Firstly, I just wanted to say that lately my choices during nap time have been: nap myself, shower, or blog.  Mostly, I’ve been chosing shower, with a bit of Plurk thrown in there.  So I apologize for my absence, and will try to make up for it with a “where to shop” type post.

I’m one of the few lucky ones out there with local shops that carry a variety of good cloth diapers.  I do some of my shopping locally, but to be honest, I do most of it online.  It’s not that I don’t want to support my local economies, but it’s mostly that I live in Canada, and like most things, diapers cost A LOT more here.  Like, $6 a diaper more.  If I know I can get a diaper cheaper (and new, with free shipping) online, there is very little incentive for me to shop locally.

My favourite place to buy diapers is from Leslie’s Boutique*.  It’s a great store, and the customer service is just about awesome.  Hands down, this has been the most economical place for me to buy new diapers from.  Also, I love love love her wetbags.  And?  She has a very fancy new diaper bag that I am jonesing for, but don’t have the cash to buy.  The snap in accessories are making me a tiny bit crazy.  I mean, I can get two bags - one wet one dry?  I can have a matching change mat?  She’ll make a small baggy for treats?  Dude.  I just about have a siezure when I think about all the matchy-matchy I can have.

There isn’t a lot that I have actually purchased from Leslie’s.  I have a small wipes sized wetbag, a Melon (AKA life preserver orange) Thirsties AIO (do not recommend), a Bubblegum Fuzzi Bunz (I’m not crazy about FB, but they’re ok), and a Grasshopper Bum Genius (love!).  My order was shipped reasonably quickly, although it took it’s sweet time getting here (the US to Canada postal system is complete pants and makes me crazy).  I have emailed them to ask them about custom bags, and they seem to be open to discussion (I wanted PUL sandwich sized bags), and were reasonable in their pricing.  I will absolutely be shopping here again.

*Did you know?  Leslie’s Boutique is having a sale on Thirsties stuff!  It’s on for a limited time, so be sure to go check it out!  Also:  Leslie’s is currently stocking the BumGenius Organic Cotton OS.  I don’t know whether to try it - it’s more expensive than the pocket, and I’m afraid that I won’t like it.  I also don’t know if I really NEED organic diapers or not.  Any thoughts?

I have also purchased from DiaperSwappers.com.  All the times I have bought from there, I haven’t had any problems…  Kind of.  I bought one Piddle Poddles which I swear isn’t an actual PP.  It is the same style, but the soaker is different then the other Piddle Poddles I have (which I know is actually a PP), the quality doesn’t seem to be the same.  Regardless, if it IS a PP, then it’s a second, and I paid full price for it.  I guess it doesn’t really matter now.  This is the problem with Diaperswappers - you have to really trust the other person to not screw you over.  I didn’t bother to follow up with this transaction because it didn’t seem to be worth it to me.  I know now that I won’t buy something that doesn’t have tags - so it will be either WAHM stuff with tags, or brand-name diapers with tags.  As a side note:  Make sure that you always always always get pictures, inside and out, of the diaper you are going to buy.  And check feedback.  If the seller doesn’t have diaperswapper feedback, ask for feedback from somewhere else.  When you get feedback from somewhere else, message that user and make sure it’s the person from diaperswappers.  If you chose to buy from someone with no feedback, do so at your own risk:  don’t spend more money than you’re willing to lose.

I have also purchased (accidentally!) from Spots’ Corner on Hyena Cart.  Here’s the catch:  if you press “buy this”, you HAVE to buy it.  Even if you go to the next page and decide, nope, not interested (as I did), you’re responsible for it.  This is how I got my Mutt.  While it’s a beautiful diaper, it’s not my favourite, and I do wish that I hadn’t purchased it.  My paypal money should have gone somewhere else.  Like maybe to a beautiful Fattycakes or something.  So let my experience be a warning - be sure to read what the button says before you click it on Hyena Cart.  Some stuff is “add to shopping cart”, which is no obligation, and some stuff is “buy now”, which means you own that item and must buy it.

If you’ve read any of my posts, you know that I love Piddle Poddles.  And I do.  I still want to try a Goodmama, just because they seem a little different in size (we’re having a bit of a sizing issue with the PP, because we’re in between snaps, but this will not be an issue in another few weeks when Kitten is a little bigger), but I’m really happy with the availability of the Piddle Poddles, and I have always received tremendous customer service from Robin.  The store is stocked every Friday, so you don’t have to worry about “stealth” stockings, or stalking a page.  Granted, if there is something special that you want, you will have to stalk a little to be sure to get it, but the majority of her regular One-Size Organic Bamboo Velour diapers are available for purchase (on stocking days, not just randomly).

