What type of cloth diapers?
We use bumGenius 4.0. These are one size pocket diapers. These fit approximately 7-35 pounds. (However, they did not fit Holden well until around 10 lbs. - we used newborn disposables until then.) We wanted a one-size diaper for sure...because we wanted what we got to last through all of Holden's (and future babies') diapering days. That just made the most sense to us. These diapers are pockets- meaning they have a "pocket" in the back of the diaper that you stuff the microfiber inserts into. You can get them with hook/loop closure (velcro) or snaps. Personally, I prefer the snaps. Here's a video...I'm a visual person!
We ordered some of our diapers from www.cottonbabies.com which is the best place I have found for purchasing them. They always have free shipping. We bought some of our diapers during a Buy 5, get 6th free sale. (If you are thinking about buying, I would suggest waiting and watching for such sales.) Also, if you register at Babies 'R' Us, they do sell these diapers online....so if you get gift cards...you can use them on diapers! (You might check online at other stores for possible gift card use as well.) We did that which made our cost of investing in cloth much less....thus saving even more money than all the money you already save just by using cloth!
Some people use multiple types of cloth diapers. I personally like sticking to one kind. It makes for a simpler system.
How many do you need?
We have 18 and that number works well for us. I usually wash diapers about every other day (give or take.) I have known of some families making 12 work and I have also seen some people suggest 24. 18 is our magic number.
Washing
This is the part that had me the most overwhelmed when contemplating using cloth. I kept reading a million different suggested ways of washing them with a million different detergent recommendations, etc. I also hate laundry so I was worried that I would be kicking myself for creating more for myself. However, I can honestly say that washing them hasn't been a big deal at all. The BG diapers have a suggested way to wash stated on the attached tags. Their recommendation is to pre-wash cold, wash hot with detergent, and then an extra rinse. Line dry covers, tumble dry inserts. So, that's basically what I do. We have a regular old, non-fancy top loading washer and a regular old dryer. I throw the diapers in the wash (with the wetbag that contains them) and start a cold 10 minute wash cycle with NO detergent. When that's done, I start a hot, heavy duty 14 minute wash cycle WITH detergent. When that's finished, I do an extra cold rinse. Note: I always do a "super load" when washing diapers because more water = better cleaning. We don't have a clothes line, so I lay the covers out wherever- kitchen chairs, table, on top of the washer and dryer. I throw the wetbag and inserts into the dryer. The inserts, absorbent as they are, sometimes take an extra cycle to dry. Maybe that's just because my dryer isn't that awesome. You could lay the inserts out to dry for a while and then dry in the dryer to avoid having to dry an extra time.
Detergent
You need to get a cloth diaper friendly detergent. The one that we use and love is Rockin' Green. It is eco-friendly, leaves our diapers clean, smelling-good, and is great for sensitive skin. It also comes in different formulations for your water type to better prevent build up. The package tells you how much to use...in our case it is 2-3 T. I sometimes use 2 and sometimes use 3 depending on how big the load is.
Staining
We really haven't had any staining issues. However, so far most of Holden's dirty diapers have been the result of breastmilk. "Breastmilk poos" are easier to wash out than formula or solid foods. If he were exclusively formula fed, I may have to spray the diapers off before washing. I can't give much advice on that part because I haven't had to deal with it yet. When he starts solids, I will have to tackle this issue. I think we will probably need a diaper sprayer like this one, which I have heard good things about. In the case of stubborn stains, I have read/heard that laying them in the sun works wonders.
Storage
We store clean diapers in a dresser drawer. Holden's changing pad is on top of the dresser which makes it all very convenient. We stuff the diapers after washing them so we can just grab one ready-to-go out of the drawer. Dirty diapers go into a wetbag. We have a large Planet Wise wetbag. We hang it on the doorknob of Holden's room. It keeps the smell contained...we have no complaints. So far, we still use disposable wipes which go into a regular trashcan. Cloth wipes would be very convenient because they could also go into the wetbag and wash with the diapers. We may still make that switch.
Traveling
We have a small wetbag that we keep in the diaper bag for small trips- it holds about 3 diapers. For longer trips, we always have disposables on hand as an option. We have used cloth for weekend trips - you can throw the dirty cloth diapers in a plastic bag, trash bag, etc.
They are a bit bulkier than disposables...but not alarmingly so. We do find that sometimes pants in the size he normally wears fit more snug or don't fit over the cloth...in which case we use a disposable or we put bigger pants on him. That's a rare occurrence though- most pants will fit over them even when you think they might not. Double stuffing does make them bulkier. However, we haven't needed to double stuff during the day so far...we only double stuff at night. "Dubb-stuff" as Shon calls it. ;)
Satisfacton
Shon and I both prefer the cloth diapers over disposables. It seems like every time we put a disposable on Holden, he ends up leaking out of the back, etc. He basically never leaks with the cloth. We definitely prefer cloth for overnight - we double stuff his bedtime diaper and he stays in it all night (usually around 10 hours) without a leak. (Of course we would change him if he was dirty, but he only has wet diapers at night right now.) You can change diapers less frequently if only wet because the diapers wick away moisture from the bottom...the moisture gets absorbed into the inserts which don't touch the bum. There is less redness and diaper rash associated with cloth diapering. We never have an issue with redness or diaper rash. (In the event that you do, you need to find a cloth diaper friendly ointment or use disposables with regular ointment.) We also like them because they seem so much more comfy...and they're cute! Of course, we also like that we don't have to spend money on diapers! (I have seen estimates of around $3,000 saved due to using cloth.) And they are good for the environment and all that jazz. ;)
If you are thinking about cloth diapering and have any other questions, etc. feel free to ask! Like I said, it was all very overwhelming to me at first so I'd love to help if I can. :)
Oh, and a little humor for you....please don't call animal control on me. I had to try the diapers out on someone before Holden arrived! ;-)
Poor Doug...
