Switching from Disposable to Bum Genius Diapers

I started using cloth diapers with my first when she was almost a year and used them with my second pretty much the whole time in diapers (3 years). There are a lot of sites out there, when I first started out, I got all my info/questions answered from:
http://punkinbutt.com/articles.php?osCsid=b3ad27c6c3602e0... She has a list of articles (I went here for washing instructions) also if you use an prefolds, she even has a section on different folds. Very helpful!

I used prefolds with a cover and Fuzzin Bunz. Oh, I miss those days :-) I never regretted it. I used a diaper pail and did laundry when it filled up. Since I live in So Cal (I see you do as well) I was almost always able to dry my diapers outside - which is also nice if they get stains - the sun will help get them out. Never use fabric softner - you'll learn that but just wanted to mention it - if my diapers weren't soft from drying in the sun, I'd throw them in the dryer for about 5min (this was mainly my prefolds). Oh and a tip to keep them smelling fresh - a drop of tea tree oil in the wash.
Best wishes to you!!
M.

No worries! It really isn't as big a transition as you're thinking, and you don't have to be scared. I switched to cloth when my son was 8 months old, and now my daughter is in his old diapers, so it's saving me a ton of money. I use Bum Genius, Fuzzi Bunz, and fitted prefolds with Bummis covers. Have you tried Bum Genius before? They are GREAT diapers, but if your child is particularly tall (both of my kids are in the 90 percentile for height), the rise is a bit low once they reach the toddler stage. For tall kids, I much prefer Fuzzi Bunz. If you have never yet tried Bum Genius, I recommend you order one or two just to see how they fit before you commit to them as your system (I recommend this with any brand you are considering, because each brand fits a bit differently).

I do a load of diapers about every 2 days for my two kids. I don't think it's that difficult to keep up, and Bum Genius can be dried in the dryer. For detergent, I use something called Charlie's Soap. You can get it on amazon.com with free-shipping and although it's a bit more expensive upfront, it lasts FOREVER. You will get HUNDREDS of loads out of one bottle. I switched to Charlie's Soap in June of 2010 and am still on my first bottle, and I use it for all of my baby clothes, not just diapers (I like that it is fragrance-free and safe for all washable fabrics). I have never bought Bum Genius Brand detergent, so you don't NEED to buy it (although I don't know anything about the warranty). I have also heard good things about Rockin Green, which is a detergent designed especially for cloth diapers, but because I wanted to use the same detergent for all the baby stuff, I've never tried it. Also, purchase a big, cheap, Walmart or supermarket-brand container of distilled white vinegar. If you run about a half-cup of white vinegar through the rinse cycle with the diapers, you'll prevent the diapers from smelling, make sure all of the detergent if off of them, and keep your washer nice and clean, too.

I would be happy to chat via PM with you if you have any additional questions.

If you're like me, you will be tentative at first, but quickly become a CD addict;D

I made the switch to cloth when YDS was 2 months old, ODS was 2.5 years. I am so happy we switched!!!! We use the BG 3.0's at night for YDS (ODS is now potty trained). I like a variety of diapers, but use mostly pockets (Smartipants) and WAHM AI2's (work-at-home-mom made all in 2's--Doodle Dypes brand). I have others, too, but use those the most.

We use Tide original powder, and have since starting, with no problems. I tried (briefly) Tide Free&Gentle, but had stink and repelling issues. As soon as we went back to Tide original the problems went away. Although, I believe I've heard that with the BG's, if you use Tide it voids their warranty. But I wanted something I could pick up at the store, and didn't have to ship. There are many CD safe detergents, you may need to just try a few and see what works best for you, your water (some don't do well with hard or soft water), and your washer.

