Cloth Diapers-Part 1

Before Chris and I were even pregnant we talked about cloth diapering. We said that if I was able to stay home, that we would do it. Well with all of the craziness that surrounded me being able to stay home, I just forgot about it. I thought about it a few times after Brynne was born and did a little research, but just got too overwhelmed with the choices. There are SO many more choices out there other than the prefolds/flats and rubber pants our parents used on us. Right after we got back from our last trip to Tennessee I came across a website where you could do a cloth diaper trial. You can read about the trial here. They send you several different types of diapers to try for three weeks. Going into the trial I thought I had an idea of what I would end up using, but after doing the trial I went a completely different direction!

There are three basic options (but MANY options within those): Pocket diapers, All-in-ones, and prefolds/flats/inserts with covers.

Pocket diapers are what I thought I would like the most, but it turns out I didn't! They are basically a cover with some type of liner (usually fleece) sewn into them. The liner is attached all the way around the cover, except the back. This creates a pocket and you stuff the diaper with the insert of your choice. Microfiber and prefolds are probably the most popular choices. Most of them come with microfiber inserts and I think they smell worse than a prefold once wet. The problem with pocket diapers is that not only do you have to stuff them, but you also have to un-stuff them, which I wasn't a fan of.

Here is an example of a pocket diaper, there are many brands, but this is a bumGenius 4.0:

This is the opening in the back where you stuff in the insert.

(photo source and review)

All in ones are just like a disposable, there is only one "piece" to the diaper, no stuffing or covers. The problem with them is that they are expensive, take forever to dry, and are usually pretty bulky.

Here is a bumGenius Freetime All-in-One, One-size diaper:

Prefolds/flats/inserts with covers are the most like "old-fashioned" cloth diapers. The biggest benefit to them is that they are the cheapest. Another benefit is that you can re-use the covers until they stink or get dirty. Prior to the trial I thought I would like this option the least, but it's what I ended up going with! More to come on this option!