Share The Cloth Diaper Love: Econobum Giveaway
April 5, 2011 5:05 am
If you’ve been following the blog recently, you know we’ve been thinking a lot about how to spread the word about cloth diapers to families who may not know cloth diapers are a viable option. Last week, Jenn shared how to diaper your baby when you can’t afford disposable or cloth diapers.
To keep with the idea of spreading the word about cloth diapers and sharing the love to families in need, today we’re giving out two Econobum trial packs – one for you to keep and one for a friend. We really like the simplicity and value of the Econobum trial packs, each comes with one diaper cover and three prefold diapers. It’s enough to give cloth diapering a try and at only $11.95, it’s about the same price as a small package of disposables, but will last a lot longer than 30 diaper changes.
To enter today’s blog contest, leave a comment below telling us your favorite tip to share with someone new to cloth diapering. It can be simple, easy, a must-have product or a laundry tip. What would you tell your friend to ease the beginning of their cloth diapering journey?
Eligible entries must be posted today, Tuesday, April 5, 2011. U.S. Residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. All winners will be drawn Wednesday, April 6, 2011 and notified via e-mail.
About the Author
Heather is mom to four, born within 40 months (single, twins, single). She writes transparently about her chaotic household to encourage others through the twists and turns of parenting.
Comments
226 Comments
As gross as it sounds, you don’t have to spray poopy diapers out first, or dunk them either. Just plop what you can in the toilet, and it’ll all come out in the pre-rinse & full wash. 🙂
Lora asyouwiiiiish@gmail.com
Cloth diapers are fun once you get the hang of them. Flats are the easiest to get clean and make sure that you are not using too much detergent.
I’m always telling my friends and family about Cloth Diapers, how much they are gonna save and is less trash in the planet. And they get amaized as how easy it is and want to give it a try. The tip that I have is buy the sprayer to get rid of odors and the linners to get rid of the poop in the diaper, just flush it down the toilet, is that easy………
I’m not an official CDing Mom yet. I’m starting my stash right now preparing for #2. But I will tell people how SOFT the CDs are! My #1 carries the inserts of the few I have already around the house up to her cheek. She won’t let me wipe her nose with anything but a cloth diaper!
Hi,
Cloth diapers are cheaper and more comfortable. The diapers are double lined for greater protection for night use. Thank you…
Wholesale Adult Diapers
I highly recommend a diaper sprayer! Pocket diapers are great for daycare, so easy. And a wet/dry bag makes for easy transpot!
My favorite tip is probably to get a diaper sprayer. Most people think that cloth diaper sounds doable once they hear about diaper sprayers.
Using cloth diapers might not be easy at first, but DON’T GIVE UP!! It took me awhile to get used to it, but now I love them and can’t imagine not using cloth diapers!
Try lots of different kinds until you find the one that’s right for you. Also, if you have hard water, Hard Rock from Rockin’ Green is a life-saver!
My favorite tip for parents who are scared of poop is to try part-time elimination communication. Even if you only catch the poops, you’re winning. 🙂
I also like to tell people not to be wimps–everybody poops. It doesn’t matter how you diaper your kid, you’re going to get poop all over you.
Oh, and I do a quick back-of-the-envelope calculation for people who say they “can’t afford” cloth. Seriously??
I would say that they DON’T have to switch 100% right away! Try a couple per day, ease into it if it seems like an enormous endeavor! It really isn’t that hard to live the lifestyle, but the options and commitment can seem HUGE to someone who is used to disposables.
An Econobum 3 pack would be perfect for “easing into” cloth diapering!
I have been trying to convert my friends – my first selling point is always the chemicals the baby is exposed to with disposables. Then I show them how darn easy and cute cloth diapers are now and if they are scared of poo I hit ’em up with the diaper sprayer… I have even offered up parts of my own stash so they can just try it
corrina.wilson@hotmail.com
I would suggest they try a variety of styles before they invest in a whole stash. And I would let them know about all the blogs that like to give away free fluff!!
Oh! And you can make cloth wipes out of old shirts.
Trial packages are the way to go, or sampler packs.
I would suggest that a newbie should not buy a bunch of the same diaper to start their stash. I would try out several different types or do a diaper trial. There are as many types of diapers as there are people! My stash is completely different than when I started out.
just start a little at a time. I borrowed my first cloth diapers from a friend and only used them at home. then bought my own when they were on sale and used them all the time. when I added food to his diet, I bought a sprayer. recently I bought cloth wipes and a wet bag. I’m so glad I took that first step!
I would tell them to try prefolds with covers. It’s the most economical and a lot less fuss than dealing with the inserts and liners and covers that come with other diapering systems. also, if you can get used diapers that helps with costs too!
I am waiting for my little to get here to actually start cloth diapering, but I’ve been prepping family for awhile. I keep reminding them that cloth diapers are not what they used to be. They have come a long way and are easy to use.
I always make sure to tell them, and show them,how much cuter cloth diapers look on a babys bottom than an ugly old sposie =]
anw1107@aol.com
I tell people it’s so much easier than I expected, and I tell them how much I like going down the baby aisle at the grocery store and not having to buy anything!
I always tell people who ask, “These don’t have pins or rubber diaper covers like our mother’s cloth diapers” and then if they are seriously considering, I show them how the BG’s I have work and point them in the direction of cottonbabies.com.
It is easier & faster to walk to the laundry room & toss the trash can full of diapers in the washer, then get everyone ready to go to the grocery and spend 10$ on 4 days worth of diapers (42 diapers). Also, we have a small trash can, and it only is 1/3 full every week. I get a chuckle every time I see the neighbors use our trash can for thier ‘overflow’ trash.
I would say not to stress about it! They’re just diapers. I have spent so much time and energy looking and looking…and ended up making things much more complicated than they need to be. Pick a system you think you’ll like and try it. It’s much less scary than it sounds!
