Let's talk cloth diapers

So, we all know that I am not pregnant. But I will be. And I like to be prepared.

I decided to cloth diaper some time ago, after plenty of research. The benefits are huge. Much cheaper, better for the environment, better for baby's skin, and so cute! The options are overwhelming, but I decided on a combination of fitteds with covers and all-in-ones.

Fitteds look a lot like disposable diapers. They come in different sizes, or one size that is adjustable. They can be made from many materials, including cotton, hemp, poly blends (no thanks!) and bamboo. They absorb, but are not waterproof. They have to be covered with a waterproof cover. You can make them more versatile by adding inserts for overnight use or heavy wetters.

A typical stash is at least 24 diapers and 6 covers, since you don't need to change the cover each time.

All-in-ones are covers that are pre-stuffed with the absorbent materials. They are easy to use because the whole diaper comes off and is replaced with a new one. The only downside is that they are whole lot more expensive and they take a long time to dry.

Washing is not that big of a deal in my opinion. You do laundry every 2 days or so, and drying them in the sun bleaches out stains naturally. Breast milk poo is water soluble so there is no pre-rinsing required. Later on, you can use flushable liners to contain the mess.

I have started to build my stash of cloth diapers. There are great used diapers available out there for way cheaper than they are when new. Most have only been used for a short period and are very clean. Sellers display the insides as well as outsides when listing them for sale. I am buying only gender-neutral colors because I hope to use them for two children.

So far I have ordered the following:

6 small Swaddlebees covers, 2 each in white, blue, and orange/blue circles. These are normally $15.95 each, I got them all for $26. This should be enough for the newborn stage; they fit 8-16 lbs.

3 Goodmama fitteds in a horse print, rainbow stripes, and green and white stripes. I'm not sure why these are always in prints since they need covers, but they are darned cute! $37 for the three, they are normally $35 each, if you can get them. Which is insane for a fitted diaper, you can get brand new organic cotton for about $16 each. They fit 10 lbs and up.

5 BumGenius organic all-in-ones in green and yellow. These are the highest-end diapers out there, and are normally $24.95 each and I got all five for $89.50. Not a huge savings, but a good deal. I won't buy any more of these until I know that they work for my baby. Supposed to fit 7-35 lbs, but it's hard to imagine a tiny baby in these.

I also bought two regular BumGenius all-in-ones new, on sale for $15.95 for both plus $5 shipping. I plan to give them to my sister-in-law to try on my niece. I think she will like them, if not, I will take them back! They are medium (15-22 lbs) and Butternut.

So there you have it! I am well on my way and learning more all the time.