Help me get motivated!

[tylersmama]

So my mom gave me the extremely generous gift of 6 months of diaper service for my baby shower, which will run out at the end of January. I know I want to continue CDing, but want to save some money too, so I'm trying to get motivated to ditch the service and do it on my own. What do I need to get to do this on my own? Here's what I'm thinking of, what am I missing?

I already have 4 or 5 medium diaper covers (Bumpys) that I thought DS would have grown into by now but hasn't (the service only provides newborn and small covers, then you have to get your own). So I would probably need a couple of small covers until he fits the mediums better.

Diapers (of course). All I've used is prefolds from the service and I'm a little intimidated by all the other choices out there, so I'm thinking that I'll stick with prefolds. Maybe 2 dozen prefolds, or should I get three? We've been in regular size prefolds from the service for a few months now, but he's a pretty heavy wetter, so should I get premium?

Diaper Pail

Wet Bag for diaper pail (already have one for the diaper bag)

Deo-disks

Laundry soap? What kind of soap/detergent should I get? Are there any special things that I need to wash the diapers?

Once I get the diapers, is there anything I need to do to prep them before using? And how do I wash them? I have a front-loader and all the directions that I've seen have been for top-loaders.

Please help, I'm a little overwhelmed by all of this. I know it won't be that bad once I get going, but I just need a little kick in the pants! :)

[MommyAllison]

I am far from an expert on prefolds but will help with what I can! Hopefully I can bump this up so others chime in, too.

How many prefolds do you go through in a week? How often are you planning to wash? That should give you an idea of how many to buy. We use fitteds and some pockets and a couple of prefolds and wash every other day-every third day, depending on how crazy life is. :) That gives me a full washer (we also use cloth wipes, and there is a wetbag or two in there as well). We use a top-loader, so can't help you there. I think Eileen has a front loader? Someone does, anyway :) As far as size, can you get a premium from the service to see if it fits ok?

As for what soap/detergent to use, it is the eternal question of CDing :) We use Tide, and it works for us. Most people find that free and clear detergents cause buildup with time - others don't have a problem. Charlie's Soap is popular but recently had some bad publicity - I don't remember the specifics.

I would buy two wet bags for the diaper pail, so that one can be in the wash, one in the pail. Not absolutely necessary, but very nice :)

We haven't needed any deodorizers in the diaper pail (deo disks, citrus circles, etc) so thats probably personal preference.

I would buy a mini shower if you can - it makes CDing soooo nice and easy - and rather fun :)

If you buy unbleached prefolds, I know they need to be washed several times (5ish? don't know for sure) to get rid of the natural oils, which will repel wetness. Not sure about bleached prefolds.

Have you read the Cloth Diapering 101 and the Wash Routine Thread recently? I *think* it might have answers to some of your questions.

Allison
Mama to DD 11/05

[KrisM]

I'm a prefold user and have been for 2.5 years. We've occassionally used other types, but I really prefer prefolds. We do pockets at night though.

I like to wash every 3rd day. When DS was 6 months, he was in regulars and I had 21 of them. That was just enough to get through between washings. We didn't use them at night, either. Since prefolds aren't too pricey, maybe get 2 dozen regulars and 2 dozen premiums?

I agree about 2 bags for the pail. I've also never needed deo disks.

I use Tide with no problems. Read through the washing thread to get an idea of how much detergent to use. It'll change based on your water hardness. I know there are people with FLs who posted in there.

I don't use a mini-sprayer, but do use flushable liners. Love those. I would get some, even if you get the sprayer, for outings. If you have a poopy diaper at the mall, you can just dump and flush the liner. So easy.

Do you have wipes? Sherpa/Velour are really nice! I'd probably add 3 dozen to your list.

It's not bad once you get in a routine. I will say I am glad to only be washing 1 set of diapers these days. Two was getting hard.

Good luck.

[tylersmama]

Thanks to both of you for your responses. Things are pretty crazy right now, but once the holidays are over, I think I'll be putting in a pretty big order, since our service will be up at the end of January.

It's kind of weird, but we've been using both regular and premium prefolds, since for some reason they're mixed together through the service. I didn't even realize the difference until I started doing some research and found out that the stitching color is different. I try to pull out the premiums to use for overnight (DS usually sleeps 12 hours, so he's REALLY wet by the morning), and most of the time it seems like the regulars are fine during the day.

I'm glad you both mentioned two wet bags...that wouldn't have even occurred to me until I needed it! And the wipes are a great idea. I may hold off for now, since we just bought a case at Costco, but definitely a good thought for the future!

[mudder17]

Gaye, first off, you can do this!!! :)

Kris and Allison basically hit all the major points and I agree with them. The only thing you did not mention you may already be using. Are you using snappi's or pins? If you're using pins, you may want to check out the snappi's, just because they make changing a wiggly baby a bit easier. Also, how big is your pail? Is it big enough that one load would fit in there? If not, then you may need another pail. Otherwise, you're all set.

Good luck! You really can do this! :)


Eileen

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33734.gif 33 months...

http://www.tickercentral.com/view/6wrn/1.png

http://www.tickercentral.com/view/6wrn/2.png

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33732.gif for Leah

[tylersmama]

I don't use either pins or snappis right now, just fold the prefold and use the cover to hold it on. Should I get some snappis? What is the reason for using either snappis or pins?

The diaper pail that I'm looking at is the same one that the service provides, so it will hold a full week's worth of diapers, although we probably won't go that long without washing.

Thanks for the encouragement! I really appreciate it! :)

[mudder17]

Ah, okay. If the folding the prefold in the cover has been working for you this far, then it's probably a good way to go. The only thing is that you'll probably want more covers, since a snappi will keep in leaky poop a little better than just folding in the prefold.


Eileen

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33734.gif 33 months...

http://www.tickercentral.com/view/6wrn/1.png

http://www.tickercentral.com/view/6wrn/2.png

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33732.gif for Leah