https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 18 Apr 2026 14:50:51 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both/page/2#post-2452439 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 01:32:27 +0000 GoGoSnoGirl 2452439@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't done any cost analysis, but we use cloth most of the time &amp; disposables overnight, on trips &amp; if in-laws watch her. My main motivation is concern for the environment, though I'm not as crunchy as I'd envisioned before baby arrived. We use disposable wipes, &amp; sometimes disposable inserts for our gDiapers, too, but I feel good about reducing the number of disposables we could have been using.</p> <p>Also, I started out with a discounted newborn package of gDiapers from Zulily, which included newborn &amp; small diapers (8 each size, maybe?), then I have gotten med &amp; large diapers gently used or from mamas who didn't end up using them at all &amp; sold at a big discount from new. I've been pleased with my expenditure &amp; my satisfaction with the system. I also buy left over packs of disposables from people who have leftovers when their babies grow out of them since we don't use many. Lots of cost savings all around. :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both/page/2#post-2452435 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 01:16:32 +0000 xInfinity 2452435@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We used disposables for the first 2 months until DD1 fit her OS diapers (BG freetimes) properly. She's only worn cloth since then but all of our trips have been driving trips and either short enough or with access to laundry. If we were flying we would definitely take sposies. With DD2 I plan to do disposables for the first couple weeks and then put her into the size 1 Applecheeks I bought. DD1 should be potty trained and out of the OS diapers by the time DD2 outgrows her size 1s and needs them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both/page/2#post-2452428 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 00:53:32 +0000 LindsayLou 2452428@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lilyofthewest: I think the one size covers fitting thing really depends on your baby. Our one size covers fit well around 8 lbs. But my baby has always had chunky legs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2452356 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 22:11:43 +0000 lilyofthewest 2452356@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We do a combo. </p> <p>We used disposables for the first couple months. Many people told me that one-size diaper covers don't generally fit very well on babies under 10lbs no matter what the advertising copy says. If we were sure we were going to have a second (or more) we probably would've gotten some smaller covers too.</p> <p>We also use sposies overnight, for travel, and for any trips out of the house that we expect to last long enough to require a change. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2452299 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 20:59:18 +0000 808love 2452299@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think most people do both. They grow so fast when they are first born so into disposables they go until they can fit the small cloth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2452179 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 17:28:58 +0000 lady baltimore 2452179@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We also use both cloth and disposable. LO is only nine weeks old. We started cloth diapering at one week, and are using a rental of newborn fitteds and covers. We used disposables for several days when her skin was getting irritated from sleeping long stretches in wet cloth, and were planning to use them again for a two-night trip this weekend. We used about one package of newborn sized disposables, and have gone through about a half a package of size ones so far. </p> <p>If you can find a way to borrow or rent newborn cloth diapers, I think that is a great way to try them out and see what you like without a big commitment. I was able to get a 12-week rental for only $75 (once I get my deposit back as store credit) through a local shop.</p> <p>Used cloth diapers are a great option! I chose the cheaper "pre-worn" rental, and they are in great condition. My entire stash for when LO grows out of the newborn sized rental diapers was bought used from local moms. I initially wanted to use prefolds and covers, and I have a lot of covers, but I have picked up several AIOs and pockets that were "package deals" as well. I think it will be good to have a few different options for different situations (e.g. daycare). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2452111 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 15:55:35 +0000 peaches1038 2452111@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We also do cloth exclusively, inc at daycare, except for one sposie overnight. We have 12 BG 4.0s and 12 BG freetimes. We wash 3x/week </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2452107 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 15:49:22 +0000 sera_87 2452107@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We do cloth at home &amp; daycare and sposies for overnight.</p> <p>And a good rule of thumb is to have enough to do laundry every 3rd day but you can totally do less if you want to do laundry more often. And yes! Buy used. I have a stash of 15 4.0bg, 33 size 1 applecheeks and 25 size 2s, (and various inserts) all bought used.</p> <p>ETA: I have 2 in diapers, hence the large stash ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2452077 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 14:54:32 +0000 Zbug 2452077@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We also use disposables when we travel. Cloth diapers would take up a ton of room, and then you have to worry about washing them. It works for us! