FAQ

How many diapers do I need?

This depends.  It is usually calculated by the number of diapers used in a day (between 6-12) and the number of days you want to go in between washing.  So if you use 8 diapers a day and you want to wash every 3 days then you would need 24 diapers.  You will need more diapers in the smaller sizes as babies tend to go through more diapers per day when they are younger.

Will my daycare use cloth diapers?

This also depends.  There is no WV state code or regulation which prohibits daycare centers from using cloth diapers.  The policy through the DHHR simply states that the dirty diapers need to be kept in a sealed container.  This can be achieved through the waterproof zipper wet bags that different companies sell.  Day cares are private businesses though, so they have the right to say that they will not use them; just don't let them tell you that it is due to WV state policy, because that is incorrect.

How do I wash the diapers?

See 'washing'.  Also see if your area has a diaper service.  A diaper service will deliver clean cloth diapers for you and pick up your dirty ones and wash them.  You pay a weekly or monthly fee for this service.

How do I know which type of diapers to buy?

Deciding on the right diaper for your baby is going to be a personal decision.  AIO and pocket cloth diapers are much like any other piece of clothing.  Each brand is slightly different and every one has their pros and cons.  As with clothes, they do not fit all babies equally since not all babies are shaped the same.  I would say that the Drybee's and Wahmies has the smallest fit.  So if you have a small, skinny baby, this might be the brand for you.  Fuzzi Bunz run the largest (out of the ones I offer) so if you have a bigger, chunkier baby this might be the better brand for you.  Happy Heiny, I think falls in the middle.  I suggest buying a small sampling of brands to figure out which brand you like best.  I also think it is a good idea to have some prefold diapers in your stash.  Even if that is not what you want to primarily use, they are good for wash days and are also good for stuffing the pocket diapers with in order to give them more absorbency.

Why should I buy sized diapers when there are one sized diapers?

One sized diapers are a great idea, but they can't give quite the fit that a sized diaper can.  I've noticed that some OS diapers are not as large on their biggest setting as a large sized diaper is.  There will also be more bulk in the smaller size with a OS diaper.  With that being said, OS diapers certainly have a longer shelf life in your stash.  If you are planning on using the diapers for more than one child you may want to consider making at least half of your stash sized.  The reasoning for this is that you will be washing the OS diapers many more times than the sized diapers, thus decreasing the life of the garment and decreasing the chances that it will make it to a second or third child.  If you have sized diapers you will not be using the same diapers for the whole 2-3 years and the wear on them will be less than your one size diapers.  Again, I preach variety in your stash; in brand and types.