https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 01 Jul 2026 01:42:01 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-620991 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:12:02 +0000 meredithNYC 620991@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlebittyhouse: I do, so I may need to take a little trip!</p> <p>@lindseykaye: Thank you! I got my tiny little stash from Cotton Babies and if I remember correctly (it's been quite a long time - ha!) I got a pretty good price since they were running some kind of special. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-620944 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:01:39 +0000 lindseykaye 620944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Chalk: we have the same trash can for our cloth diaper pail too! Our pail liner fits perfectly and we don't have any smell either. Didn't even think about her being able to open it down the road when she's mobile. Hopefully it's tall enough she won't do too much damage? Hah.</p> <p>Lots of good advice and answers to your questions given by the ladies before me. Just wanted to say good luck and happy cloth diapering! We have been using cloth full time during the day for two months now (LO is 4 months this weekend) using FLIP covers and inserts. We recently started at night, too using BG 4.0's.</p> <p>I can't comment on whether you have enough because we use the FLIP system which is a little different. But I wanted to let you know that cottonbabies.com sometimes runs promotions on their diapers (like spend $49 and get a free BG 4.0 - this is how we ended up with a few) and always has free shipping! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-620847 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:33:43 +0000 Mrs. Chalk 620847@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: We actually only have around 18 or so as well. We don't CD at night, which helps, but it also means that we always have a stash of disposables in the house. That, in turn, makes it very easy to just take a day off every few days while I do the diaper laundry. If you are committed to only doing cloth, you may eventually want a few more, just to ease the laundry pressure. I feel like I am talking myself in circles here (it's enough! but buy more!) - sorry... 18 is great, especially as your LO gets older and is changed less often. </p> <p>Also, I hear you on the IKEA trips! They are great for stocking up on things, but I really need to psych myself up for them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-620845 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:33:23 +0000 mrsmate 620845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did CDs but used disposables at night, bc the wetness would wake up DD. CDing is not an all or nothing proposition. You will figure out how to make it work for you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-620831 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:30:24 +0000 littlebittyhouse 620831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: we never fill it! we have 18 diapers and I am usually washing the lot when he is in his last 1 or 2.</p> <p>Do you have a buy buy baby near you? Ours carries the BG4.0 and you can use your 20% off coupons or the $5 of $15! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-620755 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:12:20 +0000 meredithNYC 620755@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Chalk: That bin is so cute! Too bad I dread trips to IKEA and just made one a couple of weeks ago. I ended up getting a plain bin from Target that should do the trick, though it's certainly just utilitarian rather than cute. I need to get quite a few more diapers since we only have 6 (!) right now. My plan is to start off slowly and just use our remaining disposables once we run out. I'm thinking about getting maybe 12 more for a total of 18. Do you think that's enough? LO is 9 months old and I probably change her diaper 6-8 times/day now that she's on such a regular eating schedule.</p> <p>@littlebittyhouse: I ended up with a 7 gallon one, too, though I doubt I'll ever fill it since we will be washing probably every other day once I build up my stash. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-620402 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:48:59 +0000 Mrs. Chalk 620402@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: Glad you're off to a good start! Our stash is almost entirely BG 4.0s and they really are good diapers. :)</p> <p>We ended up buying a trash can with a lid from Ikea (It's this one, although our store had it in all sorts of fun colors that aren't showing up on the website: <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60045656/#/90099049)" rel="nofollow">http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60045656/#/90099049)</a></p> <p>I lined it with a wet bag, and the lid forms a good enough seal that there are no odor problems. That said, we keep it in the downstairs bathroom with the door closed, precisely to keep our son from opening it! If it is going to be in an accessible area, a locking lid might be a better bet. </p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-620315 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:29:31 +0000 littlebittyhouse 620315@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: we have a 7 gallon pail with a push top lid - we use regular garbage bags in it and wash every other day. I rinse the pail every other week ish with lysol. Got the pail at target :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-620123 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:47:05 +0000 meredithNYC 620123@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anbanan15: Oh man, GOOD point about getting something w/ a lid that locks. LO is not yet walking, but she is still getting herself into everything she can access via crawling. