https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 18:04:30 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b/page/2#post-1555712 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 08:55:00 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1555712@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: I think technically any pocket brand can be an AI2 if you put a safe liner on top of the pocket. Basically AC is the brand that sells a reversible insert that if in the pocket, one direction faces up and if you use it as an AI2 the insert faces the other way so that its safe to touch babies skin. If you are using natural inserts like bamboo or hemp some of those are also safe to go directly against the skin although may stay a bit wetter. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b/page/2#post-1555699 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 08:50:27 +0000 pui 1555699@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I've convinced my DH that cloth diapering is the way to go. I was right, we did the math together and the savings are significant (especially when you consider that at least some of the diapers will last over more than one baby) and that is what mostly got DH on board. DH is also with me when it comes to the Montessori stuff, so he likes the advantages from that front too.</p> <p>@T.H.O.U.: So I'm still doing research trying to figure this all out, but I think I've got a good handle on all the different types of CD and their advantages/disadvantages.</p> <p>Right now I am leaning towards pocket diapers. I like that the liner and the diaper itself are separate, so I can take care of them separately (dry the covers on a rack instead of in the dryer, ect). I also like how absorbency is customizable. The last perk is they seem the most family proof (easier to teach how to use). One thing I like about the Applecheeks diapers is that you can also use them as an AI2 system. Do any other brands do this?</p> <p>There is a store near me that sells a few brands of cloth diapers and we were thinking of going there to check them out in person. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b/page/2#post-1547475 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 22:50:25 +0000 Torchwood 1547475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: Thank you! Sounds like you're like me, reading a lot on these sorts of things. I'm getting a library card asap (we moved here fairly recently, or I already would have!), and hopefully they'll have some or all of those!</p> <p>Also, glad you asked this because someone mentioned going to a class, which I'd never even heard of. But there are several in our area, so we'll definitely try that. I can't get a feel for what I might like without getting my hands on them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b/page/2#post-1546477 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 12:59:40 +0000 danda 1546477@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just a quick note - I was shocked to find that I prefer the fit of one size to sized diapers. They all have snaps and/or adjustable elastics which you tailor to your baby and then adjust as baby grows. I find I get a better fit that way than with diapers that aren't designed with so much flexibility. I'd suggest finding a website that does a diaper trial and test some out . Not sure what is available in Canada. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b/page/2#post-1546281 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 11:42:16 +0000 shortcake 1546281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've used g-diapers for almost 2 years and love them. I would not recommend the newborn bundle, they are just not worth it. Use disposables for a few weeks and then start with the small diapers. We were in small from about 4 weeks until close to 8 months. It depends on the size of your baby, but you will not get a lot of use out of the newborn bundle if your baby is anywhere around average weight. We had the most of size medium and those are the ones they are in the longest. </p> <p>A few other thoughts. We bought most of our g-diaper covers used from craigslist and my local mom board. Saved a ton of money and most of them were no worse for the wear. I did buy some new liners since those can lose their stretch. But the pants can be washed a million times and they fit and wear great still. And if you want to use them again for another kid, buy the more neutral colors. We used mostly the disposable liners, they just worked best for us. I loved that they were flushable (we flush poop anyway) or compostable (although we live in an apartment in the city so we don't compost) and they are very biodegradable b/c they do not have plastic. But I did want to address your montessori point. The disposable inserts have the SAP chemical that holds 8 times its weight in liquid, like most disposable diapers it helps them be very absorbent, but will not help you in your quest to make your kid feel wet. </p> <p>Anyway, we love g-diapers and so glad we decided to use them and will use them again with the new baby and don't have to buy anything new except the inserts (which I only buy on sale, they always have coupons if you sign up on their website). G-diapers is a great company with a great mission and I have found them very helpful on every front. And they are so cute! Hope that helps and let me know if you have any more questions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b/page/2#post-1546087 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:55:16 +0000 Freckles 1546087@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Squawk Fox did a great breakdown a while ago: <a href="http://www.squawkfox.com/2012/07/09/cloth-diapers/" rel="nofollow">http://www.squawkfox.com/2012/07/09/cloth-diapers/</a></p> <p>She does a good breakdown of the different diaper types:<br /> <a href="http://thehumbledhomemaker.com/2012/11/the-different-types-of-cloth-diapers.html" rel="nofollow">http://thehumbledhomemaker.com/2012/11/the-different-types-of-cloth-diapers.html</a><br /> (oops i just saw that THOU put the same link)</p> <p>I found her posts helpful too:<br /> <a href="http://www.amalah.com/amalah/2011/09/adventures-in-newborn-cloth-diapering-part-one.html#.Uz7Va_ldV5I" rel="nofollow">http://www.amalah.com/amalah/2011/09/adventures-in-newborn-cloth-diapering-part-one.html#.Uz7Va_ldV5I</a><br /> <a href="http://www.amalah.com/amalah/2011/09/adventures-in-newborn-cloth-diapering-part-two.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.amalah.com/amalah/2011/09/adventures-in-newborn-cloth-diapering-part-two.