Monday, January 12, 2009

Cloth Diapering a Newborn

Matt and I are both really pleased with our decision to use cloth diapers. Of course, when we first decided this was the route we were going to take, we (or rather, *I*) was so overwhelmed by all the options out there. I literally spent hours researching what would be the best option for us. And I concluded that there was no "best" option. Rather, I bought an assortment and we're figuring out what we like. Then, as she moves to the next size, we'll know what we want to buy.
We have no complaints about cloth diapering. I love the fact that she has natural material against her skin. I know for a fact we are saving money and of course, cloth diapers are so much better for the environment!! We have not had even the smallest case of diaper rash. They're working out really well for us.
Most of these are newborn size diapers and will fit her until she's 12-15 lbs. Then we'll have to move to up to the next size. A few are one-size...
So, I snapped pics of Elise in all the different brands/styles of CD that we're using. In all, we have 32 diapers and it's the perfect amount! I could probably get away with doing laundry every 3rd day but I go ahead and wash ever other. It's just not a big deal to me.


(Note- all pics were taken when Elise was 1 month old and weighed ~8 lbs. I am kicking myself for not getting these pics when she was smaller. However, all the diapers pictured here worked perfectly even when we came home and she weighed less than 7 lbs.)


Fitted with a Thirsties Cover
All fitted diapers need a cover. Thirstie makes a great cover and it does the job. No leaks!!

Kissaluv Fitted- needs a cover
Kissaluv fitteds are a great fitted diaper, especially for newborns. They have a snap down for the umbilical cord. They're so soft and absorbent. These are size 0.
Swaddlebee's All In One
Matt really likes this diaper. It's "All In One" (AIO) which means it doesn't need a cover. It's really absorbent. It also has a pocket, so if you have a super wetter, you could stuff it with a doubler for added absorbency. Downside- takes a long time to dry in the dryer. Once it's warmer, I'll hang them outsideto dry.

Very Baby All-in-one (AIO)
This is our favorite diaper. It's as trim as a 'sposie and super easy to use. Plus, it dries quickly! I don't know if I would trust it overnight... but considering Elise doesn't sleep through the night yet, it hasn't been an issue. I don't see this fitting her much longer though... probably only through 12 lbs.

BuBuBeBe Fitted (multi-size)
(needs a cover)
Great fitted diaper- will last through potty training!!!!! Very absorbent. I would trust this overnight.

Muttaqin Baby- fitted (needs a cover)
This also has the snapdown for the umbilical cord. Fits awesome and dries quickly. The "Mutts" in my opinion, would not make great overnight diapers. However, at this stage we're changing her so often that we've never had a leak. They do a great job at containing that runny BM poo!!
Blueberry- fitteds (needs a cover)
This is my favorite fitted. I don't really know why... it's just SO soft and absorbent and fits her really well. I have 5 of these and I seem to reach for them first. Even though it's the same style as the Mutts and Kissaluvs, it is far more absorbent.
Thirstie AIO (All In One)
A great AIO, super easy and fast to use. I tend to reach for these in the middle of the night when I'm changing her in the pitch dark. It has extra leg "gussets" to prevent leaks. Though.. I have to say, we haven't had any leaks with any diapers yet.
Cute, trim, & soft fitted diaper! This is sorta low rise, so even though it isn't a NB diaper, it fits below her belly button. This is also a multi-size diaper and will fit her until she's potty trained. Since it's a fitted, it needs a cover.
My wash routine- I use Rockin' Green detergent, which is made here in San Antonio!! I toss all the diapers in my washer and do a cold rinse. Then I wash them with hot water. Toss them in the dryer and they're good to go! Since Elise is exclusively fed breast-milk, the diapers w/ poo on them go straight into the washer as well. Once she's on solids, we'll use liners. It's super easy!

8 comments:

Mrs. Misty said...

I am impressed with how cute the CD are. I had them pictured in my mind as the old fashioned white plaine janes with diaper pins!!! I can see why you would use these...they are adorable and look just as easy as disposbales.
~Misty

Faith said...

I was wondering how this was going for you! It's great to see reviews and how they all look (even though I'm no where near needing this info yet!). I love Elise's cute little round belly!

wendimarie said...

So cute! I love her belly. Makes you just want to kiss it! I love my cloth diapers. I did fitteds and covers for the newborn/small stage and then moved on to pocket diapers (I used pockets only with Bradley). Bradley was in diapers a little over two years and Emersyn is now 18 months old and I still haven't gotten tired with washing them. They are just so cute!

Leslie G said...

Lauren, Elise is such a cutie!! I think it's great that you are having such success with CDing.
Sadly, I never knew what having an 8lb baby was like. =(

C and M said...

Thanks for posting this. I have been researching CD's like crazy and found this helpful.

mindy said...

hey lauren, thanks for posting this, I'm going to transition over to CD once I use up all the 'sposies I've received as gifts. Great reviews =)

Unknown said...

Hi. A friend of mine sent me the link to your posting about cloth diapers since I'm contemplating using them when my little one comes in June. I'm curious as to if you're using the disposable liners that they come in and how you go about "storing" them until you wash them. Feel free to email me at Helenhenrichs@gmail.com

Thanks!
Helen

Casa de Scott said...

Hi Lauren,

It's Kim (Griffith) Scott. Hopefully this comment makes it to you, as I seem to have misplaced your email address. I have some questions about cloth diapering, and I know you'll have the answers! If you get this, would you mind emailing me? My email address is kimberly_g_scott@yahoo.com.

Hope all is well,
Kim