Pre-fold Diaper Storage

I have done many different things to try to organize and “contain” my mess of prefolds throughout the last two years.  I think I finally have a system that I like, so I thought I would share it.  And I would love if you would share your tips, tricks, and systems.  Leave a comment or upload a picture to our Facebook page!

I always use a stay-dry type fleece liner in my prefolds to help prevent diaper rash from wetness.  I like to have the liner ready with the diaper so I only have to grab one thing at the changing table.  I tri-fold my pre-fold diaper, and place the liner on top.  Then I stack all of my prefolds.

In the past I have just stacked the prefolds on my changing table.  Recently I got bins to make everything look nicer.  The bins are not wide enough to allow my prefolds to lay flat.  So I started folding them in half, and I like it a lot!

My bin holds two stacks of prefold diapers.  Then I put the diaper covers in the top.  My Snappi fasteners are stored next to my wipes.

You may also want to see my DIY tip for making your own stay-dry liners.

Monthly Report: Cloth Diapering at Two Months

Master Nolan is now two months old!  Why does the time fly by so quickly when they are little and cuddly, yet it drags by when they are in the terrible twos? 

Anyway, I thought I would let you know about cloth diapers on a two month old.  Nolan is now on the “small” (one row of snaps showing) Rumparooz rise setting.  Today I had to let out the waist on his FuzziBunz one size diapers.  I also packed away the newborn prefolds and covers.  Nolan wears the small size prefold with a Snappi and  Rumparooz One Size Cover on the small rise setting.

We are using primarily pocket diapers.  I have enough pockets now that I am not changing Nolan every 2 hours.  I change him at every feeding, and if he poops.  I pull out the prefolds if I get behind in my diaper laundry!

Nolan slept through the night every night last week (7+ hours each night).  I just used a Rumparooz pocket diaper with both inserts.  The microfiber is plenty absorbent for him at this point.  He has worn an Eco Posh Fitted diaper and Wool Cover to bed several times.  I just don’t like to have the dampness of a fitted diaper against his skin for so long.  My first choice for overnight diapering is a pocket with either hemp or bamboo insert, but Nolan doesn’t need that much absorbency yet.

At this age, my daughter was wetting very heavily at night, so we used bamboo or hemp fitteds, or a Rumparooz pocket with hemp inserts.

We also went back to cloth wipes now that I feel like I have my routine under control slightly better.  Two little ones is a lot to keep up with!  As mentioned earlier this week, my husband requested that we go back to pre-moistened wipes, so that is what we are doing for now.

I will say that my preference is leaning toward Rumparooz diapers right now.  I didn’t know about Rumparooz with Elaine at this age.  I love the gussets for catching the runny EBF poo!  I have only had a couple of leaks total, so it’s not like my FuzziBunz don’t work.  However, without the gussets the poo is usually right there ready to come out the leg openings.  I’m also struggling to find “Nolan’s setting” on the FuzziBunz so the Rumparooz are just a little easier. My husband prefers the Rumparooz because of the vertical snaps on the waist, and no hip snaps to worry about.

For comparison purposes, Nolan is almost 13 pounds.

Rumparooz Newborn Diaper Cover

Here is a picture to show the fit of a Rumparooz Newborn Diaper Cover on my 10.5ish pound baby.  Nolan is five weeks old.  The newborn cover is designed to fit babies 4-12 pounds.  Nolan is on the largest rise setting.  He wears the waist snaps on the last (farthest apart) snaps on each side.

Rumparooz Diaper Cover Review and Giveaway

With my first baby I used mostly pre-folds and covers, simply for economical reasons.  I had six small sized FuzziBunz diapers, but they were too big on my seven pound, skinny newborn daughter.  I did however, find that prefolds are very good at containing the ever explosive breast-fed poo.  I used a Snappi Fastener and the angel fold.  I tried many diaper covers, but I was limited in my choice of newborn sized covers, especially when you add in the fact that I only wanted covers with snap closures.