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-620100 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:41:55 +0000 anbanan15 620100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: haha goodtimes! I actually enjoyed pail hunting lol. We ended up loving the trash can we got so we have a second for the kitchen. We have two small dogs and once DS got older he started getting into it so I'm glad their can lock :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-620065 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:37:55 +0000 T.H.O.U. 620065@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: Glad its going well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-620022 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:30:12 +0000 meredithNYC 620022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anbanan15: Thanks! I am headed to Target today to get a pail, so currently the used dipes are hanging out in our Planet Wise pail liner. Once again, I'm just thankful that no poops have occurred yet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-620010 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:27:17 +0000 anbanan15 620010@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: Yay! That's great! Did you find a diaper pal?</p> <p>We used the SimpleHuman step on trash can with automatic closing lid lined with a planet wise diaper pal liner. I have also heard people loving a hanging diaper pal like the one from Ragababe or Fuzzibunz and skipping the trash can/bucket. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-619974 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:18:03 +0000 meredithNYC 619974@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Update: today is our first day going cloth and I am in love! Okay, so we have only been through two changes and no poop so far. But they're SO cute. DH said that it will be cute this summer when she can hang out at home in her adorable diapers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-611121 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:48:36 +0000 pelikila 611121@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: We used a pail liner inside a Diaper Dekor but a simple trashcan will work just fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-611086 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:37:53 +0000 meredithNYC 611086@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So much good advice - thanks to all of you!</p> <p>One last thing: what do you guys use for a diaper pail? Would a standard trashcan with a tight closed lid work? I am worried about the smell, but since we don't have a ton of cloth diapers yet, I'm probably going to be doing a load of washing every other day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-610997 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:10:40 +0000 anbanan15 610997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. Do I REALLY need to wash the covers and inserts like, 7 times prior to first use? I remember hearing that/reading it somewhere and it has stuck with me.</p> <p>No. Wash once. It is the diapers with natural fibers that need washed 5-7 times prior to first use (and the inserts washed separately). BG 4.0's are fine with just one wash. </p> <p>2. Can I just use my regular old Tide Free n' Clear or is it necessary to order some of the fancier detergents?</p> <p>I know people that have used this without any problems but I personally would use a CD safe detergent. We actually make our own! Here is a site that lists and rates detergents: <a href="http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/detergentchoices.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/detergentchoices.htm</a></p> <p>3. Any other gear I need? I'm a SAHM for the time being, so there is no daycare situation to worry about.</p> <p>A wet bag for your diaper bag (2-3 so you have an extra when one is in the wash), a diaper pal linger or hanging wet bag for dirty diapers (we had 2 so we could put a new one on right away). Cloth wipes are so nice when using cloth diapers, just toss it all together (we just used water on the bum). Some people like a diaper sprayer but I wasn't a fan. Those I would say are the musts for CDing, especially at that age.</p> <p>4. Do I need to double up for overnight? Or order some hemp inserts?</p> <p>We used BG 4.0's with a NB or Ragababe insert inside and never had a leaking issue even with 12 hours of wear.</p> <p>5. Oh! Also, for those who have the Bum Genius 4.0 type, I see that there are snaps on the inserts. Do they snap in place somewhere? I am clueless.</p> <p>No. The snaps are so you can snap them down to fit inside when the diaper is at a smaller rise setting. They do not snap directly into the diaper itself.</p> <p>Hope that helps and feel free to ask away! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-610956 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:54:43 +0000 Boheme 610956@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Commenting to follow... I'm an expecting mama with a BG 4.0 stash so I'm interested to read all the advice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-610930 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:46:44 +0000 T.H.O.U. 610930@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Weagle: I love the Flip organics too! I threw out my 4.0 MF inserts because they just got used and weren't that absorbent. I would try it for night, it might work! You might also look into a Thirsties cover because they have a double leg gusset which is helpful for night sleeping. