https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 10 May 2026 21:11:59 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding/page/2#post-2034486 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 19:20:31 +0000 Astro Bee 2034486@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well, our first cloth diapers arrived today (1 ea of BG 4.0, BG all-in-one, Thirsties pocket diaper) and I am so excited to start using them this spring. They are sooo adorable, esp the BG "Albert" pattern. We've decided to order one each of several different types to see what we (inc. LO) like the best - although we'll be sticking with all-in-ones/twos or pocket diapers - and then ordering the remainder in that type after a small trial period. Needless to say, I'll be taking your tips to heart. </p> <p>Does anyone else have any helpful advice? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding/page/2#post-2032370 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 12:00:32 +0000 Mrs. Twine 2032370@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: I never do spray them. Usually her poops aren't that messy. If they are, sometimes I'll stick them in the utility sink or toilet and swish them around to get off the chunks, but I pretty well never have to. We don't store them wet-- just wet them as soon as we need them and then they immediately go in a wet bag until we are ready to do laundry. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding/page/2#post-2032357 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 11:54:27 +0000 Skadi 2032357@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: 95% of the time, I don't spray the wipes. The very few times I thought I should rinse them before throwing them in the pail was when LO had diarrhea. I actually plopped them in the kitchen sink, sprayed it with hot water from the sprayer (I barley had to touch it), put in the pail, and then wiped down the sink with hot water and dish soap. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding/page/2#post-2032345 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 11:46:18 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2032345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Interesting. I will have to look into that for our area.</p> <p>@Mrs. Twine: That makes sense. I was reading that adding a little coconut oil helps prevent mold if you store them wet. I may give that a try...? Do you end up having to spray the wipes off before you wash them? I hadn't thought about that but it seems like that could get messy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding/page/2#post-2032114 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 09:45:31 +0000 Mrs. Twine 2032114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: For wipes--we use cloth wipes, and I just stick a couple in a bowl with some 175F water from our "water cooker" when I need them. That way they are warm, but I don't need a dedicated warmer. When we first started I had some baby wash soap bits that I would mix in with the water, but after a couple of times running out of solution and not having time to make more before changing the poop diaper, I discovered that water alone works perfectly well. Whatever your preference is, honestly. We've found cloth in general to be so much easier and less intimidating than we started out thinking it would be. I didn't do cloth with Ellie until she was just a few months from being in underwear, so in most ways I was a complete newbie when Lorelei came along. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding/page/2#post-2032070 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:57:41 +0000 looch 2032070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: The only thing that is supposed to go into the sewer system is waste and toilet paper. No tampons, no diaper liners, etc.</p> <p>The plumbing systems in a lot of older homes and cities (for that matter) can't handle all the extra stuff. It causes clogs and backups in the system. </p> <p>I am not sure if the rules are the same for septic, I've never lived in a house with a septic system. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding/page/2#post-2032066 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:55:32 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2032066@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: why no flushing? I hadn't heard that before </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding/page/2#post-2032064 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:54:55 +0000 Chillybear 2032064@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MenagerieMama: Using a liner is the best thing we started doing. We use the BG Freetimes and bummis Large liners and just kind of wrap them around the top insert. They're soft (they kind of feel like a used dryer sheet) and LO has had no irritation from them. We use them at every change but thats because LO likes to surprise us with her poops. I had to rinse a diaper in the toilet last night and thought to myself if i had to do this every time i would have quit CD months ago. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding/page/2#post-2032061 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:51:34 +0000 looch 2032061@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have two:</p> <p>1. Don't flush liners, not even the flushable ones.</p> <p>2. Know your water composition, you can get it tested for free if you have city water. They'll tell you if it's hard, soft, minerals, etc. If you have well water, I am pretty sure there is a kit you can buy to test it yourself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding/page/2#post-2032050 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:44:11 +0000 Chillybear 2032050@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: I bought about a 1/2 yard of white cotton jersey knit they i cut in 8'x8' squares I keep a spray bottle of water and a spray bottle of wipe solution (water, coconut oil, little bit of baby soap and a few drops of tea tree oil) Spray the wipe use it and toss it in the bin with the diapers. For messy poops i use disposable wipes just to get all the poop then use a cloth wipe to clean. