So, one of my biggest questions when I first started cloth diapering was ... What do I need? As in, how many diapers?
I've been doing this for a few months now, and I've learned that the answer (just like everything in law) is ... it depends. That is, it depends on two things: (1) how many diaper changes does your baby have each day, and (2) how often do you want to do laundry?
The general consensus is that cloth diapers should be washed every other day. That necessitates having 2 1/2 to 3 days worth of diapers to make sure that you have enough to get you through laundry day. However, if you don't mind doing diaper laundry every day, you obviously can get by with fewer diapers -- 1 1/2 to 2 days worth.
The other controlling factor is how many diaper changes your baby has each day. Cloth diapers generally have to be changed every 2-3 hours with an 8-10 hour stretch at night (really all diapers, disposable or cloth, need to be changed that often, some people just don't). For a newborn, that usually means 12-15 diaper changes per day, while for a toddler, you're probably looking at 6-7 diaper changes per day.
One thing to remember -- If you're planning to use a different type of diaper for overnight (i.e. fitted v. pocket, or an extra-absorbant insert, like bamboo or hemp), you'll want to have at least three overnight diapers.
So, bottom line: If you have a newborn, you'll ultimately want about 40-50 diapers in order to do diaper laundry every other day. For a toddler, you'll need about 20 diapers for the same laundry schedule. I know 40-50 diapers sounds daunting, but don't worry -- cloth diapers are so darn cute that they're sort of addictive. I had planned to get to about 20 diapers and then stop. I now own 49 cloth diapers. If you make the plunge, you'll be addicted too!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Snap Conversions
As the experienced cloth-diapering moms out there are aware, Bumgenius recently discontinued their 3.0 line, and announced the new 4.0s. One of the major developments with the new line: snaps. As a snap-loving mom, I was really excited about this new development. My biggest gripe with the Bumgenius 3.0s was definitely the lack of a snap options.
Now some of you may be asking, "What's the big deal with snaps?" I imagine that the answer differs for every mom, but for me it's the simple fact that my son has now learned how to unfasten the velcro on his diapers. Cute as his little bum is when he runs around naked, I would much prefer the nakedness to occur when I deem it appropriate, rather than whenever he feels like it.
The problem I was left with, though, is that I had a whole stash of Bumgenius 3.0s with velcro. I wasn't about to replace my entire 3.0 stash with the new 4.0s with snaps -- I'm not made of money after all! I found instructions on how to do a snap conversion myself, but even that estimated that it would take about an hour per diaper. I had 11 diapers to convert! As a lawyer, I know my hourly rate, and I can tell you that it just wasn't worth it. Luckily, I found this great WAHM-business that would convert my velcro Bumgenius 3.0 diapers to snaps. For a fraction of what it would have cost me to purchase the 4.0s, I was able to ship all my 3.0 diapers off to Utah, have them converted to snaps, and then a couple of weeks later the converted diapers showed up on my doorstep.
She did a great job with the conversion, and I now have the benefits of the new Bumgenius 4.0s with snaps without the price tag! I've been really happy with my converted diapers, so if anyone out there is ready to toss in their 3.0s for 4.0s because of the snap issue, consider saving yourself some bucks, support a work-at-home-mom, and try Convert My Diapers.
Now some of you may be asking, "What's the big deal with snaps?" I imagine that the answer differs for every mom, but for me it's the simple fact that my son has now learned how to unfasten the velcro on his diapers. Cute as his little bum is when he runs around naked, I would much prefer the nakedness to occur when I deem it appropriate, rather than whenever he feels like it.
The problem I was left with, though, is that I had a whole stash of Bumgenius 3.0s with velcro. I wasn't about to replace my entire 3.0 stash with the new 4.0s with snaps -- I'm not made of money after all! I found instructions on how to do a snap conversion myself, but even that estimated that it would take about an hour per diaper. I had 11 diapers to convert! As a lawyer, I know my hourly rate, and I can tell you that it just wasn't worth it. Luckily, I found this great WAHM-business that would convert my velcro Bumgenius 3.0 diapers to snaps. For a fraction of what it would have cost me to purchase the 4.0s, I was able to ship all my 3.0 diapers off to Utah, have them converted to snaps, and then a couple of weeks later the converted diapers showed up on my doorstep.