Whenever I come across a friend (or acquaintance) that is expecting, I always want them to know what their options are. I tell them I won’t judge them for whatever decision they make, but I want them to know what is available. I talk to them about pre-folds and pocket diapers and hybrid systems. I always tell them I’m willing to go to a store with them so they can check out what is available. I want them to be able to make an educated decision.
-Barbara
bb___ at yahoo dot com
I would tell them to go for it! It isn’t as confusing or more work than it seems. It’s actually easier than using disposables because you never have to worry about running out in the middle of the night to buy diapers. There is no stinky diaper garbage that has to be thrown out either!
tvpg at aol dot com
If I can I show them my diaper sprayer. That has eased some fears of toilet dunking! I also recommend prefolds and covers for trying it out with the least expense.
jjstroz at iland dot net
The first thing I say to a potential CDer is “It doesn’t stink!” the second thing I say is “EBF poo can go straight in the wash!”
mom2_3boyzz at yahoo dot com
I would say that they should shop around for trial packages, and help them find the best one. Or if they’re on a budget I’d lend them some of my stash to try out with some laundry soap.
andrealeighb@live.com
Great idea! I certainly have a few people I could share this with. And this issue has been on my mind a lot lately, too.
I would suggest that a “newbie” find someone for support who has been using cloth. The encouragement, ideas and dialogue with someone who has experience has been invaluable to me!
thiessens@comcast.net
I usually tell people how I actually wash LESS poo in my washing machine now that I use cloth diapers! I used to have multiple blowouts a day in disposables and I would have to wash multiple outfits (plus the swing cover or sheets!)Also everytime people see my BG AIO’s they can’t believe how much they are like disposeables!
theduncans3 at gmail dot com
Truthfully, just showing them a diaper and how it works while talking about how easy it really is to wash them. That’s what convinced me!
I usually tell people to try a few of each type of diaper before buying a stash, prefolds and covers, AIO, pockets, etc. The hardest part of cloth diapering is figuring out a good wash routine. I always recommend researching soaps and what type of water they have so they can get super clean diapers!
princessbridgett at hotmail dot com
It’s a whole lot easier than it all the older mothers and grandmothers say. There are so many different types of diapers that you can find one to suit your needs.
I have friends come over to see my stash too. But for someone overwhelmed by it all, I would say, just start with one cloth diaper a day and see how it goes. In no time you’ll realize it’s not any more difficult than disposables. 🙂
If someone hasn’t already said it in a previous post, I would highly recommend a new CDer get a diaper sprayer! It’s a must use for anyone that doesn’t want to deal with poo. AND my husband loves it–he changes diapers almost more than me, just so he can use the sprayer.
I have only been CD for about a month but have inspired my friend to seriously consider it as well. I think when I told her “it’s much easier than it seems,” something clicked for her and she realized that she COULD do it too:) So happy with my decision, I hope she is too!!!
I tell people not to be overwhelmed at first, it’s easier than it seems and to call me with any questions or check out cotton babies (honestly!)
My advice would be to look around the house and see what you have that you could use to make into extra inserts and soakers. I bought the Econobum pack and then some AIO’s from eBay but I made lots of extra soakers for overnight with old towels, t-shirts and some flat Gerber cloth diapers. It was super easy to do. Just cut them out and fold them to the thickness I needed and then sew around the edges. It has added to my cloth diaper stash and helped with over night soaking and sometimes if I’m out of my prefolds (I’m still getting the hang of doing the laundry on time), I can put a couple of my soakers in an Econobum cover and it will last me a couple of hours.
I haven’t started cloth diapering yet, but hope to start from the beginning with my little one due in July!
I would tell them to always line-dry their diapers in the sun to remove stains and prolong their life!
Get the bumgenious diaper sprayer hooked up to your toilet and fear not even the messiest of diapers to wash. Skip the service, it’s really not a big chore at all. I also recommend using the premium prefolds as inserts, they fold to fit in every cover I have ever owned, and we’ve tried so many!
All [dot] sewnup [at] yahoo [dot] com
Don’t put excessive energy into keeping your diapers stain free–it’s not like you’re going to use them as dinner napkins tomorrow.
When starting the cloth diapering journey, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the lingo, brands, and special instructions involved with each type of diaper. Simplify it. Stick with it. And pretty soon, it becomes second nature. You might even start using phrases like all-in-one, snappies, and PUL correctly in a sentence! 🙂
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there’s tons of support out here.
hautemommaATcoxDOTnet
the main reasion i went to cloth was because of my little girl would wet out of diapers at night. oh and the money. my friends all worry about the laundry and i would show them my launder and explaine to them hole long i spent a week on extra laundry and how much money i save doing it. as for the poop it really not that bad and hello its called soap and water wash ur hands if the poop gets on them
hilary molloy hdanseur@yahoo.com
I tell they don’t have ever worry about running out of diapers…always a laundry load away especially if they are in remote locations. If they really have a problem with the poo issue then they can put the disposable liner and probably not have to worry about it. taufieroAT hotmailDOTcom
The benefits of cloth diaper:
1. Saves 2 TONS of waste in landfills PER CHILD created with disposable diapers!
2. Saves up to $2000 PER CHILD using cloth!
3. Keeps soft cloth next to those sweet baby bottoms, rather than chemical filled gels in disposables.
SAVE THE EARTH… USE CLOTH DIAPERS!
I tell people how easy and inexpensive it is to use prefolds, but it’s good to have and try out different types for different situations (like going out). I also remind folks to have two wetbags so they have somewhere to put the dirty diapers when there’s a load in the wash.
I really really love my Econobum diapers. They are the first ones I tried when thinking about cloth, and they work just as well as other more expensive brands. There are so many choices that it can be overwhelming, so I started with this and once I realized that I LOVE cloth diapering, I got several different brands.
Start small. You dont need to order your entire stash at once. I am starting with prefolds, and I have inserts for at night. Youtube was awesome to find out how to use the diapers. My diaper laundry is the easiest load I have too so dont be afraid of it being a huge mess and gross, its not.
