Normal people CAN use Cloth Diapers

We use cloth diapers. Not a diaper service either. We wash them, dry them and fold them ourselves.
It's not a big deal. Even my husband thinks they're easy (really!)

 Here's what we use:
12 bumGenius 4.0 pocket diapers with snaps (our favorite, do yourself a favor and get a bundle)
 2 bumGenius Free time AIO (all in one) diapers (I literally bought these because I liked the pattern)
 2 GroVia Shells with the snap in Pads  (These were given to me by my aunt)
 Biokleen Bac-Out Spray
 Charlie's Soap Laundry Powder
 3 wet bags (2 large, 1 travel for the diaper bag)
 Diaper Sprayer : This is not the exact one we have but it's similar.

 That's it! That's the whole list. It may seem expensive upfront but you will save sooo much money in the long run. And not to get all "Earthy" on you, but it's better for the environment too. AND diaper rash almost never happens with clothies.

Here's the run-down:
 Diaper and the kiddo as usual. 1 diaper = 1 wear.

 Change him.
    If it's just pee put it directly into the wet bag.
    If it's poopy, either:
               1: Spray with Bac-Out and put in wet bag. (for exclusively breastfed poo)
               2: Drop loose turd into the toilet, spray diaper with Bac-Out and put in wet bag.
               3: Spray off poo into toilet with diaper sprayer and put diaper into wet bag.

When the bag gets full, Dump contents into washing machine along with the wet bag (turned inside-out) and wash on cold cycle with 1/2tsp Charlie's soap. This gets the "ick" off without setting in the stains.

Run the washing machine again this time on hot with another 1/2tsp Charlies soap to really get those suckers clean. Add an extra rinse to this cycle.

To dry, throw into your dryer on low (you don't want to melt anything) and tumble with NO fabric softener.
You can also hang them up to dry but let's be honest... who has the time?

TA-DA you're ready for the next round.

Most of the stash. Clean and ready to go.

You can also use Cloth Wipes. You just throw them in the wet bag with the diapers and wash the whole lot together. I, however, choose to make my own disposable wipes. It's really quick, easy and cost effective. I've done a tutorial for you Here.

FAQ:
Do you really save money?
     YES! Even with the cost of washing them a few times a week. We have not noticed a significant increase in our utility bill. We spent about $400 upfront for the diapers and all the accessories but that's it! He will wear them until he's potty trained. And with the average baby going through around $2,000+ in disposables by the time they're potty trained, I'd say it's a significant savings.

Do they leak?
    Honestly? Sometimes. But so do disposables. If they start leaking a lot you can strip them with 1Tbls of Dawn dish soap and they are good as new. I will do a post about that if anyone is interested.

How many do you need?
     We have a total of 16 diapers. We could get by with 12 but the extra 4 are nice to have. I wouldn't have anymore because you really don't want to go more than a couple days without washing them. The ammonia in the soiled diapers can start to break down the elastic if left too long. 

Is it scary?
     It was at first. We started with disposables so transitioning was a bit nerve-wracking. The diapers say they fit from 8-35lbs, but everything I read said you're better off waiting till baby's 10lbs. So after a month of disposables we were scared to switch. But, I'd already bought them and felt obligated so we took the plunge and it really wasn't hard at all.

In the interest of full disclosure, we use Pampers Baby Dry disposables at night. Kiddo sleeps 11-12 hours and without super padding the clothies, they just can't hold what he puts out in that amount of time. We also use disposables when we travel and when Calvin goes to his babysitters house. They are a convenience item after all.

If you're thinking about using cloth and have questions, feel free to contact me. I'd be happy to help in any way I can.

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