Trying out Cloth Diapers

These days it seems like moms interested in cloth diapers look to the internet for help getting started. The world of cloth diapers is a lot different than it was a generation ago...so I thought I'd share what I am trying right now. (Why cloth? Check this out: http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/newtocloth)

I bought 3 Flip covers and 24 unbleached prefolds at cottonbabies.com. I have been folding the prefolds into thirds and then I just slap them in the cover and snap it on. Easy peasy! Then when it's time to change the diaper, I just "flip" the dirty prefold into the hamper and slap a new one into the cover. The cover is made of polyester so if it gets a bit dirty I just wipe it down and it's good as new. I also bought two waterproof laundry bags on Amazon.com, so I can have one to use while the other is getting washed. The total was about $100 for all of that. I think I will probably end up getting a few more covers and maybe 6 more prefolds and do laundry twice a week. We have high-efficient coin-operated machines down in our basement where we wash (super cycle, with an extra rinse) with 2 tablespoons of Tide original.

Since I didn't want to do a lot of washing and drying to prep the prefolds, I boiled them for 20 minutes, then washed and dried them once. This helps them be absorbent.

So here is the boiling station. I boiled three at a time.

Let the water drain out.

 Then I put them in this hamper with a towel, and when they were all done boiling I took them downstairs to wash and dry them.

Christopher tries a cloth diaper for the first time!

So far I like having less garbage and not wasting money on something I'll just throw away. My biggest concern is that at night (when I'm not changing Christopher) the diapers are leaking, so I need to figure out how to fix that. Overall I'd say my experience has been positive though!