Hello,
My name is bwings and I started with the basics.
When it comes to cloth diapers I am a first time user and didn't want to throw a bunch of money into something I wasn't sure I'd be able to do. Although pretty certain, it's still an investment. So I started with the basic of all cloth diapers, the prefold cloth diaper. What is a prefold and what are the other types? I thought you'd never ask...I suppose you didn't ask. Nevertheless I will tell you.
I had a rather flustered mother hippie respond to my previous post on cloth diapers.
Dear Hippie Mom,
I am coming at you with flaming torches held high lol. I agree that cloth diapers are better but more of a pain in my trying to be green A**. With daughter one I did disposable until training began. Pull-ups were easier for quick trips and my cloth diapers have the pins. With daughter 2 i am using disposable for now but will go back to cloth once i am settled into the new house and unpack. Disposable really hurts the wallet but you get extra hours due to absorbency. I agree this is one of those things that there is no right answer when you weigh the pros and cons of environment vs mommy hours!!!
Yours Truly,
Happy Hippie :)
P.s A shout out to the Beast, from the Monster!
Well, Happy Hippie, glad to see you are still with us. How did your microwave hunt go? I hope my microwave findings were helpful, since then I have been considering trying out stovetop popping with a pan for the first time. Stay tuned, I hear it's quite difficult so should likely result in another attempt at cleaning a burnt pan with baking soda, but I digress.
I agree, in some cases they can certainly be more of a pain. I think, however, this depends on what type of diaper you are using. For instance, I am currently utilizing the basic prefold (sounds like you are using the same) and while it's delightful for her when she goes in the potty, it's a pain for both of us when she has an accident. It's absorbency level is lower than a dollar store disposable and it doesn't come fitted or with attaching pieces to hold it up. This was my own doing though, I could have purchased the higher end models but they were an investment and I am cheap and poor.
I imagine having two children you likely know of some, if not most, of the other varieties but just in case I'll go into more detail.
For types there are:
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| The flats |
- Flats - one-layered diaper, generally 100% cotton gauze, can be used as a doubler or stuffer for pocket diapers. Absorbent, economical, easy to clean, fast to dry. Flat & Prefold are least expensive choice $15-$20 per dozen but you get what you pay for as it's a 3 piece diapering system (Diaper, Cover, Fastener) they are more challenging to fold and pin.
- Prefolds - Similar to flats but with multiple layers with focus in layering the middle. Referred to as 2x6x2's, 4x6x4's, 4x8x4's etc. The numbers is of course the layers side,middle,side. Come in variety of sizes, come in bleached (BCPF) or unbleached (UBCPF). Need to be pinned, don't come with cover. Hemp prefolds are more absorbent but also more expensive. Store easily, dry quickly, less pieces for wear and tear. Again Flat & Prefold are least expensive choice $15-$20 per dozen. But you get what you pay for as it's a 3 piece diapering system (Diaper, Cover, Pin/Snap) Can be used as a doubler or stuffer for pocket diapers.
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| Prefolds |
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| Fitted |
- Fitted - Have elastic at legs and back, resemble disposable diaper, requires a cover. Often come with fasteners, easy to use, babysitters have little problem, range in price from $10-$20 each.
- Pocket - Has layer of fleece/PUL (Polyurethane laminate) with opening in back to stuff with a doubler/stuffer/prefold or some use handtowels. This way you can decide the absorbency level. Less bulky depending on stuffing. Can come with cover, outer layer is often waterproof.
- AIO's - Absorbent diaper with cover all in one just like disposable, easy to use. SUPER EASY for babysitters! Harder to clean, takes longer to dry and they are the expensive option. Most start at $18 a piece but again, you get what you pay for.
- AI2 - Has everything of an AIO and the absorbent material can be removed making cleaning and drying faster. Easy to use and stuffer can be replaced. More expensive.
- Doublers & Liners - Used to improve absorbency to diapers. Best in cases of naptime or overnight.
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| AIO (All In One) |
I purchased the Pre-fold variety with intentions of taking them for a test run and then seeing if I couldn't modify them. I can easily see myself sewing them, adding elastics if need be and just generally making them more easy to use. For now, my clever self, I simply take those cute diapers covers that you are supposed to use under a dress and stuff it with the prefold. Lazy or creative you be the judge. It works for this hippie mom. Of course if she has an accident it means the whole shebang needs to be washed. But that's the joy of potty training isn't it?
If none of the above works for you and you still hate disposable diapers too you could always go diaper free. There are hoards of parents out there who have potty trained their child by the age of two or three months. If you ask me this is more a case of the infant training the parents as the child is certainly not capable of carrying themselves to the potty. However, I'm sure if it works for them it's certainly better for the environment. No diapers has to be a positive result of early training.
Hope your diapering becomes easier for you, Happy Hippie, and if not, may your first daughter soon be completely potty trained and then you'll only have on set of diapers to contend with. :)
Have a good weekend!
Your friendly neighborhood hippie mom.
P.S. The beast says a chipper "hi" to the monster. Followed by a "mommy, dat ball!" and footsteps off down the hall.
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