With so many choices out there, how is one to decide?  Plus how do you get past the poop issue?  I myself have a problem with that also.

If after you read this and do your own research, you are still confused as to which diapers you want to use.  You can purchase our "Try Them" Package.  You get one of each of our diapers that we sell so you can try them and make a decision.

First let's take a quick look at some of your options:

 PREFOLDS:  These are great for preemies and newborns.  You require pins or snappi and a diaper cover, throw in a diaper liner for extra coverage.  They can also make very economical diapers if you use two prefolds and a liner with a diaper cover.  It is a very good option if you are watching your finances and don't mind the extra work. The problem with prefolds is that there is a more likely chance of leakage and you have to form the diaper each time you put it on, as it is just a rectangle cloth.  Also, keep in mind dads seem to like the all in one diapers as they are extremely convenient.

REGULAR SIZED DIAPERS:  These are wonderful diapers as they have extra layers built in for absorbency and have a less chance of leakage.  They are also pre-formed and easy to put on your baby with either Snaps or Aplix(velcro).  You do require a diaper cover as your baby will pee right through the cloth diaper, but if you have a diaper cover it will keep it contained.  You will also need a liner for night time and heavy wetters.  Sized diapers mean, you have to get sizes, small,  medium, large and sometimes x-large.  This can create a little more expensive, but it also means a better fit for each size.

REGULAR ONE SIZE DIAPERS:  These diapers are very economical as they fit newborn to toddler.  Most one size will fit 8-35lbs.  They have rows of snaps that you can snap together to make the diaper smaller and as your baby grows you snap to the next size until the diaper has no more snaps and then you are at the largest size.  They are regular diapers, which does mean you have to have diaper covers.  But by having the diaper cover separate you can easily dry these cloth diapers in the dryer and hang the diaper cover to dry.  The down side is the fit is not as precise, there may be some leakage if your baby has skinny legs. (Tiny Tush is regular one size diapers)

ALL IN ONE & POCKET DIAPERS:  Better known as AIO Diapers.  There are amazing diapers, you do not require a diaper cover with them as they are as they claim, all in one.  You get a regular diaper with a built in diaper cover.  There is no need to mess with diaper covers and to boot, most AIO's come in a variety of colors to make them a lot of fun to diaper with.  Not all AIO's are one size,  the regular AIO's mean you have to buy all the sizes you need also.  The down side to any AIO is that it is recommended that you wash any inserts and dry them them in the dryer, but the diaper itself should be lined dry to preserve it outer shell.  Which could mean, if you dry them in the dryer (on medium)  they may not last as long as a diaper that is not AIO.  However, if you line dry them you will need more diapers to cover one days drying time.  Although, the new BumGenius 2.0 now states that you can tumble dry the whole diaper on medium.  So if you want to dry your diapers go with BumGenius!  (Berry Plush is an AIO diaper)

The difference between a pocket diaper and AIO is that you add your own insert.  AIO's have everything in one diaper, the pocket diapers have a pocket for you to add a liner (some come with the liners ie: bumGenius 2.0 & other require you to buy one ie: Kangas)  (Swaddlebees is an AIO & Swaddlebees also has a pocket diaper.)

ONE SIZE AIO & POCKET DIAPERS:  These are the most convenient diapers out there, they are supposed to be as close to disposable diapers as you can get in cloth.  Like the above one size they will fit most 8-35lb children and they have the waterproof outer shell of the AIO diapers.  Some have snaps and some have velcro, the new velcro diapers usually have a washer tab.  You stick the velcro to these and that way they do not snag on other items in your laundry.  With these, you put them on and when they are wet you simply remove and put on another.  They may require inserts for the night. 

The difference between a pocket diaper and AIO is that you add your own insert.  AIO's have everything in one diaper, the pocket diapers have a pocket for you to add a liner (some come with the liners ie: bumGenius 2.0 & other require you to buy one ie: Kangas)  (BumGenius 2.0 is a one size Pocket diaper)

So now you have an idea if you want Regular, One Size, AIO's, or Prefolds.  Now we will look into using accessories and how to wash your diapers.  At the bottom of the page there is a section on how many diapers you may need.