Try a few brands before buying a stash of only one type of diaper and buy a diaper sprayer. It’s well worth the money!
Myfavorite way is to show them aBG AIO sized diaper. They are shocked how like disposables they are and are sometimes willing to it a try jenn454ss@hotmail.com
This is perfect since I have a preggo friend interested in giving cloth a try. My tip for her is to try a few different kinds of diapers and go slow it doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
Definitely get a sprayer. They make your life much easier. Cloth diapers are just as easy as disposables.
Don’t over think it. CDing is actually very simple. The most important thing to have for CDing isn’t just the diapers themselves, but knowledge about how to use them. Research as much as you can and find a good outlet to get help when you need it. Just remember that people were able to do this successfully for years without all of the modern conveniences that we have now.
I also usually guide them to my favorite CDing forum.
life with a newborn can be overwhelming. even if you start out with disposables, you can make the switch to cloth when things have settled a bit. and cloth is easier than you might think!
I like to tell people that cloth diapering is a lot easier today than it was back in the old days.
My best advice would be to reach out for support and try not to get overwhelmed.
If you have a few leaks in the beginning while you’re figuring things out, don’t give up! It can take some trial and error to figure out what system (or what fold, if you’re using prefolds) works best on your baby. As with anything, you’re not going to be an expert the first time you do it. Persevere! It’s worth it.
I like to tell friends that there is some trial-and-error with the wash routine so that they don’t get discouraged or think that it will be a piece of cake. We stuck with it and over 2 years later, I feel like I’ve got the routine completely down and it was all worth the work!
First I like to say this is so cool. I have two friend with their first children on its way I think I will give both of mine away if I win.
My advice would be.. it doesn’t all to be all cloth of nothing. You can start by just doing as little as one changing and build from there. If you want you can start after a few months and try to use cloth when you think they might not poop or only use cloth during the day and use disposables at night. These are all things I did and now I am almost disposable free.
allisonjarmon at yahoo dot com
Many times when people found out I was cloth diapering they couldn’t believe it and just talked about how time consuming and expensive the process would be… I recommend All In Ones (and bought about 15 of BumGenius 3.0s because of the sale!). When friends are over at my house I show them how easy All In Ones can be! And for the price of $10 right now, it works with many budgets!
amandagerber@yahoo.com
Toss a dry hand towel in the dryer with your wet diapers and it helps them dry faster.
jdeemarie @ gmail.com
To get a sprayer!
nataliekwhitworth at gmail dot com
The very 1st thing I would tell them would be about the savings and that, if you choose os,you will never have to buy a diaper again. Another tip would be to wash every other day. I came into problems with stink if I wait any longer than that. I would also tell them don’t give up so easily. If you have a question or problem there are soooo many resources out there! Cotton Babies being my favorite one!
lindoussa at gmail dot com
Don’t be afraid of cloth diapering. These are not your mother’s (or grandmother’s) cloth diapers. Find a local store that carries cloth diapers and get in there to put your hands on the diapers. Also, see if they offer a Cloth Diapering 101 class. candyland121 at hotmail dot com
For a mama new to CDing, I would say to start simple. Try a few different brands and styles of diapers to see what you really love. I started that way when my LO was 5 months, and for us, BG pockets became an immediate favorite. I would be thrilled to have the chance to try Econobums and share a pack with my siste,r who is pregnant with baby #2, due in October, and eager to try CDing for the first time herself! 🙂
lindsey_bunton@yahoo.com
Hang your diapers outside in sunlight anytime there is sun. Even if there is snow on the ground, your diapers will dry and will smell and look cleaner.
sarahinkindergarten@yahoo.com
Cloth diapering is much easier than you think it will be, just make the initial investment and stuck to your resolve. Cloth diapering means running to the store less and feeling better every time you change your baby’s diaper.
My overnight solution is an oragmai folded flat hemp diaper inside a One isze Bumgenious Organic Cotton Elemental AIO! Works like a charm for my 2 year old and my 3 moth old! No leaks and I had a leak kevery night with the disposables…and I was using the expensive brand!
show and explain it really IS NOT like it used to be 20+yrs ago.. much simpler and SO much cheaper and better for the environment ahead for your little one.. I love the ease of my BG’s, so does hubby, and he even tells me how good a thing it is we’re doing by choosing cloth.. I would also dontate if I won to my boss who is due mid-end July so she could see for herself just how easy it is and will be to do cloth full time
I like to tell people you can start off with just one cloth diaper a day!
My favorite tips are to tell people how cheap it is. That even if you buy the top of the line cloth diapers, you are still saving a bundle. I also love to tell them how easy it is, to get cloth wipes, and how it diapering has turned out to be way more fun than maybe it should be! elaine dot zuber at yahoo dot com
I’d tell them that I actually look forward to diaper changes! They are fun, disposables aren’t.
New mommy-to-be, so I’m new to the whole cloth diapering thing. But I’m already sold on the environmental impacts of cloth diapers, not to mention the health of our baby. I’d definitely share all I’ve learned on cloth diapering with a friend 🙂
emilysdavenport at gmail dot com
start small, and using prefolds is a great way to learn without a large investment. Also a snappi is a must have product for anyone new to cloth! kellyjmh(at)gmail(dot)com
I would suggest leave the worry at the door, hard to do I know. I say just jump in, it’s easier than you think. Go with several different types/brands of diapers, because I know my favorite is always changing.
showing people how easy it can see its not just prefolds (through they are easy) there are AIO and pockets which are great when your new to cloth
Lgibson1905@gmail.com
Don’t overbuy up front. Save room for when your favorite brand comes out with new colors or patterns.
Even if you don’t have a large stash, using 1 or 2 cloth diapers per day will save you money and keep disposables out of the landfills.
Don’t be scared to start. Just start and you’ll find it’s a lot easier than you thought it would be.
emiliedevasher at gmail dot com
Buy a few different types to start, so you can see what you like. That way you don’t end up with a bunch of diapers that don’t work for you/your baby. And it really is so much easier than you’re thinking.