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2032022 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:27:49 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2032022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MenagerieMama: if you use flushable liners you can just dump it straight into the toilet. I use liners sometimes but most of the time I forget. I just turn the diaper inside out and dunk it in the toilet bowl. Its not my fave (honestly its not any messier than changing a dirty diaper anyway) but way better than having to spray. We don't even have a sprayer. I just get most of it off and then it goes into the pail. When poops are more solid they just roll right off into the toilet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2031801 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 22:36:42 +0000 MenagerieMama 2031801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: tell me how you do this! I'm so afraid of real poops, haha. Do you use a liner everytime? Does it stay in place? Does it get gross and crunchy for your LO? What kind? I would love not to have to spray... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2031800 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 22:34:30 +0000 merriment 2031800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Two things:<br /> 1. use liners<br /> 2. just because you use cloth, doesn't mean you need to use cloth 100% of the time. LO was in cloth 95% of the time, but having paper diapers around (and not feeling guilty about using them) was really nice the other 5% of the time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2031779 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 22:04:48 +0000 littleblessings 2031779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: my DD was 26 months when I started and DS was 7 months at the time. Not too late. Lol.</p> <p>As for OP educate your partner on the care and use of the diapers. SO put a poop in my wet bag and never told me. It got gross. I made him wash them and the dork used fabric softener plus never took the bounce bar out of the dryer. lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2031583 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 19:21:01 +0000 sarac 2031583@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd say, don't stress about it. You really don't need to do the crazy 10 step washing process that you sometimes see suggested. You don't have to go all in, either - you can just try it at night, or just at home, or just a few days a week. Just give it a go, and see if you like it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2031533 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 18:46:46 +0000 caitlanc 2031533@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Heck yes to liners! We had to switch daycares for a few months when L was 15 months old and I totally fell off the CD bandwagon. There is NO WAY I would have gotten back on without liners to deal with toddler poop. We don't even have a sprayer.</p> <p>Also, it sounds like buying a couple of each type works well for lot of people but I didn't like it. I found myself avoiding the outliers as well. There might be a better option than BumGenius 4.0 for us but I don't care. They work for us and as a result, I use them so it's worth it to me to continue with those despite the cost.</p> <p>Also, SNAPS. We were gifted some lightly used velcro ones and they wore out fast. (Not the diaper itself, just the fasteners.) </p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030819 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 11:41:27 +0000 Astro Bee 2030819@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cole: Maybe that's the ticket, thanks for your input. I'm hoping DH will see the light, too. I really like your idea of backups. </p> <p>Still not sure if I want to go the warmer route or the spray bottle. The warmer that @Skadi recommended is only $20, so I guess I could try both options and see which one we (inc. baby) like. If it doesn't work out I see it as a relaxing tool for mommy. Lol! Does it get as warm as those hot towels on the airplane in business class? Haha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030781 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 11:24:26 +0000 Cole 2030781@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: I have a similar wipes routine, I put enough for one days worth of wipes in the container and wet it on the sink. I keep a spray bottle and dry wipes in the changing table for back up and a container of store bought wipes as extra back up. </p> <p>My husband initially wasn't on board either (no clue why) so I just started without him and left a pack of regular wipes there for him. He quickly changed his mind though and now strongly prefers cloth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030764 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 11:15:26 +0000 Veggiemama 2030764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: I keep cloth wipes and a spray bottle at the changing table in case I forget or need a few more like @MenagerieMama mentioned. </p> <p>I bought the concentrate and mix it with alcohol-free witch hazel, I will see if I can find the link. I am sure you could make your own, it's basically a bunch of essential oils or just use baby soap.</p> <p>ETA: I bought the concentrate from The Homestead Company but it looks like they don't make it anymore. Green Mountain Diapers has a few good options: <a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/baby-wipes.