Things You'll Need:
- 4 new born (or extra small) diaper covers (at least two different brands)
- 4 infant size (or small) diaper covers (at least two different brands)
- 24 infant size prefolds (orange edge)
- 24 infant size prefolds (yellow edge)
- 4-6 Pins
- 1-2 snappis
- A laundry detergent recommended for cloth diapers
-
Step 1
Your total estimated cost: $150 to $200
Average cost spent on disposable diapers every year: $2400.00 -
Step 2
Where to get your prefolds?
I recommend using the website: http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/diapers.htm. Many websites sell prefolds but they are not necessarily the best quality or even the right size. Green mountain diapers sells sizes that will be easy to use and your money will not be wasted using their products. If you look at the link above, it also shows detailed photos on how to use prefolds. -
Step 3
For diaper covers.
I recommend the following brands: Thirsties, Bummis and Bumkins. Thirsties is my number one favorite and you can often purchase them on clearance at this site: http://hyenacart.com/thirstiesoutlet/. Another great website that sells covers at discount is: http://www.clothdiaperclearance.com/. -
Step 4
IMPORTANT TIPS:
~ Do not buy cloth diapers from stores such as Toys R Us or Target. They do not sell quality prefolds or covers. They often sell what is called "flats" that you have to fold yourself and are not easy to use. Their covers are cheap quality and will not be comfortable for you to use. It is well worth it to go online and pay to have high qualtiy cloth diapers that will last you a long time and won't leave you feeling frustrated.
~ Before you go on to buy mediums or larges, give yourself a chance to try the stock you already have. Sometimes when babies reach a certain age, they can undo the velcro or the pins. You may have to start using what is called "pockets" or "all in ones" that have snaps.
~ Try different brands of covers because one brand may not work as well. The number one mistake many new mamas make is to stock up on all the same brand. Sometimes your baby will have skinny or chunky thighs that does not work well with one brand. It is good to have a few different kinds to try.
~ Keep in mind that cloth diapers have a great resale value when used. Use this babycenter group (you need to be a member) to list your cloth diapers for free: http://community.babycenter.com/groups/a69805/cloth_diaper_swap
~ If you are not sure about a certain brand, check out http://www.diaperpin.com for detailed reviews on different brands. This site helped me save a lot of money!
~ Some laundry soaps have so much wax on them that they will cause your diapers to repel over time. Use this chart to determine which laundry soap will work best for you: http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-chart.html.
~ Here's another great site that will help you break down the cost of using cloth diapers versus disposables: http://www.diaperdecisions.com/cost_of_cloth_diapers.htm -
Step 5
HAPPY CLOTH DIAPERING!!!
Comments
gahazeleyes said
on 5/7/2009 This will help save you money. We need to go back to a lot of things that we used to do. Thanks
jestastic said
on 4/3/2009 really helpful article!
sanderdoe said
on 3/21/2009 Great recommendations! Very well written and helpful.
Muzikpeach said
on 3/12/2009 I used cloth for years! Less for the landfill!
melwetzel said
on 3/11/2009 Wonderful tips, I loved cloth diapers. My bargain tip: Gerber covers (their diapers are losers, but the covers worked wonderfully for us, at about 99 cents each). See my eHow on cloth diapers for adults!! :)