Cloth Diaper run down

So I've been meaning to post something for a while about how cloth diapering is going and our routine. So here it is for those interested...

Back in January I started thinking about whether cloth diapers was something I wanted to do and started looking into it online. I was very overwhelmed with all the different types available and so many brands and washing routines. Around that time, a local baby consignment shop close to us was offering a class in their store on cloth diapering. (Greenberries is the store - It's in Kings Contrivance shopping center if you live around here and want to check it out. It's great! They also have maternity clothes which is why I was there so much before Isabelle was born.) Tim was skeptical but I figured I'd go to the class (Tim had a rehearsal or something that night), learn as much as I could, maybe enough to convince both me and Tim that this was something we wanted to pursue. The class was run by two moms who cloth diapered all of their kids (they each had a couple). I left the store with a whole lot more knowledge and completely sold on the idea! It took a few weeks of discussing it and doing more research before Tim was onboard also. Now, I have to say, we are both pretty willing to talk to whomever about using cloth diapers!

We use 2 different kinds - Fuzzibunz which is a pocket diaper (we have 12 of these in 6 different colors) and Flip Diapers which is a diaper cover with inserts (we have 6 covers and 18 inserts).

They all are one size which means they adjust depending on the Isabelle's size - the diapers we have now will be the same ones she will where until she is potty trained.

I also use cloth wipes (instead of disposable wipes) that I made. Just bought some flannel in patterns I liked and my mom and I sewed over 40 wipes. I'm glad we have so many! We end up using them for wiping her face and I'm sure other messes as she gets older. We just keep a water spray bottle next to the changing table to wet the wipes as needed and a small spray bottle in the diaper bag.

We use wetbags to store the dirty diapers and wash them every other day (about). We have enough diapers for 2 days plus a few extra to get through washing. The wetbags get washed with the diapers. We currently use Seventh Generation detergent because there isn't anything in it that will mess up the diapers' absorbency. I add in some OxiClean every now and then to help freshen. Although laying them out in the sun is the best for getting rid of stains and any lingering smells.

You also can't use regular diaper rash cream with cloth because it makes them less absorbent. However, we've had very little problem. I did find a diaper rash ointment that you can use with cloth - Grandma El's.

I've also found a lot of blogs about cloth diapering which I've become a little addicted to reading.

http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/

http://clothdiapers.blogspot.com/

http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/

*This is an awesome one! She has videos reviewing just about every cloth diaper out there. I watched a bunch before deciding on what I wanted. I highly recommend checking this one out if you're interested!

The overall cost savings is what really convinced Tim. Definitely more of an upfront cost than disposables but we have all the diapers we'll need for Isabelle and any future children. (I'm sure we'll acquire a few more at some point, especially as they come out with new colors!) I do like that we can match her diapers to her outfits! They're so much cuter than disposables!!

I think I may have posted this picture before, but here's Isabelle on her first day in cloth diapers. I think she was 9 or 10 days old.