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/baby-wipes.html</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030725 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:59:14 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2030725@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@knittylady: my one piece of advice would be to make sure you use enough detergent when you wash, and that you use a detergent that will actually clean your diapers. A lot of people end up with repelling or stink issues, and those are usually the two main reasons! :) This guide is really helpful, and so is the group that @sorrycharlie: posted about! <a href="http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/resources/detergentsforclothdiapers" rel="nofollow">http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/resources/detergentsforclothdiapers</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030675 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:42:41 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2030675@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MenagerieMama: ooh that makes sense. Thanks! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030665 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:38:36 +0000 MenagerieMama 2030665@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: we use cloth wipes - but don't soak them. I have two little spray bottles, one with plain water and one with water with a little baby shampoo and oil (Burts Bees, what we use for baths) and then a stack of dry wipes. I spray the wipe and then wipe LO, DH just sprays LO and then wipes. Then it all goes in the wet bag! I love it and actually get annoyed with how soggy LO gets when we use disposable wipes! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030643 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:32:27 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2030643@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Veggiemama: So you have to wet them right before diaper changes? Do you ever get to the changing table and realize you forgot, and then have to redress baby because you don't have any wipes? This is my worry haha. Is the spray something you purchase or do you make your own? I think I have seen recipes to make it, but haven't really investigated. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030637 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:31:15 +0000 autumnlove 2030637@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Skadi: I have the same warmer! I wet the wipes and wring them out. We go through them very quickly so I have never noticed a smell or mold. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030629 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:28:51 +0000 Veggiemama 2030629@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: I keep our cloth wipes and an empty wipes container in the bathroom, when I need to use them I just put a few under running water and put them in the container. I also use a diaper spray concentrate that I either spray on LO's bottom (for gross poops) or on the wipes. So easy once you get in the routine! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030597 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:18:43 +0000 meredithNYC 2030597@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bao: I didn't start until 9 months! I was just too overwhelmed with the whole transition to parenthood before that. LO didn't potty train until about 30 months and now I have another baby on the way who will go into cloth after the newborn stage - so still worth it!</p> <p>@blackbird: YES to liners. Oh my God, after a couple of weeks of scraping poop I was DONE. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030573 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:11:06 +0000 Skadi 2030573@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Astro Bee: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prince-Lionheart-Ever-Fresh-Replacement-Ultimate/dp/B000K50780" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Prince-Lionheart-Ever-Fresh-Replacement-Ultimate/dp/B000K50780</a></p> <p>They sell refill pads at 2 for $10. The manual says to replace the pad every three to six months. However, we have never replaced the pad. It doesn't seem dingy, there's no sign of mold growth, so we just rinse it out really well under hot water once a week and keep reusing it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030554 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 10:06:51 +0000 Astro Bee 2030554@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Skadi: Thanks! That is one I looked at. It certainly seems easy enough. How expensive are the pillows, and how often do you replaces them?</p> <p>@Mrs. Lion: I've gotten DH on board with trying CD once LO is old enough to fit into the AIO/pocket diapers. He said that we should use commercial wipes, but I'm with you in that I'd prefer to be all one way or the other. Seems a waste of space otherwise. Maybe we can do a trial... ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030532 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 09:57:48 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2030532@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Skadi: So you just soak the wipes in hot water and then put them in the warmer? Or does the warmer have water in it too?</p> <p>I have wanted to do cloth wipes but 1. dh is not on board (which makes no sense to me whatsoever because I think it would be easier than needing a separate trash can for wipes...but I digress...) and 2. I can't find a practical way to do it. I would love to stop using disposable wipes with all the chemicals etc. And the cost! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-give-one-piece-of-advice-on-cding#post-2030523 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 09:54:35 +0000 blackbird 2030523@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlebug: Oh yeah this stuff is AWESOME. Also good for poop or puke on clothes. I love the clean smell, too </p>