Hellobee Boards

Don't get sucked into buying all the diapers

@knittylady: I've been very pleased buying used diapers to help cut the costs when trying brands. Along that note, know that each diaper has pros and cons for the various types of uses and fits. Most often I think you get what you pay for though.

Don't be scared or think it's a lot of work. It's SO easy!

Do not spend a lot of money! There are a lot of accessories and fancy diapers, it's easy to get sucked in! I bought the bare minimum: 18 diapers for 2 kids, a few hemp inserts for doublers, 2 large wet bags, 1 smaller wet bag, and I made my own wipes. I bought detergent that we use for all our of clothes, and a cloth friendly diaper cream. That's it! Also, look for seconds or lightly used diapers, mine are all seconds from cotton babies.

Use liners after 6 months! Screw sprayers, heh.

If you can try a few things used or cheap try a few options. I feel like a lot of people love pocket diapers but I hate them. On the other hand, don't go over board either. We have a pretty simple stash and it's perfect. My husband avoids using the outliers in our stash because he prefers having all one type.

Liners are amazing after you start solids and cloth wipes are easy!

@Skadi: do you have any problems with mould or smells from the warmer? I'm thinking the smell when you leave towels in the wash overnight. With commercial wipes, there are chemicals and scents that prevent this (I think). FTM question. Also what type of warmer do you use?

@Astro Bee: We have this one: http://www.amazon.com/Prince-Lionheart-Ultimate-Wipes-Warmer/dp/B00008ODBG/

"Anti-microbial: Both the wipe warmer’s tub and the Ever-Fresh pillow are treated with an EPA approved additive to inhibit the growth of microorganisms that may cause spoilage, odors and mildew."

We've been cloth diapering for a year and we've never had a problem with either odd smells or molds. We fill the warmer up to full capacity, but that's only maybe 15 cloth wipes. We wash wipes and diapers twice a week. I soak the wipes with the hottest water I can get out of the tap before putting them in there, in the hopes that it will be less likely to be susceptible to mold, but I have no idea if that actually makes a difference.

@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?

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!

@Astro Bee: http://www.amazon.com/Prince-Lionheart-Ever-Fresh-Replacement-Ultimate/dp/B000K50780

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.

@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!

@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.

@MenagerieMama: ooh that makes sense. Thanks!

@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.

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.

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: http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/baby-wipes.html

@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.

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!

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.

Two things:
1. use liners
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.

@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.