Mailbox Mondays

Today’s question is from JoAnna Kane.  She says,

“What is the best way to find a diaper that works for your baby? My daughter is 2 months old and goes to daycare. I spent a lot of money on one brand of all and 2 diapers for her to use at daycare only to have them leak really badly. The daycare would really prefer not to use prefolds like I use at home. I want to get either AI1, AI2 or pocket diapers that would be easier but she needs 10 diapers to get through the day at daycare and I don't want to spend a bunch more money on diapers that I can't use because they leak. SO how can I know what diaper would work for her without spending a fortune?”

JoAnna – I’m sorry that you’ve had such a frustrating experience with your cloth diapers!  I wish I could give you an easy answer to this question.  However, there is going to be some trial and error involved in finding the right diaper.

For most babies, one size diapers can be adjusted to a fitting that is just right.  For some babies, though, it’s a harder process.  Sometimes a particular brand just doesn’t fit your kiddo quite right.  Maybe it’s the cut (the trimmness/bulkiness), the type of insert (microfiber, hemp, etc.), the placement of the closure (side/front), whether or not there are gussets at the legs or elastic at the tummy, etc. that makes it a poor fit for your baby.

I am having a frustrating time with my almost-two-year-old daughter and her diapers right now.  She has always worn FuzziBunz diapers, but all of the sudden we are having regular (but occasional) leaks.  It’s like once a day or every other day, but sometimes it is several times in one day!  It’s a different diaper every time, but not every diaper all of the time.  Some are brand new, some are old.  It’s not build-up.  They just aren’t fitting quite right at this time.

My suggestion would be to read a lot of reviews at Diaper Pin.  You can also check out the Cloth Diaper Finder from Dirty Diaper Laundry.  Find diapers that other parents said fit a baby who is similar in build to your own baby (skinny, chunky, heavy wetter, back/tummy/side sleeper, etc.).  Buy one diaper from each of a few different brands and take them “for a spin” so to speak.  When you find one that you like and that seems to work well for your babe, then invest in a sufficient stash for day care.

You could also try to purchase some gently used diapers to test out before investing a lot of money.  Sites like Diaper Swappers allow you to buy, sell, or trade with other cloth diapering parents.  This will cut down on your up-front investment while you try to find the right diaper.  This would also be a great place to “unload” you AI2 diaper stash and recoup some of your money.  Since they didn’t work for you baby (i.e. there is no major defect in the diaper itself), they can probably be listed as excellent condition and reap a good return on your money.

I hope that helps, and that you are able to settle on a new style/brand of diaper quickly! 

Do you have any suggestions to add?  Please, please, please help JoAnna out and leave a comment!