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-610925 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:45:15 +0000 T.H.O.U. 610925@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meredithNYC: </p> <p> 1. Do I REALLY need to wash the covers and inserts like, 7 times prior to first use? </p> <p>I didn't. I washed once and went for it. They do get more absorbent over time. </p> <p>2. Can I just use my regular old Tide Free n' Clear or is it necessary to order some of the fancier detergents?</p> <p>I always say start simple and then change if needed. So use your tide and if you have issues then change. </p> <p>3. Any other gear I need? </p> <p>I would suggest a wet bag (to store the diaper until time to wash) and some way to handle the poo (either a sprayer or liners or a scraper). </p> <p>4. Do I need to double up for overnight? Or order some hemp inserts?</p> <p>Again, see what works. I would maybe get the hang of it during the daytime and see how long it takes to soak through. </p> <p>5. Oh! Also, for those who have the Bum Genius 4.0 type, I see that there are snaps on the inserts. Do they snap in place somewhere? I am clueless.</p> <p>The inserts have a snap so that you could fold it down and make it shorter to fit in the diaper better. So if you have the diaper snapped at the lowest "rise" then you probably also want to snap the insert to the lowest as well so its not super long and sticking otu the back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-610907 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:40:06 +0000 Weagle 610907@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. Do I REALLY need to wash the covers and inserts like, 7 times prior to first use? I remember hearing that/reading it somewhere and it has stuck with me.</p> <p>I'm pretty sure 4.0s only need one wash. Natural fibers are the ones that need many washes. The packaging should have prep instructions. </p> <p>2. Can I just use my regular old Tide Free n' Clear or is it necessary to order some of the fancier detergents?</p> <p>In my experience, synthetic fibers (like those in 4.0s) are harder to get clean, and therefore it's harder to just use any detergent. We had good luck using plain, regular Tide. I think it's now branded Tide Ultra. We also really like Country Save. It's cheap.</p> <p>3. Any other gear I need? I'm a SAHM for the time being, so there is no daycare situation to worry about.</p> <p>Im assuming you already have wetbags and wipes. I like to use flannel liners to make poop cleanup easier. I just cut a big piece of flannel from JoAnn's. I also like Grandma El's diaper cream. Whichever cream you use, make sure it's cloth safe... Especially with microfiber.</p> <p>4. Do I need to double up for overnight? Or order some hemp inserts?</p> <p>I can't answer this... We use disposables overnight. I have been thinking of trying a Flip organic insert + hemp doubler for nighttime, though. The Flip organic inserts are awesome! I threw away my 4.0 inserts and use those if I need to use the 4.0 covers.</p> <p>5. Oh! Also, for those who have the Bum Genius 4.0 type, I see that there are snaps on the inserts. Do they snap in place somewhere? I am clueless. </p> <p>You can snap them down for sizing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-610906 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:40:04 +0000 pelikila 610906@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would do maybe 3 to 5 hot washes (only one needs to be with soap) and call it good.</p> <p>In terms of detergent, Tide Free n Clear may be a good fit for you depending on your water and may not. You'll have to figure it out and see.</p> <p>If you don't have a pail liner or large wet bag I'd probably get one but other than that, nothing is needed. Since your LO is on solids you may consider getting some Bac Out and spritz a little on the diaper and liner after it has been soiled (this helped us with stink and staining but is definitely not needed for everyone).</p> <p>If you don't change during the night, then yes you'll probably need to double stuff the diapers at night. You'll have to figure out your baby's needs for cloth at night as we have a heavy wetter and nothing but fitteds and covers worked for us overnight.</p> <p>The snaps on the inserts are just for sizing as you change the size of the diaper so the insert fits well. It does not snap into the diaper. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-finally-doing-it-need-some-advice#post-610870 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:27:20 +0000 meredithNYC 610870@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So today my husband asked me, "When do you think we might start using our cloth diapers?" And, well, considering our daughter is now 9 months old, I figured it's finally time to commit. We have had a small stash of diapers since before she was born, but they are, sadly, still in the dresser drawer, unwashed and in their original packaging. For a long time I said we couldn't do it since we were in an apt. with no washer/drier. But we've been in our home for three months now and I have been avoiding it.</p> <p>My small stash is made up entirely of BumGenius 4.0s, so here's hoping we like them! They are awfully cute, at least. Here are some questions I have before I start prepping them and getting on Amazon to order some additional supplies.</p> <p>1. Do I REALLY need to wash the covers and inserts like, 7 times prior to first use? I remember hearing that/reading it somewhere and it has stuck with me.</p> <p>2. Can I just use my regular old Tide Free n' Clear or is it necessary to order some of the fancier detergents?</p> <p>3. Any other gear I need? I'm a SAHM for the time being, so there is no daycare situation to worry about.</p> <p>4. Do I need to double up for overnight? Or order some hemp inserts?</p> <p>5. Oh! Also, for those who have the Bum Genius 4.0 type, I see that there are snaps on the inserts. Do they snap in place somewhere? I am clueless.</p> <p>Thanks, ladies! I'm excited to get started on this and save some money/throw fewer disposables in the trash. </p>