Cloth Diapers-Part 2

My husband and I chose to do cloth diapers because they were the most affordable diaper route. We have a practical outlook on our spending, so anytime we can save money we jump on it! I must say so far Nolan has been pretty cheap since we use cloth diapers, he is breastfed, and now I am starting the process of making my own baby food. Believe me I know the expenses will catch up to me once he gets older. In my previous post, I talked about how I used prefolds. Prefolds are the most inexpensive way to have cloth diapers. Now I want to talk about the fancier type of cloth diapers. We decided to try two different types of cloth diapers: BumGenius and FuzziBunz. On our original purchase, we decided to get the one size fit all type so that we can use them throughout the whole diaper phase. Now when he was a newborn, these swallowed him so I just used the prefolds. Once he got a little bigger, I was able to adjust the sizes on these one size diapers to fit him. At first, I didn't like the BumGenius 4.0 due to the bulk of the insert. Then I changed it out with the extra insert that came with my FuzziBunz, and it fit much better. I strongly suggest using "pocket diapers" because you can stuff as many inserts into the diaper as you need especially for outings, naptime, or at night. I have heard that the all-in-ones take forever to dry because there is no insert to take out since it is all sewn together. We have no problem with the BumGenius 4.0 leaking, but I do see occasional wet spots from the FuzziBunz one size around the legs because little Nolan has skinny legs. However, the FuzziBunz have leg and waist adjustments built into the diaper so that can help adjust to the size of your baby. The BumGenius just has snaps that you adjust on the outside of the diaper. If you like a trimmer fit, I strongly suggest the FuzziBunz Perfect Size diapers. On Black Friday last year, I bought 3 size smalls for a great deal. Currently Nolan can still wear these, but he will be moving up to size medium in a month probably. Here is the BumGenius 4.0: FuzziBunz:

Here is a typical diaper day schedule for me:

• Change out overnight diaper (FuzziBunz or BumGenius double stuffed with 2 inserts)
  
• Put on prefold with a cover
  
• Change out for naptime diaper (FuzziBunz or BumGenius sometimes 1 or 2 inserts)
  
• After naptime diaper, put on prefold with cover
  
• Change prefold and cover to another one
  
• Change to naptime diaper (FuzziBunz or BumGenius 1 or 2 inserts
  
• After naptime diaper, put on prefold with cover
  
• Change prefold and cover to another one
  
• Put on nighttime diaper (FuzziBunz or BumGenius double stuffed with 2 inserts

Now obviously sometimes we could use less or more diapers depending on the day. Nolan is a heavy wetter so I do change him quite often. I love the prefolds because they are inexpensive however they don't wick away from the skin like the fancier cloth diapers, so I usually don't leave him in one of those too long. I own 24 prefolds, 3 size small perfect fit FuzziBunz, 3 BumGenius 4.o, and 2 one size FuzziBunz. I do not come anywhere close to using all the prefolds anymore now that he is older. I could probably go 3 days without washing his diapers, but I don't due to them getting yucky. At his age, I would suggest purchasing 12 prefolds and then 8-10 fancier cloth diapers of your choice. You could probably get away with less than that especially if your baby isn't a huge wetter, but it's nice to have the options.

We really love using cloth diapers and strongly recommend it. It can save you $2k-$3k or possibly more if you use them for multiple kids. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

The Washing Machine Woes

Recently my washing machine has decided to stop producing hot water. In the past this would not have been a big deal, but now after having a baby it is a must in my household because we use cloth diapers. Yes I know that people think that I am crazy every time I tell them, but it really is not a big deal. Now I'm not a tree hugging hippy (sorry Sarah!), but I do love to save money. Don't get me wrong, I don't litter, I don't use things in excess, and I really don't have that much trash. However, it is mainly because I don't like to waste money. Cloth diapers have come a long way since your mother's cloth diapers. They can also save you up to $2,000-$3,000! Now that is some major cash to put back in your pocket! Here is how the process works and the brands of diapers I have used for Nolan.

When he was a newborn I used mainly indian prefolds. You have to also have a outside cover and a "snappi" which is to replace the pins your mother used. You can use the "newpaper fold" or the "angel wings fold" that can all be found on different websites, but I found this one the most helpful. Then you put the snappi on by attaching it to one side (let's say the right side) then you pull and attach it to the left side. Then you pull the bottom piece down and attach. Lastly, you velcro or snap the velcro cover over the prefold. Here are some examples of the prefolds, snappis, and covers I used:




Now I used the Thirsties Wrap that are all snaps without the velcro top. Basically the cover keeps the baby's clothes from getting wet or soiled. The great news about prefolds is that they only cost $1-$2 a piece! That really adds up when you have a newborn going through 10-12 diapers a day. Not only are the affordable, they are also better for baby's skin and keep them from having as many diaper rashes. Also when a baby is strictly breast fed you just throw the diaper in the wash and soak on cold for 20 mins. Then I do a rinse, and lastly a complete hot wash cycle. You can not use fabric softener or liquid detergent because it can cause your diapers to not be absorbent. I use Tide Orignal powder, and it has worked like a charm. You can also buy specific cloth diaper detergent. After you start a baby on solids or if you use formula you use a sprayer that can be easily attached to your toilet to spray the stool from the diaper. Here is the BumGenius sprayer I have:



Then you just throw it in to a diaper pail with a liner and just make sure to wash every two days to avoid the diapers getting moldy.



I have purchased many items online, but one website I use constantly that has free shipping and no tax is Cottonbabies. I will use another post to show the fancier cloth diapers I use as well called Fuzzibunz and BumGenius. You can also link to my friend Laura's blog about her experience with cloth diapers here. Right now Nolan is still in the infant sized prefolds, and he is 5 months old. He will be able to probably wear them for another 2 months, then I will switch him to the regular sized prefolds.

Now back to my washing machine...the control panel has gone completely out so it is not working at all. My husband has ordered the parts to fix it, but until they are delivered I will be using my in-laws washing machine!