The Product
I was very excited when Rumparooz introduced their diaper covers because there is a Preemie/Newborn sized cover with snap closures and three rise options.  Then consider that it comes in the same colors and to-die-for prints as other Rumparooz products, and I was sold.  I couldn’t wait for my baby to arrive so I could start selecting my favorite prints and try them out!

I had already decided to add the Gumball newborn cover to my stash.  When we found out that baby was a boy, I also chose the Robotronics print.  I will add more covers in the regular size once Nolan is bigger.

The Fit
This cover truly is made for Preemie and Newborns in mind.  I immediately set my cover to the smallest rise setting.  Nolan was 7 lbs. 6 oz. at birth, but he is skinny like his big sister.  I had to change my cover to the medium rise setting to fit him.  If I were cloth diapering an itty-bitty baby, this would be my choice!

I love that these covers have the Rumparooz signature inner gussets.  The covers I used with Elaine did not, and subsequently we had leaks every so often.  I have only had one leak episode with Nolan’s Rumparooz covers, and I discovered that it was my fault…I didn’t have the diaper tucked into the cover completely.

The Rumparooz cover is also flexible enough that I was able to tuck it under Nolan’s cord stump in the first few days.  That was very important, and hard to do with a pocket diaper!

(Nolan at 11 days old)

The beauty of the diaper cover is that it can be used multiple times before needing washed, as long it is not soiled.  I have only been using the two covers with my newborn prefolds, and it has been sufficient.  (Disclaimer: we are not using prefolds full time – half of our stash is pocket diapers.  If you are planning to use only prefolds on a newborn you will likely want 4-6 covers to ensure you have enough).

Nolan is now over 9 pounds (yes…he gained two pounds in just 10 days!) and the cover still fits beautifully on the medium rise setting.  He will be able to wear this cover longer than his newborn prefolds will fit, I think!

The Giveaway
One Doable Diapers reader will win a Rumparooz cover in their choice of in-stock color or print!  You can choose the Newborn size or the regular One Size cover.  Prize can only be shipped to a USA address.
(Here’s how the giveaway works)

Links you may need:
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Fine Print: View the entries in this giveaway by clicking HERE.  Sensitive information has been removed to protect your privacy.  Entries must be made using the form.  Comment entries will be deleted, however feel free to leave a comment to remind yourself that you have entered.  Winner will be chosen using a random number generator, and will be announced on the blog as well as contacted via email.  Winner has 48 hours to respond and claim prize or a new winner will be chosen. 

My Newborn Stash

After much deliberation, I have finally settled on several new diapers to add to my stash for the new baby.  I have a good amount of newborn prefolds and one newborn Bummis Snap Wrap from Elaine. I added a Rumparooz newborn cover in Gumball (our favorite print).  If the baby is a boy, I also have a Robotronics newborn cover.  If it is a girl, I have an Amethyst cover.

One of the Snap Wraps pictured is a small size, and I have eight prefolds which are slightly larger than these newborns, but not quite as big as the small prefolds.

I chose to try these diapers on my newborn to compare fit and length of use: 2 FuzziBunz Perfect Size Extra Small, 2 FuzziBunz One Size, and 1 Rumparooz One Size with Aplix closure.  I decided not to use the bumGenius AIO and the Rumparooz Lil Joeys simply because I don’t have a dryer.  I don’t think that I can get the inner soaker dry enough, and dry fast enough, to justify adding them to my stash.  I was disappointed about this because I really wanted to try the Lil Joeys!

The White and Mac N Cheese diapers are the Extra Small Size.  I also saved a Blueberry diaper before it was discontinued, and I chose one of the new Spearmint colored diapers in the One Size.

Here is a size comparison of the One Size set to a newborn setting, and a Perfect Size Extra Small.  They are pretty much the same size!  I’m looking forward to comparing the fit.