Find what works best for you and stick with it!
Cloth diapering can be very rewarding, but don’t get caught up in using pocket because they seem to be easier. Prefolds can be fun with all the cute covers!
eldbailey at yahoo dot com
BabyLegs or other infant leggings allow you to show off your baby’s adorable diapers and makes changes a breeze! No worrying about keeping track of a pair of pants or baby’s legs getting cold!
Yes, you’re gonna have poop in your washing machine. But cloth diapers keep in blowouts SO much better than disposables!! How much poop do you have on baby’s clothes from blowouts?
Cloth diapers are not what they were in the 80’s and 90’s. They are easy. Lots of them go on like a disposable diaper. The poop thing is not that bad. We had poop blowouts with almost every disposable diaper, after we changed to cloth we have had only a handful. It’s easy and you save a lot of money.
With 2 kids in diapers, onesize diapers are wonderful! It reduces the clutter in my diaper bag on outings!
The one thing I always tell everyone that is considering cloth…. it’s soooo much easier than you think! I was so intimidated at first, but it really is not a big deal. And, I get poop on me just the same when using sposies so cloth WORKS just fine! 🙂
jessd_0881 at yahoo dot com
People often seem afraid of the poop. I let them know that it is rare to have blowouts with cloth, so that solves that messy problem. I also show them my diaper sprayer – there is no need to touch the poop even if you are doing cloth. Cloth is far easier than most people think.
You don’t have to have a diaper sprayer. If you have an extendable showerhead that will reach the toilet, save yourself some money and use it instead. To help with diaper pail stinkies, put a little lavender essential oil on the tag of the pail liner. Also, spread the Cloth Diaper love by showing off those cute diapers (Babylegs help with this ;)).
keishateacher@yahoo.com
I always tell people it takes 5 minutes of your day total to cloth diaper. And if you spend 45cents per diaper thats a few dollars saving every day. Imagine the savings. 3000 average diapers per year per child. Thats $1350 a year! Imagine putting that in a college savings instead.
I like to tell people it is alright to ease into cloth diapering. I suggest they start CDing during the day or when they won’t be going out on long trips or for hours away from home. Sometimes it’s just easier to use a disposable when running errands or for overnight when you are not ready to test your diaper for a 12 hour stretch.
Also, I suggest people try prefolds. They are cheap and truly not difficult to use. Finally, I suggest they try a few different covers and styles of diapers to see which they like best for their child and lifestyle.
trishabear1970 at yahoo dot com
I always let people know cloth diapering is easier then others say. One of my favorite things to share is how cute my baby’s bum looks, no more red marks left from disposables. I also share how well they keep poo locked in. When I used throw aways, when my little one poo’d, I could smell it anywhere in the house or car, now I share how cloth locks in not only messes, but smells are locked in too!
I like to tell people how EASY it is. People look at me like I’m crazy, and I’ll pop out a AIO to show off.. also, I love to tell people they don’t leak poop. That’s my favorite.. when people complain about blowouts.. I tell them I’ve NEVER had a poop leak w/ cloth. 😀
My favorite tip to share is actually use cotton babies they have free shipping, , great prices,, service and no sales tax!
Get the sprayer!
My advice for those that were looking into disposables was to throw them in with everything else for the cold wash, if you were only doing it part-time. As long as they have had the cold water wash, the hot wash can wait until there are plenty of diapers or towels to shove in with them. If they’ve gone through the cold wash, you certainly won’t get the smell of poo or pee… and there is less of a chance for stains.
My tip is about washing diapers. I didn’t know and did it wrong for a LONG time…
Cloth Diapering has changed DRASTICALLY since our mothers used them! The little work that is involved, is more than worth the thousands of dollars saved by using cloth!
amber(dot)burton(at)gmail(dot)com
My advice is to start with Econobums, or another affordable one size prefold/cover option. I tried lots of stuff before I ordered the Econobum pack and it is by far my favorite. You can branch out if your budget allows, but I would start with the basics.
Well I have yet to start cloth diapering since I’m not due till June, but I can’t wait to get started. They not only look so cute but will save us big bucks!
Use cloth wipes along with the cloth diapers. I tried to still use the disposable wipes. It’s way more gross than using the cloth ones. All you have to do is get a spray bottle that mists like a perfume bottle. Put a solution of 2 tablespoons baby wash, 2 tablespoons baby oil, and 2 cups of water in it. Or if you can’t find a spray bottle just find a plastic container with a secure lid. Put the solution in there and then all the wipes in it. All you have to do is grab out a wipe and wring it out. Wipe you baby’s bottom and then stick it in the dirty diaper.
I just brag about all the $$$ I am saving! LOL!
Gina M.
vrhawn at hotmail dot com
I strongly suggest having fleece liners to lay over prefolds and microfiber inserts. Fleece is stain resistant, protects your prefolds/inserts from stains, keeps babies bottom dry and prevents skin from drying out, and it makes poo clean up easier! We had a ton of fleece baby blankets that I cut up to fit over prefold!
I’m pregnant with my first so I haven’t started yet, but we plan to! When I watch my nephew it so much nicer to throw smelly diapers in the laundry than let it stink in the trashcan until we take it out. And they are way cuter too 🙂
I kept a couple of my small sized diapers, so that I can let friends with new babies borrow them. This way they get to try each kind and figure out what works for them without making an investment. I think the best thing to do is to buy or borrow a few types of used diapers before making a commitment to one type of diaper.
I have told people that cloth diapering is really simple and fun once you get the hang of it and that I am always there if anyone has questions. I also suggest my favorite brands and tips.
Jessica A
jaje1 at yahoo dot com
I always give the gentle reminder that breastfed poo is water soluble so no rinsing necessary. Just throw in the wash and go. Also that a fluff butt is a cute butt and that they will get excited when someone notices they cloth diaper and ask them about it.
It isn’t hard to launder cloth diapers! And you can get started cloth diapering for less than you likely spent on a crib for your little one.
