Before switching to cloth diapers there are a few things I wish I had known. Maybe I would have used them from the start. I did read up on cloth before switching, but a good amount was learned as I went along. I also hear a lot of people remark how they didn’t know this or that about cloth, like how modern they are. I think a lot of people need to know more about reusable options! (This list is part informative and part entertainment.)
I wish I had known:
- That they were so modern, cute and relatively easy to use
- More folds
- How well they absorb newborn poo (disposables created a lot if blowouts daily)
- Sunning can bleach stains naturally
- How many wetbags you should own (I think at least 2 big and 2 small!)
- How to properly use a diaper sprayer (I think I’m doing it wrong – it shouldn’t be so messy!)
- That extra laundry isn’t that noticeable
- That the money we spent on disposables in the first few months could have bought a whole reusable diaper stash
- That cloth takes up more diaper bag space
- That cute bloomers aren’t necessary when you have cute fluff
- That dealing with wet/dirty diapers doesn’t bother me like I thought it would (it’s not glamorous but it’s doable!)
- More about cloth wipes
- That cloth can help children learn to use the potty sooner
- That cloth can reduce rashes (I thought it was more likely to make her rashy!)
- That not all disposable wipes and rash creams are the same (gotta look at those ingredients!)
- How clean diapers should smell
- How to tell if they need to be stripped
- That I’d want to buy so many!
What do you wish you had known (or want to know) before you start cloth diapering?
Don’t forget to check out what Mariah and April wish they had known!
Jennifer Lavender @ Becoming That Family
Wednesday 7th of September 2011
Still researching myself, so it's good to hear from those who have been at this for a while about what they would have done differently if starting from the beginning. I like that you mentioned cloth wipes. There's always lots of talk about the diapers, but I always wondered what kind of wipes CDing families used. I will have to look into that more myself.
Darcy
Wednesday 7th of September 2011
There are a few different types - I've tried Bummas and Bottombumpers. I've also designated a few baby washcloths as wipes. I hear cutting receiving blankets and tshirts up work too.
Jamie McMillan
Tuesday 6th of September 2011
I wish I had started cloth diaperingright at the beginning. It would have saved so much money! I also wish I had known there is a huge CDcommunity where you can find used diapers. Would have started way earlier!
Darcy
Tuesday 6th of September 2011
That's a good one I forgot to add!
Sabrina Radke
Tuesday 6th of September 2011
These area great tips to share with someone who is interested in starting cloth!