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b/page/2#post-1546060 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:51:10 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1546060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Based on the 4 types here is what we have tried: </p> <p>Prefolds/Trifolds - We have used a Flip Organic and now have some Applecheeks bamboos (2ply and 3ply thickness). We just do a basic tri-fold. For covers we have used the Flip (basic cover of PUL), a Grovia as a cover (has meesh inside and can be used to snap in a liner), and now Applecheeks as a cover (just laying the trifold on top of the fleece instead of using it as a pocket). </p> <p>AIO/AI2 - We had a BumGenius Elemental that I liked but its bulky and took time to dry. I loved the organic cotton though because its absorbent and isn't prone to stink issues. We also tried the AI2 like the Grovias. Its a shell and you just snap in an insert. The GDaipers are also AI2 I believe.</p> <p>Pockets - We have tried all kinds of pockets because it seems to be a good balance for us. BumGenius are some of the most popular and are a good quality. Similar styles include Fuzzibunz, Charlie Bananas, Alva, Applecheeks, etc. You have to use a new outer pocket/shell each time you change but you can add additional stuff inside the pocket if you need more absorbency. The inserts also wash/dry better when separated from the shell. One feature with pockets we have come to enjoy is the Thirsties and Applecheeks (and a few other brands I"m forgetting) have a way that the insert agitates out of the pocket on its own in the wash. So you don't have to unstuff a wet insert. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b/page/2#post-1546034 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:45:26 +0000 pui 1546034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Thanks for all your help! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b/page/2#post-1546033 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:45:25 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1546033@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This has some good pros/cons of each listed: </p> <p><a href="http://theartofsimple.net/4-cloth-diapering-choices-defined/" rel="nofollow">http://theartofsimple.net/4-cloth-diapering-choices-defined/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b/page/2#post-1546026 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:44:30 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1546026@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here is a little chart from <a href="http://www.diaperjungle.com/cloth-diaper-types.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.diaperjungle.com/cloth-diaper-types.html</a> </p> [attach=1506/14/n3ijqs.600x394.Screen-Shot-2014-04-04-at-11.43.43-AM.png] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1546016 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:43:15 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1546016@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: This isn't a bad resource: <a href="http://thehumbledhomemaker.com/2012/11/the-different-types-of-cloth-diapers.html" rel="nofollow">http://thehumbledhomemaker.com/2012/11/the-different-types-of-cloth-diapers.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545999 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:40:19 +0000 pui 1545999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Thanks for your help! Do you happen to have a good resource that explains the difference between them all? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545982 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:35:42 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1545982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: I would go to your store first and look for some options. See how you like the feel and the colors. </p> <p>Like I said in my comments above, I would narrow it down first to your lifestyle and what TYPE of CD will work best (Flats, fitteds, pockets, all-in-one, etc). From there find a brand that really just is personal preference. Let me know what you are leaning towards type wise and then I can offer some suggestions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545977 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:34:32 +0000 pui 1545977@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Torchwood: The book I am currently reading is called "Montessori From the Start" by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen. It's been very helpful so far! </p> <p>I also bought "How to Raise an Amazing Child The Montessori Way" by Tim Seldin, which is kind of an overview of everything and "The Absorbant Mind" by Maria Montessori. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545964 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:31:01 +0000 Torchwood 1545964@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: What Montessori book are you reading? I'm interested in a lot of the things you've been asking about, like cloth diapering and floor beds and stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545941 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:27:07 +0000 mamimami 1545941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>PS We didn't use the newborn size, we used disposables we had received for gifts, etc. and in like 3 weeks size small was fine. Medium is the size that gets the most wear and we also use some large. I think we had 6 small, 6-8 medium and maybe 4 large. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545933 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:26:02 +0000 mamimami 1545933@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We use gDiapers and they have been fine. Nothing really to compare them to! We used a couple packets of flushable inserts when we had them but never bought any more. As with all cloth diapers, it does seem like a lot up front, but in the end you save a lot. We have used our gDiapers on both kids now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545925 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:24:47 +0000 LovelyPlum 1545925@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: good call. Honestly, that's what convinced ME-diapers are expensive stuff! Good luck :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545921 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:23:47 +0000 pui 1545921@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Hm that makes sense. So... what should I buy at first? