Diapers Q&A

have you tried cloth diapers?

I'm about to be a first-time mommy to a little boy, and I was wanting to hear from moms (or dads!) who had tried cloth diapers. I will be staying at home with him at least his first 6 months, so I will have the time to launder the diapers daily...that won't be a problem. I'm actually looking into AIOs like Fuzzi Bunz and Happy Heiny's. I realize that cloth diapers don't work out for everyone who tries them, but economically and ecologically they appeal to me and I want to give them a go! What was your experience with cloth diapering? If you never used cloth, only disposable, please don't answer. I know about disposables already, having used them on my neice and nephew in the several years.

Public Comments

1. I used cloth diapers for my first child and hated them soo much. They stink and take up room in the bathroom. I hated the plastic pants that had to be used -kept the baby hot and cranky. Plus they dont absorb much either. This is just my opinion but I quit using them and used disposables and was so much happier.
2. I have not only tried them, I'm completely addicted! I love cloth. I switched after my daughter had the worst diaper rash ever. It was bleeding and oozing and she was miserable. I tried all kinds of cream and gave her lots of naked time, but I could not cure that stubborn rash! Now I know that disposables are messy, stinky and inconvenient. I would never go back to that hassle. They do not contain poo so you have a bunch of extra laundry anyway. I have never tried any of the brands you're looking at, but I would like to get my hands on some Fuzzi Bunz. I am really partial to a plain old Chinese prefold with a Bummis SWW, a Proraps Classic or a homemade wool cover. I use a Snappi for poo containment, too and I have cut up a few stay-dry liners from fleece scraps. Fitted diapers, AIOs or pockets are really nice for newborns. I also have three BumGenius pockets that I use for going out. They really are one size. The other posters had trouble because they used cheap diapers. No one uses rubber pants anymore. The things that you find at Wal-Mart are not meant to be used as diapers. If you buy Chinese prefolds from a reputable diaper retailer, and pre-wash them properly, they will absorb plenty. Common problem, easy to fix--don't buy cheap diapers. Pampers that are good for the environment? Please. They couldn't be much worse than they are now, but they'll never be good for the environment. Cloth diapers aren't even good for the environment, they're just better than disposables by a long shot.
3. The experience I had was no matter how often I changed my baby's diaper, she still had diaper rash when I used cloth diapers. The rubber pants always seemed to tight around her little legs and would make them red and chafed. It seemed like all I did was wash and fold diapers.
4. I have a close friend who tried cloth diapers. She said she gave up after the first week because she had to change his clothes and sheets everytime he peed. They just aren't very absorbent. You only think you will have time, because you haven't had your son yet. You will be so busy and tired, laundry will just be a chore that you are slacking in. Things will be super hard, harder than babysitting, and you don't want to put more stress on yourself. Economically and environmentally, cloth diapers are best. When you wake up in the middle of the night and have to change sheets, diapers, and clothes three times, sanity is more important. I'd definitely advise against cloth diapers. I used disposable, and it was hard enough changing diapers at 3 am.
5. i used cloth for my first bub & they were really great,i also used disposables .cloth nappies stay really wet when wet ,not like the others with all their break through wetness crap.I just found i already had a lot to do with housework & my new bub that washing a whole heap of cloth nappies was kinda a pain in the rear.Also i found with cloth nappies u shouldnt use plastic pants as this makes the nappy airtight.Prone to more nappy rash ect..goodluck on your new addition......p.s hanging them in the sun will remove stubborn stains
6. you should defiantly use cloth they are better for your baby and the environment one thing i would say is maybe use disposable a night because of the leaking more problem if you aren't sure i would try them and then you can decide if it is good for you and him or not congrats on your little boy
7. I would not go through it again. The diapers aren't contoured to the baby's behind, so there are leaks. Even the hot, plastic pants don't always keep the bowel movements in he pants. Loose stools? It'll be running down her leg. And once a pin unhooked that stabbed my little sister & we couldn't figure out why she was crying (at first). You have to change cloth diapers immediately if you want to avoid diaper rashes all the time. I always smelled like Desitin! Maintenance: Unless you are using a diaper service (and even then, you have to put up with the smell of dirty diapers and disinfectant until they pick up) you are in for work, work, work.
8. nothing is wrong with using a cloth diaper i used them on my nieces all the time.the only problem would be that u might have alot of laundry to do which is going to take up your extra time.by the way the cloth diapers help the air to circulate more other than plastic disposable diapers that fit hugged and might be more prone to diaper rashes.
9. My mom used them on me but that was many years ago. I'm speaking for her since you said don't answer if we don't have experience with cloth diapers and I don't. I'm having my baby in like a week and she wants to dot he cloth diapering again when the baby is at her house. Have you seen the new innovations on cloth diapers these days? So cool! Oh, there's also a disposable pamper nowadays thats good for the environment. I forgot what they're called but I was sent a coupon. I like your 3D ultrasound. Yours came out very nice. I didn't get one that clear, but did get some good ones.
10. i am currently using fitted hemp/cotton diapers on my newborn and they are great!! hemp is super super absorbant and naturally antimicrobial like Belinda said.....everyone else is complaining about the mess they had but they obviously were using cheap cheap thin diapers nobody uses pins these days on prefolds anyhow.....snappies are what to use with a prefold or simply put the prefold into a fittted cover i spent about $10 per diaper.......and it looks like you are looking into some good quality diapers anyhow i am currently using Cricketts Diapers, Growing Greens and cotton gerber prefolds for backup and burp towels they wash up beautifully, easily......seriously it's sooooo easy and it thrills me to death that i have not had to spend a single cent on diapers and wipes since my initial purchase! yes i also bought a yard of hemp/cotton fleece and made my own wipes.....those even wash right up with the diapers i so go for it....if you put an initial investment into good quality dipes then you won't regret it