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2452062 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 14:19:11 +0000 catlady 2452062@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We started out doing both. When my LO was a newborn, we used cloth during the day at home and disposables at night and when we were out of the house. </p> <p>We only really stopped because she kept getting rashes in her new cloth diapers once we moved her out of the newborn size (it was a different brand) and because she started daycare around that time and they provided disposable diapers with her tuition. </p> <p>I ended up selling all my cloth diapers but the nice thing was that I think I sold them almost as much as I paid for them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2452061 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 14:17:38 +0000 autumnlove 2452061@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We use both. Cloth at home/daycare/preschool and disposables away from home for extended trips. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2452057 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 14:05:35 +0000 BSB 2452057@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@peachykeen: I considered bringing our cloth on our 2.5 week trip home. It would have taken up a lot of space in our luggage. We had a case of diapers and wipes shipped to where we were staying. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2452056 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 14:02:08 +0000 peachykeen 2452056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We do cloth during the day (mostly BG with a few Rumparooz) and disposable at night or if we're flying. I've traveled with cloth a lot and it's generally very easy as long as we're driving. I would love to do cloth when we fly as well, but I'm not going to pack a suitcase just for our cloth diapers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2452049 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 13:49:49 +0000 BSB 2452049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We sorta do both. We use disposables when we go to the dr's office and when we travel, but primarily cloth all the time at home.</p> <p>I bought newborn cloth for my preemie twins. They were small so we used them for 3 months. They were worth it to me. We did do prefolds, snappie and a cover for a month. Definitely made us appreciate the AIO.<br /> Now that the twins are in one sized cloth, we prefer pocket diapers over AIOs from BG. The flaps make getting poop off a pain and we have a diaper sprayer. We use the AIOs after they have pooped.<br /> I do like getting cute prints now.</p> <p>I bought most of my cloth new but a small handful were used. I made sure the used diapers were used only a few times. If you buy used, you may get diapers where the elastic has been relaxed or stretched out. Happens after lots of use. There's a way you can replace them but I don't have time for that. Someone local to me can change the elastics for $5 each. For the hassle, I would rather scope out sales and buy them new. (Now, after I finish using mine, I can see paying or doing the elastics replacement myself but that's because I already got a lot of use out of it. Buying a used diaper than having to replace elastics is not worth my time.) Plus, I don't have to worry about stripping them and they shouldn't leak. (Stripping isn't so bad. I've done it a few times. It's just a long process with the soaks, washes and rinse. Might be a bit overwhelming if I was just starting out with cloth.) So far we are liking cloth diapers. We would have spent a ton by now in disposables.</p> <p>ETA: I cloth because I don't like putting all those disposables into the landfill. No judgement here. Trying cloth and reducing one diaper is great. Whatever works for you. I do think using cloth does take a bit more of work but it's worth it to us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2452020 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 12:13:37 +0000 Torchwood 2452020@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We do cloth during the day and disposables at night and on long trips. But we use a diaper service so cloth is actually more expensive. My concerns are environmental and the chemicals in most disposables, not cost, so it works for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2452016 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 12:09:32 +0000 LindsayLou 2452016@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We mostly do cloth, but always have disposables on hand, and use whichever is convenient. My husband prefers disposables, so he uses them. I'm home with baby and nanny two days a week with baby with me, and prefer cloth. I always have a couple disposables in my diaper bag just in case. When we travel by plane, we use disposables. When we travel by car we use cloth. It's all about what's most convenient, and what works for us.</p> <p>We would have saved more money by doing all cloth, but we've still saved quite a bit with the combination. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451989 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 11:09:18 +0000 Miss Ariel 2451989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We do a combination. We do disposables at daycare and overnight but cloth on weekends and in the evenings. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451988 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 11:06:55 +0000 bisous 2451988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We do both! I never did a full blown cost analysis but I would bet it was more expensive than just one or the other for one child. Now that we are starting with our second child and our cloth diapers have lots of life left (elastic in good shape and well taken care of), I am thinking we could come close to breaking even. