hey CD savvy mamas! need your help with a few Qs

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I'm on the verge of purchasing my first lot of CDs and have a few Qs about products I'm seeing out there, especially stuff made by WAHMs (like on diaperswappers.com). If you know much about the following, please give your opinion on the question(s):

*Wipes material…flannel, terry, microfiber, velour, hemp? What works best? Which are the best value (quality for price)?

Wipes size? I'm seeing all different sizes made by WAHMies.

*What are fleece “shorties” or soakers…fleece covers? Seems like fleece would soak through, but maybe it doesn't.

*What are wool soakers? They look like a pull-on CD covers...are they leak-proof?

*My DD is 12 weeks...what size of PFs should I get? 9X13, 12X14? I thought PFs were pretty straightforward, but they have many sizes listed.

*I see that a lot of WAHMs make embellished PFs. Some are supercute and cost as much as $6 - $10 each. If you are putting a cover over them, doesn't that just cover up the cuteness? Am I missing something here?

*The PF scene is making me dizzy. What PF material is best? I know the whole "you gotta do what works for you", blah, blah, blah...but what has worked best for YOU?:
Organic velour?
Bamboo velour?
Organic Bamboo Velour? (all these look super-soft). OR...
Bamboo Terry?
Bamboo Fleece?
Organic Velour Sherpa?
Hemp/Fleece?
What's the absorbancy on all these?
Which ones can be used with a Snappi? Or not?

*And finally...Flats vs. CPF? What's the diff? I get that CPFs have that extra layer sewn in the middle...so why would one use flats? Any benefit I'm not seeing?

:dizzy: Thanks for any help!!!!

[alirebco]

I'm going to take a stab at this as best I can.

*Wipes material…flannel, terry, microfiber, velour, hemp? What works best? Which are the best value (quality for price)?

I personally like velour/terry combo wipes. The terry is nice because it grabs the poop best and velour is soft. Flannel is nice but too smooth in my opinion and it pills so it doesn't look nice. You don't want microfiber next to your baby's skin as it pulls the moisture away. I haven't seen any hemp wipes. I also use baby washcloths that I got at Target - the circo and gerber brand. They work great as well and are super cheap. I have a mixture of wipes.

Wipes size? I'm seeing all different sizes made by WAHMies.

I like the 8x8 size wipes.

*What are fleece “shorties” or soakers…fleece covers? Seems like fleece would soak through, but maybe it doesn't.

Some people use fleece as an overnight cover. It doesn't soak through, but it absorbs some of the liquid. I personally don't use it so maybe someone else can give you more info.

*What are wool soakers? They look like a pull-on CD covers...are they leak-proof?

Wool soakers can be used for day or night. We have a few at our house and love them. The great thing about wool is that it is breathable and you don't have to wash it all the time. Here's something I pulled off pinstripesandpolkadots.com:

Wool is a natural fiber that is superior for clothing than any synthetically created fiber.

Wool is a biological fiber that chemically reacts to meet varying environmental needs. Thus explaining how a fiber that insulates and maintains warmth in cool temperatures has the ability to provide cooling comfortableness during warm temperatures. Wool is an amazingly versatile natural fiber that repels moisture and yet also absorbs and evaporates moisture.

Properties of Wool
Creating a Superior Diaper Cover
Breathable
Antibacterial
Water-Repellent
Absorbs and Evaporates Moisture
Temperature Regulator
Doesn't Retain Odors
Dirt-Resistant
Fire retardant
Strong-Elastic Fibers
Resists Static Build-Up

*My DD is 12 weeks...what size of PFs should I get? 9X13, 12X14? I thought PFs were pretty straightforward, but they have many sizes listed.

We have some prefolds that are 13x15 and my son is almost 7 months. If you really want some great info about sizing and prefolds, check out greenmountaindiapers.com. Your daughter would probably fit great in the yellow edge.

*I see that a lot of WAHMs make embellished PFs. Some are supercute and cost as much as $6 - $10 each. If you are putting a cover over them, doesn't that just cover up the cuteness? Am I missing something here?

A lot of people let their kids go coverless around the house to help their skin breathe. This is a lot easier once the kid is crawling or walking. I personally don't have any embellished prefolds but I like simple.

*The PF scene is making me dizzy. What PF material is best? I know the whole "you gotta do what works for you", blah, blah, blah...but what has worked best for YOU?:
Organic velour? Don't use/haven't tried, needs pins
Bamboo velour? Don't use/haven't tried, needs pins
Organic Bamboo Velour? (all these look super-soft). Don't use/haven't tried, needs pins
Bamboo Terry? Use them and love them! Can use a snappi!
Bamboo Fleece? Don't use/haven't tried, needs pins
Organic Velour Sherpa? Don't use/haven't tried
Hemp/Fleece? Don't use/haven't tried
What's the absorbancy on all these?I think the bamboo terry and fleece are the most absorbent. I am not sure about the sherpa or hemp.
Which ones can be used with a Snappi? Or not? Only bamboo terry can be snappied out of the bamboo ones. Not sure about the others.