My favorite tip is to use cloth wipes too! It makes perfect sense, and is so easy to do.
My tip is that, even though it is recommended to wash the diapers every 2 days, you don’t *have* to do it that often, so don’t think that you’ll be doing 3x the laundry you were doing before. I also recommend where to get the least expensive, safe detergent that is available locally.
Try different things before buying a bunch of the same thing. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions even if you think it is a silly question.
My best advice is commit to something small–but truly commit. It’s OK to start with just doing three diapers a day and getting used to it first. For those with not much money, an investment of three diapers is a better choice as not everyone loves all diapers the same way–what works for one doesn’t work for all. I also suggest requesting diapers for baby gifts!!! Grow the stash as you can.
Start slow. I started with one Econobum pack, and only did it at home. That let me get a taste of what cloth diapering was like without a big commitment. Then I added three more covers, and was CDing 90% of the time.
We didn’t start cloth diapering until our daughter was 4 months old. We went with Flip diapers and love them. She is now 6 months and her diapers have paid for themselves. My Husband was agianst it. But after pestering him enough we came to agree to give it a try and he is sold! we will never go back. Just stick with it. It can be frusterating at first but ask other CD mom and dads tips and what brand they prefer . There are so many options out there. They save money not only on diapers but we have not bought butt cream since she was born. That stuff is expensive too! Good Luck to anyone who wants to try CD’ing. (nadkins17@yahoo.com) Natalie
Learn from other people who’ve CDed – they are a wealth of wisdom!
I have helped one person make the switch, but since i just started myself I am pretty proud. All I did was encourage her to try and told her that it was super easy. Much easier than people think. She bought some fairly cheap and has been using them. I keep encouraging her though so she knows that she has someone to talk to. I did recommend that she also sun dry her diapers at least once a week. That has helped me with electricity bills and stains.
after using disposables and cloth my kids prefer the the cloth! my son gets upset when we have to use a disposable(easier at church for those who dont CD)and as for the poop and washing its just as easy as using disposables and washing is super easy! plus I save money and never have to worry about running to the store because I ran out of diapers! wash and dry a load and I can stay in my jammies and not have to load up the kids to the store!! its a win win!
So many good tips and supportive Mamas out there! I guess my advice would be continue the CD advocacy by partnering with someone ‘on the verge’. In my big circle of friends (current and ex-rugby players) we always have at least one person pregnant at all times it seems. Take the next step and offer to ‘partner’ with potential CDers through the (seemingly intimidating) CDing process. This could include in-home instructions and demonstrations to actually suppyling a few CDs to get them started. This has worked well in the past three pregnancies here – each mama has switched over to nearly full-time CDing once they overcame insecurities and realized others were supportive to their process. A couple still use Sposies for trips which is totally their choice – no judgements. We have three more expecting by (May/June/July) and through example we are getting them interested in CDing as well.
My advice is to try a bunch of different kinds of diapers or do a trial (or ask a CD friend to borrow some!) I thought I would HATE prefolds and covers but those ended up being the easiest for us because there is no stuffing when they come out of the dryer. Also, prefolds are virtually indestructible!
sarah.barts@gmail.com
Try several different kinds before investing money on an entire stash, or before giving up on it. What works for some people may not be what’s right for you and your baby. I started with AI2’s and I think they’re just okay, bought some pocket diapers and HATED them, and now I use prefolds and covers and they’re my favorite AND the cheapest.
Don’t get overwhelmed with the initial cost – buy used until you figure out what you like! Craigslist, diaperswappers and store seconds are wonderful.
I usually bring them over and show them my “stash” and then they have a better idea of what they are looking at on the internet. People think it’s hard so I show them how easy it can be to make the switch and that is my advice, simplicity! It’s a lot easier then it was 30 years ago and great in every aspect! adlcwl@yahoo.com
I’ve simply been telling my friends and family that it’s SO EASY! Don’t be afraid to give it a try, you’ll never regret it! 🙂
My baby won’t be here for three more months, but I would tell people that cloth diapers have changed enormously over the past twenty years.
I started my son on cloth at 2 mos..just about 8 lbs when he was able to fit into the econobums/prefolds. It was trial and error with what works and I am still learning new ways to fold or set the diapers up so I can handle the messy breastfeed poops. I figure if I can handle this watery poop now.. the harder poop will be a breeze! I love the econobums with prefolds for night time and use a variety name brands of the all in ones(AIO), one size(OS), pocket diapers during the day. I have a total of 18 diapers that we use now and we wash every other day. I also have a combination on 13 prefolds/flats and fitted inserts for the flip and econobums. We use disposable inserts maybe 3 times a day when we think our little one will have a messy diaper. We also just started using wash clothes as wipes and inserts. They wash well and take the most of the stains and are of course easier to clean if you can’t stand throwing the poop into the pail. Nicole parrishtp@yahoo.com
I love telling people how much I love it and how it changed our lives for the better. One thing I always mention is about how I was so tired of blowouts in disposables and how easy diaper laundry is. Toss it in and go!
We love our diaper sprayer! i don’t ever have a stinky diaper pail; something you DO have with disposables.
washing is as easy as rinse, hot wash, 2nd rinse. somehow at our house diapers always get washed first 🙂
codaycrew [at] cox [dot] net
Just give it a try. If you don’t like CDing, you can always sell your diapers – or better yet, see if you can borrow a few from a friend.
Also, diaper liners = must have on a road trip!
I always tell people about leaving them out in the sun to get the stains out – it works so well, and it’s so amazingly simple!
I also tell them to use cloth wipes, they’re cheaper, they’re green and they work better!
Tip: Do a trial! We did a 2 week trial through Jillians Drawers when we started. I got to try out lots of different styles and brands and then was able to pick what I liked. Very easy!
jhull at m dot marywood dot edu
I share how many disposables we’ve avoided by using cloth (over 2600 in 13 months), the cost and environmental impact usually make a big impression.