She did a great job with the conversion, and I now have the benefits of the new Bumgenius 4.0s with snaps without the price tag! I've been really happy with my converted diapers, so if anyone out there is ready to toss in their 3.0s for 4.0s because of the snap issue, consider saving yourself some bucks, support a work-at-home-mom, and try Convert My Diapers.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Cloth Diaper Question: What does it all mean?
When I started cloth diapering a few months ago, I was overwhelmed by all of the different terms and different types of diapers. Unfortunately, I think some parents who may be considering cloth diapers are turned off because they can't figure out all the lingo! Although cloth diapering is really easy and sensible once you sort out all the different types of diapers, I acknowledge that it can take quite awhile to get there. When I first decided to cloth diaper, I had to e-mail a cloth-diapering friend to get some guidance and make sense of all the mumbo jumbo.
In an attempt to ward off the confusion for anyone else out there who might be considering cloth diapering, here is my attempt to decipher the world of cloth diapers:
Types of Cloth Diapers
Generally there are five main types of cloth diapers these days. They are (1) Pockets, (2) All-in-Ones, (3) All-in-Twos, (4) Fitteds, and (5) Prefolds.
Pockets
These are my favorite type of diaper. Pocket diapers consist of a diaper "shell" which has a waterproof outer layer with a soft interior lining and an absorbant "insert." The shell has an interior pocket into which you stuff the absorbant insert, hence the name.
Examples: Bumgenius 4.0, Fuzzi Bunz.
All-in-Ones
All-in-ones are exactly that -- all in one. These diapers contain the absorbant layer and the waterproof outer layer all wrapped up in a single diaper. They go on and off just like a disposable diaper -- no inserts and nothing to stuff. These are without a doubt the easiest type of cloth diapers to use. Some all-in-one diapers do come with an interior pocket in which you can stuff an insert for extra absorbancy. Bumgenius is a prime example of this -- many of their all-in-ones have an optional pocket.
Examples: Bumgenius all-in-ones, Bummis all-in-one.
All-in-Twos
These diapers are similar to pocket diapers in that they consist of two parts -- an outer shell and then an absorbant piece. Unlike pockets, however, these diapers don't have to be stuffed. They usually have an absorbant piece that snaps on to the shell.
Example: GroVia diaper system.
Fitteds
Fitted diapers are basically fancy old-fashioned cloth diapers. They have no waterproof layer, but are just the absorbant layer fashioned and sewn in such a way that they go on easily like a disposable diaper. Fitted diapers require a diaper cover if you want to avoid soaked clothing. Although a traditional fitted doesn't have a pocket, like an all-in-one, some fitteds also come with a pocket if you want the option of using an insert for extra absorbancy.
Examples: Thirsties Fab Fitteds, Happy Hempys.
Prefolds
Prefolds are cloth diapers like our mothers used 30 years ago. They are simply multiple layers of cloth (cotton, bamboo, or hemp) all sewn together. Most moms have a few packages of prefolds around the house because we tend to use them as burp clothes. These are the only modern cloth diapers that have to be fastened with an external fastener, such as pins. Prefolds can also be tri-folded and used as an insert for pocket diapers.
Technically, a sixth kind of diaper is a "flat," which is just a flat piece of cloth. These can be used like a prefold, but with all the other options out there, the chances that you'd do so are minimal.
Fastenings
Cloth diapers have four different types of fastenings: (1) hook and loop, (2) snaps, (3) pins, and (4) Snappis.
Hook and Loop: Also known as Velcro or aplix. Hook and loop or aplix are the non-trademarked names for these closures. Velcro is simply a specific trade name for a type of hook and loop closure.
Snaps: Pretty self-explanatory. Many diapers have tight snap closures. In general, it's half-and-half as to whether diapers use hook and loop or snap closures. Neither is better -- it's completely a matter of personal preference. Me, I like snaps.
Pins: Very few diapers use pins. The only time you'd use pins is if you were using a prefold as a diaper. And even then, there are Snappi fasteners, a non-pin fastener for prefolds.