*And finally...Flats vs. CPF? What's the diff? I get that CPFs have that extra layer sewn in the middle...so why would one use flats? Any benefit I'm not seeing?

The precursor to Prefold diapers are Flat diapers. Flat diapers do not have a thicker center section but rather have the same thickness and number of layers throughout the entire diaper. Flats are the least inexpensive type of diaper available. Prefolds are generally preferred over Flats because Prefolds have more absorbency and fabric thickness (crucial to stopping powerful urine streams) right where you need it - in the middle.

A lot of people use flats b/c they are cheap and dry very easily. Plus one can use anything as a flat, such as a receiving blanket. The downside is that they require more folding.

I highly suggest you check out diaperpin.com and their FAQ section. Also greenmountaindiapers.com and pinstripesandpolkadots.com - they have a great basics section.


Also, I would just try the plain old cotton prefolds at first - they are cheap, easy to get and work well. You can then venture into some of the other fabrics, such as bamboo. It is very overwhelming!

[JBaxter]

*Wipes material…flannel, terry, microfiber, velour, hemp? What works best? Which are the best value (quality for price)?

I have a collection of different ones left from Nathan. My favorites were velour/sherpa but inreality anything works ( never used microfiber though) I even have those baby wash cloths tossed into the mix I just bough cheep because its for wiping off poo!

Wipes size? I'm seeing all different sizes made by WAHMies.

I want to say alot of mine are 8x8 ish but Some are different sizes ( LOL I always looked for 2nds they were cheeper)

*What are fleece “shorties” or soakers…fleece covers? Seems like fleece would soak through, but maybe it doesn't.

Certain kinds of fleece are water resistant WindPro worked the best for me but there are several kinds Check out www.thecalicobaby.com I LOVE her fleece covers
*What are wool soakers? They look like a pull-on CD covers...are they leak-proof?
I love my knitted soakers they really do work they take a little more care but are great ( and cute)

*My DD is 12 weeks...what size of PFs should I get? 9X13, 12X14? I thought PFs were pretty straightforward, but they have many sizes listed.

I would get Infant size prefolds I much perfer Indian cotton prefolds I think they are softer and more absorbant If you expect a tiny baby you may want to get a dozen preemie prefolds. You can use them later as doublers ( extra layer) when they get bigger and become super pee ers

*I see that a lot of WAHMs make embellished PFs. Some are supercute and cost as much as $6 - $10 each. If you are putting a cover over them, doesn't that just cover up the cuteness? Am I missing something here?

yup unless you are going coverless in the summer. I never bought embelished pf's or fitteds

*The PF scene is making me dizzy. What PF material is best? I know the whole "you gotta do what works for you", blah, blah, blah...but what has worked best for YOU?:
Organic velour?
Bamboo velour?
Organic Bamboo Velour? (all these look super-soft). OR...
Bamboo Terry?
Bamboo Fleece?
Organic Velour Sherpa?
Hemp/Fleece?
What's the absorbancy on all these?
Which ones can be used with a Snappi? Or not?


I am /was more of a fitted momma they just worked better for us but I love IPFs Indian Prefolds I never got into buying the other types I got my prefolds from granitesmith on ebay. Some of the others may be more absorbant but I cant say
I always used a snappy I thought itwas easier and quicker


*And finally...Flats vs. CPF? What's the diff? I get that CPFs have that extra layer sewn in the middle...so why would one use flats? Any benefit I'm not seeing?
Chinese prefolds do have serveral layers sewn int he middle but take a little longer to dry. The cotton is a little diffrent than on the indian prefolds
I prefer the unbleached .... no chemicals used to make them white and they hide minor staining better

I like bummis & thirsties covers.

check out diaperpin. com and diaperswappers. com also.
Like I said I prefer fitteds w/ a couple pocket diapers and or AIO's for going out and grandma/dad diaper changes. I have picked a lot up on the fsot forums.

[tylersmama]

We use plain old cotton CPFs with PUL covers during the day and wool soakers for night. DS is a heavy heavy wetter at night, so we recently made the switch to wool soakers, and it's been great. No more wet pj's!

I have never snappi'd until I got the wool soakers. With the PUL covers with velcro, you don't need to snappi unless you really need a super snug fit. I just lay them in the cover and use the velcro cover to hold it on. IMO, snappis are just an extra, kind of unnecessary step most of the time.

As for sizes, we had a service until DS was 7 months old, but when I started on my own at 7 months, I got premium prefolds and we are still using them, although I *just* bought toddler sized prefolds to help with our overnight heavy wetting and will probably start working those into daytime use gradually. You could probably go one size down from the premium (standard or regular, maybe?) and be set for several months. Just remember that it's better to start a little too big than get them too small!

[kijip]

*Wipes material…flannel, terry, microfiber, velour, hemp? What works best? Which are the best value (quality for price)?

We had flannel ones with our son. They were nice. This time, I am just going to use cut up cotton jersey sheets.

Wipes size? I'm seeing all different sizes made by WAHMies.

Never thought about it. I guess no smaller than 8 by 8 inches?

