Cloth diapering

Could anyone give me some good information on cloth diapering? Those who do it, do you like it better then disposable diapers? Whats some pros and cons about them? Im really thinking about getting some for my daughter but I would like to know how they work, how easy they are, where can you get them for a good price, and things like that. Thank you  

http://forum.baby-gaga.com/about2234581.html
^^CD thread with info in the OP.

I'll just try to be simple  
I use cloth diapers because I have 2 in diapers and disposables were getting ridiculous. DD is 2.5 and has been CDd since she was 14 months, DS is 16 months and was CDd from birth. We only use cloth, no disposables. We use disposable wipes though just because it's easier for *us*.

We use pocket diapers. Simple shell that you can stuff the absorbant inserts into, then it just goes on the baby like a regular diaper.
Most of our diapers are from www.alvababy.com. They are chinese "cheapies" but they are great quality and I like them better than the more expensive bigger brands. They're about $6 a diaper vs $15+ for other brands. Great stash starters.

You have to use a cloth safe detergent to wash. I use Honest Company detergent and Country Save powder. We wash every other day.

If there's any specific questions, feel free to ask me  

Do it!!! There waaaay too many options for one thread. There's a thread on here all about cding. I'll come back and link or someone else may. But the OP has lots of beginner info.

Do you wash the whole diaper and inserts or throw the inserts away? Would the infant detergent work? I use purex for my daughters things..

thank you for the thread link too i will be checking that out!

Quoting Blessed x2♥:" Do you wash the whole diaper and inserts or throw the inserts away? Would the infant detergent work? ... [snip!] ... infant detergent work? I use purex for my daughters things.. thank you for the thread link too i will be checking that out!"

I wouldn't use purex. You need to find something that is free of brighteners, softeners etc. Most things you find at like, Walmart or other grocery stores won't be good, with the exception of like, Ecos I believe they sell at Walmart.

The inserts are washable as well. You spray or plop the poop off, or if its pee you just skip to throwing it in the pail. I wouldn't let them sit longer than 3 days between washes because it can start to get stinky.
You can just use a large trash can as a pail, that's what I do, with a pail liner, but some people don't even use liners. Whatever you use, just don't put a lid on it. The more air circulating will actually cut down on yucky smells.

Here's a detergent chart:
http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-chart.html

Quoting l☮j:" I wouldn't use purex. You need to find something that is free of brighteners, softeners etc. Most things ... [snip!] ... even use liners. Whatever you use, just don't put a lid on it. The more air circulating will actually cut down on yucky smells."

Thank you  

I may get some and trial run it for a week and see if I like them! I know it will save us on some money too which would be helpful. OH the other things i was wondering was how long do they last and how often should u get new ones?

Quoting Blessed x2♥:" Thank you   I may get some and trial run it for a week and see if I like them! I know it will save ... [snip!] ... too which would be helpful. OH the other things i was wondering was how long do they last and how often should u get new ones?"

We use one size. To make them bigger or smaller you just snap down the "rise".
My 2.5 yr old and 16 month old share diapers all the time  
Just an example:

Gotta take the kids to bed but I'll check this when I get back  

<blockquote><b>Quoting Blessed x2♥:</b>" Do you wash the whole diaper and inserts or throw the inserts away? Would the infant detergent work? ... [snip!] ... infant detergent work? I use purex for my daughters things.. thank you for the thread link too i will be checking that out!"</blockquote>



Yup you wash the whole thing. I use cloth wipes too its much easier cause you wrap the wipe in the dipe like you would with disposable dipes and wipes then toss them all in the wash.

I use ecos free and clear its at Walmart. Some people use the regular ecos with no problem. Some people use sun free and clear as well if you need to do a store bought detergent.

How much you want to spend really depends on where u want to get some. If you just want to trial them I'd buy used one. People sell them all the time on here. If you want cheap go to alvababy.com. I use a lot of wahm because I value helping them over a Chinese corporation. I'm now getting prepared to make my own and see how it goes.

Lots of people use pockets but I absolutely hate stuffing them so I prefer to use AI2s. AIOs are most like using disposable files cause they're all one piece so a no brainier. AI2 have a snap in soaker. Some of my dipes have a trifold insert I just fold into thirds and set in the cover.

Also if you wanna go really cheap if you have receiving blankets laying around you can fold those into a diaper. You just need a snappi to hold it shut and a cover. Mybabypumpkin.com is clearancing out her stock so everything is 35% off. Discount shows in your cart. You could get a snappi and some wipe able covers (a cover you can wipe out and reuse for several diape changes) that's what I just bought yesterday for my flats aka receiving blankets (I got tiny rush brand cause it was cheaper and I just wanted to try then, but lots of people like the flip covers).

Making your own is cheap too if you can sew. You can use a dipe for a pattern idea and then just use fleece or an old wool sweater to cut out the cover. Then use old sweatshirts or use flats inside. I wanna make some with a microfiber towel from Walmart and cover it with cotton fabric. You can repurpose any fabric you have at home or get from goodwill.

For cloth wipes I just use baby wash cloths and an old tanktop I cut up. Then I wet them with a solution of a drop of tea tree oil, drop Of baby soap, 1/4 cup sunflower oil that's enriched with vitamin e (you can also use olive or vegetable oil) and fill with water in a big cup.

Also think about how bad disposables are for the environment and your baby's skin. http://www.livestrong.com/article/111348-chemicals-disposable-diapers/