In the last two weeks I’ve received several requests for more information on what types of cloth diapers I use. I figured I might as well write a post about it. ☺ The following is just my experience with the brands I’ve used, what’s held up, what hasn’t, what I’ve liked and haven’t. And, I’m stating right up front, that nobody has paid me or sent me free samples to write any of this.

All but my oldest wore cloth diapers. I love using cloth diapers! They are economical, easy to use, and better for babies and their sensitive skin. There are many different kinds to choose from: regular fitted cloth diapers, prefolds, All-in-Ones (AIO), One Size (fit between 8 -35 lbs). My favorites to use are All-In-Ones (AIO) and One Size Diapers.

One Size diapers grow with your baby. Through a series of snaps you can adjust the rise and waist so the diapers will fit a baby anywhere from 8-35 lbs. I like these because I don’t have to switch out sizes or spend money buying 24 diapers of every size. The longest lasting One Size diapers I’ve used are the Motherease Brand. When I first bought them 13 years ago only the cotton terry was available. They lasted through three kids, half lasted through four. Now they come in several fabric types but I can’t account for the durability of the others, just the cotton terry. I have my eye on the bamboo terry as bamboo is nice and soft. The Motherease diapers require a diaper cover. The brands I use are Thirstees and Super Whisper Wraps. They last much longer if you line dry them! I’ve only had to replace my diaper covers once.

All-in-One diapers have a diaper cover sewn with the diaper so there is no need for an additional cover. The all-in-ones that are the absolute best are the bumGenius OneSize diapers. Not only are they easy to use they also adjust to grow with your baby. They are more expensive to begin with but in the long run end up being a cheaper option. They also seem to work the best about wicking away moisture from a baby’s bottom. I’ve only used them with one child, Special Dark, and am using them with Hershey. So far they are holding up really well with no noticeable signs of wear. Both the Motherease and the bumGenius One Size diapers come in a rainbow of colors but I opt for plain white or unbleached.

I’ve only tried a few regular fitted cloth diapers. They end up being more expensive because you have to buy different sizes and at least 24 of each of those sizes so you aren’t washing a load of diapers every day or even every other day. The absolute worst brand of fitted diapers I’ve used are the Happy Heinys. They wore out being used on only one child! bumGenius Bamboo Diapers are extremely soft and have lasted through at least two children. Little Beetles is another brand of fitted diapers that I love. Their velour diapers are the softest diapers I have ever felt. And they just get softer with each washing! One plus for the Little Beetles diapers, they are very trim almost like a disposable diaper. Fitted diapers also require the use of diaper covers.

For wipes I use the cheap washcloths from Walmart – 10 for $5 or something like that and just get them wet with water before wiping. I recommend getting a good diaper pail too so the ammonia smell of the dirty diapers doesn’t escape into the room. I really like the one sold here.

To recap here are all the brands of diapers I DO recommend:

One Size Diaper
Motherease Cotton Terry

AIO (All-in-ones)
bumGenius One Size Diapers

Fitted Diapers
Little Beetles
bumGenius Bamboo

Diaper Covers
Thirstees
Super Whisper Wraps

For cleaning purposes, homemade laundry detergent leaves much less residue than store bought detergent but cleans just as well. I also have tried and recommend using Crunchy Clean Diaper Detergent as another alternative. It doesn’t contain regular soap, enzymes or borax which can really affect some babies’ sensitive skin. One must be resigned to the fact that cloth diapers will stain, especially once a baby starts eating solid food. Stains can be kept to a minimum though simply by hanging the diapers on the line to dry outside. The power of the sun acts as a natural bleach. I’ve removed many stains just hanging the diapers out to dry on a bright sunny day.

The initial cost for starting cloth diapering can be expensive but in reality forking out $500 now for diapers, washcloths, and a pail saves much more in the long run average of $1200-$1500 for disposables for one baby. Usually, I’d recommend buying 24-36 diapers so you can go anywhere from 3-6 days before washing a load of diapers. We have spent a total of $1300 for cloth diapers that we have used on seven of our eight children. For us that’s a savings of at least $7200 if you use the cheap end figure of $1200 for disposable diapers for one child. Even if you use cloth diapers with just two children you can save $1500-$2000. That’s a lot of money!

Do any of you have experience with the cloth diapers mentioned? What about other brands of cloth diapers? Have you made your own?

© 2007-2009 Chocolate on my Cranium, LLC all rights reserved