r/clothdiaps 2d ago

Let's chat What am I missing, and booster recommendations

Hello, I’m ftm totally new to cloth diapers, my son is 10 weeks old about 12lbs. Awaiting my stash to deliver, I’ve just ordered:

From GMD -muslin cotton flats one size x18 -size s prefolds x12 -snappi set and free pins with order -grab bag deal #15: size m workhorse x4 (for when he’s older)

From happybeehinds (end of year sale) -Kinder Cloth Diaper Cover with Bamboo Insert -Nerdy Mommas One Size Cover -The "Bally" One Size Diaper Cover -E LF Baby diaper cover -Thirsties Duo Wrap Diaper Cover - Size 1 -Mama Koala 1.0 (pocket) -Alva Pocket Diaper -Hanging Wet Bag with Double Pocket and Zipper Top

I was indecisive with the covers as you can see. I think I probably need boosters and reusable wipes, I’ve hear of someone making some sort of solution for the wipes too idk how that works. Anyhow please tell me what you think of this for staring off, my expense was about $190 total and I’m probably missing something. Any tips or advice is welcome, ahhhhhhh!

What are the best (affordable is nice) boosters , did you need to use them right out of the gate? Thoughts on wipes? Do you prefer pins to snappi? Should I get more pocket? Do I need more flats and what’s your favorite kind?

Thanks in advance! I’m not getting second hand because my husband refuses the mere thought of it.

4 Upvotes

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u/Quirky-Kitten4349 2d ago

I'm new to cloth diapers, been using them for about a month, my son is 3 months old. So here's my thoughts.

I don't see enough covers for your flats/pre-folds. I use mostly pockets so I'm not sure the right ratio, but I'd think you want at least one cover per three or four flats (I'm sure someone else will chime in). The covers are what keeps the pee from soaking into any cloth that touches the cloth diapers.

For size of stash, think about how often you want to run laundry and work from there. Figure out how many diapers you need in a day & multiply. (So laundry every 3 days x 10 diapers a day = 30). Plus a couple extra so you have some for during laundry. But also don't completely overfill your washer 😅

I love the reusable wipes, I don't use a solution. I keep a squirt bottle full of water on the changing table (it's actually the peri bottle I got from the hospital) and wet my wipes as needed.

I haven't used pins but I like that I can't poke myself or my son with the snappi. I would wait on buying more of any type of diaper until you figure out what you and your son like. Fwiw you can use pre-folds as inserts for the pocket diapers. 1 pre-fold is about the same as two inserts in my experience. Which leads me to... You will probably want at least two inserts for each pocket diaper (or use a pre fold). I had so many leaks, it was making me grumpy. I don't know why most diapers only come with one insert, I think they're setting us up to fail. If you think you'll use pockets regularly, make sure whatever boosters you get are wide enough to fill the pocket (at least on GMD it seems like the boosters are narrower). GMD has a ton of advice, I would read through their website!

Other advice- make sure you prep your diapers per the instructions. You'll need to wash them at least twice before baby wears them, and for the flats/pre folds, possibly several more. You might want more wet bags- I like having two large ones to rotate through with the laundry and one small one for on-the-go (although I usually use disposables for out and about). Which leads me to my last piece of advice- don't make it all-or-nothing. We use disposables overnight because I don't want to hassle with leaks while we figure out the right absorbency. I might eventually use cloth overnight and I might not. Be flexible, especially as you figure everything out

You got this 💪

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u/Internal-Claim5089 1h ago

Thanks for your reply, I plan to get some more covers in the future; that ratio sounds reasonable to me lol. I’m wanting to wash every other day but will likely start off daily until I get the hang of it and the right tweaks to the stash. Which reusable wipes do you use?

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u/Quirky-Kitten4349 1h ago

The oso cozy ones: https://a.co/d/ikwKYf8

I have two packs but I think I might get a third (and I would recommend three if you plan to use exclusively cloth wipes, I use disposables a couple times a day.)

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u/Somanythingsgoingon_ 2d ago

This is similar to what I do. I also got a bunch of reusable wipes and a prince lionheart wipe warmer. I actually just use water as the “solution” right now cause baby developed a rash/chapped cheeks from using pampers during the first week of life/not drying cheeks well before putting diaper on. I did make a solution though using dr bronner Castile soap, water, and witch hazel.

I recommend starting with what you ordered, and plan to order more based on what you find works for you. I started with the pins and liked them, but they were really hard for my husband to use (large calloused fingers), so I ordered the snappis and haven’t gone back to pins! They make things much easier and are less bulky than I expected.

Lastly, because my girl has the diaper rash I haven’t used any water proof diapers and instead opted for wool/cotton covers for breathability. I have the Disana cotton tie diaper covers and the Disana wool pull on cover and like them both. I’m planning to order a couple bumby wool covers though cause they aren’t as bulky as the Disana ones.

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u/elizam12 2d ago

Booster recc: I didn’t need boosters until my baby was around 4.5 mos, then I needed one b for night time. I love the cloth-eez night time doubler from GMD. It’s not cheap but I think it’s worth it for how many night time diaper changes it cuts out for me. With a more fitted diaper (work horse etc) gives a solid 9 hr stretch where I don’t have to diaper change, which is worth the price to me in the sleep I get

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u/Internal-Claim5089 2d ago

This is so good to know, I thought I’d need boosters immediately 😭 if that’s the case yeah I really like what I’ve been hearing about GMD doublers and will try them out !

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u/Altruistic-Mango538 2d ago

My babe is 12lb and the workhorses fit a little big. He has a tiny but and hips but pot belly. I have the snap free ones

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u/Altruistic-Mango538 2d ago

The medium ones I forgot to add.

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u/peoniesandsorbet 1d ago

We use cloth wipes and keep them dry and have a spray bottle of water at the changing station and in the nappy bag that we spray her and the wipes if necessary with as needed. Saves having to store wet wipes prior to use and eliminates any concerns over cloths getting yucky prior to being used if they’re left sitting for too long. We love our cloth wipes though, I almost feel guilty when I’ve had to reach for the odd proper wet wipe now