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545920 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:23:21 +0000 pui 1545920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: I will be a SAHM, so the only other people who will likely be caring for LO are family who I would hopefully be able to teach to use whatever diapers I want lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545915 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:22:37 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1545915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: Big picture is good, but you don't want to invest $500 in a solution that isn't going to work for you. So there is some strategy in buying over time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545902 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:20:30 +0000 pui 1545902@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LovelyPlum: I think my best tactic for convincing DH will be comparing the upfront cost of cloth to the overall cost of disposables. I'll have to collect some data and do the math to show him the difference. While $500 upfront is kind of a lot for diapers, I imagine disposables will add up to $500 pretty quickly. Especially since they should last over one kid, it seems worth it to me.</p> <p>There is no point in my DH's mind about buying a bit here and there, he's a big picture kind of guy and will want to know how much it is going to cost total. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545906 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:20:09 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1545906@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another thing to think or consider is returning to work and who will be using these diapers. Will it just be you and your husband? Are you willing to use a flat diaper folded with a "snappy" (old school diaper with a pin type). Or will there be other caretakers that could take advantage of an easier solution like a pocket? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545892 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:18:42 +0000 shopaholic 1545892@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: ooh!!! That is a big plus for us if that's true! And maybe good we've started now! LO has never cared about a wet or dirty diaper. Even with CDs, she never cries or complains. I always have to go by time, weight, or smell to change. But we're hoping to potty train before 2! I know it may be a long shot, but a good argument! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545871 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:14:13 +0000 pui 1545871@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Freckles: Montessori is all about fostering self confidence and independence. Basically their argument is cloth diapers allow the child to feel wet, so they are encouraged to use the toilet sooner. Also they say they help while toilet training because they can better connect the sudden wetness with their body's urges and releases, so they understand their bodies better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545864 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:12:40 +0000 LovelyPlum 1545864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: HA! I was writing as you responded :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545861 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:12:13 +0000 LovelyPlum 1545861@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: honestly, I think most of the diapers require a minimum up-front purchase. We've started building our stash slowly, and it's helped. It also helped for me to understand how many diapers a baby goes through in a day, and how expensive disposables can get! Do you think you might be able to do one or two covers at a time for the next few months? That's what we're doing.</p> <p>The other thought is that you could get other prefolds. I didn't end up getting the AC prefolds but rather the more generic ones that our CD store has. I think it cost me $22 for 12? That is a little more reasonable, and I checked-they work in our AC.</p> <p>One other thought: @T.H.O.U. is switching to AC for her second LO, and she's done a bunch of posting about her stash here:<br /> <a href="http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-addicts-anyone-care-to-join-me#post-1433774" rel="nofollow">http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-addicts-anyone-care-to-join-me#post-1433774</a><br /> She may have some ideas for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545854 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:09:56 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1545854@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pui: Sorry, just saw the AC recommendation above. I have seen some sales for 15% off AC (which should run again later this month) which brings the price for a pocket down from $20 to about $17. AC also hold their value pretty well (some hard to find colors go for up to $100 each) versus some other cheaper brands that you won't get much money out of afterwards. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545851 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:09:43 +0000 shopaholic 1545851@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know one mom who uses Gdiapers and loves them. But other than that, a lot of negative reviews. I'm late to the game, really starting to get into CDing after 1 yr. DH was never into the idea, but now her poops are solid and I use flush able liners, it's been really simple. We only use pockets or AIOs (bumgenius), but I think if I were to start all over in the beginning, knowing what I know now, I'd have invested and tried some Flips and GroVia Hybrids. They are similar to the Gdiapers in that you can put disposables or reusable inserts and reuse the outside cover a few times. And from what I can tell, the shells are pretty thin even for one-size. Good luck! And now I'm off to read about Montessori methods and why CDing is favored! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diaper-n00b#post-1545844 Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:08:16 +0000 Freckles 1545844@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had applecheeks and they were okay in the beginning, but had so many issues with leaks. You have to keep in mind that diapers don't work the same way for all babies. This can affect whether you get leaks or blowouts. So you may like a certain diaper brand now, but it may not work for your baby.</p> <p>We used various diapers - bummis prefolds and kissaluvs fitteds with flip covers, BG freetimes, and applecheeks. I liked applecheeks the least, and they aren't great for chubby thighs. Our friends loaned us their flip covers and inserts. She actually had someone make all the inserts, which are much cheaper than buying it at the store. That may be something to think about.</p> <p>It may be a large investment up front, but it's worth it if you're going to have more than 1 kid. We spent about $450 on our set (including wet bags) and i think it definitely helped us cut our waste. </p> <p>I'm curious as to what reasons are given to do cloth (via Montessori way)? We did it for enviro reasons, and i actually like doing laundry.</p> <p>@Beebug: What store did you use? I bought my stuff from bynature.ca and the rest from Green Mountain Diapers in the US when the dollar was good. </p>