Hellobee Boards

Following this thread too, since we're hoping to cloth diaper!!

I've found the below posts to be really helpful. Can't wait to see what others share about their experiences!

http://www.hellobee.com/2011/11/09/cloth-diapering/
http://www.hellobee.com/2011/11/30/washing-cloth-diapers/
http://www.hellobee.com/2011/12/06/cloth-diaper-update-and-potty-pail-review/
http://ohapostrophe.blogspot.com/2013/10/cloth-diapering-second-child.html

(1) What's your favorite brand/style & why?

We use BG4.0 pocket diapers. It's our favorite because other than trying prefolds with covers and newborn rentals it's the only thing we have.

(2) Tips for building up a diaper stash as inexpensively as possible?

I think there are two ways of going about building a stash. Either you buy one of each style that you think you like and test them once your LO is here or you dive in and buy all of one type and search for coupons or buy used. We decided on 4.0s because I was tired of researching and they seem to be the most reviewed and liked overall. So the risk was low in buying them all. I used $5 coupons at Buy Buy Baby and bought one at a time whenever I had a coupon which saved a good amount.

(3) What are your "Absolute Must Have" accessories?

Wet bags. Small for when we are out and large for home. Two of each. And now that we are feeding solids we use liners for the poopy dipes.

(4) How long/through how many kids do you think the average CD lasts?

We are probably 1 and done so as long as they last for him I'm good to go.

(5) Best resources/blogs/websites for learning about cloth diapering, using them, cleaning them, etc?

I used hello bee and links from here.

ETA: we did a newborn rental which was a waste of money for us just because he grew out of them in a couple weeks. But it's an option if you want to buy a one size diaper and are worried about the fit early on.

(1) What's your favorite brand/style & why? BG 4.0's! I used organic cotton prefolds with thirsties covers for #1 (and for a short time with #2) and while I prefer the natural fibers in theory they just did not work for my sensitive skin kids. Plus the prefolds/covers were increasingly challenging to get on wiggly babies/toddlers. I switched to BG 4.0's with snaps (and was easily able to sell my prefolds/covers for good money!) and they are fantastic, very user friendly. I did have a stink issue but then found out that BG recommends using a bleach rinse 1x/month and after I did that I had zero problems.

(2) Tips for building up a diaper stash as inexpensively as possible? Cotton babies seconds sales! So much cheaper than new and I could never find any flaws compared to the couple I bought new. They also have sales, buy 4 get one free etc. I agree with @sarah.clarisse, some people buy 1-2 of a couple different brands but I prefer to only work with one system. It makes the laundry much easier too!

(3) What are your "Absolute Must Have" accessories? Don't get drawn into all the accessories, it can really drive up your costs! I use a basic flip-top trash can from Target and 2 large wet-bags. I have 2 smaller wet-bags for the diaper bag (they are also great for wet bathing suits!). I made my own cloth wipes, I don't use a wipes solution, just plain water. I use Earth Mama Angel Baby diaper cream, I am on my second container in almost 4 years of using CD. I bought some liners but don't use them very often so I would wait to get those until you think you really need them. I use Allen's Naturally for laundry detergent, I ended up using it for all of our laundry.

(4) How long/through how many kids do you think the average CD lasts? I have 18 BG 4.0's for 2 kids and I do wash about every 2-3 days. We have used these for 2 years and they are still doing great.

(5) Best resources/blogs/websites for learning about cloth diapering, using them, cleaning them, etc?
There are some really good posts here on HB. Otherwise I email Cotton Babies for specific product and laundry questions. We have a local store that has cloth diapering workshops, it was extremely helpful when I was just starting to research CD and I also call them for questions. I stay away from FB and other group forums, I have seen a lot of misinformation out there.

(1) What's your favorite brand/style & why?
All in ones, they are just like a disposable. We love bum genius freetimes
(2) Tips for building up a diaper stash as inexpensively as possible?
I bought mine all in very good condition used. I spent less than $300 on my stash and we've cloth diapered with AIO's since 4 weeks.
(3) What are your "Absolute Must Have" accessories?
Now that we are in solids I love my diaper sprayer. Also good wet bags make life so much easier.
(4) How long/through how many kids do you think the average CD lasts?
Like I said I've got diapers that have already been through a kid before I used them on mine and they're still great, they are not pristine white anymore but they are a diaper and the sun takes them back to bright white easily
(5) Best resources/blogs/websites for learning about cloth diapering, using them, cleaning them, etc?
I love Oh Apostrophe's post when we started: http://ohapostrophe.blogspot.com/p/cloth-diapers
Also cotton babies blog/facebook is a great resource