| Here's what you need to get started with Cloth Diapering!
The Diapers
To deterimine how many diapers you'll need, start by figuring out how many diapers you go through on a daily basis. While newborns may need 9-12 changes a day, older babies (3 months and up) will need 6-8 on average. If you're not sure, I recommend planning on 10 changes a day for a newborn and 7 changes a day for your older baby.
Next, how often will you do diaper laundry? Remember - it's just one load! I've found that doing diapers every-other-day is practical and affordable. I typically turn on the machine after my baby goes to sleep for the night. Before I go to bed, I put the clean diapers in the dryer or hang them to dry so they'll be ready in the morning.
I chose to buy 18 diapers for my 8 month old son. This gives me 7 diapers per day, doing laundry every other day, and 4 diapers to spare: one that he's still wearing, and back-ups for the diaper bag, etc. It's important to have clean diapers still available while you're doing laundry, especially if you'll be doing laundry in the middle of the day! For a newborn baby, I recommend purchasing 24 diapers minimum.
Inserts
You need an insert for each pocket diaper to make it absorbent. For overnight or anytime you want to increase absorbency, you'll double-stuff with two inserts. BumGenius diapers come with two inserts per diaper. For an older baby or a heavy wetter, the two inserts included may not be sufficient for overnight sleeping. If you plan to wash every-other-day, consider buying 4-6 additional inserts for double-stuffing: a second BumGenius One-Size Microfiber insert will certainly do the job, but it will be bulky, or a Big Weeds hemp insert, which is super-absorbent and much trimmer than microfiber.
Pail Liner
Say good-bye to the plastic bags you've been using to line your diaper pail. Or, if you've been using Diaper Genie, rejoice that you can stop buying expensive refills! Instead of using up disposable plastic bags, you can purchase an inexpensive pail liner. When it's time to wash those diapers, toss the liner in the washer too! Easy, cheaper, and better for the environment.
Detergent
Ah yes, you will need detergent. But which detergent to use? Advice on this issue ranges widely from mom to mom. It seems to me that the way to go depends on your personality. If you like the detergent you use, try using it on your cloth diapers, as long as it doesn't contain bleach, fabric softeners, or fragrance. If you're more of a rule-follower (like me) and you'd like to get it right on the first try, I recommend using Country Save or Tide Original. Be sure to read How to Wash your Diapers for more details when you're ready.
Wet Bags
When you have to change a diaper, you're going to need to bring that diaper home. I know, I know, this doesn't sound fun. Well, make it more fun by getting yourself a cute wetbag! A wetbag will contain the wetness and smell, so that you won't even know you're toting a dirty diaper. At home, dump the diaper into the pail and throw in the wetbag too. No need to fill up the garbage with plastic bags! Get two so you'll always have one clean.
Cloth Wipes
Since you're already going to be washing diapers, you may as well be washing wipes as well. They add very little to your laundry load. Using cloth wipes will reduce your expenses and keep poop out of the landfills. Plus, if you use cloth wipes, there's no need to have a garbage can at the diaper changing table.
By the way, you can make cloth wipes out of many things: leftover fabrics, stained baby clothes, cute sheets. Consider recylcing a fabric you love. Just cut into a prefered shape and stitch the edges to prevent fraying. Keep them wet with water in your old disposable wipes container or other such airtight container.
Great! You've made a list. Now comes the fun part - Shop Cloth Diapers! But before you use them, be sure to read How to Wash your Diapers
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