Diaper Liner:  These are pretty straight forward.  They come in rectangle and contour, some you get your choice, most just come in rectangle.  The liners are used for night time when you need the diaper to absorb more, or if you need the diaper to last longer during the day time. (ie: Going on a trip, heading out for the day.)  Just add it to your diaper and you are good to go.  Getting organic liners and none organic diapers, allow you to have organic cotton where it matters and a more cost efficient diaper. There are also disposable liner which come in very handy when your child has solid poop.  Just whisk away the liner and if it is flushable, flush the whole thing down the toilet.  These can save a big mess on your diaper.

Diaper Covers:  There are a few choices for diaper covers, a pull on style, which we find works well at containing the mess and fits nicely.  A velcro or snap style that looks very much like the above cloth diapers, but can add a little more bulk and can have some leakage around the legs.  Then organic wool covers, these are used usually over one of the above covers for extra leakage protection at night and are not machine washable but hand washable and not often, perhaps every few weeks as they do not require regular washing. (unless soiled)  They air dry well and are naturally antibacterial so they do not smell.  Diaper covers are normally made with a waterproof layer such as polyester, (which can make your baby sweat) polyurethane, (which is breathable) or nylon. (which is a good choice if your baby reacts to any of the other choices , as some babies are allergic to polyester, but not to nylon.  And it is a breathable fabric also.) 

Diaper Pins & Snappies:  These are used with prefolds to hold the diaper in place.  Make sure your dipaers are the old fashion kind that are safe around children. (locking mechanisim.)  Snappies hold diapers in place using claws much like a tensor bandage pin.  They need fabric to hold onto, so only use them with prefolds.

Baby Wipes:  You can use the disposable kind, which everyone knows.  Or you can use cloth ones.  You will need either the wet or dry method;  the wet method you can soak them in an all natural antibacterial solution(in a plastic box) and take them out as needed;  or using the dry method, your antibacterial solution is in a spray bottle that you spray on your baby or cloth and then wipe.  If you are using cloth diapers, it is easy to use cloth wipes. (we have a cloth wipe kit or you can make your own)

Diaper Pails:  These are to hold your wet or dry dirty diapers.  There are two methods to use wet & dry;  the wet method requires a diaper pail with a lid (preferably locking, to keep children out for fear of drowning) and fill with some water and put dirty diapers directly into pail(clean off soiled diapers first); dry method is to put dirty diapers in pail(cleaning off soiled diapers) and leave until you wash.  

These are the basics, there are many different diapering accessories.  However, these are your basic ones.  I will add more as I find them worthwhile.

WASHING YOUR DIAPERS

Now comes the part no ones likes, washing your diapers.   It comes down to a matter of preference. 

You can use a diaper pail to hold your diapers until washing(you can use deodorizing disks for them), or I have heard of putting them in your bath tub to soak or the one I use is add water to your washing machine by using  a rinse cycle and add them throughout the day to the washer.  At the end of the day drain it and then do a regular wash.

To wash your diapers use a regular detergent.  An all natural detergent can leave residue and cause the diaper to leak or smell.  If your diapers have a problem with smelling, add baking soda to your wash cycle and then to balance PH levels add some vinegar to your rinse cycle.  If you don't your baby may end up with a diaper rash.  I personally add some Borax to my wash which helps.  Never use regular bleach with cloth diapers, it can ruin them and degrade the fabric.

How much do you hate poop?  There are a few methods to get rid of the stinky stuff;  get a diaper sprayer, it hooks up easily to your toilet and you use it to rinse off the diaper into the toilet and can also be used for feminine hygiene; you can use your sink, dump solids into the toilet and rinse the diaper or liner in the sink;  lastly a no hands method is to dump solids into toilet and put directly into washer with some water, once you get a few soiled diapers run a rinse cycle then add peed diapers and do a regular cycle.  To help with stains, use an all natural stain remover.

To wash your diapers throw everything into the wash, diapers, liners and covers (not wool ones) and wash normally. (When using new diapers wash in hot water & dry up to 5 times to get rid of the natural oil in the cotton, this way they will absorb better.)  For regular diapers, liners and prefolds, put in your dryer and dry normally.

  I hope some of this has helped you.  If you have any other questions, please contact us.