Cloth Diapering 101 - Starting the Stash

The number one question - where do I start? Followed by, how much does this cost? And then, what about the poop? (We will deal with poop and washing next post - promise!)

Types

Now that you know the types of cloth diapers, is there a type that stands out to you? Is there a type that makes you think, "no way"? When I started, I expected to hate prefolds. I ended up buying some to use as burp cloths. On laundry day, I decided to fold one and pop it in a cover - and I was hooked. Prefolds became my go-to diaper.

So, here is what I recommend, try a couple different types of diapers. Once you have a real live baby. Different diapers fit different babies. A diaper that fits your baby one month, might fit weird when they have a growth spurt. You will have the exact same problem with disposables. So, don't commit like crazy to one diaper all at once. Read online reviews. Oh, and ask your friends what they like.

Trial

Some local and online diaper stores offer trial packs. These are fantastic. Or, you can buy a few new diapers to try out. Or look at consignment diapers at you local store. Or buy used off of Kijiji or Craigslist. 6-12 diapers is good for a trial.

How many? 

Shout out to Babes in Arms for this info.

Recommended diaper layette (2-3 days of diapering):

• 12-24 Pocket diapers with 24 inserts

or

• 24 AIOs 

or

• or 24 Fitted diapers with 6-10 covers in each size and 3-4 nighttime diapers 

or

• or 24 Flat/ Prefold diapers with 6-10 covers in each size and 2-4 snappis 

and

• 6-12 extra inserts/ doublers/ boosters
• 1 roll of disposable liners
• 24-36 washable wipes
• 1 diaper pail and 2 pail liners
• 1 wet bag (for on the go)

Cost

This is up to you. Different types, different brands have different costs. Expect to pay between $200 and $800 for brand-new diapers. I am going to list American online prices, since most of the people asking are ladies I've met online.

Prefolds, fitteds and covers: Prefolds cost about $20/ 6. Econobums kit of 3 covers and 12 prefolds and 1 wetbag sells for $50. Bummis kit of 24 prefolds, 6 covers, 3 rolls of liners, 5 fleece liners and 1 wet bag sells for $180. Covers can cost between $10-20. Motherease fitted costs $12. Other fitteds can be $8-20.

Pocket diapers: Sunbaby sells for a kit of 24 for just over $100. Charlie Banana sells for $22/ diaper. Applecheeks sells for $20/ diaper (the best pocket to me). BumGenius sells for $18/ diaper.

AIOs: Anywhere from $15-30/ diaper. BumGenius Freetimes are my all time favorite and retail for about $20. Omaiki cost about $30/ diaper. There are cheaper options too with Kawaii baby.

Where to buy?

I know this might sound preachy, but support your local businesses. These are often Moms with tons of experience who can give you face to face advise. Sure, you might pay a few bucks more per diaper, but you are keeping a family fed and you will save money by getting the right diaper for you.

If you want to shop online or don't have a local store, buy from authorized dealers. Ebay often sells knock-offs of the big brands. A few online options are: Cloth Diaper Sites, Diaper Junction (they also offer a trial kit), All About Cloth Diapers, and Diapers.com.