When I was pregnant with T, I did a ton of research on cloth diapering. I decided that I would wait until after T was born to actually go through with it, though. I didn't know how many or which sizes I would need. Plus, I wanted to get the whole "new mommy" thing under my belt before I introduced something new. I knew that the last thing I would want to be doing with a newborn was laundry! I am glad that I waited, But now that I'm doing it, I love cloth diapering! :)
What first caught my attention with cloth diapering was how much money I would be saving in the long run. (B was on board with that, as well!) I, also, hated buying diapers and throwing them away just days later! What a waste (literally).
I was overwhelmed, at first, when I first started doing research. The only experience I had with cloth diapering was when I nannied in Chicago. I would just throw the diapers in a big trash can, and they would "magically" disappear and reappear (all clean) 2x a week! (Ok, a cloth diapering company would pick them up and wash them). I knew that wouldn't be an option for us, though. There were so many options... dry pail, wet pail, diaper sprayers, to bleach or not to bleach, all in ones, all in twos, pockets, wool, snaps, velcro, one size, prefolds, bamboo, organic, etc. That doesn't even include the different brands! Once I determined that I wanted to stick with one size cloth diapers, I started to read reviews.
In my research, the most reviewed and best reviewed for what I wanted seemed to be the BumGenius 3.0s. I found a great website which offered a "30 day trial period". Basically, if I decided that cloth diapering wasn't for me, I would be able to return them all for a full refund! I ordered 8 diapers @ roughly 17.95/each. With 8, I have to wash everyday, but that works for me as a stay at home mom.
In the mean time, I am a "test mom" for a new cloth diapering company coming out called
RagaBabe. T and I have tested the AIO (all-in-ones) and the Organic 2-Step (AI2). The AIOs are SO easy. There is no stuffing or snapping of inserts. You literally just wash, dry and wear (Well, T does the wearing, of course!)
One of the problems I've encountered with BG is that at 23lbs, T has almost already outgrown their "one-size". Hmmm.... What I've LOVED about the RagaBabe Organic 2-Step is that they come in adjustable sizes. For example, because T is a little on the chunkier/heavier size, I've used a size 2 for her, and that size will definitely last her until she's potty trained. Woo hoo! Also, you can purchase separate inserts for the Organic 2-Step, so you can basically get 3 diapers for under $50! (You can reuse the cover a few times without washing!) These diapers are also supposed to last through two children! I, obviously, haven't experienced that. However, the quality of these far surpass the quality of BG, in my opinion. (My BGs are already showing some major wear and tear.)
There are, obviously, many benefits of cloth diapering. It's definitely an investment up front, but in the long run, it's totally worth it! Plus, look how happy your baby could be...
