Cloth Diapers

When I became pregnant I knew I wanted to use cloth diapers so I started researching which kind to get, and oh my!  I quickly became overwhelmed with all of the options and acronyms, websites etc.  I half jokingly thought someone should really teach a course on cloth diapering; it clearly was not as simple as I had hoped it would be.  

Well 15 months into being a cloth diapering Mama of two I feel like I have a little bit of insight I can share and hopefully make it a little less intimidating for other new moms.   

I started out with Grovia Hybrid Diapers, I was attracted to the idea they were one size fits all, that you had the option to use cloth or biodegradable inserts and that you could remove the inserts and reuse the shells.  Most of the shells I bought were hook and loop closure (Velcro) because that seemed to me like it would be a more exact fit and much quicker to fasten than the snaps.

Well I never used the biodegradable inserts, cloth has been fine even for outings I just throw the soiled cloth inserts in a wet bag and wash them when I get home.  I am sure being able to dispose of the inserts has its advantages while out; I just never have felt the need to use them.

I have never reused a shell, usually because the insert has leaked a bit and my children's urine stinks!

The Velcro was fine for an infant but with toddlers, I have learned the benefit of snaps, they love to take their own diapers off and I have found snaps prevents this from happening, also after 15 months of heavy use the Velcro closures have become less 'sticky.  If I could go back I would have purchased all snap covers.

When Kiwi joined our family I needed more diapers to make it through the day and Fuzzibunz was running a promotion if you bought 6 diapers you got 2 free.  I figured that was too good of a deal to pass up so decided to go with Fuzzibunz for Kiwi's diapers and Grovia for E.  

I fell in love with Fuzzibunz Elite One Size.  They leaked less and fit better than Grovia.  Then a dear friend gifted me with 12 more Fuzzibunz EOS diapers and it was settled both babies were now wearing Fuzzibunz as our primary diapers and I would highly recommend them.

I have also used Bum Genius (I bought a few on clearance before E was born) and they are fine, a little bulkier than both Grovia and Fuzzibunz and the insert doesn't feel as secure, Grovia snaps in, and Fuzzibunz are in a pocket, where as Bum Genius just kind of sits in the shell unsecured.   

I have also tried pre-folds with a shell and they are just difficult and bulky, I have only done this in a pinch (When we lost power for a week due to a hurricane).  

I am sure there are many other great diapers out there; I have by no means tried them all.  I just wanted to let you know what I have found works best for our family.

I use Rocking Green detergent on them, and line dry the shells.

Easy peasy, and I have saved a fortune in diapers, prevented tons of waste, don't have to worry about poop smelling trash cans, or late night emergency trips to the store for diapers, prevented countless diaper rashes, and hope that it is true that cloth makes potty training easier.   I really do love my cloth diapers, and cannot imagine diapering any other way.

(Not the most effective location for diapers but they do make cute hats.)