Cloth Diapers 202

[Special Edition Chelsea Perry Elemental]

Cloth Diapers. Honestly, I never thought I'd be "one of those moms", but I have grown to love them over the years. I wrote about them a little before here. This post is going to dive a little deeper into what, why, and how. I will also give you a list of essentials and answer FAQ.

What Cloth Diapers Do I Use?

I chose Bum Genius because: 

[1] they were the best selling

[2] they sold an option that adjusted to fit kids 7-35 lbs
[3] they came in cute colors

Bum Genius currently sells three types:

All in One 3.0 

These diapers [now] only come in velcro. However, these diapers don't adjust to fit all weights, so you have to buy small, medium, and large as your child grows. This is probably the most ideal to own, but expensive to purchase 12 in every size for every child. Probably more practical for that tiny newborn phase if you use cloth then. [were $15.95...currently on sale for $9.95]

Elemental
I have been using Bum Genius 3.0 One Size for 4 years [no longer making] and this year switched to the Elemental. Elementals only come in snaps. They also come in 12 organic colors, plus this new designer line [shown above]. I own them in blue, green, white and orange as well. Hopefully one day pink! [$24.95]

4.0 One Size
This is their best seller, and rightly so. It's the upgrade to the 3.0 I used for 4 years. If you want a great diaper and a good price, this would be my recommendation. I used velcro [also called hook&loop], but now favor the snap version. It's a personal preference. Velcro goes on faster than snapping, but over the longer term I believe snaps wear out less. Snaps are also harder for the babies to take off. You are getting one diaper that will last from the infant stage to toddler phase[7-35lbs]. [$17.95]

Why I personally like the Elemental over the 4.0's velcro:

[1] Although the velcro fastens quicker, over time the velcro has worn out [you can buy a repair kit for $1, but I don't sew].

[2] The snaps stay on better even though they are a little harder to put on with a wiggling  baby

[3] I didn't want to stuff diapers anymore, the Elemental doesn't have an insert pad to slip into the diaper [the double liner is attached]. It's not that big of a deal, I did it for years, but I like the new option.

[4] I personally think the Elementals are less bulky
[5] Organic, but I don't really care too much if it's organic cloth or not

Why do I use them?

I hope this post is helpful to those considering using cloth diapers. It's not for everyone, and although it's "green", it was a financial decision for us. We were spending nearly $100-$200 a month on diapers for multiple small children, so we paid for our new diapers in just 2 months of going cloth.

How do I use cloth diapers?

I personally wait a few months before I use them because that whole newborn phase is transitional enough for our family laundry. Around 4-6 months I feel like they poop less and it becomes more solid so it's easier and less diaper changes. If I was to use cloth the first few months I'd suggest getting something more size specific, but again, it's a personal preference, I certainty know people who take the time to fold down the snaps to fit a smaller baby.

Both 4.0 & Elemental [regardless if they are a waist snap or a waist velcro] have snaps that adjust to fit babies 7-35 lbs. [Shown Above] However, I've found that if I wait till they are 4-6 months I don't have to adjust the size at all, but just tighten the waist as an infant and loosen it as they grow into a toddler. My kids have worn them until about 35 lbs [3 years old] and then indeed they are busting out of them. Time to potty train!

How often do you change them?

I change my diapers every 3-5 hours, leaning close to 4 most often. They rarely if ever leak and don't smell. They are a little more bulky than disposables so you have to be mindful when buying your kids clothes. I suggest a size up for pants or onesizes.

Do you ever use disposables?

I also feel no guilt about "hybriding it", meaning I might use cloth all day and then use a disposable at night, or outing, or for a babysitter, etc. I keep both around depending on my mood, but generally enjoy the cloth for saving money purposes. There is no rule that says you have to use them 100% of the time.

Why do you buy from cottonbabies.com?

I have been shopping with them for years and enjoy that they offer free shipping and competitive prices! They sell several types of cloth diapers, but I've always used BumGenius and been very happy. They also sell lots of natural products we enjoy.

Cloth Diaper Essentials:

[1] 12 diapers per child

The theory is 6 diapers a day per child, washing after two days. This does help with stains. I usually wash every 2-4 days. Again, that is the goal, but they can be expensive so I recommend buying just one or two and start supplementing them for nap or bedtime. Ask for them as presents and look out for deals. Slowly grow your stash overtime if you can't afford to buy them all at once. Sometimes cottonbabies.com offers a "seconds" sale so I recommend you use get on their email list and follow them on facebook. I've never personally bought off ebay or craigslist, but I know people who have successfully.

[2] Diaper Pail

I own this, but it doesn't fit enough diapers for several children like I have, so I am currently using a trashcan and lid in the laundry room. I would like to invest in something like this. I haven't noticed an odor as long as I wash often and keep the lid on. You're going to laugh, but my current lid is a cardboard box top because I can't find my trashcan lid, ha.

[3] Pail Liner
I bought this and love it. I just throw it in with the diapers and it's cheaper than using trash bags like I did for years. Also, it doesn't leak or smell.

[4] Diaper Sprayer

If it's a solid poop just dump in the toilet and throw diaper in the pail. However, use the sprayer to make the messy poops bearable. You simply attach and clean your diaper in the toilet.

Tip #1: always keep your mouth shut

Tip #2: lay the diaper in the toilet base, not the water

Tip #3: don't spray the water too, spray only the poop on the diaper, spraying the diaper and water will cause lots of spraying in which case refer to rule #1

Tip #4: if you want, squeeze out and wrap up to carry to diaper pail

Tip #5: obviously wash-your-hands

[5] Wet Bag

I use this in my diaper bag for outings. It's an easy and clean way to tote back a wet or dirty diaper. You can also use these if you have wet clothes or swimsuits, etc.

Questions:

I know you may have lots of questions, I'm going to refer you to Cottonbabies FAQ, but please feel free to ask me any additional personal questions regarding cloth diaper use that you can't find the answer to on there.

I do follow their instructions for washing and have used this list in the past to purchase my laundry detergent. I use to use Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free [no scent] soap before we got an HE washer and now I anything HE & free.

It is a lot to learn, spend, and wrap your mind around, but I'd guess if you'd give it a try you'd enjoy saving all the money you do. Don't forget...they-are-cute-on!