How We Cloth Diaper: Part 2

So I wrote a post all about cloth diapering way back when Esther was a couple of months old. We have been cloth diapering ever since so I thought it was high time for an update!

When Esther was in diapers we always did prefolds and covers. They worked well, but I had wanted to try some other kinds. When Adele was 6 months old we put her on cloth diapers (once Esther was potty trained, before that it was too overwhelming to have 2 in cloth, plus we had a lot of free disposables given to us). When Adele was in cloth I bought some different kinds of diapers. So here is a little symposis of the different kinds we've used and liked.

Pocket Diaper: Pocket diapers are probably the most popular out there. They have a pocket that you put absorbant inserts into. They are usually one size fits all, so they adjust to fit from birth to potty training ( though most don't actually fit for a few weeks at least). 

Fitted Diapers: Fitted diapers are like a prefold, but they have snaps to fasten and elastics around the legs. We only have one of these but it is super absorbent and I really like it. It isn't waterproof so you have to add the cover on top. 

Prefold and Cover: This is what we used with Esther. They are simple and work well. They are also all cotton so they wash really easily. These diapers and covers have been used a ton and will probably need to be replaced for baby #3. Also this is the medium size. Adele is rapidly outgrowing these so we don't use them much anymore. I'm debating buying the bigger size but wondering if she will potty train soon or not. 

Flats and Covers:  A flat is the old fashioned diaper that had been used for hundreds of years. It is just a single layer of fabric that you fold to fit baby. The folding takes extra time but these are also one size since you just fold them smaller for tiny babies. This is also the cheapest way to diaper. They have newer flats that are made from bamboo or hemp that are super absorbent. We haven't tried those yet. 

Also to note, Leland is really great about going along with my ideas about cloth diapers. But flats are where he draws the line apparently 😂. He hates changing them and usually won't especially if we aren't at home. He prefers the pocket diapers. But lets be real, I change at least 80% of the diapers around here so when it's a weekday I often put her in these. :) 

The Kite Fold

The flat secured with a snappi and with a cover over it.
These diapers are hard to use on wiggly babies. Adele is mostly past the pin-down-for-changes stage, otherwise using these would not be fun.

A few other things that have changed for us over the years. 

We no longer use a wetbag for storing the dirty diapers. We use a trash can with a step lid and it's been much easier. 

When a baby is only drinking breastmilk their poop is water soluble and can go in the washer without a rinse. Once babies eat formula or solid food you have to rinse the poop off prior to putting it in the washing machine. They sell fancy diaper sprayers to do this but we've never owned one. We do the old dunk and swish in the toilet method. 🙈 It isn't as gross as it sounds, or maybe I've just gotten used to it ha. Anyways, sometimes we buy flushable liners that eliminate the need to swish and those are a life saver. 

Now that we have a yard I have also started line drying the diapers when the weather is nice. It is fine to dry them in the dryer but line drying helps them last longer and the sun gets stains out. It is nice to be able to do chores outside and save money on the electric bill. I'm looking forward to warm weather to line dry again. 

We primarily do use disposables at night, though we occasionally do put Adele in a cloth. I want to try to use cloth more at night. Wool is the best for overnight so I have started using some of those and we'll see how it goes. 

PROs and CONs of cloth

PROs:

+saves tons of money

+better for the earth/ no filling up a landfill with disposables

+looks cuter (IMO :) )

+less rashes for baby

+less chemicals baby is exposed to

+no blow outs

CONs:

-more laundry

-gross factor

-you have to change baby more often

-more cost upfront

-fluffy bum :)

Anyways people always seem curious about cloth diapers. There is a ton of info out there but it is really not that hard at all. I really enjoy cloth diapering and it works for our family. Now that I have done it so long I can't imagine spending $40 a month or more on diapers, so I'll probably be doing it forever. At least we'll be ready when the apocalypse comes. ;)