Now I'm a Mom

When I first started thinking about using cloth diapers when I was early in my pregnancy I had no idea how complicated the world of cloth diapers was.

I found a system online and thought "oh great, we'll just use these." The price was kind of high, but I thought it will only be a one time payout, and it'll be great. As time went on and I talked to more people about cloth diapering, I realized the choice I had made might not be the best choice out there.

I started doing more research, and a "cloth diapering expert" came to one of our natural childbirth classes. I realized how many different options there were and just how different the prices could be.

That's when I started really doing some research, and I am going to share some of the great things I found with you.

The first place, if you are having cloth diapering confusion, I would send you is http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/newmom.htm. They have a quick "course in diapering" that is very thorough and easy to understand. It helped me to at least figure out what options were available, and what might work best for our situation.

I truly believe in cloth diapering, for a few reasons, better health for the baby, better health for the environment, and last but certainly not least, cost savings. If you don't believe it will be cheaper, here's a great site that will help you figure out your savings over disposable diapers. http://www.diaperpin.com/calculator/calculator.asp

Here's another great site that has a lot of information and spells out a lot of the benefits of using cloth diapers. http://www.hightopbabydesigns.com/diaper.htm.

Well we finally decided to go with prefold diapers and covers. They seem to be the most economical, and even the newborn diapers can be used as extra padding overnight when she gets older.

Here's what I've come up with on how much to buy of whatever you are choosing to get.

2-3 dozen diapers (whether you're getting prefolds, fitteds, or all in ones) in each size. Unless you are expecting a baby less than 7 pounds I would skip the premie sizes.

3-6 covers in each size. These can be made of wool, nylon, polyurethane laminate (PUL), polyester, fleece and vinyl, but I highly discourage the use of vinyl due to chemicals found in that material.

While perusing http://www.ebay.com for good deals on diapers, and possibly finding some used all in ones at a bargain price, I came across this seller of prefolds. http://www.rumpwrapdiapers.com/Diapers-SALE.htm definately the cheapest price I have found yet!. Make sure when getting the prefold diapers you get the chinese diaper service quality ones, or you will have problems with absorbancy. These are a steal.

The "cloth diapering expert" also told me about a company called Proservices, they sell the PUL Velcro covers, among other diapering products, which is exactly what we were wanting. If you call them they will give you a bargain price on seconds. The imperfections are so slight you will never notice them and you will save scads of money. So if you are looking for these covers here's the number: 1-800-397-8594.

Here are some other great sites I have found so you can continue to do research and make an informed decision for your family.

www.fernandfaerie.com Check out the "diapering on the cheap" link to find out how to make your own covers out of wool sweaters and diapers out of old t-shirts and other things around your house.

www.borntolove.com Check out the frugal baby tips to find lots of good ideas and advice

www.tinybirdsorganics.com Tons of great certified organic diapering products.

www.earthbaby.com Great customer service and good prices on prefold diapers and covers.

There is also a yahoo group that you can join called cloth_diaper_supplies. It is a co-op of diapering items and related baby stuff and great discounts.

So that should get you started, and I will have more info on other aspects of cloth diapering in the future.

Until next time,
Remember, You are Remarkable!

Jackie Lee :)

Coming soon: Conscious Pregnancy and Parenting
A program to assist people in eliminating myths and misconceptions, provide information, support and knowledge to allow families to make informed choices and feel confident in their pregnancy, birthing and parenting decisions.
For more information feel free to contact me