How to Choose the Right Cloth Diapering System for Your Family

Making the switch to cloth diapers can be a daunting task. There are seemingly millions of cloth diaper retailers on the web, and it's hard to know where to begin. If you know someone personally who uses cloth diapers, they can be a valuable resource, but we don't always have that luxury. So before you begin your search for the perfect cloth diapering system, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Get your priorities straight

Are you more concerned with ease of use, or do you just want an inexpensive solution? Do you want one-size diapers that will grow with your baby, or are you comfortable buying different sizes as baby grows? Do you prefer all-natural, unbleached fibers, or is that not an issue? Are you comfortable using diaper pins or other fasteners, or would you prefer to fasten the diapers with Velcro or snaps? Do you want a diaper that has a built-in waterproof cover, or would you prefer to have a separate cover? Make a list of your priorities and goals for cloth diapering. Decide which things are most important, and go from there. It's easier to narrow down your search if you know what you're looking for from the start.

Do your research

Before you settle on a certain brand or type of cloth diaper, ask around. Find out what works well about the different brands, and what things don't work so well. Also, keep your baby's body type in mind. If your baby is a chubster or has chunky thighs, he will probably need a different kind of cloth diaper than a baby who is long and skinny. A good site to look at for cloth diaper reviews is www.diaperpin.com.

While you're researching the types of cloth diapers, don't forget to research how to care for each kind as well. For example, some cloth diapers must be line-dried - if you don't have a place to hang them to dry, these would not be a good choice for you. Also, you'll probably need to get a new detergent. Detergents with fabric softener will leave a build-up on your cloth diapers, reducing their absorbency, while others with dyes and perfumes can simply cause a skin reaction in your baby. Just because a detergent works fine on your baby's clothes, it still may cause an allergic reaction when used with your cloth diapers.

Shop around

There are lots of stores and websites that sell cloth diapers, and they often vary in price. By shopping around, you might also stumble upon a clearance or a sale. Some sellers offer deals on shipping, or will lower the individual price of an item if you buy in bulk.

Many work-at-home moms also make various types of cloth diapers by hand. Their cloth diapers are comparable to the name-brand cloth diapers (and in some instances, they may even be better), but they usually sell for much less. And look for used, if possible. You can find a lot of cloth diapers for sale on sites such as ebay, or at yard sales. Used cloth diapers are less expensive, and are often still in excellent quality.

Buy a sampler kit

Many sellers offer sampler kits with different kinds of cloth diapers for you to try. These are excellent for parents who are just starting on the road to cloth diapering. You will likely find that one cloth diaper out of the bunch is your favorite, and you want to buy more of that one. The other cloth diapers don't have to go to waste, however. You can keep them on hand as backup for laundry day, or even resell them and get back some of your money.

Look at the bigger picture

At first glance, cloth diapers can seem really expensive. Some brands sell for as high as $25 per diaper. That's enough to make some parents throw up their hands in defeat and stick with disposables. Of course, those are on the high end, and you don't have to spend nearly that much for cloth diapers if you don't want to. But even at those prices, don't lose sight of the bigger picture. Using disposables, you might spend $30 a week on diapers. You will spend this every week until the baby is potty-trained. But with cloth diapers, this is a one-time fee. Your wallet may take a hit at first, but cloth diapers will save you money over the long run.

Don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed by all of this. Take your time. It doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing thing. If you really want the expensive all-in-one cloth diapers but can't afford a full supply right now, buy just a few at a time until you have a good stock built up. Or buy one at a time, and use disposables when you can't use the cloth diapers. If you gradually make the switch from disposable to cloth diapers, it will be much more affordable and enjoyable. Happy diapering!