So this is where I shop.  Does anyone have any recommendations?  Insights?  Difference in opinion?  Does anyone want to sell me a new (or barely used) Goodmama for $35 or less?  No?  Nuts.

Today I’m taking advantage of the projected *90 degrees and have my Fuzzibuns drying outside. All twelve of them. Yes, sigh, twelve. That is all the cloth I own. It’s ridiculous really, but I started late, at the tail end (ha!) of my last child’s diaper cycle. So it was hard to get excited about buying! more! diapers!

I really wanted pre-folds to work for us. I love, LOVE, the idea of pre-folds but my kid? Not so much. He hates them, the pins, the snappys, the bunching. Everything about them makes him irritable. So Fuzzi Buns it is. Tried and true.

If you need me, I’ll be haunting diaper swappers for a good deal on fuzzibuns. As much as I’d like to channel all my monies into little wooden toys that are so adorable, poop catchers will be my new priority. *sigh*

Last night we had a grand ‘ole time taking turns wearing Nick’s new “hat.” Nicky put it on himself and couldn’t stop giggling. He thought he was the coolest idea ever, and eventually he decided that Mom and Dad needed to participate, too, so we all wore diapers on our heads for an embarrassing amount of time.

I finally received some feedback from customer service at Cottonbabies regarding bumGenius odor issues. I thought I would share what they told me in case it benefits anyone else. I e-mailed them a few times, and here is what they said:

Q: How do I eliminate odor from my BG inserts?

A: We are sorry to hear that you are having some odor issues with your bumGenius diapers. Usually odor issues are a sign of build-up of some kind on your diapers. It is imperative to make sure that you are using an appropriate detergent and that you are not using any diaper rash creams without a protective layer of material between your baby and the bumGenius diaper. Often times enzymes, perfumes, or diaper creams are the culprits behind stinky diapers.

Britt: I have not used any rash cream, and I have been using Purex Free and Clear which was recommended by Cottonbabies.

Diaper rashes are unusual when using cloth diapers, but not unheard of. If your child should develop a rash and you choose to use a rash cream, you should use a bumGenius Stay-dry Liner or a piece of fleece between your baby’s bottom and the diaper to prevent the cream from transferring onto the diapers. The liner that you choose should be washed separately from your diapers as the oils in the creams can also be transfered through the washing cycles.

If you’ve been using a detergent or rash creams that might be causing buildup, we recommend “stripping” your diapers. Wash your diapers 3 times in hot water. The first wash with approximately one tablespoon of liquid Dawn dish washing detergent in your regular washing machine and 1 teaspoon in a high efficiency machine and 1/4 a cup of chlorine bleach. It must be Dawn - and in it’s original formula. Concentrated Dawn is acceptable, however you should lower the amount you use by half. You should do the next two washes in clear hot water, although not over 150 degrees. You may use bleach once a month on your diapers and inserts without fear of harming them. Dry your diapers in the dryer on medium heat. This procedure effectively removes detergent residue from your diapers and should solve any problems with odor. With tough diaper rash cream stains, you may need to use a toothbrush or nail brush to work the Dawn into the stained fabric area. The brush will help get the Dawn in between all the fibers of the fabric and get out the rash cream stain.

To prevent an odor problem from re-occurring, be sure that you are washing your diapers with an additive free laundry detergent. Approved detergents are free of dyes, enzymes, perfumes, whiteners and brighteners. Using detergents containing these ingredients will cause damage to your diaper including elastic failure and leaking. Do not use extra additives in your wash (like baking soda or vinegar). They are generally unnecessary and can actually cause problems with your diapers and void any applicable warranty.

Unfortunately, I’ve already tried these methods without success, but I asked a few more questions just to see what other options I have.

Q: Can I use Bac-Out with BGs?

A: Do not use Bac-Out on your bumGenius diapers. Bac-Out is a wonderful product for prefolds but on the more advanced products such as bumGenius it will cause leaking and odor problems.

This is good to know, but I’m *this close* to using it anyway because a lot of people have recommended it. I just don’t want to void my warranty, so I’m going to use this option as a last resort.

Q: I have hard water. Is it okay to use Calgon with BGs?

A: Yes you can use Calgon with your bumGenius diapers.

Cottonbabies has been great to answer all of my questions, and they have a very nice return policy, so if it comes down to it, I will return my BGs, but that, again, is a last resort. For now I’m going to try using some Calgon to see if softening my water will help. I’m also going to try a different detergent; a natural one rather than a free and clear variety, and see if that helps.