(Spearmint OS on the left; Mac N Cheese X-Small on the right) 

Since I have other FuzziBunz One Size diapers in my stash, I will have a good amount of newborn pocket diapers.  That was a luxury I didn’t have with Elaine!

My first six pocket diapers with Elaine were FuzziBunz Perfect Size in small.  They seem so huge compared to these extra-small diapers!  The small size is designed to fit from 7-18 pounds, while the extra-small fits 4-12 pounds.  Elaine was very skinny and her pockets didn’t fit well until about two months old.

 

I chose to add a Rumparooz Aplix diaper just because I’m curious.  I’ve always been a snap diaper fan.  Many people choose hook & loop closures because you can get a more exact fit in the waist.  I want to test that on my newborn.  I also need another “easy” diaper for the nursery workers and babysitters to use.

Depending on the gender of the baby, I have several other one size diapers picked out.  I am dying to use a Ladder 6 Rumparooz.  We have very little yellow, orange, and blue diapers in our stash (because we have a girl), so it will be nice to add some of those as well… maybe! 

How about you?  Did you cloth diaper a newborn?  What was your favorite diaper for fit, function, and budget?  I found prefolds easy to use  for a good fit on a little baby.  But I want to test some of the more modern options for newborns.  I’ll let you know the results!

A Wool Primer, Part 2

guest post by Marah Mumma

Read Part 1: Facts About Wool

 

The Wool Primer #2: Types of Wool Products

There are lots of different types of wool products. Wool products can be used in place of a regular cloth diaper covers over fitted diapers, prefolds, and/or flats.

Wool Cover
Wool covers are very similar to covers made from PUL. They can have snap or Velcro closures. Wool covers come in both sized and one size versions.

Examples: Little Beetles Organic Merino Wool Cover, Little Beetles Little to Big Organic Merino Wool Cover, Imse Vimse Wool Wraps, Swaddlebees Merino Wool Diaper Cover, Baby BeeHinds Wool Wrap Diaper Cover.

Wool Soaker/Pull-On
Wool soakers don’t have snaps or Velcro.  Rather, they pull on like a pair of pants or shorts.  Wool soakers are sized.  Soakers can also be hand knit or made from recycling old wool sweaters.

Examples: Disana Organic Merino Wool Pull-On, Kissas Wool Lovers wool diaper cover, LANAcare Merino Wool Pull-On, Kissaluvs Wool Diaper Cover, Tiny Tush Wool Soaker Diaper Cover, Sustainablebabyish knit wool covers.

Wool Longies

Just like wool soakers, wool longies don’t have snaps or Velcro. They are just like a pair of pants, but made from wool. Wool longies are sized and some come in different lengths. Longies can also be hand knit or made from recycling old wool sweaters.

Examples: Sustainablebabyish Knit Wool Longies, Little Beetles Organic Merino Wool Pants, Disana Merino Wool Leggings, LANAcare Merino Wool Pants.

Stay tuned for Part 3 – Caring for Wool!

A Wool Primer, Part 1

guest post by Marah Mumma

I asked Marah from Diary of a Devil Dog Wife to write a guest post on the basics of using wool in cloth diapering.  Marah has become one of my “blogging friends” – though we have never met, I feel as if I know her like a good friend.  She knows a lot about using wool products.  Marah went above and beyond what I asked for, and provided a mini-series on wool products.  Today we have part 1.  Be sure to come back for parts 2 and 3 later this week! 

The Wool Primer #1: Facts About Wool

Hello, Doable Diaper fans! My name is Marah and I blog over at Diary of a Devil Dog Wife. I am a stay at home mom to my 16 month old son, Kolt, full time college student, and wife to a talented Sergeant in the Marine Corps.

I was SO excited when Andrea asked me to write a series of guest posts about wool and cloth diapering! I first came across wool when I was searching for an overnight cloth diaper solution. I found many suggestions about using wool overnight. WHAT!?!? WOOL?!?! I was scared and intimidated. I wanted desperately to find an overnight solution, but wool?!?! Wasn't that only for cloth diapering experts? What about washing and lanolizing? I was worried I wouldn't be able to handle it or figure it out.

