What is the best/most economical/easiest cloth diaper to buy and use?

Question

I have a 3 month old baby boy that I am using disposables on but want to switch to cloth? There are so many different kinds out there that I don't know where to start.

Answer 1

I would suggest you join a Yahoo Group on cloth diapering, as then you will actually find some moms who cloth diaper.

There is no simple answer to which is easiest.  There are diapers that are easier to use but take longer to dry, etc.

Basically there are two kinds of diapers: All-in-ones (AIOs) or ones that need a cover.  That's oversimplifying though because some use inserts with AIOs and some use ones that need a cover without one.  Then there are the semi-disposables, you can use a disposable liner in any diaper to help remove the p**p.  Or there are disposable (and often compostable) liners with a cloth cover.

Basically the AIOs with snap or velcro are easiest to use as they are exactly the same as using a disposable.  But they are more work because you have to wash the whole thing each time (as opposed to just washing the liners) and as a one piece diaper they take longer to dry (though some AIOs are not true AIOs and have removable liners which are tucked into place when used, and removed to reduce drying time)

*lol* I am not explaining this well.

Answer 2

As Mystic Eye said, the AIOs are the easiest, pockets like Fuzzi Bunz and bumGenius a close second.  There are tons of cloth diaper sites to help you figure this stuff out.  You can ask around at the forums on http://www.diaperswappers.com and http://www.diapertraders.com to see what other working moms prefer (and you can also buy used diapers there, too), and you can go here http://www.diaperpin.com/diapers/itemlis... to read reviews of popular AIOs.  (Look at the column on the left for fitteds, pockets, and accessories of every kind.) And http://www.diaperjungle.com/ can tell you pretty much everything you've ever wanted to know about diapers.

EDIT:  Yes, AIOs and pockets are expensive BUT when you're all done with them you can sell them and get most of your money back!

Answer 3

check out gdiapers.com. I use the covers with prefolds and it is so easy and cheaper than anything. There is also a yahoo group gdiapers that can give you lots of good info and pointers and so on

Answer 4

Look around and see if you have a diaper service in your area. I'm researching this at the moment too and it looks like you can get a washing service to do it for about $70 a month. They provide the cloth diapers so you don't have to buy them. They pick up once a week.

Answer 5

I guess I would ask why cloth?   If its to save the environment - washing all those diapers isn't easy on the environment, either.  Also, who is going to watch your child while you work?   Will they use cloth diapers?  Or insist on disposables (most daycares only use disposables).  Cloth isn't cheaper in the long run, either, if you get decent ones that wick away the moisture.  Plus you have to get something to prevent leaks.  

Good luck!   I considered it but stayed with disposables.