Got My First Stash!!!!!

Ok, so I know how the title looks. You may be thinking "She got her first stash of what?".  Well it's probably not the stash you're thinking about.

I'm talking about my CLOTH DIAPER STASH!!!

I am brand spanking new to cloth diapering, except for the occasional cloth diaper I changed on my some of my younger siblings growing up. I have been getting tons of help from other bloggers and mommy friends out there who use them. Thank goodness I had some cloth diaper veterans that were able to pass on some of their knowledge.

Cloth diapering has come a long way in the last 15 years. There are many moms who are switching and the cloth diaper industry just keeps growing.

I have learned a lot so far about cloth diapering so that's where I'll start.

(Disclaimer: I am NOT a pro, I am just beginning to use cloth diapers so please, if I have any information wrong let me know so I can fix it. However I will not edit my opinions simply because someone doesn't agree with me.)

Here is a list of some of the popular types of cloth diapering systems:

• Flats- A larger flat piece of cloth, usually cotton or hemp that is folded up into a diaper and is either pinned on or held together in place with a Snappi. This type of diapering systems requires a waterproof diaper cover.
• Prefolds- This type of diaper is similar to the flat except it is sewn with three sections on it, with the middle section being the thickest to help absorb better. These are usually made out of cotton or hemp as well. It is folded and either pinned together on the sides or is held together with a Snappi. From what I have gathered, a Snappi is so much easier and safer to use than pins. You will also need a waterproof diaper cover for this type of system. If you want to learn how to fold them and put them on your baby, here is a link for a very informative you tube video. Folding prefolds!!!
• Fitted- This type is shaped like a disposable diaper. It is made out of cotton, hemp, or other very absorbent types of cloth. These types of diapers are also used with a diaper cover because they are not water proof. Some fitted diapers have snaps or Velcro to hold it together instead of using pins or a Snappi.
• Diaper cover- A waterproof piece of fabric, usually made out of a plastic-like material or PUL. These can range from the old school plastic pants, to the newer diaper shaped covers that either have snaps or Velcro to fasten them. These newer covers look a lot like a disposable diaper does and they are fairly simple to use. The diaper cover has no padding or absorbent cloth so you will need to make sure you use it with one of the types listed above (Flats, Prefolds, Fitted, or another type). 
• Pocket Diapers- These diapers are a mix between the fitted/prefold and the covers. They have PUL (polyurethane laminate) on the outside for the cover and usually some kind of soft fabric that will be against the babies bottom. At the back of these kinds of diapers there is a "pocket" that you can stuff inserts or prefolds into. You can add several inserts or just one, depending on how much absorbency you need or want.
• AIO/AI2- Don't worry, I didn't know what those abbreviations meant either. AIO stands for 'All-in-one' and AI2 stands for 'All-in-two'. This type of diapering system involves either one piece (AIO) or Two pieces (AI2). The diaper looks and acts very similar to a disposable diaper, except its cloth. For the AIO diaper, the insert is sewn into it so you don't have to add anything or taking anything out. Some of the AIO's also have a pocket sewn into the back that you can add an insert for nighttime or for heavy wetters. The AI2 is similar except the insert snaps in on the top and you can take it out, making it two pieces.

I think I covered the main types of cloth diapering systems. I'll add to it as I learn more.  

If you are reading this as a guide and still need extra information, here is a link to another blog I think will help you out: The Cloth Diaper Revolution

I have started out my "stash" with 9 prefolds, 2 simple diaper covers (to go with the prefolds), 4 pocket diapers, 3 AIO diapers and a dozen cloth wipes (I plan to make more). I also got a reusable diaper pail liner a few Snappi's and some Baby Bum Drops to make a solution for the cloth wipes.

Hopefully I can get a well rounded experience here and be able to share what I have learned from experience and not just from what I have read/heard elsewhere. 

Tonight I must start with the first step; Preparing my diapers. It involves washing my diapers about a million times.......oh wait...I mean about 5-7 times and letting the diaper covers, pocket diapers and the AIO's line dry or air dry. 

I'm still not quite sure about the first wash because all my diapers, inserts and covers came with different washing/drying instructions. I have read and re-read the instructions because frankly no matter how many times I do, I immediately forget what I just read after I start reading the laundering instructions for the next thing. I'd rather not ruin them if can help it.

I searched around online, and again found another helpful blog. The Cloth Diaper Convert This one is linked to a specific post about the first wash. 

Here's to the day I got my cloth diaper stash. Hopefully I can get a good system going before my baby starts potty training. Also, here's to thousands of other mommies who are cloth diapering.....and blogging about it. Good Luck!!!