But let me tell you, it's EASY! I started out just using wool at night, but I now use it during the daytime, especially when Kolt is battling a rash. And I certainly plan on using wool this summer during the hot and humid days in North Carolina. I hope that through this wool primer, you will see the benefits of wool, the simplicity of using it, and venture out to try it yourself!

Wool fact #1

Wool has a built in climate control. It is a natural insulator to keep you warm in the winter and naturally breathable to keep you cool in the summer. Wool helps to keep you body in the optimal temperature zone for comfort and rest!

Wool fact #2 

Wool fiber is a naturally absorbent fiber and the original wicking fiber. Its coil-like shape pulls excess heat and moisture from your skin while you sleep. Wool fabrics can absorb up to 30% of their weight without feeling heavy or damp. Cotton fabrics begin to feel damp after 15%. The absorbent fibers "breathe" by wicking away moisture from the body and releasing it into the air. This is why wool can be used as a cover over prefolds and fitted cloth diapers.

Wool fact #3

Wool is naturally mildew and mold resistance. Wool's natural resistance to mildews and molds comes from the way it repels moisture, and lets moisture pass through its fibers without holding the moisture. Mildews and molds require moisture to live and grow. This means that wool covers only have to be washed about every two weeks or so, unless they get soiled!

Wool fact #4

Wool is durable. Laboratory tests have shown that wool fibers resist tearing and can bend back on themselves more than 20,000 times without breaking. Cotton breaks after 3,200 bends, silk fibers break after 1,800 bends, and rayon fibers break after just 75 bends. Wool clothing will last for years. Wool resists spills, dries very quickly and is mildew resistant. Therefore, you can rest assured that your investments in wool will last.

Wool fact #5

Wool is almost entirely non-allergenic. Although some people do have a rare natural allergy to Lanolin, the oil found in wool, most people's allergy to wool is a reaction to the many harsh and toxic chemicals that go into the treatment, and finishing of conventional wool garments and bedding. This makes wool a great alternative for those who are allergic to PUL, the water-proofing fabric found in most pocket diapers, all-in-one diapers, and covers.

Wool fact # 6

Wool is renewable and sustainable. Wool is a renewable resource that can be shorn from sheep annually. It is biodegradable and kinder to the environment than oil-based synthetics, which contribute to global pollution. Wool is sustainable. Wool from free-grazing sheep, treated ethically throughout their long lives, represents a traditional small-scale industry that once thrived in America. Today, many small organic farmers are returning to this sustainable industry to create clean and healthy wool that is produced without stress to the animals or the environment.

Wool fact #7

Wool fabric doesn't collect much static because of its absorbent fibers. Static attracts lint, dirt, and dust. Wool fabrics also clean easily because dirt sits on the surface of the fiber. The outside surface of the wool fiber consists of a series of overlapping scales, similar to the feathers on a bird, making it easy to brush off and for stains to lift out.

Check back tomorrow for Part 2 of the Wool Primer – Types of Wool Products!

New Rumparooz Diaper Covers

The highly sought after prints and colors exclusive to the Rump•a•rooz One Size Diapers can now be found on the new Rump•a•rooz Diaper Covers and loved by families who cloth diaper using the more traditional style prefold system.

February 28, 2011 – Kanga Care takes on another huge division of the cloth diaper market with the launch of their new Rump•a•rooz Diaper Covers.  Kanga Care is famous for the unbeatable quality and function of their pocket-style One Size Cloth Diaper, the Rump•a•rooz.  The Rump•a•rooz is one of the top brands in the market for a pocket style diaper system.  With the launch of the Rump•a•rooz Diaper Covers Kanga Care will now be reaching out to customers who opt for the more traditional, or "old school", style of cloth diapers known as prefolds and flats.