As far as the extra laundry, I don't have a problem with that, and I hate doing laundry! I actually enjoy CD laundry, weird I know, but true. I wash every 3 days, but you could wash every 2 days (a lot of people do this, I just have more diapers since I used to have 2 in dipes). It's not difficult at all, the machine does all the work, I just switch them over to the dryer and hang up the line dry items, and then stuffing the pockets takes less than 10 minutes. It's really easier than I ever thought it would be.

If you have any other questions, let me know, I'll be happy to answer them! We've been CDing for 11 months now, and I won't ever go back to disposables.

Enough people have told you that it isn't that much extra work. But you should think about the expense starting at this point if your daughter might be potty trained in 6 months. I'm not sure how much Bum Genius diapers cost (I bought my non-Bum Genius cloth diapers 6 years ago) compared to disposables for that amount of time. Of course if you think you might have another child that will eventually use them, then it's money well-spent.

I'm not against the idea of cloth diapering, although I didn't use them... but I can't help but think this might be a big transition, and expense to incur with a toddler who may be nearing potty training readiness? Just a thought...

Hey K.,
I use cloth and it's not as hard as it seems. It honestly isn't much more work aside from more laundry. I typically do one small load a day. You do need to use special detergents (Country Save, Charlie Soap, Tiny Bubbles, etc) that do not have enzymes or optical brighteners. However, the special detergent isn't more expensive than the alternative and it's better for the environment.
Also, I would highly suggest buying disposable liners (Imse Vimse, Mio Bambino, etc) that you can dump the poop into the toilet. It really cuts down on smell and takes a big step out of washing the diapers (no need to use a diaper sprayer or soak the diapers).
Another option is to consider using a hybrid diaper. I am using the Grovia diapers and I LOVE them. I use the cloth inserts when I am at home, and they use the disposable inserts when I am out and about. I was able to get a great deal at Costco on a starter pack. They are adjustable just like the Bum Genius, but the soaker pads can be removed and a new one snapped into the shell. With Bum Genius, once one is dirtied you have to use a new diaper which is very bulky if you are exclusively CD when you are out and about.

I started using Bum Genius one size cloth diapers about a week after my son was born (waited for the meconium to end and the cord to fall off). It did take a little bit of learning each time he needed to switch up insert sizes (not sure if you are going with the all in ones or one size, I don't think the all in ones have inserts), whenever he started leaking a lot, it was time to add another insert. Also, at night I always have an extra insert in there (the large and the infant insert would work for your daughter's age). My son is now 2 and just uses the large insert during the day. It really depends on how many diapers you have, but the laundry isn't horrible at all. I have 24 (you definitely don't need this much, but I have used same ones for 2 years), and I wash them every 4 days. You just have to remember to switch them, two washes and then the dryer or hanging, and make them if you get the one size. I suggest the one size if you are planning on having other kids, so you can reuse them and not have to buy more.

I use Planet detergent, which you can get at certain grocery stores (I think, Smiths/Frys/Kroger sells it, as well as Albertsons, and some natural grocers will as well). This is the link I used to help pick out detergent: http://pinstripesandpolkadots.com/hedetergentchoices.htm. I would suggest also getting cloth wipes and 2 washable diaper liners. You throw the diaper and wipe into the liner (in a diaper pail or trashcan), and then throw it all in the wash. I use Wahmies diaper pail liners, and bought a bunch of wipes on Cottonbabies, but you could even make your own. I really enjoy cloth diapering and am sure you will too. Good luck.

Congratulations on making the switch. I love our cloth diapers for environmental and comfort reasons. My daughter has been in them since birth and rarely has diaper rash. Plus, covers are adorable! I often buy different covers just for the fun of it. We like Thirsties and used Bummies for a long time.

We use a diaper service but I just realized you're in Oxnard and I don't believe Dydee Diapers http://www.dy-dee.com/ goes there, too bad. It makes the whole thing incredibly easy-- although not cheap (abt. $70/month). It's a splurge I make in the same way we buy organic food for our baby-- more expensive, but better for the planet and for our health.

Wishing you fun with the diapering!