ROUTINE:
- Flush solids - use diaper sprayer if really messy  (Google DIY Diaper Sprayer)
- Store in a pail with lid & waterproof liner till wash day - every 2-3 days
- Cold Rinse cycle (sometimes twice)
- Cold soak cycle
- Hot wash cycle WITH detergent (I use Babyganics - a tiny amount because I have a HE machine.)
- Extra cold rinse cycle
- Hang all covers & pocket diapers (Sometimes I dry the pockets on low but not often)
- Dry prefolds & inserts on HIGH

TIPS:
1.  Decide what types of diapers you want to use.
     -Ask friends what they use
     -Take advantage of trial packages
     -Some people prefer snaps over aplix.  Sometimes the aplix collects lint and gets stuck even when you use the laundry tabs.  I have both in my stash.  The only issue is, my son can undo his aplix but usually doesn't bother if he's wearing pants/onsie.

2.  Use a detergent safe for diapers the following are places to look & keep your wash routine simple
http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-chart.html
http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/detergentchoices.htm

3.  It's not all or nothing
     -Plenty of families use disposables in conjunction with cloth

4.  You invest in your diaper stash in the beginning.  Many people resell what they used.

5.  Never have to run out to the store because you are out of diapers!

6.  DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOUR FAMILY!

Cloth diapers have so many options, is easy and affordable!  Do your research and you will grow to love them!

I am thrilled with my choice to cloth diaper my son.  I only wish I knew more about it with my older children!