How to Get Started With Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers? Really?

That was pretty much my reaction (and my husband's) when I first heard my friend had switched from disposables. Of course, I was envisioning folded white diapers with safety pins holding them together, and buckets of dirty diapers soaking in her laundry room. Boy, was I wrong! Cloth diapers have come a long way, both in style and in function.

In short, we have switched to cloth diapers ourselves - and have not looked back. Our baby is happy and comfy in her soft, new diapers (no more diaper rash - a great perk for those babies whose sensitive skin reacts to the dyes, perfumes and chlorine in most disposables) and we are happy to be saving money, as well as helping out the environment.

If you're curious to get started with cloth diapers but not sure where to start, here are some tips:

• Do your research. Buying cloth diapers is not like heading to the store to buy a gallon of milk. There are many options out there - which can be both overwhelming and exciting at the same time. First of all, are you looking for a sized diaper (small, medium, large) or a one sized diaper? There are benefits to both. Next, ask yourself what type of diaper are you looking for - prefold, pocket diapers, snap-ins, all-in-ones, etc. I would suggest going to www.diaperpin.com to read reviews of different diapers, or check out cloth diaper blogs such as Crazy 4 Fluff.
  
• Before committing to one brand or system, try out a couple of each. You really never know how a specific diaper is going to work until you try it out. I would suggest buying two or three of each brand you're interested in, and then see what you think. Make sure and pay attention to how well it fits your baby, the length in between diaper changes, and whether or not you have any leaks or issues with the diaper.
  
• Before you put that first diaper on, make sure you have enough cloth diapers to last you at least one full day before doing diaper laundry. Later you'll want more - but this avoids doing some cloth, some disposable, making it more complicated than it needs to be.
  

• Don't forget the extras! I highly recommend having at least one large "wetbag" to store your dirty diapers in. It's also good to have a travel sized wetbag (small or medium sized - I prefer medium), as well as a backup or two of each. If your little one is known for having particularly explosive diapers, you may also want to consider a diaper sprayer. This wonderful gadget attaches to your toilet, and will spray off the mess before you throw it in the washing machine.
  
• Think through how you will fit this into your routine and lifestyle. Before taking the plunge into the world of cloth diapers, consider what your days are like. Is your husband on board with this? Does your child go to day care or have frequent babysitters? Do you own your own laundry machines, or do you take your clothes to a laundromat? Mentally walk through a typical day, and be aware of any special considerations you may have.
• Full time or part time? Keep in mind that you can do cloth diapers part time if it's the best fit for your lifestyle. Some parents prefer disposables at night (for heavy wetters) and cloth during the daytime. Working moms may decide to do cloth at home, and disposables during the hours their child is at daycare or with the sitter. Personally, I'm planning on using disposables while traveling next week, simply because I know that I probably won't be able to keep up with diaper laundry for those few days. Just play around with what works best for you and your family.

• Ready, set, go! When it's time to buy diapers, there are many places to get started. I was able to find brand new BumGenius 4.0 diapers listed on craigslist, as well as a gently used diaper sprayer. I also found a new Fuzzibunz (in a discontinued color) discounted on eBay. As for sites that specialize in cloth diaper products, I recommend Kelly's Closet, Nicki's Diapers, and Cotton Babies. These sites often offer free shipping, a free diaper with a minimum purchase, and other great coupons.