Originally Posted by
GingerK
My DD used cloth diapers for both her girls. The initial cost is huge but is only about half the cost of disposables over the diapered time of a baby. There are some draw backs. You have to use a special detergent because regular detergent negates the absorbancy of the liners. The liners have to be 'stripped' occasionally--means a special washing of some sort. You cannot use diaper cream on the baby because it interferes with the absorbancy(unless you put an extra little liner between butt and diaper).
I have also replaced the elastic on the legs and backs of many of those diapers. Pain in the butt but do-able and prolongs the life of the diaper. (this is the 'outer' part)
It is a great concept but I really don't think a lot of new parents understand the work and commitment this needs.
Making the outers consists of a special fabric, a special pattern and special fasteners. I am thrilled that DD did not ask me to attempt that. The liners are easier but still need certain fabrics and a serger.
If you are willing to do this, you are a better person than I am!!
I disagree, from personal experience, with some of the above comments.
My dd needed cloth diapers, she could not wear disposable ones at all from the age of 4 months. My sons both were in disposables.
I did not have to use special detergent, although I did soak in borax regularly. I used hot water when I washed them.
I used various diapers creams as needed, no problem with the diapers.
I worked full time and dd went to day care, cloth diapers only added a few loads of laundry to my week as far as extra work went. During the summer they were line dried.
Because dd was out last baby I bought all the cloth diapers second hand at a great savings. I even resold them once she was toileting at 20 months.
I do not like the AIO All in One diapers. I used a diaper with rubber pants. The diapers I had had velcro fasteners. Many of the newer ones use snaps.