A few weeks ago I talked about us cautiously dipping out toes in the cloth diaper lake and figuring out how to use cloth diapers. We decided to give it a try because I won a cloth diaper.
My very first cloth diaper came from the company Holden’s Landing. Bonnie, the owner, contacted me to let me know that I won a rainbow cloth diaper (similar to this one). I mentioned to her that it would be my very first cloth diaper, and she responded that the diaper was the type that needs a cover, and that she would just send one to me along with the diaper. She also helped me figure out the best size to buy for my baby (and it turns out that with cloth diapers you need to give it some careful thought and, depending on the specific diaper you get, talk with other folks who use the diaper about how it fits).When the package arrived from Holden’s Landing, I couldn’t believe what I saw. Bonnie sent me the rainbow cloth diaper, a second diaper that had a similar look but that is designed with its inserts to be used overnight, an AI2 diaper (details on what that means later) a wool soaker and a pair of knit pants that also serve as a diaper cover. I haven’t added up the worth of these 3 diapers and 2 covers, but rest assured, this was EXTREMELY generous of Bonnie. She did it simply because she said she wanted to give me a good introduction to cloth diapering and to teach me how to use cloth diapers the right way by giving me several options.This brings me to the primary thing I have learned about cloth diapering: cloth diapering mamas are SUPPORTIVE. They will talk with you at length, make suggestions and display generosity in numerous ways. So I have to say, for that, the cloth diapering community (and Bonnie in particiular) is amazing. When you don’t have other folks around you cloth diapering, it can be really easy to give up, so it is great that you can find a community online to help you work through any difficulties you might be having.
Now onto the diapers. Holden’s Landing diapers are wonderful! They definitely give babies fluffy butts, which was something I wasn’t used to seeing. When I add an extra insert, sometimes Darah struggles to sit up without wobbling, so that’s the primary drawback I see. But the cuteness factor is out of this universe. OH MY! Also, the diapers are very soft. They make disposables seem like the scratchiest stuff out there! Bonnie makes her diapers out of organic bamboo and organic cotton. I have noticed that they don’t quite have the absorbency of her disposables, but I also have to confess that I only pre-washed them once before using them (more on that later).
If you are looking for a top of the line cloth diaper, check out Holden’s Landing. She has so many great things to offer, and she is such a genuinely nice and helpful person! Also, how can you resist this Hedgehog diaper?!
Other Cloth Diaper Tips
Here are a few more things I’ve learned about cloth diapering due to receiving these awesome diapers:
1. Cloth diapers need to be washed a few times in order for their absorbency to increase. This is particularly the case for diapers made with bamboo. I didn’t do that to start, and I think that’s why the absorbency was a little bit lacking at first.
2. Wool soakers only need to be washed once they start to get a little bit stinky. At first I thought you had to wash them every time, and I thought that was disappointing. But I was wrong!
3. Wool soakers need to be washed with a special type of soap. Bonnie also sent me a wool wash bar of soap (it isn’t really soap, but I can’t remember what it is called).
4. Unless they are AIO (All-in-one) or AI2 (all-in-two) diapers, most other cloth diapers need a cover to go over them to help prevent leaks.
5. Extra inserts are like pads that you can either lay in the diaper or, in certain diaper models, you can snap in. They are a great way to add some extra protection, but they do add some bulk!
6. If you cloth diaper, your little one is going to need bigger pants!
Stay tuned, as I’ll be bringing you news about my very first AIO diaper experience, as well as a GIVEAWAY sponsored by Hen & Chick Cloth! Tell me something interesting you have learned about your cloth diapering journey (or lack thereof!) in the comments of this post in order to gain an extra entry in the upcoming giveaway!
serissa21 says
Still new to cding but it seems like the person you dealt with was really nice to help you get started. It is so awesome. I love how cute cds are.
MehganKJ says
Welcome to the fluffy world of cloth diapering!
