The Cloth Diaper break-down

Cloth diapering isnt the same as when your granny cloth diapered back in 1956. No offence to granny, but prefolds, safety pins and rubber pants are just not my thing. "Modern cloth diapering" has come a long way in the last couple of years, thanks to a few Mama's who want to make cloth mainstream again. So I have complied a blog of everything one needs to know on getting started with using cloth diapers.

Here is a list of some things that every cloth diapering mama needs to have in order to be successful with cloth:

Diapers (DUH!)
diaper pail (can be a simple trash can with a lid)
diaper pail liner
diaper sprayer (when baby starts solids. Its not pictured because its attached to my toilet.)
washer
dryer
Laundry soap that's cloth diaper safe (not pictured, but Tide powder is fine)
wet bag (for outings)
 Diaper rash cream that's cloth diaper safe
Note: not all diaper rash creams are safe. There are lots out there (too many to name). Make sure its NOT petroleum based. That messes up the absorbency of the diapers. I simply use coconut oil. Its pure and simple!

Now, when people ask me what cloth diapers to use, I generally tell them what I personally use (right now I am using BumGenius Flip diapers with different kinds of inserts), but I also tell them that every family is different. Their preferences are different. Their babies are different. Flip diapers work well for us, but I know a lot of other families that don't care for flips, or they don't fit their baby very well. So my #1 piece of advice to parents who are starting cloth, is to get a little bit of everything. Try a few different brands. Try a few styles out. See what you like and see what fits your baby.

Now, when it comes to styles, there are a ton out there!
One Size Diapers
These diapers fit babies ranging from 8-35 pounds. How? They have rise snaps that can be adjusted to fit the baby, depending on how much the baby weighs and how the fit is on your baby.
Other diapers come in sizes such as size 1 or 2. One being the smaller size that generally fits babies from 8-18 pounds and size 2 being 19 pounds to about 30 pounds.

Pocket Diapers
This is a diaper that  you stuff with an insert. The insert is that super absorbant material that keeps baby from feeling wet. Pocket diapers give parents the ability to chose what goes inside. Some people prefer microfiber inserts, while other prefer bamboo, charcoal bamboo, or hemp. This also allows for quicker drying time when diapers go in the laundry.

All in One Diapers
These diapers have inserts already sewn into them. Some AIO diapers have microfiber on one side with stay-dry material that goes against baby's skin. Other have organic or natural material that can go directly against babies skin. Its all a matter of preference or the needs of the baby. Some little's have sensitivities to some materials, so you just gotta find what works for you!

All in Two Diapers
These diapers are just the diaper cover or shell, and you can choose the insert you want to put in there. This is what I use the majority of the time. Some All in two's have buttons to snap an insert in, and some have flaps to tuck the insert in underneath. Lots of people use prefolds in these types of diapers.. Prefolds can be folded into a tri-fold, and some people choose to use the prefold all around their baby, pin the diaper together, and put a cover over the diaper.

Photo credits: Me and "A Beautiful mess" App Get it here! 

Hybrid diapers
This type of diaper combines cloth diapers with disposables. The diaper cover is cloth.. but instead of using a prefold or other type of inserts, you use an insert that resembles a disposable diaper. You pop that sucker in, wait for you Little one to peepee and then toss that thing when its soiled.

Swim diapers
These are used for...you guessed it.. swimming. these are basically just covers because there is no real need for an absorbent insert when swimming. This diaper is just used for poop. Its literally just a poop catcher. You can easily just use a diaper cover or shell for this. No big deal!

Trainers
These are used when your little is ready to start learning to use the potty. Most of the time its a diaper cover and insert that can be interchangeable. These have tabs on the sides that allow the child to pull the diaper on and off easily, to encourage going to the bathroom. They are a little more expensive, but you wont need as many of these, because hopefully they will be using the potty soon! And hopefully you will be buying real undies for your little toddler.

You can see that this is like a shell, and you just stick an insert on top and you're all set to train your kiddo to use the potty. (this is Jules, from BG. Drool!!)

There are a LOT of different types of cloth diaper styles and brands, these are just the most popular. There are diapers that WAHM's (work at home mom) make, but often times they are pricey and kind of hard to find. I just stick to what I know, and what I can find at decent prices. 

Cleaning diapers

If you buy used (which lots of people do. I do. Dong judge), you are going to want to strip the diapers when you purchase them. I would recommend that you have multiple diapers before you do a strip. It saves water and cleaning supplies that way! It's pretty simple. I got these wonderful directions from the Fluff Love university page. 

These were screen shots on my phone. Sorry for the poor quality! Whoops! 

FYI: Lots of people buy used diapers. I know, I know, people think its nasty. BUT, if you clean them the right way, there is nothing bad about it. And there are TONS of groups on Facebook where mamas sell their pre-loved cloth diapers. Normally they are at a discounted price. You know, unless it is a hard to find print. Then all bets are off. People jack up the prices of those diapers! Some of those mama's are ruthless! 

And in case if you were wondering if "stripping" works. this is a picture of the tub water after I stripped hubby's work uniforms that he wears every day to work. He washes them every week, but clothes don't always get as clean as you think! Yuck! 

So there you have it. That's my version of the cloth diaper break-down. Its not perfect by any means, and I probably forgot some things, but I can always go back and revise! Happy fluffy butts, everyone!