Rump•a•rooz Diaper Covers work as a means to waterproof an absorbent diaper that does not have a built in way to contain the moisture (prefolds, flats and fitted style cloth diapers.)  The Rump•a•rooz Diaper Covers are available in 2 sizes.  

The first is a Preemie/Newborn size cover which has 3 adjustable rise settings and will grow with a tiny baby fitting them from 4 - 12 lbs.  The second is a One Size Cover.  The One Size Cover has 4 adjustable rise settings and will fit a baby from birth, at 6 lbs, up through potty training with a maximum weight of 35 lbs or more.  

Both size covers are available in a snap or a hook and loop closure.  Both size covers are also available in the 12 famous Rump•a•rooz Colors and the 7 highly sought after and exclusive prints.  There are a total of 84 choices of covers for parents to chose from.

Kanga Care's Rump•a•rooz Covers are on sale now.  They can be purchased at Doable Diapers!

Cloth Diapers: The Economical Way

There are a variety of reasons why parents choose to use cloth diapers.  One of the biggest reasons, and one of the biggest benefits, is the money that can be saved.  But maybe you want to use cloth diapers, and you can’t afford to jump in with a full stash of pocket diapers.  What are your other options?

There are a couple of economical options to use cloth diapers and maximize the savings by using less expensive diapers.

Choose Prefolds and Covers

I started cloth diapering with six FuzziBunz (all baby gifts) and a lot of prefolds.  Prefolds are usually around $2 each.  You could get a full stash of 24 prefolds for just $48!  You will need to use diaper covers with prefolds, so let’s factor in the cost of the cover. 

The Flip one size diaper cover is a great choice.  It will grow with your baby and fit from 8-35 pounds.  At diaper changes, just wipe the inside of the cover and reuse it over a clean diaper (unless of course the cover is soiled…then replace it with a clean one).  We recommend that you have 6-8 covers, depending on the age of your baby.  Smaller babies need their diaper changed more often, and have more potential of soiling the cover.  You want to have enough on hand to compensate.

Let’s add the cost of 6 Flip diaper covers.  At $13.95 each, that would come to $83.70.  So theoretically you could start diapering your baby for the grand total of $131.70!  Depending on the size of your baby, you may need to purchase some larger prefolds down the road.

Choose a Hybrid System

This is similar to the prefolds and covers system, except that you are using inserts designed for your covers.  The Flip diaper cover has two great inserts – a Stay Dry Insert, and an Organic Cotton Insert.  By purchasing a Flip Day Pack (2 covers, 6 inserts) you can save even more.  Because you are reusing the covers at diaper changes, you need to purchase less of them, and therefore the cost of your complete stash is less.

Let’s look at the cost of the Flip diapering system.  If you purchase three Day Packs, you would have 6 Flip Covers and 18 Stay Dry Inserts.  You could purchase an additional six inserts to complete your stash of 24 inserts.  Or, if your baby is smaller, you may just want to purchase 4 Day Packs so that you have more covers available.

3 Day Packs (Stay Dry): $49.95 each, total of $149.85
6 Additional Stay Dry Inserts: $4.95 each, total $29.70
Grand Total: $179.55

With the Flip system there is no need to purchase additional sizes, as the cover is a one size cover.  $179.55 would diaper your baby from birth to potty training!

Consider the Price of Disposable Diapers

I know…$200 bucks at once still seems like a lot of money, especially since one reason to use cloth diapers is to save money.  So let’s consider the cost of disposable diapers.

There are a lot of variables when it comes to computing this cost!  What brand you choose, where you shop, whether or not you use coupons, how often your child wets, how often you change your child, and at what age your child starts potty training all affect your total cost of disposable diapers.

I priced diapers on Amazon, because I know a lot of people who use Amazon to get volume discounts and free shipping.  I averaged the prices of the various sizes of Pampers.  If you purchase the economy package the average is 20 cents per diaper.