I'm new to this as well, but am already addicted. I agree with you about having to buy bigger pants, but the inconviences of cloth are so worth it. My baby boy prefers fleece on his bum over the rough paper of disposables. Plus, he has been rash free since switching over to cloth. Yay!
Koalalou says
I'm a first time mom and have cloth diapered from about 2 weeks (waited until the meconium was over and I was more comfortable changing him). I have been so surprised how easy they are.
I highly recommend Thirsties Duo Diapers (the pocket dipes, not the wrap) since you just throw them in the wash and the inserts agitate out on their own so no touching a pee soaked pad!
Anonymous says
Welcome to the fluffy world of cloth diapering! I am new as well and am on the verge of a serious addiction to cloth 🙂
I currently only use AIO's, but am eager to try something new. I agree with you about buying bigger pants, but I can't resist my baby's fluffy bum. He seems to prefer fleece on his bottom to scratchy paper–so I don't mind some of the inconviences of cloth.
K says
Hooray for cloth diapering! I agree with you – cloth diapering mamas are a supportive bunch! Plus, it all becomes so FUN! I love trying new diapers and seeing what I like and don't like about the different systems.
We have been cloth diapering my 13 month old son since birth. One of my favorite CD tricks is to lay the diapers out in the sun to remove stains. It works like you wouldn't believe. If you don't have time (or sun) and are using a dryer, throw a couple of dryer balls in with the diapers. Once we started doing that, it cut our drying time dramatically.
Erinn says
are the inserts also washable? i think i have seen references to flushable inserts elsewhere.
Kristin says
I am very interested in cloth diapering but have not jumped in. Started with homemade wipes and have enjoyed those. Love reading your blog – might make me take the plung.
Krista says
We are finally moving, and will have a washer and dryer. I am SO excited to start cloth!! My little one will be 6 months when we move, and I can't wait to get some cute cloth prints on her butt 🙂
i love reading about other momma's experiences with CDing!
pulchrabliss(at)hotmail(dot)com
Michelle Hrin says
I used cloth with my son and will have another baby any day who will also be diapered in cloth when conveinent. It is so easy these days and I'm so glad I tried it. Saves the environment and so much $.
Angelique says
We've been cloth diapering my first since he was 3mo old (he's 16mo now) and plan to CD the second who is coming in June. I love Bumgenius organic all-in-one's with snaps and the blueberry brand as well. Husband likes all-in-one's so he doesn't have to deal with the insert. Your first diaper is hard core! I didn't want to have to deal with a diaper and a cover, though I have a Flip. Just too much work for me!
The laundry deal isn't as complicated as it seems..never fear! And yes, CD mamas are all very supportive and helpful. 🙂
Erinn says
this is really interesting. i'm glad to learn about cloth diapering from you instead of trying to figure it all out myself down the road. i didn't know about washing increasing the diapers' absorbency–good news considering all the washing they'll get!
erinve says
Ohhh, you are brave! I was tempted to try cloth diapering with my second child, but got lazy since the first guy was still in diapers too. I'm hoping to try if/when we have another, so I'm very interested in your journey here!
And I LOVE the hedgehog.
Attila & Tamara says
I've learned that the easiest way for us to store our dirty (cloth) dipes is in a wetbag. When it is full, I dump the diapers out and then throw the bag in the laundry, too. Very convenient!
simplymerry says
you really should try Flip. 🙂
they're one of the trimmest diapers I have, and like i mentioned, no leaks yet! Just one wash for prep, and darn cheap. I don't know yet if they're my favorite, but they're definitely great for advanced beginners (advanced because they are snap & AI2, so a slight learning curve).
Joel and Cindy says
I am really interested in cloth diapering. My son is not due until July, so I'm starting to research now. I don't know if I'll like cloth diapering, where to start, what kind to buy, etc., and I've been asking around. A free diaper to try out would be awesome!! 🙂
Madeline says
Yay! Glad you ventured in. Cloth diapering is really fun. And, Bonnie must be a sweetheart…what an awesome bonus!