Not Your Grandfather's Nappies - Part II

The variety of CD products available is mind boggling. I was completely confused and overwhelmed when I first started investigating the options. One thing is for sure - these ain't your grandpa's drawers anymore. A basic overview of the categories is helpful for navigating around the many CD sites that abound out there in cyberspace.

DIAPER CHOICES:

1) Prefolds - These are what you think of when someone says "cloth diaper." They are a piece of fabric, usually cotton, but available in hemp or bamboo as well, that are sewn together in the appropriate places, so that you don't have to continually trifold them into a diaper all the time. They can be bleached or unbleached, Chinese or Indian. Do not get the silly little Gerber prefolds from Wal-Mart or Target. Experienced CD mamas recommend "Diaper Service Quality" (DSQ) prefolds, which are durable and readily available on the internet. Prefolds no longer need to be pinned to keep them together. A new ouchless fastener called a Snappi will keep PF's fastened without having to worry about poking a wriggly baby. PF's require some sort of cover to go over them. See the covers section below for more detail. PF's are the most economical way to cloth diaper, and from the opinions I have gathered from various forums and etailers, is the best system for newborns through 4 months, since the number of diaper changes is highest at that age.

2) Fitteds - Fitted dipes are similar to PF's in that they need a cover, but they are size specific to the age and weight of the child. They are contoured like disposable and are self-fastening in that they have built in snaps or velcro. Fitteds are more expensive than PF's and don't have as many secondary uses either.

3) Pockets - Pocket dipes seem to be the darling of the CD world at the moment. They do seem very convenient, but the price is prohibitive for many frugal CD mamas. Most people seem to have at least a few pockets, but it would be expensive to have a CD system comprised exclusively of them. Pockets have a waterproof cover already attached to the cloth diaper. There is a layer of fleece between baby's skin and the cloth/cover part. The space in between can be stuffed with a prefold or other absorbent insert, hence the pocket. The fleece wicks moisture away from baby to the insert, and makes it very easy to shake any solids off into the toilet. The dipe fastens with snaps or velcro. Most pockets come in sizes only, but at least one manufacturer makes a one-size product that can supposedly be used from birth to toddler. Different brands seem to work better for different builds - i.e. chunky vs. skinny thighs, etc. The whole dipe goes in the wash as-is; you only need to remove the insert and toss it in the wash along with the dipes themselves.

4) All-in-ones (aka AIO's) - AIO's are closest to the convenience of disposables. They are as their name would suggest - diaper and cover all in one. The whole kit and caboodle goes into the wash. The downside is that they take a long time to dry. It is recommended to have at least a few of these in any stash in case of babysitters or reluctant husbands who might be scared of the other options.


COVER CHOICES:

For those CD products that require covers, namely PF's and fitteds, the options are many and varied. These are not the rubber pants of generations past. Covers can usually be aired out and used few times before they need washing.

1) Wrap style covers - Usually made of PUL (polyurethane laminate) which is waterproof on the outside but fabriclike on the inside. They do what they say, which is to wrap around the PF or fitted and fasten with velcro or snaps.

2) Pull on style covers - they pull on. Not much that can be added here!

3) Wool covers - Can come in wrap or pull on styles. The cool thing about wool is that it is breathable and you don't have to wash it all the time. Most wool lovers say they wash theirs about once a month. If you're crafty, you can knit or crochet your own, or make them out of old sweaters. I am excited to try wool because it is a completely natural option. Karen at Green Mountain Diapers has a really informative page about wool.

FAVORITE CLOTH DIAPER SITES:

Green Mountain Diapers - This is where I plan to buy from. This site is chock full of information and pictures of how the products look on actual babies. I also admire the commitment of the proprietress to natural fibers. For that reason, she does not sell pocket diapers on her site.

Diaperswappers - This is a very active forum where you can find answers to general CDing questions and seek opinions from experienced CDing mamas. They also have an extensive for sale or trade section. CD's have a really high resale value. If you wind up with a diaper that you don't like, you can usually resell it for at least 70% of what you paid for it.

Mothering Dot Commune - This is a HUGE natural living forum. Their CD section contains reviews of both retailed brands and diapers made by WAHMs. The WAHM products can be less expensive than the more well-known brands, and can be a good way to try a particular diapering system that might otherwise be price prohibitive. It is a very, shall we say, diverse site - be prepared for alot of paganish, earth mother rhetoric flying around - but if you can ignore that kind of thing there is lots of good information to be had there.

Cottonbabies - Another popular etailer. Their product descriptions are very informative. If I ever decide to try pockets, I'd probably order from there. Their PF prices are among the most competitive around.

I hope this helps anyone who might be interested in giving cloth diapering a shot!