• Let’s figure 12 diapers per day for the first 3 months.
  90 days x 12 diapers per day x 20 cents per diaper =
  $216 (or $72 per month)
• Let’s figure 10 diapers per day for the next 3 months.
  90 days x 10 diapers per day x 20 cents per diaper =
  $180 (or $60 per month)
• Let’s figure 8 diapers per day until age two (I’m being generous…most kids I know don’t potty train until age three!)
  18 months (540 days) x 8 diapers x 20 cents per diapers = $864 (or $48 per month)

That’s a grand total of $1260…that you are literally throwing in the trash!  Wouldn’t it be better to spend around $200 to use cloth diapers?  You would save about $1,000.  You would be creating less waste.  You would be putting soft and natural materials next to your baby’s skin rather than plastic and chemicals.

Choose cloth diapers – if you do it the economical way you will save a lot of money!

A Cloth Diaper Primer, part 1

I have read several stories lately of people who investigated cloth diapers while they were pregnant.  They were so overwhelmed with the volume of options and information that they gave up and went with disposables.  This post may be elementary for some, but I hope to simplify the cloth diaper world for beginners.

Some Definitions with Pros, Cons, and Examples

AIO:  All-In-One.  This diaper is as simple as it gets.  Every part of the diaper is in one piece.  There is no insert to remove, no folding or pinning or cover needed.  Just snap or Velcro the diaper on and your baby is good to go. 

Pros: A lot!  Easy to apply, easy to wash, no stuffing or extra parts to put together before use.

Cons:  This type of diaper typically takes longer to dry as all of the absorbent layers are stitched in place.

Examples:  GroVia AIO, bumGenius Elemental Cloth Diapers, Kissaluvs AIO, Lil Joey Newborn Diapers.

Tip:  This is a great choice for beginners who are nervous about cloth diapers.  It is also one of the best options for grandparents, daddies (well…some of the them), babysitters, nursery workers, day care, etc.  It is super simple to use.  

AI2:  All-In-Two.  This diaper has everything in 2 parts.  Typically a hybrid diaper is referred to as AI2, but a pocket diaper could be called AI2 as there are two parts – a pocket and an insert.

Pros:  Easy like the AIO, but dries faster because the diaper separates into two parts

Cons:  You have to put the two parts together before you can use the diaper.  This may mean snapping in a soaker or stuffing an insert in a pocket.  It’s not difficult, but it is an extra step in preparing your diapers.

Examples:  GroVia shell system; Apple Cheeks envelope diapers; pocket diapers

Pocket Diaper:  This is one of the most popular styles of cloth diaper on the market today.  It consists of a pocket and an insert.  The pocket has an outer layer which is waterproof, and the inner layer is usually a stay-dry type fabric (wicks moisture from baby’s bum to keep him dry).  The insert could be made of any variety of fabrics.  The insert is stuffed into the pocket opening and it absorbs the pee.

Pros:  Fast drying time as the insert is removable.  No diaper cover needed.  Easy & quick to fasten to baby.  Customizable absorption – just add more inserts or boosters for heavier wetters or night times.  Baby’s skin is not touching the wet insert; therefore baby stays dry and rash is kept at bay.

Cons:  Insert should be removed prior to washing (a few select styles agitate out in the wash).  This is usually easy – grab a corner or simply shake the insert into the pail.  The insert must then be stuffed into the clean pocket before use.

Examples:  FuzziBunz pocket diapers (sized and one size); Rumparooz one size pocket diaper; Doopsy diapers, etc.

Hybrid Diapers:  Hybrid diapers are a system of cloth diapering that provides different options for different situations.  Usually there is a waterproof cover or shell which can be reused multiple times.  There is an absorbent insert that goes inside the cover/shell.  When the insert is soiled, you just put in a clean insert and reuse the cover/shell.  Many times these diapers also have a disposable (biodegradable) insert that can be used for on-the-go (travel, day care, etc.).

