Cloth Diapering Must Haves

While I was pregnant with my son (who is now nearly nine months old), I began researching cloth diapers and became obsessed. I suppose I've always been "earth friendly", setting up a recycling station in my house while in middle school and the like, but this was new territory. Recycling, getting rid of toxins in my house, and cutting down the use of paper goods was easy. This was a whole new world. I mean, the hospital sent us home with diposables (or 'sposies as they're called in the cloth diapering world). It was a no-brainer, right? As my research began, I was overwhelmed by all the possibilities and the questions about detergent, number of diapers needed, care, etc. Hopefully, my 5 must haves will help anyone contemplating the switch to cloth. These aren't your grandmother's cloth diapers, girls! They've come a long way!!

1. Informative Websites
In the age of the internet, there are so many sources, right at our fingertips! Before beginning the cloth diapering journey, do your research. Think about the money you're willing to invest, how often you'd like to do laundry and the ease with which you'd prefer your stash to be. One website I found invaluable was http://www.diaperpin.com/. This site contains product reviews, how to's, and frequently asked questions about cloth diapering. I purchased our stash (more to come on that later) from http://www.cottonbabies.com/. There are many other sites where cloth diapers (CDs) can be purchased, but I liked how this company (based in St. Louis) had a program where you can donate money to help send cloth diapers to missionaries. This was the kind of company I wanted to give my business to! Once you've done your research, it's time to dive in!

2. A Fabulous Stash
As you do your research, you'll want to decide if you'd like a varied stash of different types of CDs, or if you'd like to stick with one tried-and-true brand. I chose to purchase 24 Bum Genius 3.0s, a pocket diaper. The Bum Genius (BG) is a one-sized diaper that fits a child from approximately 10 pounds up to 35 pounds. While more expensive, they're in it for the long haul (hopefully until potty training). With the BG, I have the ability to stuff the diaper fuller for overnight to prevent leaks. While this is my diaper of choice, many people would rather save a bit of cash and use a variety of diapers for different purposes. This is where all that research comes in handy!!!

3. Trusted Detergent
CDs are very finicky and you can't use just any old detergent. Don't pull out the Dreft for these!!! For a list of safe detergents, go to http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/. Basically, your detergent can't have any enzymes, colors, scent, or softeners. I chose to go with a detergent that is made by a WAHM (Work at Home Mom) and sold on http://www.etsy.com/. My detergent, called Crunchy Clean (CC), is both environmentally friendly and CD safe. I also did some price comparisons and CC is much cheaper!! Every person is different, so you'll want to figure out your wash routine at this time as well. Mine is quite simple and never fails. I do a cold/cold wash with detergent. Next is a hot/cold wash, also with detergent, followed by an extra rinse. Then, I just pop them in the dryer and I'm done!
4. Wet Bag
While it is possible to use your Diaper Champ (or Genie) that you may have already gotten, many mommas use a wet bag. The name is actually quite deceptive. I was always confused about "wet bag" because it's not wet at all. Basically, it's a fabric bag lined with PUL (waterproof) in which you place the dirty diapers in before washing. Many wet bags also have a small piece of felt sewn into them where you can place a few drops of essential oils to help with the stink. I have a large wet bag for home and also a smaller one to fit in my diaper bag. After a diaper change, I simply roll up the diaper (after getting rid of the solids, more on that later) and put it in the bag. On laundry day, I can take that to the washer since it's easily portable. Many CD websites have wet bags, but I found mine at http://www.lesliesboutique.com/. She has beautiful fabrics and they're great quality.

5. Flushable Liners
If your baby is formula fed or on solids, you will definitely want to look into purchasing flushable liners. These are inexpensive and can be purchased on several CD sites. They make clean up such a breeze and are well worth the little hassle of laying them inside the diapers!
While my list of "must-haves" could probably go on further, these are the five things that have made my cloth diapering experience so wonderful. I truly love cloth diapering and even find myself thinking about it during diaper changes! The possibilities are limitless, so I encourage you all to go out there and take a look!

Courtney says: During my childhood, I had the incredible opportunity to move around the country and experience many different states such as Michigan and Georgia (to name a few!). My family settled in Plano, Texas where I graduated from Plano East Senior High and headed to college at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. After graduating with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Education) I taught at an inner city school in Dallas for three years. I met my husband, Nathan, during that time at church and after we got married on June 18, 2005 I decided to settle down in the 'burbs. We bought a home in McKinney and I began teaching in Frisco, Texas. We welcomed our beautiful baby boy, Jacob, on December 22, 2007 and have been so blessed to watch him grow each and every day. I am currently at stay at home mom, but prefer the term "domestic goddess"!

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