How do I get started?

Ok I know how hard it may seem! I remember being there. I was sure I wanted to try cloth but had NO CLUE where to start. First you will need to decide the system you would like to use. The following descriptions should help you decide the route you’d like to go and what you will need. Keep in mind that you may start out in wanting to use one system and end up loving another. It just comes with trying things out and using what works best for you and your family. It is a good idea to start out with the bare minimum to try out different systems and build your stash as you find what works for you!

I HIGHLY recommend becoming part of a cloth diapering forum! You will learn so much from the women already using cloth. Thebump.com has a board called the eco-friendly family. These women are so helpful. Also Dipaerpin.com has a Cloth Diapering forum. Even if you just browse through the postings and questions you will find so much information. Its nice to have a place to go to ask questions when you have them!

Note that all these numbers greatly differ based on how often you will be washing the diapers. These are the higher end estimated of the amounts you will need. The more often you wash the less you will need. I recommend having at least a two-day supply and washing every 2 days. This is all entirely based on your preferences!! If you want to wash less you will just need to have more diapers. However I don’t recommend allowing diapers to go over 4 days without washing.

1. Prefold system - This is the cheapest system. However it has a bigger learning curve due to folding the diaper. It really is not hard, just slightly intimidating.

• 2 - 3 Dozen Prefold Diapers. Prefold are the closest looking to old fashion cloth diapers. They are a rectangular shaped diaper that you will need to fold and use a cover on. There are many pros to this one but it also has the biggest learning curve. It is the most economical. You will need a few dozen prefolds but only a few covers. Also there is no need for pins now. There is a devise called a snappy (look in the fasteners section) that is used to keep the diaper in place. Also many people just fold the prefold in thirds and insert it into the cover and then place it on the child. Easy as that! I love my prefolds. I will admit that it took me awhile to even try them but I love them now. Also Diaper service quality prefolds ( those sold here) are not even close to the prefold gerber diapers that you can purchase at the store. DSQ prefolds are very absorbent!!
• 3 - 6 Diaper Covers. (If using prefolds or fitteds). You can rotate two covers throughout the day by airing one out while the other is in use, this works well as long as the diaper doesn't leak any poop onto the cover. Once that occurs, into the diaper pail it goes.
• 6 - 8 Doublers. These can be added in the cover for added absorbency for heavy wetter’s and night time use.

2. Fitted or contour system- similar to the prefold system without requiring folding.

• 12-24 fitted or contour diapers. Fitted diapers are equipped with elastic legs, also they close with snaps or alpix so they do not require a fastener. They are basically the shape of a disposable but require a waterproof cover. The tiny tush brand fitteds we carry are a one sized. So they adjust to your growing baby eliminating the need to buy different sizes as the child grows.
• 4-6 covers. A lot of moms will let their little ones go without covers most of the day unless they are going out or napping.
• 6 - 8 Doublers. These can be added in the cover for added absorbency for heavy wetters and night time use.

3. Pocket diaper or All in One diaper system- Most convenient

• 15-20 diapers. All in ones are a diaper with the waterproof cover and absorbent material all built into one convenient package. The insert in pocket diapers is able to be removed. This allows for faster drying and also the ability to stuff additional inserts into the diaper for additional absorbency. The drybees hybrid diapers we sell are the best of both worlds. They are an all in one with a pocket that allows you to add an insert or prefold for extra absorbency if you choose to. Some people like to have a few pockets or all in ones on hand for night time use and traveling use.
• One sized pocket diapers grow with your child. This allows you to use the same diapers from birth to potty training. If you choose to purchase a non one sized diaper you will need to buy a stash of small a stash of medium and a stash of large. The sized option is less bulky. This is also another personal choice. Decide what the most important features are to you.
• Mix and match – some people that use prefolds prefer to keep some pockets on hand for night use. Some don’t. Do what works for you! Buy a couple of each and then build your stash from there.

Additional supplies to be used with any system!!

• A Diaper Pail. This is not necessary but comes in handy. Any flip top trash can from the store will work. Line it with a pail liner and use it to store dirty diapers until you are ready to wash them. Pail liners are made of waterproof PUL and are sold in the Pail liner / wetbag section in the store. Just throw your dirty diapers in the pail (dump solids in the toilet first)l and when its time for laundry turn the pail liner inside out and dump the diapers in the washer. Thrown the liner in too.
• Cloth Wipes. (Sold in the wipe section) I started out not using cloth wipes. After just a few days it seemed like more of a pain than I thought it would be. If you are already using cloth diapers it is a pain to take the wipes to the garbage can separately and the diaper to the diaper pail. Many people just have a spray bottle on hand to dampen the wipe before using it. You can also make a wipe solution using a little baby wash in the spray bottle along with the water. There are dozens of recipes for homemade wipes solution online. Use whatever works best for your family. Cloth wipes are so much sturdier than disposable wipes, no more ripping wipes in the middle of a changing! Plus there are many chemicals in disposable wipes and its another product you don’t have to continually purchase! $ savings! While cloth wipes are not at all expensive, if you have extra flannel receiving blankets around these can be cut up and used as cloth wipes. Finishing the edges with a sewing machine will help them last longer.
• Wetbag. We sell Wahmies wetbags in 3 sizes. They are fantastic. They are a waterproof zippered bag that you will want when going on outings. After you change the diaper you can throw it into the wetbag instead of a ziplock bag. These you can just wash along with your diapers too.
• Disposable liners (optional). These are disposable sheets that you place inside the diaper and when you change your child you can just grab the liner and drop it in the toilet and flush. These eliminate having to scrape hard to manage poop into the toilet. Once your child has solid poop these won't be as important. Also poop comes off of fleece very easily. So another option is cut pieces of fleece and use them as reusable liners if you are in the hard stage. Remember if you are exclusively breastfeeding then your little ones poop is completely water soluble so you can just throw even poopy diapers into the washer. More washing HERE.