Snappi fasteners: A plastic t-shaped device with a grip on each end. Once you have a pre-fold on your baby, the Snappi fastener holds all the pieces together, sans pins. I've never used just a straight prefold on Jake, so I've never had the opportunity to use these fasteners.
Inserts
All pocket diapers use inserts -- an absorbant layer that is stuffed in the interior pocket of the diaper. Some fitted diapers and all-in-one diapers also have a pocket into which you can stuff an insert for extra absorbancy. Inserts generally come in one or a combination of the following fabrics:
Cotton
Bamboo (4 times as absorbant as cotton)
Hemp (7 times as absorbant as cotton)
Glossary
Here's a glossary of some terms that come up frequently when researching and shopping for cloth diapers:
AIO: All-in-One
AI2: All-in-Two
BF: Breastfed
Bg: Bumgenius
CD: Cloth diaper
Doubler: A small insert that is used to "double" the absorbancy of the diaper. These are often used as the main insert in a newborn's diaper.
FB: Fuzzi Bunz
HH: Happy Heinies
Hybrid: Another way to refer to an all-in-two diaper.
PUL: Polyurethane Laminate. This is a waterproof material often used in the waterproof layer of cloth diapers and diaper covers.
WAHM: Work at Home Mom -- referring to diapers made by a mom. I had to look this up when I first saw it because I kept Googling "WAHM" and naturally, nothing came up.
Wahmmies: See above. Cloth diapers made at home by a mom.
Wet/Dry bag: A bag for storing your cloth diapers. These have a large compartment that is lined in a waterproof material (like PUL), and then a front unlined pocket for storing clean, dry diapers. I have a large one for holding diapers at home and a small one that we use as a diaper bag.
Common Brands
There are tons of different kinds of cloth diapers out there. However, there do seem to be certain brands that are more popular than others. Here are some of the more popular brands I see, and my favorites as well:
Bumgenius: Made by Cotton Babies, this is probably the most popular brand of cloth diaper. The Bumgenius 3.0 was probably the best-selling pocket cloth diaper until it was discontinued a couple of weeks ago. Bumgenius announced its new Bumgenius 4.0 pocket diaper to take the place of the 3.0. Bumgenius also does an all-in-one diaper, and an organic version of both. The Bumgenius 3.0 happens to be my favorite cloth diaper.
Fuzzi Bunz: Also a great cloth diapering company. Fuzzi Bunz makes a very popular one-size pocket diaper, which is probably my second-favorite diaper after the Bumgenius. Fuzzi Bunz also makes a sized pocket diaper. They don't make an all-in-one (to my knowledge).
GroVia: Formerly GroBaby, GroVia makes a great all-in-two, or hybrid system. Their diapers have an outer shell and then a snap-in "soaker" pad for absorbancy. The hybrid system also offers an option for a disposable, biodegradable soaker pad. GroVia also makes an all-in-one diaper under the brand name DreamEze.
Thirsties: Thirsties makes a one-size pocket diaper, a one-size diaper cover (which is fairly unique actually), a sized diaper cover, and a sized fitted diaper, the Fab Fitted. I have a few of the Fab Fitted diapers and the duo wrap diaper cover (the one-size cover). They're not my go-to diapers, but a nice option to have around.
G Diapers: G diapers are one of the economical diapering systems out there. G diapers also appeal to a wide range of parents because this system offers two alternatives -- a washable, reusable insert, and a biodegradable flushable insert. I've never used them, but I am intrigued, so I might try to pick up a package sometime.
Econobum: This is Cotton Babies' economical cloth diapering system. Again, this is a system I've never used, but would make a great cloth diapering option for parents on a budget. You can get enough diapers to diaper a baby from birth to potty training for about $150 or so.
Goodmamas: Goodmama makes organic bamboo velour diapers. They make fitted and all-in-one diapers in really cute prints.
Knickernappies: Knickernappies' main product is a one-size pocket diaper. They offer an option of inserts -- either microfiber or "loopy do" inserts, which are a blend of hemp and microfiber.
Happy Heinies: Happy Heinies makes one-size pocket diapers, sized pocket diapers, fitteds, and diaper covers. One neat feature of this company -- they make a mini one-size diaper for newborns!
