How to get started....

     I have done quite a bit of research on and offline about cloth diapering in preparation for Vincents arrival.  I have asked many a questions, and had many a discussions.  I have come to this conclusion that has not only put my mind at ease, but also debunked alot of what I have previously thought on the subject.  Using cloth diapers is not as difficult as many people perceive it to be. Cloth diapers have made significant advances since the days when our generation's grandparents used square pieces of cloth held together with a diaper pin to cover baby's bottom. Today, cloth diapers are more effective, easy to use, and stylish than ever. Here are some of the "need to knows" to help get you started.

1.)Choose a cloth diaper system. The 4 main options are -

• All in Ones - These functions just like a disposable diaper and are ideal for a family with busy or working parents. The down side is that some parents of All in One cloth diapers complain that they are so bulky that they take a long time to dry in the dryer.

• Pocket Cloth Diapers - This is a new and popular choice among parents. The diaper allows a parent to stuff the diaper with less or more cloth liners, so the amount the diaper absorbs can be customized and adjusted to the needs of an individual baby.

• Fitted Cloth Diapers - These diapers look like All in Ones with out the water resistant cover, thus they require the purchase of separate cloth diaper covers. All though these cloth diapers require a two-step process, they often fit a baby very snug and minimize accidents.

• Pre - Folds - These are the closest style to traditional cloth diapers and consist of a rectangular piece of cloth with extra layers sewn in the middle and must be folded around baby's bottom. These also require covers and the use of a diaper fastener. While pre-folds require more effort, they are a lot less expensive.

2.)Purchase enough Cloth Diapers to suit your needs-

Decide how often you want to do a load of cloth diapers in the wash and buy accordingly. If you can wash diapers everyday you will need approximately:

•  14 - 16 diapers for a newborn (3-4 diaper covers if using fitted cloth diapers or pre - folds)
•  10 - 12 cloth diapers for infants (2-3 diaper covers if using fitted cloth diapers or pre - folds)

If you want to do a wash only every three days, you will need approximately:

•  40 - 44 diapers for a newborn (6-8 diaper covers if using fitted cloth diapers or pre - folds)
•  30 - 34 diapers for infants ( 3- 4 diaper covers if using fitted cloth diapers or pre - folds)

3.)Purchase appropriate accessories. Some of what you need- 

• A diaper pail that accepts cloth diapers (a clean trash pail with a lid, and a pail liner will suffice)
•  Detergent that is gentle and recommended for the chosen cloth diapers
• Travel accessories, such as a diaper bag roomy enough to carry cloth diapers and a wet bag for storage when out and about.

Please feel free to add anything you can think of to help moms new to the cloth diapering journey in the comments!!!