My tip is to start off slow and it is okay to use disposable once in a while. Also get a diaper sprayer as soon as they start solids!
Thanks!
angiedkelly at gmail dot com
My advice is to stick with it and if things aren’t working rather than going to disposables, try a different style diaper, sometimes it takes a few different diapers before you find something that works. 03elewis @msn.com. emma
cloth is so easy and FUN! I’m doing my baby, wallet and environment a favor 🙂
vkc922 at cox dot net
Use cloth wipes. I switched to cloth wipes a year before cloth diapers. My infant had horrible diaper rash and I needed the least expensive fix. Disposable wipes have a ton of chemicals on them that irritated my little one. I found the least expensive baby washcloths and use those as my wipes (2-3 dozen). Also, I find a wipes warmer a MUST with cloth wipes because I prefer to use a wet wipe. (I keep the bum spray in the diaper bag for when I have to use the dry wipe method.)
Also for those afraid of smell, I find I have less stink in my house than with disposable diapers (because the poo is not stored in a diaper pail but flushed away).
Most people are worried about using cloth during the newborn period because of the poosplosions but cloth (especially with a separate cover) is a lot better at containing newborn poo than disposables are! And “how do you deal with the poop” isn’t really that big a thing, if you’re a parent you are going to be dealing with poop and a lot more for the next few years!
For someone new to cloth diapering, I always recommend a trial. It’s easy to discover different kinds of diapers and you don’t have to commit to just one type.
We are the Newbies! lol my favorite advice was to buy a few different kinds to test out and see what works for us!
Thanks
Nicole
Coleeol42784@aol.com
Don’t be afraid to dry different styles of diapers. You may find you like different types of diapers for different occasions. Example: we use prefolds or fitteds with a cover at night, but pockets during the day.
PS I prefer to use pins with my prefolds and it isn’t that difficult! ;o)
saywah_j at yahoo dot com
I would say try lots of different brands and types, not always is the most expensive diaper out there the best. Sometimes the most inexpensive ones end up working the best for you, and every baby is shaped differently so find out what works for your baby.
I always make sure to let them know about diaper creams and liners. No one told me when I started and it was quite the process to reverse the damage.
monkeysbunz@gmail.com
My first worries when starting CDing was how to back for going out. What has worked for me, and what I would advise anyone starting out. Take prefolds! You can fit more in a diaper bag and you only need a cover or 2 for a back up!
We love our Econobum prefolds and covers. We change our son frequently and I like that I never have to feel guilty about “wasting” a diaper. Also the sun bleaches stains right out.
Cloth diapering isn’t all or nothing, especially during the transition to cloth. We slowly transitioned to cloth during the day, then added it in at night and finally went to cloth wipes too. There’s nothing wrong with taking your time and it’s not a failure to use a sposie once in a while. Using just one cloth diaper a day is better than no cloth diapers a day!
I always recommend to those interested in cloth diapering: if you don’t have a diaper service, buy used or 2nds diaper covers/prefolds/etc. initially, until you figure out your washing system. We had to completely change our system moving from MO to FL. That way, when stubborn stains won’t come out you won’t get as frustated!
My favorite thing to tell someone about cloth diapering is that you don’t need to use pins. That always shocks someone that isn’t that aware of new options and I imagine it makes some new parents rethink disposables as pins are one of the biggest sticking points to CD. hehe. sticking points. Of course to most of these readers no pins is obvious. 😀
No one needs to use diaper pins anymore with the cute velcro wraps that hold the diaper in place. Also, breastfed baby poop washes right out when the diapers go into the washer.
For laundry: keep it simple! Prewash, hot wash, extra rinse. Don’t complicate it unnecessarily.
I have a 1 month old and a three year old. If you are new to cloth a diaper sprayer is a must. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to install, and makes spraying poo off of diapers easier, cleaner, and faster. (I’ve even used mine to spray poo off of clothes with the occassional blowout, which has only happened a couple of times).
I also recommend a clothes line (very inexpensive!), because not only does the sunlight sanitize your diapers and remove stains better, but it also gives you an opportunity to go outside.
It’s so much easier than you think!! Don’t get bogged down with all the info available online…just get a trial pack and start diapering.
And it’s so much more fun than you think!!
“Modern” cloth diapers go on just as easy as disposables, no more pins and rubber pants. And the best part about diapering breast fed babies is the dirty diaper goes in the the pail/ bag and then dumped in the washer. No rinsing needed so you don’t need to touch it any more than a disposable. By the time baby starts solids cloth diapering is second nature so it’s just a minor adjustment. I’ve never had a diaper blow out, so I think I’ve touched LESS poo than my disposable diapering friends who are regularly wiping down their babies backs from “poosplosions”!!!!!
When a friend is new to cloth or interested in it I share my love of flats & prefolds. They are my favorite diaper/insert. Easy wash, quick dry & cute. Plus I love that they are ‘old school’. Second, I tell them to check out cottonbabies.com and my favorite WAHMs. Enabling is fun. 🙂
my favorite tip about cloth diapering is sunning. for drying and keeping them white and bright. free too! 😉
I’m really new to cloth diapers… as in we are just now trying to get some diapers for our baby! I’m excited to get started. I never knew anyone who cloth diapered before recently- it’s a great community of moms!
Thanks for this giveaway!
Start small. Buy a couple of diapers. See how you like them. Buy one a month until you can go full time in cloth.
The sole reason I didn’t cloth diaper my first was start up cost. Then I had two in diapers and knew that I HAD to try cloth. I bought three diapers, fell in love and haven’t stopped buying since.
I tell them that it just adds another load of laundry in the never ending laundry anyway and diapers you don’t have to fold and put away if you don’t want to. You use them too fast.
Sun diapers. It makes them fresh and clean and there is no need to pay to have diapers dried. Even if you own a dryer, you’re paying for them to be dried. I LOVE cloth diapering!