As I said, there are dozens of different kinds of cloth diapers out there. If there's one that you love that I didn't mention, please feel free to speak up!
My recommendation
If you're thinking about cloth diapering, but don't know where to begin, I'll pass on the advice that my friend gave me a few months ago. There are so many different types of diapers out there, and diapers fit babies in different ways, but the Bumgenius diapers tend to be universal favorites and fit most babies really well. I'd recommend just going to your local cloth diaper store (if you have one, if not there are tons of online retailers, I'd recommend Happybottomus, my local store), and pick up a few Bumgenius pocket diapers, and maybe a few Bumgenius AIOs. That will give you a good introduction to the world of cloth diapering. Another way to get an introduction is to search for someone selling cloth diapers on Craigslist. I've picked up brand new Bumgenius diapers on Craigslist that a mom decided for some reason or other that she didn't want (usually a preference for snaps over hook and loop). In fact, just this weekend, I landed some Bgs for $10 each!
But beware: once you start, it's nearly impossible to stop!
In an attempt to ward off the confusion for anyone else out there who might be considering cloth diapering, here is my attempt to decipher the world of cloth diapers:
Types of Cloth Diapers
Generally there are five main types of cloth diapers these days. They are (1) Pockets, (2) All-in-Ones, (3) All-in-Twos, (4) Fitteds, and (5) Prefolds.
Pockets
These are my favorite type of diaper. Pocket diapers consist of a diaper "shell" which has a waterproof outer layer with a soft interior lining and an absorbant "insert." The shell has an interior pocket into which you stuff the absorbant insert, hence the name.
Examples: Bumgenius 4.0, Fuzzi Bunz.
All-in-Ones
All-in-ones are exactly that -- all in one. These diapers contain the absorbant layer and the waterproof outer layer all wrapped up in a single diaper. They go on and off just like a disposable diaper -- no inserts and nothing to stuff. These are without a doubt the easiest type of cloth diapers to use. Some all-in-one diapers do come with an interior pocket in which you can stuff an insert for extra absorbancy. Bumgenius is a prime example of this -- many of their all-in-ones have an optional pocket.
Examples: Bumgenius all-in-ones, Bummis all-in-one.
All-in-Twos
These diapers are similar to pocket diapers in that they consist of two parts -- an outer shell and then an absorbant piece. Unlike pockets, however, these diapers don't have to be stuffed. They usually have an absorbant piece that snaps on to the shell.
Example: GroVia diaper system.
Fitteds
Fitted diapers are basically fancy old-fashioned cloth diapers. They have no waterproof layer, but are just the absorbant layer fashioned and sewn in such a way that they go on easily like a disposable diaper. Fitted diapers require a diaper cover if you want to avoid soaked clothing. Although a traditional fitted doesn't have a pocket, like an all-in-one, some fitteds also come with a pocket if you want the option of using an insert for extra absorbancy.
Examples: Thirsties Fab Fitteds, Happy Hempys.
Prefolds
Prefolds are cloth diapers like our mothers used 30 years ago. They are simply multiple layers of cloth (cotton, bamboo, or hemp) all sewn together. Most moms have a few packages of prefolds around the house because we tend to use them as burp clothes. These are the only modern cloth diapers that have to be fastened with an external fastener, such as pins. Prefolds can also be tri-folded and used as an insert for pocket diapers.
Technically, a sixth kind of diaper is a "flat," which is just a flat piece of cloth. These can be used like a prefold, but with all the other options out there, the chances that you'd do so are minimal.
Fastenings
Cloth diapers have four different types of fastenings: (1) hook and loop, (2) snaps, (3) pins, and (4) Snappis.
Hook and Loop: Also known as Velcro or aplix. Hook and loop or aplix are the non-trademarked names for these closures. Velcro is simply a specific trade name for a type of hook and loop closure.
Snaps: Pretty self-explanatory. Many diapers have tight snap closures. In general, it's half-and-half as to whether diapers use hook and loop or snap closures. Neither is better -- it's completely a matter of personal preference. Me, I like snaps.
Pins: Very few diapers use pins. The only time you'd use pins is if you were using a prefold as a diaper. And even then, there are Snappi fasteners, a non-pin fastener for prefolds.