I’m feeling a lot better about things today. I really think the Calgon might help, but I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

Before I begin, let me clear up a few things. You may have read Brit’s post that mentions me. It’s down there somewhere, past all the adorable baby pictures. For the record, I don’t break up with friends because they don’t use cloth diapers. I try not to even nag about it. But if you hang around long enough, I’ll eventually send you off with a dozen diapers. You see, I love cloth diapers, and I want everyone to share the love. But only if they want to.

I grew up the child of hippies, in an extended family that was green and environmentally conscious way before green was cool. We lived in a rural neighborhood with lots of other like minded hippy freaks. I saw my mom use cloth diapers with all my younger siblings and changed more than a few of their diapers myself. And then my cousins diapers. And the diapers of the neighborhood kids that I babysat. So for me, diapers have always been cloth.

Around the fall of 2000, my husband and I started to think about having a baby of our own. It turned out that trying to getting pregnant and actually becoming pregnant are totally different things. So I filled my childless hours (which became childless months and then years) with planning and shopping for the baby that wasn’t even on the way yet.

I checked out the diapers available at few local stores, and discovered that they were nothing like the soft, fluffy flannel squares I remember using with my siblings. These were thin flimsy things and I couldn’t imagine how they would work.

Eventually, I turned to the internet. I found a baby gear swap at babycenter, and bought three dozen gently used infant prefolds and 8 covers for $35.00 It was a steal! The diapers came and I washed them and put them onto a shelf. And waited. And waited.

Finally our sweet baby girl arrived. We diapered her with those prefolds, and then her brother. Those infant prefolds went on to diaper four of my nieces and nephews as well. They were finally retired to the rag bin this winter. Along the way I’ve discovered that there is a giant world of cloth diapers. The variety is amazing. Today, I’m hoping to give you a brief overview of the different kinds of cloth diapers.

All diapering systems (even disposables) have three basic parts. There is an absorbent material that does the dirty work of sucking up and holding the liquid. There is a waterproof layer that keeps the ick from landing on baby’s outfit or your lap . Finally there is some sort of fastening system that holds it all together and on the baby. In a disposable diaper the absorbent layer is a combination of fiber-y pulp and gel stuff, the waterproof outer feels something like soft paper and of course there are velcro-like tabs that hold the diaper on.

Cloth diapers have a lot more variety. I’ll start with the diapers that are most like disposables, and move to the old school stuff (like your grandma used) I’ll try to give a few pros and cons for each type as well.

All In Ones

These look and work much like disposables. There is an inner layer of absorbent material, sewn into a waterproof outer. The inner layer can be cotton, hemp, bamboo or microfiber. Some All in ones are lined with fleece or suedecloth to wick moisture away from the baby’s bottom. The outer layer is usually made with PUL, a durable, flexible and waterproof coating. There are snaps or velcro that hold the diaper on.

Pros: Easy to use, even for the most dedicated disposable diaper user.

Cons: Typically the most expensive type of diaper. Can be difficult to wash and dry, because the outer shell prevents water from moving through the diaper.

Example:

bum genius AIO

Thirsties AIO

All in Twos

All in twos are a lot like all in ones. The only difference is that instead of being sewn together, the absorbent layer snaps out of the outer shell. So if a diaper is only wet, you can snap a new insert into the outer. When the outer shell is soiled, you wash it.

Pros: Easy to use. Washing is easier than all in ones

Cons: Expensive. You will need quite a few shells.

Examples: Baby Soft Wraps

Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers are one of my favorites. The diaper itself has two layers. The outer layer is waterproof and the inner layer is fleece or suedecloth, which allows liquid to pass through to the middle. There is an opening, typically at the back that allow you to put an absorbent insert into the diaper, between the two layers. The inner layer protects the baby’s skin from wetness. When the diaper is soiled you remove the insert and wash both pieces. Inserts can be natural materials like cotton and hemp, or synthetics like microfiber.

Pros: Easy to use, wash and dry fairly easily.

Cons: Can be expensive. Stuffing inserts into diapers is time consuming.

Fuzzibunz

bum genius

Green Acres Designs

Fitted Diapers

Fitted diapers still look a lot like a disposable. They are shaped like an hourglass, with elastic gathers around the legs and waist, and velcro or snaps to hold the diaper on. There is an unbelievable variety of materials and styles of fitted diapers. Fitted diapers don’t have a waterproof layer, so you’ll need to use a separate waterproof cover (more on that later)

Pros: Generally less expensive that AIOs or Pockets.

