Need Cloth Diaper Recommendations

M.,
Congratulations on the baby and the choice for cloth diapers! I was using fuzzi bunns ($17 each) and found babyland on ebay! I was able to get 25 of the diapers (that look just like FB) and 50 inserts for 95.00 including tax and shipping! That is less than $4 each and they come in fantastic colors! And you do not have to worry about velcro as they have snaps. These are one size diapers (starting at the newborn size) that can be used until it is time to potty train or about 40 pounds!
As for the cleaning, I use the rinse cycle on the washing machine with a stain soaker (SoluMel), then use the sanitary cylce for the diapers with very little detergent. Voila!
I wish you the very best!

Hi M.! I have spent the past month ordering 1 of every kind of cloth diaper to try them out before I decide on a full-time stash. So far I like the Fuzzibunz one-size (uses snaps to close but elastic to adjust size instead of outside snaps). I tried the BG's but also didn't like the velcro. The strip across the front is too big and difficult to get comfortable around my 8 month old DD's teeny tiny waste. I have also looked at Smartipants. So far I like them but prefer the sizing mechanism on the FB's.

There is a woman here in Tucson that has a cloth diaper business out of her home and holds classes. She may be able to help you decide. Go to: http://www.tentinypiggies.com/index.html

Also there is a real store in Scottsdale called Wildflower Diapers.

Its a big decision to cloth diaper (I'm super excited to do so!) but I've found it to be an even bigger decision trying to choose which diaper works best for us!

Good luck. Let me know how it turns out! And big congrats on #2!!!!

Vinegar!! I used cloth diapers with my son and every three or four washes I'd toss in a cup of white vinegar to the water. I used Baking Soda each wash then always line dried in the sun. I never had a problem with odor and he wore the same 20 until he was 2 1/2 years-old.
For the life of me I can't remember the name of the diapers I used, but they were an AIO with cute little zoo animals on them. I loved them! Only regret was that I didn't discover them until my second child.

On the smell, you are using TOO much detergent. Try an extra rinse. I would never use bleach on my diapers, it is the reason your diapers are not lasting as long. Bleach breaks down the fibers. I would put my diapers in the sun. Also, you can add tea tree oil to your wash.

What I do is just do the first wash on cold w/o any detergent then wash again adding the tiniest amount of detergent. You know you have too much detergent when the rinse cycle is still bubbly. Detergent/soap is only to break the surface tension of the water to let the dirt and grime go easier. The more soap you use, the more rinses you have to use to get the soap out cause it will attached the nasties. I make my own laundry soap, and I like it better cause it cleans much better, but that is me.

By far, Fuzzi Bunz were my workhorse diaper. They didn't leak, were easy to clean and dry and last through three babies (some more, b/c I got them used). Even an expensive cloth diaper will save you money in the long run, especially with more than one kid wearing them! The investment is worth it, not matter what!

I loved using my FBs I used the large size all through switching over. My son was 2 and my daughter 6months (she is a chunky girl)I could double and triple the inserts if needed. With all the snaps on them they were very adjustable I could even overlap the flaps. Never had leak problems except with my daughter but that girl can pee and it was overnight hince the 3 layers.

I didn't like the BG either.. I have spent weeks reading reviews b/c my son out grew our birth to potty kit we purchased when he was born.. at 10 months! :) He was 20 lbs at 3 1/2 months! Anyway, my best advice is join a local moms group and get together with other CDing moms and try before you buy!! This has saved me soo much $$ ! Each baby is different so what works for one might not work for another... and what works for a newborn might not work for a toddler (same baby)

Depending on how your baby is (chunky or slim) will be a huge factor ...

Based on reviews I read.. rumparooz and gro baby (now with snaps! :) might be something to look into..

Where are you located ??

We used Fuzzi Bunz with our first little one and we went with the site cottonbabies.com because they have a growing up in pockets which is a trade in program so we just traded up sizes. For some reason they are no longer working with Fuzzi Bunz but they do have the BG 3.0 and the organic... I have to say we ordered them for our daughter and I hate them! I feel like they smell no matter what I do and the fit is funky also. No leaks or anything just not like the Fuzzi's is all...
If you join Cafemom there are a few groups that are for cloth diapering and a lot of moms make their own and sell. The nice thing is that you know if they work or not before you buy! Cuties with cloth booties is the group I am in on there and they are awesome!

Try these also!

http://www.hyenacart.com
http://www.diaperpin.com

Great luck!

I really like diapers like Loveybuns or Cricketts. Both are snaps diapers you use with a cover.

Here's how I wash mine - with an energy efficient front loader.

1. Load diapers - only fill washer half full.
2. Add soap (I have a small washer and I use a Teaspoon of soap - Allen's Naturally)
3. Add 1/2 cup baking soda
4. Start a soak load and wash diapers in cold
5. Do a hot wash with extra rinse (sanitizer cycle if you like) but don't add more soap

They are CLEAN when they're done - smell like water and nothing else. They never smell acrid or poopy.

The biggest secrets are enough water and NEVER overfilling your washer.

Good luck!

I spent a lot of money on cloth diapers trying to find my favorites and I have to say that by far, my favorite was the Bum Genious 2.0's. Sorry! I absolutely loved them. I used a Joey Bunz insert instead of the ones that came with the diaper. I didn't have a problem with the velcro staining or pilling. And I didn't have a problem with odor either. Do you use a diaper sprayer? I also used Charlies soap. I don't think I ever used bleach. It may just be if you spray the dipes before you drop them in your pale (I used a dry pale system) that would help with odor??? Not sure. I know that it's hard to get a system going that works. Your water can even play into it and it can be frustrating! Do you know if the Bum Genius AIO's are the same as the 2.0'? I know they came out with 3.0's just before I stopped cloth diapering so I don't know how they measure up to the 2.0's. I sold all my dipes awhile back after I thought I wasn't having anymore kids. Now I have a 2 month old and I'm banned from buying more dipes! Good luck. I miss CD'ing!

I use the prefold cloth diapers, so I don't have recommendations for pocket diapers.

I did have to say that your stain/odor issue may have to do more with how they're washed than the type of diaper. In the washer, cloth diapers need lots of water - put it on full even if it's not. That's because detergent residue can cause issues like leaking; and if the diapers aren't properly rinsed out, then they'll smell. As for drying, doing it in the sun works wonders. All stains except for food stains come out, and it reduces odors. You may already know this; if so, maybe doing some deeper laundry troubleshooting would help.

I have a suggestion for your diapers "holding odors".

Whole Foods or other natural food stores sell a natural and safe product called Backout. It is a natural enzyme that has the same product description as Fabreeze. Spray on every diaper after every use and no more odors.

We use Happy Heiney. They have velcro, but they work for us.