Taking the plunge into Cloth Diapers

If you would have asked me 5 1/2 years ago if I would cloth diaper my kids. I would have laughed and said no. The image of cloth diapering is scary, you have to deal with these icky disgusting diapers filled with poop, and pee, and who knows what else. But after my first 2 boys, and listening to other moms stories about cloth diapering I decided it couldn't be that bad. I started researching cloth diapers when I became pregnant with my third baby. I was so overwhelmed by the information out there on different types of cloth diapers, different soaps to use, different ways just to fold the diapers, and wash them. I almost gave up. I ended up being more confused than I started. I mean what in the world is a prefold, or AOI. What the heck is a bumgenius, or a fuzzinbunz. I seriously had no clue, but I found some cute names for the products. I Just didnt understand all the information being thrown at me. Finally I dont know how but things started to make sense. I found youtube videos on prefold diapers. They looked easy to use. I mean you have a diaper cloth fold it into 3 put a snappi on, and a cover. So after I convinced myself this wasn't too difficult I decided to buy a couple econobum prefold packs. They had 1 prefold, and 1 cover. They were on sale for $4 each so I figured if I hated it I could sell them, or worst came to worst I wouldnt lose to much money. When I got my little package in the mail, I couldn't wait to open it. I was amazed at how cute they were, the prefolds were so soft, the covers didnt feel all plasticky. They looked like they would be comfortable for the baby. I had to show them to everyone. Plus I loved that they were an all in one diaper. They have snaps that I can adjust so they fit the baby probably until potty training. Well I love that! Then I started to get excited. I found a local shop that sold cloth diapers, so my husband and I took a trip over and looked at all the different options. I had a wonderful conversation with one of the women that worked there, and she explained all the different options for me. I left with 2 packages of prefolds, and another cover this time a thirsties one. I also bought 1 snappi to try to use. So now I was starting my stash. A few days later I saw a groupon type sale for that same store so I bought it and went and got a wetbag, a couple cute covers, wipes, and another package of prefolds. I was now ready to start washing these diapers and getting them ready for my new baby to arrive. Now my baby is almost 3 months old. We have been cloth diapering for the most part, my inlaws bought us diapers and I have used them a couple times when I am on the go. But I love my cloth diapers! They are the easiest laundry I have. I was on the phone today and I took all my clean diapers and covers and piled them up in my tub and they are ready to go. 2 minutes! No folding required! Who wouldn't love that? I line dry them too and its the easiest thing to hang up and walk away from. I dread my other laundry, but when its time to wash the diapers its the easiest thing for me to do. I wish I would have looked into this sooner. It would have saved me a ton of money using cloth instead of disposable. I have found disposables stink so much more than cloth I dont notice the cloth diapers stink at all, but disposables its like I am running through the house with a bag at arms length trying to get it out to the trash bin. I prefer these cute cloth diapers now, and I am completely converted. If you decide to take the plunge into cloth diapers, just dont let yourself get overwhelmed with the different types. If you can find a local store around you that can show you in person what they look like, what the benefits are of different types. It is alot better in person than viewing online to me personally. But you can get alot of advice online too. Just take one type at a time until something pops out to you. Cloth diapers are awesome! My husband loves them too! Its not a huge hassles, and you dont have to use the safety pins anymore. They are a simple as disposables. Just dont over think it or it becomes complicated. I hope you take a shot at it, then you can see how great it is! You can save money, and waste by doing cloth instead and its definately worth it.