The Bare Butt Basics part 4 making the switch to cloth

If you already have a baby in diapers (or even a toddler) it is not too late to make the switch to cloth diapers from disposables. With my twins, I was late to get started, and although I regret not starting sooner, I have never regretted making the switch. If you aren't sure that you are ready to make a total switch to cloth, that is fine too. It is possible to use cloth diapers part time too. You might discover after using them for a while that you are ready to go to full time very soon.

If you think you know the type, style and brand of diaper that you want to use , then looking for a place to get a good deal is a good way to start. Many stores will give price reductions on diapers bought in bulk and will offer free shipping for orders over a certain price. If you live close to a brick and mortar store then you have the chance to actually go and touch and see what you would like to buy. If you don't and are ordering on the internet it pays to google the brand you are thinking of buying and to read a variety of reviews before choosing. Remember that, as with clothes, diaper styles change and as new things come out people will get excited and give good reviews. It isn't until a product has been around for a while, and people have used it, that reviewers will be able to say how well it is made and how it will stand up to repeated washings. Some deal sites on the internet will offer cloth diapers from time to time as well. If you aren't in a hurry, good deals can be found. Also if a brand is coming out with a new product often the prices of their old products will drop. There is also the option of buying used diapers from sites on the internet, swap sites or second hand sales. You have to remember with used diapers that you might be getting something that has been used way more often than the seller claims and that certain rashes and yeast infections can be transmitted through diapers. Some people buy all their cloth diapers used and get some really good deals though.

If you are switching over from disposables to cloth there are a few different ways to go about it. The way to save the most money is to buy a complete stash all at once and to make the switch to 100% cloth. Sometimes coming up with the amount of money needed to do that all at once can be hard and people will make the switch gradually, buying a few cloth diapers here and there. Some people prefer to have all of one type, to keep things simple, some, like me, prefer a variety of different types and brands. My recommended way to make the switch is to buy a few different types of diapers, use them for a while (even using some disposables between washes if necessary) and then to buy some more of your favorites.

One option with an older baby is to do a diaper trial. Many cloth diaper stores will offer trials. You get to take home a number of different styles and brands, try them out, and decide which ones you like best before purchasing. These are a great way to see which brands fit your baby the best. Another good way to get an idea of what you would like, is to find a friend already using cloth (who has a varied stash) and to try on some of their diapers for fit. No two babies are shaped the same and different brands will fit some babies better than others.