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451982 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 10:45:51 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2451982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I use both. I have 18 BG 4.0s and 5.0s. I use disposables on laundry day, when we travel, and when she is with a babysitter. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451980 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 10:43:24 +0000 Mrs. Tea 2451980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do both! Cloth during the day and disposable at night and if we are out for an extended day. It's worked great for both kids :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451979 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 10:37:56 +0000 Finfan 2451979@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We used both with DD1 but I now work more hours and with a longer commute so am home less. With DD2 we have so far only used disposables BUT I love having the cloth around in case we get stuck at home with an illness or blizzard and we would be set for a few days. I keep like 4 weeks of formula on hand too. It's nice to know we don't have to rub out in the middle of the night. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451972 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 10:27:30 +0000 youboots 2451972@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I call it combo diapering. Cloth at home &amp; daycare. Sposies when we are out of the house, overnight or when we are on trips. We use BG 4.0s. I don't think cloth is that much more work. It's just a pain to drag around a wet bag. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451953 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 09:38:57 +0000 Ash 2451953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We do both. Cloth during the day and sposies at night. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451944 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 09:26:50 +0000 blackbird 2451944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: I totally made a spreadsheet on excel! I had free time back before I had E ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451941 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 09:23:49 +0000 Silva 2451941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: did you make a spreadsheet during all of your free time? :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451940 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 09:19:06 +0000 blackbird 2451940@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did a cost analysis and discovered that we broke even, using both, after 12 months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451937 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 09:14:39 +0000 sleepybear 2451937@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I do both - typically I use cloth, but I used disposables when we travel, when DS is at the church nursery (2x/week), and when I forget to do laundry and run out of diapers. I've never really calculated how much I've spent on diapers to see if I saved money, but I'm sure we've at least broken even and I plan to reuse them for another baby.</p> <p>You can totally buy used, too - just strip and bleach the diapers when you get them. <a href="http://www.fluffloveuniversity.com/troubleshooting/solving-stinky-diaper-problems/how-to-strip-your-cloth-diapers/" rel="nofollow">http://www.fluffloveuniversity.com/troubleshooting/solving-stinky-diaper-problems/how-to-strip-your-cloth-diapers/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451934 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 08:58:33 +0000 MamaCate 2451934@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@stiletto_mom: I think most people who use cloth (at least that I know) do have disposables as back up. We are doing cloth now for baby #2 and have always kept some disposables in the house. Baby sleeps through the night so he is in one disposable a day. He is in cloth for outings and daycare and most of the regular time. We are going on a trip and will do disposables then (cross country flight). Plus he will be in disposables the day before because we will wash everything the day before we leave so no stinky diapers sit around until we get back.</p> <p>In terms of how many cloth, I have found 24 to be the perfect number for us. I have all BG 4.0s. We wash Tuesday/Friday/Sunday and this ensures we have enough clean and to send to daycare. LO usually needs to be changed about every 2 hours and is awake 12 hours or so during the day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451925 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 08:37:06 +0000 mrsrain 2451925@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did cloth for the first year but switched to disposables when I got pregnant again. I just couldn't deal with morning sickness and the required interaction with poop!</p> <p>With the new baby we'll use newborn disposables until the cord falls off and then cloth (unless traveling). I think one benefit to sticking with a specific method over mixing is that you find a good rhythm of doing things like laundry or shopping that might be trickier with mixing. BUT you can do whatever you want! :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers-why-not-have-both#post-2451923 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 08:36:15 +0000 Bao 2451923@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We do both. Cloth during the day. Disposable at night, if I don't feel like cloth while out and about or if she has a stomach bug...because no one wants to deal with that. </p>