Cloth Diapering

I purchased some cloth diapers for my little peanut when she was 3 months old and use them about 90% of the time. I felt like I researched forever and was so unbelievably confused by all the lingo used- flats, prefolds, all in ones, all in twos, pockets, covers......and it seemed like every time I researched people didn't answer the questions that I had.

My main questions when starting that I felt like a dummy about were:

How do you know when to change them?
-Every two hours or when you know there has been a pee or poo

How expensive is it?
-Cloth diapering is honestly in my opinion as expensive as you make it. I personally purchased all pre-loved diapers and waited for a good deal, even using cloth part time saves money. I bought 10 Sunbabys first to try them out and then 25 Alvas and two AMP. (All pocket diapers)

How do I clean them?
-There are many myths and "rules" when it comes to cloth diapering- many of which I have broken, but have had no problems with keeping them nice and clean. I use purex baby detergent, because I love the way it smells, but you can use any detergent. I do a cold rinse in my washer, a regular or heavy duty cycle depending on how soiled they are and toss in the dryer to dry. Easy peasy!

Tips
-I use oxy clean as well as detergent in my wash to get the diapes nice and white!

-Do not use fabric softener or dryer sheets- but beware static cling and shocks!!

-Buy used! All of my diapers are pre-loved and soaked in bleach (1/2 cup disinfecting bleach to half full tub). Leave your diapes to sit for at least 30 minutes to disinfect them and wash like normal!

-In my diaper stash I have microfiber, bamboo and cotton inserts. My next purchase will be flour sack towels (cloth diapering moms like to simply call them FST) and you can get them at walmart, superstore, etc. I have been told that they are not only super cheap, and can be used in a variety of ways (stuffed in pockets, or used as a flat with a cover)but they are quite absorbent.

-I have a laundry sink down the hall from the baby's room so that's where I store my dirty diapers until wash day. Other Mom's use wetbags or diaper pail (mini garbage can).

-I have heard of people buying microfiber rags from the automotive department and using those as inserts- super cheap!

-Cut up old towels and use them an inserts!

-Beware that pants that you intend to wear over cloth will have to be a little large to fit over that fluffy butt!

-Cloth diapers are put on babe different than disposables. To ensure you don't have leaks you want to make sure you have the fit correct.

-Check out the Cloth Diaper Compendium on facebook for cloth diaper support!