Pros:  It’s nice to have the option of a disposable insert in some situations.  These systems are usually cost effective because you don’t have to have one cover for each insert.  You purchase fewer covers and more inserts, thus spending less money.  It is also fewer items to store and wash.  Many hybrid systems are also one-sized, so you don’t have to purchase different sizes of covers as your baby grows. (See below for a descriptions of one size).

Cons: In my experience, if the baby poops, it gets on the shell.  For smaller babies you may need to purchase more shells or wash more often as the shells will get soiled more frequently.

Examples: Flip diaper system (insert options are stay-dry, organic cotton, or disposable); GroVia shell system, Best Bottom diapers.

Fitted Diaper:  This diaper is usually, but not always, a sized diaper.  (This means that you will have to buy more diapers as your child grows.)  The diaper is cut to fit the baby and eliminate bulk – it is fitted.  The diaper usually snaps or velcros on your baby.  There is no waterproof outer layer, therefore a diaper cover is required.

Pros:  Often these diapers are made of hemp or bamboo which are very absorbent, especially for heavy wetters.  You may be able to get a better fit because the diaper is sized.

Cons:  In my experience, fitted diapers are more bulky.  This can be awkward on a newborn or small baby.  A diaper cover will be needed.  This is not only an extra expense, but an extra step in putting the diaper on your baby.  You will likely need to buy several sizes of fitted diapers in order to use them from birth to potty training.

Examples: Kissas Fleece Fitted diapers, Kissaluvs Marvels Fitted diapers (this diaper is one size); Baby Kicks Fitted diaper

One Size Diaper:  Any of the types of diapers described here can also come with a one size option.  This means that the diaper is adjustable to allow the rise and legs to grow with your baby, fitting them from birth to potty training.  The  adjustability may be through adjustable elastic or a snap-down rise with several settings.  One size diapers generally begin fitting around 8 pounds through 35 or 40 pounds, but each brand is sized slightly different. 

Pros: One Size diapers are the best budget option because your baby will wear the same diapers all the way to potty training, and you do not have to buy other sizes. 

Cons:  Because these diapers will be in use longer than sized diapers (and thus washed more frequently), you may not be able to use them on as many children.  Some children who are particularly skinny or chunky may get a better fit from a sized diaper.

Examples:  My favorites are the FuzziBunz One Size diaper and the Rumparooz One Size diaper.  Other choices include bumGenius! 4.0 diapers, Doopsy diapers, and many more!

Organic Diapers: These diapers are made of an organic fabric, such as organic cotton.  Organic fabrics can be super absorbent, and they also give you the peace of mind about what is touching your baby’s skin.

Examples:  Baby Kicks Organic Fitted diaper, bumGenius! Elemental organic diaper, Flip Organic diaper.

Pre-Fold Diapers:  These diapers are similar to the ones used by our moms.  Pre-fold diapers are made up of several absorbent layers, usually cotton.  There are three panels, and the center panel has more layers than the side panels.  There is something very nice and simplistic about using a prefold, and they are very economically priced.  Pre-fold usually come in sizes, so it is necessary to buy more as your baby grows.  The best part about “modern” pre-fold diapers is that you don’t need pins anymore!  You can just lay the diaper in a cover and snap it on, or you can use a Snappi fastener for a more secure fit. 

Pros:  Cotton is absorbent, yet breathable.  It is easy to care for.  Pre-folds are priced well, so if a pre-fold gets ruined it is easily replaceable.  They dry fairly quickly.

Cons:  You do have to fold a pre-fold.  (Pre-fold just refers to the fact that there are already more layers in the center).  It takes a little more effort to put this diaper on your baby.  You need a cover, because the diaper is not waterproof.  These diapers can be bulkier than pocket diapers.  The diaper is not stay-dry, so your baby may get wet skin (depending on how long you go between changes).  You can convert pre-folds to stay-dry diapers by using a liner.

 This series will be continued next week.  We will investigate fabric options, diaper covers and economical options regarding cloth diapers.