Snappi fasteners: A plastic t-shaped device with a grip on each end. Once you have a pre-fold on your baby, the Snappi fastener holds all the pieces together, sans pins. I've never used just a straight prefold on Jake, so I've never had the opportunity to use these fasteners.
Inserts
All pocket diapers use inserts -- an absorbant layer that is stuffed in the interior pocket of the diaper. Some fitted diapers and all-in-one diapers also have a pocket into which you can stuff an insert for extra absorbancy. Inserts generally come in one or a combination of the following fabrics:
Cotton
Bamboo (4 times as absorbant as cotton)
Hemp (7 times as absorbant as cotton)
Glossary
Here's a glossary of some terms that come up frequently when researching and shopping for cloth diapers:
AIO: All-in-One
AI2: All-in-Two
BF: Breastfed
Bg: Bumgenius
CD: Cloth diaper
Doubler: A small insert that is used to "double" the absorbancy of the diaper. These are often used as the main insert in a newborn's diaper.
FB: Fuzzi Bunz
HH: Happy Heinies
Hybrid: Another way to refer to an all-in-two diaper.
PUL: Polyurethane Laminate. This is a waterproof material often used in the waterproof layer of cloth diapers and diaper covers.
WAHM: Work at Home Mom -- referring to diapers made by a mom. I had to look this up when I first saw it because I kept Googling "WAHM" and naturally, nothing came up.
Wahmmies: See above. Cloth diapers made at home by a mom.
Wet/Dry bag: A bag for storing your cloth diapers. These have a large compartment that is lined in a waterproof material (like PUL), and then a front unlined pocket for storing clean, dry diapers. I have a large one for holding diapers at home and a small one that we use as a diaper bag.
Common Brands
There are tons of different kinds of cloth diapers out there. However, there do seem to be certain brands that are more popular than others. Here are some of the more popular brands I see, and my favorites as well:
Bumgenius: Made by Cotton Babies, this is probably the most popular brand of cloth diaper. The Bumgenius 3.0 was probably the best-selling pocket cloth diaper until it was discontinued a couple of weeks ago. Bumgenius announced its new Bumgenius 4.0 pocket diaper to take the place of the 3.0. Bumgenius also does an all-in-one diaper, and an organic version of both. The Bumgenius 3.0 happens to be my favorite cloth diaper.
Fuzzi Bunz: Also a great cloth diapering company. Fuzzi Bunz makes a very popular one-size pocket diaper, which is probably my second-favorite diaper after the Bumgenius. Fuzzi Bunz also makes a sized pocket diaper. They don't make an all-in-one (to my knowledge).
GroVia: Formerly GroBaby, GroVia makes a great all-in-two, or hybrid system. Their diapers have an outer shell and then a snap-in "soaker" pad for absorbancy. The hybrid system also offers an option for a disposable, biodegradable soaker pad. GroVia also makes an all-in-one diaper under the brand name DreamEze.
Thirsties: Thirsties makes a one-size pocket diaper, a one-size diaper cover (which is fairly unique actually), a sized diaper cover, and a sized fitted diaper, the Fab Fitted. I have a few of the Fab Fitted diapers and the duo wrap diaper cover (the one-size cover). They're not my go-to diapers, but a nice option to have around.
G Diapers: G diapers are one of the economical diapering systems out there. G diapers also appeal to a wide range of parents because this system offers two alternatives -- a washable, reusable insert, and a biodegradable flushable insert. I've never used them, but I am intrigued, so I might try to pick up a package sometime.
Econobum: This is Cotton Babies' economical cloth diapering system. Again, this is a system I've never used, but would make a great cloth diapering option for parents on a budget. You can get enough diapers to diaper a baby from birth to potty training for about $150 or so.
Goodmamas: Goodmama makes organic bamboo velour diapers. They make fitted and all-in-one diapers in really cute prints.
Knickernappies: Knickernappies' main product is a one-size pocket diaper. They offer an option of inserts -- either microfiber or "loopy do" inserts, which are a blend of hemp and microfiber.
