Cloth diapers

[jasonandjen2004]

Awhile back you had the founder of Happy Heinys on your show and it was a good informative episode about cloth diapering. However, it was centered on Happy Heinys in particular and it would be great to hear all about the many cloth diapering options out there -- the different brands, pros and cons of each, what the difference is between pocket diapers, all-in-ones, etc. I think that would make a good PregTASTIC episode!

[schultz]

i agree that another episode on cloth diapers is needed. I definitely want to use cloth diapers but there are so many brands. is velcro or snaps better? what material? pre-baby prep for the diapers? what detergent is best? I would greatly appreciate any input on this topic! thanks.

[KristaRae]

Awhile back you had the founder of Happy Heinys on your show and it was a good informative episode about cloth diapering. However, it was centered on Happy Heinys in particular and it would be great to hear all about the many cloth diapering options out there -- the different brands, pros and cons of each, what the difference is between pocket diapers, all-in-ones, etc. I think that would make a good PregTASTIC episode!

As a cloth diaper user, I think it would be a great episode as well!

I wrote the Cloth Diapering Newbie blog post a few weeks ago and would be happy to share any of my knowledge with you! :-)

[KristaRae]

i agree that another episode on cloth diapers is needed. I definitely want to use cloth diapers but there are so many brands. is velcro or snaps better? what material? pre-baby prep for the diapers? what detergent is best? I would greatly appreciate any input on this topic! thanks.

It really comes down to your priorities. What I mean is this: are you looking for something extremely economical? looking for really practical and easy-to-use cloth diapers? something in between?

Also, are you planning to cloth diaper (CD) full-time or do disposables with a babysitter/daycare and/or at night?

Once you do a little thinking on that, you might have an easier time navigating the CD Scene.

The velcro vs. snaps debate continues to rage in the CD Community. Some people love the velcro because you can adjust the fit each time. However, velcro can get a little nasty over time with washings so it has to be a good quality velcro to hold up (because of this, the WAHM-made diaper covers I have are at the end of my rotation and are used less frequently). Snaps are great for durability but you might not get the snuggest fit.

Most diapers and covers have PUL, a water resistant material which coats the diaper. There are also wool covers which are more expensive but last a very very long time. Some covers are also made of fleece or have fleece parts. Again, much of that has to do with your priorities and needs.

I'm not certain what you mean by pre-baby prep for the diapers, but I'll try to help with a little elaboration.

As far as detergents, most diaper makers will give you a recommendation. Many CD users like Charlies Soap or SoapNuts. I use All Free & Clear on mine and the occasional OxyClean for stinkiness.

I hope that helps! I'm happy to answer any questions you may have!

[skipnjif]

Krista's got a lot of info there to help you out and she has done a great job covering the bases. I don't have much to add except to say that I highly recommend wool inserts and doublers for nighttime, as they are very absorbant without being overly bulky. Also, a GREAT company that I use is Baby Works (babyworks.com)....it was started by an WAHM and anyone who you speak to there is incredibly helpful and can answer any questions you might have.

[royce]

Hello everyone,
Saturday, May 2nd we will be interviewing Tamara from Parenting By Nature (http://www.parentingbynature.com). If you have any cloth diaper questions you would like us to include during this recording (episode # 137) please email us at info@pregtastic.com