*What are fleece “shorties” or soakers…fleece covers? Seems like fleece would soak through, but maybe it doesn't.

It breathes. It is not as dry as PUL but it works well, not as well as wool IMO.

*What are wool soakers? They look like a pull-on CD covers...are they leak-proof?

Wool covers are good for nights or for kids who are sensitive to PUL or for mamas that want all natural fibers.

*My DD is 12 weeks...what size of PFs should I get? 9X13, 12X14? I thought PFs were pretty straightforward, but they have many sizes listed.

Check the prewashed size vs the washed size. If you are buying cotton ones brand new, you will wash them 3-10 times before using them the first time. They will shrink. I would use the Infant size for most 12 week olds, but if you have a big baby or don't mind extra bulk for now (till they grow into it) get the larger size, the regular prefolds. Washed infant PFs are 9 by 12 IIRC.

*I see that a lot of WAHMs make embellished PFs. Some are supercute and cost as much as $6 - $10 each. If you are putting a cover over them, doesn't that just cover up the cuteness? Am I missing something here?

Some buy them for pictures or for cover free time or just plain out of the awww, cute factor. You can skip them.

*The PF scene is making me dizzy. What PF material is best? I know the whole "you gotta do what works for you", blah, blah, blah...but what has worked best for YOU?:
Organic velour?
Bamboo velour?
Organic Bamboo Velour? (all these look super-soft). OR...
Bamboo Terry?
Bamboo Fleece?
Organic Velour Sherpa?
Hemp/Fleece?
What's the absorbancy on all these?
Which ones can be used with a Snappi? Or not?

Cotton! Hemp (I had babykicks with my son) started to stink after a bit. Cotton is cheap, cheap cheap and comes in conventional and organic varieties. I have a hard time justifying $8-12 a diaper when I can get a dozen tried and true cotton PFs for $24 a dozen brand new. Less if you buy used.

*And finally...Flats vs. CPF? What's the diff? I get that CPFs have that extra layer sewn in the middle...so why would one use flats? Any benefit I'm not seeing?

Flats are hardcore. :ROTFLMAO: Too hardcore for me. Prefolds are easier to use IMO. Flats date back to the days when people did not have dryers. PFs don't hang to dry quickly. Flats can line dry fast.

[MommyAllison]

*Wipes material…flannel, terry, microfiber, velour, hemp? What works best? Which are the best value (quality for price)?

I love velour/sherpa combo from www.hyenacart.com/smallwonderswipes they are $1/wipe for that combo. Flannel gets pilly and not so soft quickly, microfiber isn't good against baby's skin. I have some terry and microterry and they're fine too. My friend uses hemp and likes it.

Wipes size? I'm seeing all different sizes made by WAHMies.
I like 8x8

*What are fleece “shorties” or soakers…fleece covers? Seems like fleece would soak through, but maybe it doesn't.
There are two types of fleece used in diapering - you may have heard of fleece liners that wick moisture *away* from the baby's skin (usually used in prefolds). Then there is a different type of fleece used as a cover that holds moisture in, off their clothing/sheets/you. Some people love them - my DD was too heavy of a wetter for fleece - we got lots of compression wicking. It is cheaper than wool and more breathable than PUL - that's the appeal.

*What are wool soakers? They look like a pull-on CD covers...are they leak-proof?
Yep, they can be wraps (with snaps/velcro) or pull on. We love wool and use it almost exclusively.

*My DD is 12 weeks...what size of PFs should I get? 9X13, 12X14? I thought PFs were pretty straightforward, but they have many sizes listed.
My DS is the same age and wears infant sized Indian prefolds. He has a long rise, but I think they'll fit for a few more months, then we'll move into regular or premium Indian prefolds.

*I see that a lot of WAHMs make embellished PFs. Some are supercute and cost as much as $6 - $10 each. If you are putting a cover over them, doesn't that just cover up the cuteness? Am I missing something here?
Yeah the cuteness is usually covered. It is nice to let them go coverless so their little bums can breathe a bit, but most of the cuteness is just for your sake, so if you don't think it's worth it for you, skip it!

*The PF scene is making me dizzy. What PF material is best? I know the whole "you gotta do what works for you", blah, blah, blah...but what has worked best for YOU?:
Organic velour?
Bamboo velour?
Organic Bamboo Velour? (all these look super-soft). OR...
Bamboo Terry?
Bamboo Fleece?
Organic Velour Sherpa?
Hemp/Fleece?
What's the absorbancy on all these?
Which ones can be used with a Snappi? Or not?
We have some bamboo velour prefolds and though they are so soft, I never reach for them (they cannot be snappi'd). I prefer regular old Indian prefolds (so nice and soft!). Mine are all dyed to make them more fun to use. :)

*And finally...Flats vs. CPF? What's the diff? I get that CPFs have that extra layer sewn in the middle...so why would one use flats? Any benefit I'm not seeing?
Flats dry fast, you can fold them to have tons of absorbancy in one spot (like up front, for boys). They seem to be really popular again lately whereas a few years ago few people used them.