{Read Part 2}
{Read Part 3}

Diaper Covers Compared

I have recently returned to using prefolds after my daughter outgrew several of our sized pocket diapers.  I have several different brands of diaper covers in my stash.  Now that I am using them more, I have definite favorites and preferences.  Here is my personal take on several major diaper cover brands.

Bummis Super Snap Wrap
sized diaper cover, newborn to large, 7-40 pounds

This cover feels very durable because of the thickness of the PUL.  I only use snapping diapers, and this cover only comes in white with a snap closure.  I do wish I could get more of the fun prints but still stick with snaps!  The quality is great, I have had no leaks or explosions that I can recall, and it washes well.  The downside to this cover is that it is sized as opposed to one size.  However, the newborn size is really great for a tiny baby.  A one size cover may not fit a newborn right away.

This was definitely my favorite newborn sized cover.  The small size also fit Elaine very well.  Now that she has outgrown the small, the medium seems a little too big in the rise, allowing the diaper to move around a lot.  If I use a Snappi fastener, this works great.

Kissaluvs Marvels One Size Cover
for babies 8-40 pounds

I won this cover in a giveaway.  It is not very high on my list of favorites.  I do like the double leg gussets and the overlapping waist snaps.  It features a snap down rise with three snap settings.  It was always a little big on a small baby, even though it is a one size cover.  I could only use it on Elaine as an infant if she was wearing a bulky fitted diaper for bedtime.  I only recently pulled it out of my drawer to begin using again.  I also find it a drawback that this cover only comes in five solid colors.  The cute factor is a big factor for me!

Thirsties Duo Wrap 
two sizes, 6-18 pounds, and 18-40 pounds

I really wanted to like this diaper cover.  I was excited when Thirsties finally became available in snap closures, and they also added several fun prints to their line.  The Duo Wrap system seemed like a great idea – to truly fit a newborn through potty training there are two sizes of cover, but each features three sizes using a snap-down rise.

I love the gussets on the Thirsties cover.  It is also made of durable PUL, though it is thin and flexible as opposed to the stiffness of the Bummis.  However, this cover has given me no end of frustration and grief!  I purchased the size 2 for Elaine although she was not quite 18 pounds.  Yet the rise snaps do not stay fastened.  When I am pulling the cover between her legs to fasten it, they always pop.  I try to snap them after the diaper is fastened, but then it is difficult.  I don’t know if I just got a bad cover, or if the snaps they use are not strong enough.  Elaine is definitely not ready for the next rise setting, so it is not a problem of being too tight.  It’s really too bad because the cover is so adorable!  (I have the Warm Stripes).

Flip One Size Diaper Cover 
for babies 7-35 pounds

This is it – my number one, absolute favorite diaper cover!  The Flip came out near the same time as Elaine’s birth.  The covers fit very well from the beginning (she was 7 pounds at birth).  She is still wearing them now, and we have four of this cover in our stash.

I primarily use the Flip diaper cover with prefold diapers.  When Elaine was smaller we always used a Snappi fastener to help contain the runny breast milk poo better.  Now that she is older, I just tri-fold the prefold and lay it in the cover, and then fasten the cover on Elaine. 

This is an example of a tri-folded prefold; this is a Thirsties diaper cover

The Flip diaper cover features three size settings with snap-down rise.  The stretchy tabs help ensure a great fit each time, and I really like the two rows of vertical snaps.  I feel like this holds the diaper more securely than a single row of snaps.

The Flip cover can be used with Flip Stay-Dry or Organic Cotton inserts.  I was not a fan of the inserts when Elaine was little, but they are great now.  The stay-dry insert is basically a microfiber insert with micro-suede topping to keep baby dry.  The Organic Cotton is an oh-so-soft large prefold that can be folded several different ways depending on the size you need.  There are also disposable inserts. I plan to go disposable on our next air travel trip.

 

How about you?  What is your favorite diaper cover?  Do you go for snaps or Aplix?  I would love to try wool, and also the GroVia system as I have heard great things about those two covers also.