With my 22nd week of gestation creeping up on me (Saturday 12/3) I've decided to cloth diaper. So far I've researched into it's merits, and there are more pro's than cons.
Money Saving being the biggest Pro. The average family spends $3000 in diapers in a 3 year period. Cloth diapering costs around a tenth of that. It's more payout up front, but a long time gain.
So far I'm $45 into my cloth diapering purchases, making my own Soaker pads for the insides of the diapers, and I'm going to see which type I prefer, for ease of use.
These are the cloth diaper types:
Fitted diapers are not waterproof so you do need a diaper cover to put over them. But they are very easy to put on a baby and very easy to put under a cover without uncomfortable bunching. Some fitted diapers have also been known to contain a pocket for stuffing.
Money Saving being the biggest Pro. The average family spends $3000 in diapers in a 3 year period. Cloth diapering costs around a tenth of that. It's more payout up front, but a long time gain.
So far I'm $45 into my cloth diapering purchases, making my own Soaker pads for the insides of the diapers, and I'm going to see which type I prefer, for ease of use.
These are the cloth diaper types:
Prefolds/Flat- Flat cloth diapers are the classic cotton square which is folded to fit baby, and secured with diaper pins or a Snappi. A variation of the flat diaper is the Prefold, which includes extra layering in the center.
AIOs and AI2s- An AIO, or All-In-One, is exactly what it sounds like. What you get is what you need. It is a type of diaper that functions completely on its own without the need for extra accessories. It does not require separate soaker material to absorb nor a separate diaper cover to contain leaks. All of the features are neatly packaged into one diaper. Many parents find this type of diaper to be the height of convenience since all they need is in one place. It also saves on space when traveling.
Pockets- Does not requires a wrap or a cover - this feature is built in. Requires and absorbent stuffer material to be placed in the pocket before use.
Fitteds- Fitted cloth diapers are the next step up in the evolution of the cloth diaper, after the simple flat diapers or prefold diapers that were the norm many years ago. Fitted diapers are exactly what they sound like. Instead of the flat and shapeless diapers our parents may have used, fitted diapers are fitted and snug, usually with elastic gatherings in the legs and waist. This makes them a perfect fit for any baby. They usually have closures of some sort as well, either hook and loop (Velcro) or snaps.
Fitted diapers are not waterproof so you do need a diaper cover to put over them. But they are very easy to put on a baby and very easy to put under a cover without uncomfortable bunching. Some fitted diapers have also been known to contain a pocket for stuffing.
Thus far I've decided to start with pre-folds and pockets. My 8 month old Godson is going to be my trial. I'll be watching him for his parents while they work. Cloth unlike disposable diapers, being reusable on more than one child. Using Leland as my experimental baby will let me know which type is most convenient to work with, and if I find I don't like cloth, the resale value of the diapers is fantastic.
So far I've purchased:
4 Greenbee's Value Diaper AI'2
Normally $6 a Diaper, I got them for $4 a piece in her awesome Black Friday Sale. Currently there's a sale price of $5 a Diaper with Free Shipping
4 Econobum Prefold and Cover Diapers from Cottonbabies http://www.cottonbabies.com/index.php
Normally $9.95 per Cover with a single prefold. I caught a BOGO sale and got 4 for the price of 2
1 WAHM (Work at Home Mom) Sewn All in one from the Cuties With Cloth Booties Group on Cafemom
I paid $14 for this diaper, which is an awesome price for an All in One. Also, it had skulls on it. My one weakness.
They should arrive on or around Monday (12/5) and I can get started. I'm very excited. I love finding ways to be green and save green.
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