Start from the beginning. If you never use a disposable, you won’t know any other way! I didn’t start from the beginning, but really wish I had.
miranda.wheeler@smail.astate.edu
I tell friends my two fave products are the bum genius detergent and the diaper sprayer. We use BG’s and just bought some econobums. Love them both
meeghan.rayner@sbcglobal.net
My piece of advice is to have some prefolds available even if you are using pocket diapers or something else as your main diapers — they are so useful for so many things. If I win, I will give both packages away to my friend who is having twins next month!
Start slow. Try doing it at home only at first.
Favorite tip? Flushable liners for poopy diapers and Flip organic for a bulletproof overnight dipe.
It’s not as bad as you think!
A couple of weeks ago my 7 month pregnant friend came over to check out our cloth diaper stash to actually see and feel them. We went over all sorts of issues, from cleaning experiences, to prices and brands. My favorite tip to share with her, was to use home made pre-folds to boost absorbency, and to let her know that baby clothes get constantly dirty and that washing is part of our daily routine, including the cloth diapers.
mariannita2010@gmail.com
Los Angeles, CA
The number one thing I hear is, “How do you deal with the poop?” Do not be intimidated by the poop. Most of the time it does just peel out of the diaper into the toilet. If it is stuck you can dunk the diaper instead of buying a sprayer.
The swapmamas website has people giving away diapers for free, so if you can’t afford to start, that’s a good way to find people wanting to share!
Don’t pass up the diaper sprayer! It is an absolute must. And cloth diapering is so much easier than one may think.
I always tell people to not be afraid to ask questions, and that I’m here if they hit a bump! I HIGHLY recommend using a cloth diaper safe detergent.
beautyformyashes@ hotmail.com
You can cloth diaper on a budget and it will save you money.
Try a few different kinds to see what will work best for you. That’s my plan anyway!
The thing I always tell people about cloth diapers is that it doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. I have a basic list of must haves and for me it is pretty simple and it can be for others as well.
My list:
1)dipaers & covers(find something that you like and stick with it- I prefer prefolds because you can wipe out the covers which makes the initial investment less)
2)liners – a MUST HAVE
3) a good diaper pail and some prewash- I use the wet method.
My favorite tip to share with potential cloth diapering parents is to forget what they’ve heard about cloth diapering, especially the stereotypical pins and plastic pants. Cloth diapers have come a long way Baby! Let me show you how easy they how, how much cuter they are, and how much better they are for Baby!
Modern cloth is not scary, and just as easy as disposable diapers! I also make nay sayers talk to my husband who went from “you change them” to “these are the best ever!”
I would suggest starting with one or two types of diapers and just sticking with them for a while. So many people seem to have diapers of every brand out there, and it really makes laundry difficult. Also, if you don’t think you like a certain style or brand of diaper, don’t immediately get rid of it. They might grow on you.
Most people at the beginning seem to have the biggest issue with washing poop in their washing machine. I always ask them “if you were playing football in the backyard and landed in poop how would you clean your jeans?” they always respond, “in the washing machine,” and then they seem to be fine with it.
I love to convert as many people as possible to cloth diapers, I love them and think they are great1
Honestly, my favorite tip is to tell people about Cotton Babies! The website is a wealth of information on how to cloth diaper and how to do it at an affordable price.
Allison Pinette, Maine
apinette at yahoo.com
At least one tip I love has already been posted, but here’s anther two.
1. A laughing baby is easier to change than an upset baby, so do something fun with the baby during diaper changing time. Wiggle their butt for them, help them kick their legs, kiss their feet, play peekaboo, etc.
2. Once you have found your favorite diaper style, keep any close runner-ups. What your favorite style is when you have a crawler, and then a toddler, may be different from when your baby is an infant. Especially if at one of those stages you loved velcro and in the next, your baby has velcro figured out.
Get a thermos pump to have a supply of warm water by your changing table if you’re using cloth wipes.
Lemons653@AOL
Don’t be afraid of the laundry! I have four kids, two of whom are in diapers, so I do a LOT of laundry anyway, another load of diapers is no big deal. And doing a load of diaper laundry is a LOT easier than getting four kids buckled into the car, driving down to the store, getting them in the cart, going through the store, picking up the diapers, going through checkout, paying, getting back to the car and going home. I get exhausted just reading that! With diapers it’s just: wash cold, wash hot, another rinse and dry all in the comfort of your own home!
They aren’t like the old days! They are easy to use and the washing and getting rid of poop really isn’t that bad. The cute factor definitely makes up for the cons of cloth!
they seem to always ask about poo. I just say.. you have a baby you deal with poo as it is… leaking every where… wouldn’t you like to save money while dealing with it? And guess what? It doesn’t leak everywhere in cloth 🙂
I would try not intimidate them with overwhelming wash routines. I’d tell them to keep it simple!!!
I’d also tell them how much they’ll enjoy the process of giving their child soft, comfy diapers every day. Its part of the way we love our babies!
Finding a real person with whom to discuss cloth diapers, not just a salesperson or website, is priceless. Even though my parents used cloth, things are so different than 25 years ago. A close friend of mine received her information from her SIL. I bounced lots of ideas off my friend. Now I have another friend who is interested in cloth and I love sharing with her and her family.
hennasarai26 at gmail dot com
Most people don’t realize how easy cloth diapering is, I love showing off whatever spare dipes I have in my bag. Not to mention, they’re always shocked to know that I never get poo blowouts with cloth like I do with disposables! 🙂
mickigundersen@yahoo.com
Try all different kinds of cloth diapers. Get several different kinds so you will know which ones you really like.
I would suggest using flushable liners. That way the pooh is easily taken care of and the new cloth-diaperer doesn’t have to fret over spraying diapers. 🙂
This is probably weird but I let my friends smell my laundered diapers. They expect them to smell and they don’t! Also, I share Youtube vids on diapering because sometimes it is helpful to see someone do it.
I say that cloth diapering is a million times more rewarding than filling a landfill with disposables. It is a small gift you can give your child to start them with a reduced carbon footprint. Also they are so much cuter 🙂 If I won I would donate both to someone in need since I have a huge stash myself including the econobum set.