Cons Need a cover, can take a long time to dry

Motherease

Muttaquin

Goodmama

Prefolds

Prefolds are rectangular flat diapers. They are technically a big long piece of fabric that is folded and stitched in the manufacturing process so that they have a middle section that has more layers and absorbancy than the outer sections. Prefolds are described by their size and the number of layers. Typically infant prefolds are 11X14 inches and have 4 layers of material on the outer edges and 8 in the middle. Prefolds need to be fastened on, with a snappi, pins or a snug fitting cover. Prefolds need a cover.

Pros: Inexpensive. Easy to wash and dry

Cons: Need a cover. Can be intimidating at first.

Green Mountain Diapers

Little Lions

Flats

Flats are probably what your grandmother used. They are, as the name implies *flat* Most flats are a 27×27 inch single layered square of material. The flat is folded origami style to create a diaper that fits your baby. Flats need to be fastened with a snappi or pins. They also need a cover.

Pros: Inexpensive and versatile. Extremely easy to wash and dry, even without a washing machine or dryer.

Cons: Need a cover. Need to be folded before use.

Little Lions Flats

Green Mountain Diapers Flats

Covers

Covers are the outer waterproof thing that you need over fitted diapers, prefolds and flats. Covers can close with snaps or velcro. Some even simply pull on. There are covers that fit very snugly and can hold a prefold or flat without a snappi or pins. Covers come in a variety of materials like nylon, PUL, fleece and even wool.

Bummis

Thirsties

Sustainable Babyish

Crankypants

If you made it this far, I’m hoping that you’ll consider using cloth. Maybe you already are.

For me the best part of using cloth, the thing that has kept me washing, folding and loving my diapers for the last five years is this:

They are beyond cute.

Six years ago P.K. ( Pre-kid) my husband came home with the news that friends* of his had had their baby daughter, somehow the conversation turned to the fact that they were planning on using Cloth Diapers. My baby-less reaction was Freak Why? And I thought no more about it.

Three years ago, just after my second son was born we attended a birthday at their house for their second child, also a boy. Most of the female half of the couple’s family was there and it was immediately apparent to me that all 400 of her siblings were a bunch of crunchy old, cloth diapering weirdos who were all breastfeeding at least one six year old (even the boys).**

Over the next three years The Female, let’s call her Leah ***  and I, began to hang out all them time, online, in person and of course on the phone so it came as no surprise one day when she told me I had to start using cloth diapers or we could no longer be friends. ****

I actually had been warming to the idea of cloth diapers over the years that I had seen her use them, especially when she used the dumb person friendly fuzzi bunz type. And since Leah and her husband had a Wii and we liked to play, I decided to start using cloth diapers so as not to lose our Wii privileges.

Call me Crunchy, because I am Granola through and through.

I took home twelve of the fuzzi bunz and started using them immediately and immediately discovered how totally disgusting cloth diapering can be. Because if you start out cloth diapering an 18mth old who poops and not a cute little newborn that squirts…well it’s gross. And it still is.

The whole swishing your hand in the toilet thing? Yuk. There is really no other word.

But there is another way. Toilet sprayers. Buy one. Today! Don’t be like me and think ‘it won’t be that long till he’s potty trained’ because honey? he still ain’t potty trained and I still don’t have a sprayer.

Buy one.

Other than that? The switch to cloth was easy. Right now I’m using just the fuzzi buns, but am planning on moving to pre folds soon.

Why do I cloth diaper? Because it is cheaper than buying diapers. I love the earth. I do. And I want to raise my children to love the Earth as much as I do but the truth is? We’re not made of money, and we like to eat. Cloth diapers helps us to save money each month, and it helps me to feel better about the choices I make as a mother, a person, and an Earth inhabitant.

We still use disposable diapers, especially on road trips or when visiting family and friends, because now I have become the Freak! that uses cloth diapers and it’s not something everything can get behind. *****

Oh Hai! Can I put a bunch of poop in your washer? What?! No!?

Cloth diapering is a personal choice just like every other parenting choice if you are vaguely interested in cloth diaper or have been cloth diapering for hundreds of years (boy are you old) feel free to stop by this groovy site Marilyn has concocted, there is sure to be some fun stories and information, of course. ******

brit, can be found daily at Running Stitch where she talks about her kids, her dogs, her husband, her leaking roof, quilting, and occasionally about running.

_____

*The characters in this story are based on real people who may or may not still be my friends after they read this post, but most likely will be because they know where I live that I love them deep down.

**This is a dramatization.

***Not her real name. Okay. Maybe.

****This may or may not be true, but she is kinda scary.

*****That was a pun.

******I have never used this many asterisks in my life and will never again. I promise.