Happy Heinies: Happy Heinies makes one-size pocket diapers, sized pocket diapers, fitteds, and diaper covers. One neat feature of this company -- they make a mini one-size diaper for newborns!
As I said, there are dozens of different kinds of cloth diapers out there. If there's one that you love that I didn't mention, please feel free to speak up!
My recommendation
If you're thinking about cloth diapering, but don't know where to begin, I'll pass on the advice that my friend gave me a few months ago. There are so many different types of diapers out there, and diapers fit babies in different ways, but the Bumgenius diapers tend to be universal favorites and fit most babies really well. I'd recommend just going to your local cloth diaper store (if you have one, if not there are tons of online retailers, I'd recommend Happybottomus, my local store), and pick up a few Bumgenius pocket diapers, and maybe a few Bumgenius AIOs. That will give you a good introduction to the world of cloth diapering. Another way to get an introduction is to search for someone selling cloth diapers on Craigslist. I've picked up brand new Bumgenius diapers on Craigslist that a mom decided for some reason or other that she didn't want (usually a preference for snaps over hook and loop). In fact, just this weekend, I landed some Bgs for $10 each!
But beware: once you start, it's nearly impossible to stop!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Introduction to Me
Let me give you a brief introduction to me, the author of this blog. My husband and I made the decision to switch our son (our first) to cloth diapers about two months ago, when he was 11 months old. As a working mom (I am a lawyer in a large Midwestern law firm), I knew that the decision to use cloth would mean a lot of dedication by me, not to mention more time doing laundry! Nevertheless, it is important to both me and my husband to try, as much as possible, to adopt a natural approach to child-rearing and to be environmentally and fiscally responsible. The decision to cloth diaper fit nicely into each of those lifestyle choices.
Now, over two months later, I am completely hooked. I am the first to admit that I'm a cloth diapering addict. It's been a long learning process, and there are still dozens of diapers that I haven't tried yet, but there is no way I would go back. And when our next baby is born (somewhere down the line, nothing in the works yet), I will happy cloth diaper that baby as well.
My cloth diaper stash has grown in the last two months from a measly 11 diapers that I started with after my first trip to my local cloth diaper store, to 31 diapers plus 6 extra snap-in inserts for the GroVia system. In my estimation, these are really about half a diaper, but they do allow me 37 diaper changes, if so needed!
The story of my life over the last couple of months has been time management. In addition to cloth diapering, I made all of my son's baby food and make his food now, including snacks such as graham crackers and goldfish crackers. In addition, my husband is an athlete, so I try my best to make the bars, cookies, etc. that he uses as fuel during long runs and bike rides. In the midst of all this, I cloth diaper, and do all of the associated laundry, folding, stuffing, etc.
I'm not detailing all of this to sound like Superwoman -- I'm not. Moms the world over do the same thing and struggle to fit everything into the finite hours in a day just as I do. So far I've pretty successfully managed to juggle all of these tasks along with a full-time law practice. It has been an adventure and a challenge!
Now, over two months later, I am completely hooked. I am the first to admit that I'm a cloth diapering addict. It's been a long learning process, and there are still dozens of diapers that I haven't tried yet, but there is no way I would go back. And when our next baby is born (somewhere down the line, nothing in the works yet), I will happy cloth diaper that baby as well.
My cloth diaper stash has grown in the last two months from a measly 11 diapers that I started with after my first trip to my local cloth diaper store, to 31 diapers plus 6 extra snap-in inserts for the GroVia system. In my estimation, these are really about half a diaper, but they do allow me 37 diaper changes, if so needed!
The story of my life over the last couple of months has been time management. In addition to cloth diapering, I made all of my son's baby food and make his food now, including snacks such as graham crackers and goldfish crackers. In addition, my husband is an athlete, so I try my best to make the bars, cookies, etc. that he uses as fuel during long runs and bike rides. In the midst of all this, I cloth diaper, and do all of the associated laundry, folding, stuffing, etc.
I'm not detailing all of this to sound like Superwoman -- I'm not. Moms the world over do the same thing and struggle to fit everything into the finite hours in a day just as I do. So far I've pretty successfully managed to juggle all of these tasks along with a full-time law practice. It has been an adventure and a challenge!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)