It’s not a hard and messy as everyone thinks it is! The main thing I like to show people the is price comparison! That usually gets them!
My tip: Ask your friends who cloth diaper for input. That’s how we made all our decisions. Also, using cloth wipes with homemade wipe solution is so much cheaper and gets the poo off cleaner (husband stated this first!)
Don’t fear the unknown, take the plunge. If cloth diapering doesn’t work for you and your family no one said you can’t go back. You never know if you don’t try though.
I’ve helped a handful of friends make the switch and I’m so grateful I can be there for them when they have questions! My favorite thing to tell them is that CDing becomes like second nature once you take the plunge. It shouldn’t be scary! Plus, they love to know how much money you save by just washing and reusing!
jennifer_atchison at hotmail dot com
My favorite tip is to tell them to start slow. Buy a diaper or two of what their friends (personal or online) recommend. Try a few different ones out, then buy more of that you like.
(jenai hamilton // jenaihamilton@gmail.com)
Don’t stress about it! Start with something easy like a trifolded prefold in a cover (Flips are great) and go from there!
I suggest flushable liners to moms who are skittish about what to do with the poop. I suggest liners until they feel brave enough to use a sprayer. 🙂
I tell people that it’s not gross like they think it is. It’s no “worse” to deal with than disposables, and you don’t have to make up some super complicated washing system like some do.
Take the diaper off, toss it in the bucket. Instead of throwing out you just throw em in the washer. Rinse, hot wash, rinse.
The best advice I have is…Just give it a try! Also, a diaper sprayer can be a life saver!
I love using OS pockets because you can cloth 2 kids at once with the same dipes, they last till they are PT’d and you can add extra stuffing for night.
jenniferwells@mail.com
For all of my friends who are just starting out I encourage them to try different types of diapers rather than spending all of their money on one kind. You never know what you’ll find yourself loving. I went overboard with pocket diapers and ended up hating them and loving regular prefolds with my econobum covers.
Emily
emilycarnes11@yahoo.com
If finances were a big issue, I would suggest to them using receiving blankets for flats or any other of Jen’s tips. I’ve been making flats out of scrap flannel and loving it. Also to be on the lookout for some of Cotton Babies sales, where you can repair diapers, like the 12 for $24 that you recently had. I wish I had known these things when I was first getting started!
Don’t assume that the “popular” diaper is going to be the one that works best for you and your babe.
Start out with a cover and you will see how long just one can last you (& you can use all those receiving blankets that you got from your shower) britthart429@yahoo.com
My tip is to just do it, take the plunge! I’m new to cloth diapering as well and I was so nervous to start that it took me until my baby was almost 9 months to finally start. I’m SO glad I did it though. I absolutely love it now 🙂
It will take a while to get used to but I love not having to hurry to the store for diapers when we are out.
My favorite thing to tell people that are new to cloth is that it really is just as easy as disposables, you just have an extra load of laundry (which most moms do all the time anyway).
I love to tell them my experience with ‘blow-outs’ in disposables. My kiddo was in preemie sized disposables for nearly 3 months and at least twice a day he had poo from head to toe. As soon as he fit into our BG 3.0s that we had a stash of all of that ended. I would much rather clean out poo from a diaper than my little guy’s back, legs and clothes. 🙂
kaleidoscopejane at yahoo dot com
My favorite tip is to use cloth wipes too. It makes diaper changes so much easier than using disposable wipes and having to keep them out sperate. Everyone thinks it sounds like so much extra work at first. But it really does make things easier once you have your system. I just converted a friend to cloth and she opted not to use cloth wipes. She called me 3 days later and said she changed her mind, since cloth would be easier. Yay!
Melissa Marquis, Maine
melissaleemarquis@yahoo.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bumgenius 4.0 are great for overnight! I also like to tell people that it is much simpler than they assume. My best tip is to line dry your diapers in the sun to get rid of stains, & a diaper sprayer makes cloth diapering so easy that anyone can do it!
I would tell a new CD user to look for the deals! Free shipping is a must and if you wait for the sales or clearance you can get a super deal! Also, use Rockin’ Green!
I’d let them know what worked for us. I like to walk my friends through our routine and once they see how easy and non-gross it is, they usually are pretty open to it!
I’m new to cloth diapering, still haven’t even gotten a “stash” but my favorite tip I’ve received is “don’t sweat the leaks at first, clothes, babies, diapers are all washable.”
I tell people to look out for deals and coupons, I have a great stash of diapers including BGs and Flips and spent less than $100.
I also recommend the bumGenius laundry detergent, it has made a huge impact on our previous stink issues.
And yes the flushable liners are a great way to deal with poop!
Don’t be overwhelmed by all the options–eventually you’ll find what works for you! The many options are one of my favorite parts of cloth diapering!
stephanieileen at gmail dot com
Although I haven’t started yet (we’re adopting and baby is due next week!), a helpful tip would be to start with prefolds. They are super cheap and seem to be a great starting point for those are a little nervous about the laundry part. Plus, you get to pick out all of those cute covers!
I’d say don’t give up! There will be speed bumps. But it is totally worth it.
skklemm at Gmail dot com
My tip to share would be to use diaper liners if you are afraid of poo. It makes dealing with poo very easy! merritt_1976 at hotmail dot com
My favorite tip–especially when dealing with a newborn, is to start with prefolds. They are the ‘hardest’ to do, so once you master them, the rest seems easy! Also, they are the least expensive, so if you decide not to go all-in and use them for burp cloths or something else, then it’s not a big loss. Although, I always hope someone will go for it!
Cloth diapering doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Even if you just do cloth at home its a start.
Overnight diapers are so much easier than buying a special type of disposable! Just add an extra liner or prefold and you’re set! 🙂
heather.schweich at gmail dot com
Everyone is afraid of dealing with poopy diapers, afraid they will get poo on them…You may but you may with disposals as well. I can wash a little poo off of my hands to save literally thousands of dollars!