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Acorn and Oaks Buying
Guide We know how
overwhelming and confusing it can be when you’re trying to decide what types of
cloth diapers to buy. We hope this
buying guide helps make it a little easier! What type
of diaper should I get? Prefolds: The most economical option. These diapers are sewn with an absorbent
middle layer, so all you need to do is one or two simple folds and you’re ready
to diaper your baby! (Not like the flat diapers your Grandma used!) You will need a
cover to make the little bum watertight, but if you use covers that “wrap”
around your baby, you won’t need pins! Pockets:
Pocket diapers are the most popular system. They have a waterproof cover and stay-dry lining, with an open
“pocket” to stuff in absorbent material. This makes the diapers customizable to
your absorbency needs, easy to wash and quick to dry. They fasten with snaps or
aplix (Velcro) Pockets are more pricey than prefolds. Fitteds:
fitteds are simpler to use than prefolds, but generally more economical than
pockets or all-in-ones. Fitted diapers are shaped (like a disposable) and then
a cover is put over to prevent leaks. They can be used without a cover if you
don’t need a waterproof system. Many parents find the fitted diaper with a cover is the most watertight system. All-in-ones:
These diapers are most like a disposable. No inserts or separate cover needed.
They are the easiest and most convenient, though they do take longer to dry. "Hybrid" AIOs will have a pocket as well, allowing you to add more absorbency if desired. Is an one-size style better than a multi-sized style? This depends entirely on your preference. Diapers designed to work from birth to potty training generally will be more economical, and are built to last. With regular care diapers should not wear out (be sure to refer to manufacturer's instructions for care!) In general, One-Size diapers will be more bulky and the sized diapers will be trimmer. If bulkiness is an issue for you, you may want to lean towards a sized system. Some very small babies may not fit the smallest setting on a one-size diaper, and many parents chose to use prefolds and covers for this itty-bitty baby stage. Also keep in mind that if you plan on using the diapers for more than one baby, one-size diapers will have a lot more wear once baby #2 gets into them, as they will have been used a lot more than diapers baby grows out of. All the diapers are constructed very well, but even the best article of clothing will begin to show wear when worn every 2-3 days and washed in hot water for two years! Should I
get diapers with snaps or aplix/Velcro? Snaps pros: - stay looking new - usually
have a top and bottom snap so legs and waist can be at different settings - don’t stick together in the washer and dryer - some parents find snaps easier to use on wiggly toddlers, as they know exactly where the snap needs to go, even on a sitting (running, arched backwards, upside-down) child! Snaps cons: - can
be a pain doing up a diaper on a wiggly baby Aplix pros: - quick
to do up - infinite
adjustablility Aplix cons: - aplix
may
look worn after using a few months - older
babies find it easier to undo - can
create a “diaper chain" in the wash by sticking together Should I get synthetic or natural fabrics? There are benefits to both! Microfibre: Microfibre is fantastic for absorbing quickly, and is a popular insert choice. It washes well and dries quickly. Some people find that detergents build up on microrfbres, which can result in an ammonia smell. Washing appropriately should prevent and/or remedy this problem. DO NOT place microfibre next to baby's skin, as it can stick or dry out his or her delicate skin. Microfleece: Most pocket diapers will have a layer of microfleece. It does a fantastic job of letting moisture through, keeping baby feeling dry. Microfleece liners are also popular. Cotton: All cottons in our diapers are organic. Cotton diapers tend to be less costly and absorb very well, although can be more bulky than some other fibres. Bamboo: Bamboo is an awesome fabric for diapers. It is antimicrobial, absorbent and super-soft. Bamboo is generally mixed with other fibres to make it more durable. Bamboo seems to be the most absorbent natural material, but can be more expensive. Hemp: Hemp is a great choice for diapers too. It is duprer absorbent and usually mixed with organic cotton to make it more durable. *Microfibre absorbs quickly and hemp and bamboo absorb a lot. Together, they're a great combination when you need a very absorbent diaper. How about night time? Like everything else, the best way varies from baby to baby. Here are some combinations that have worked well for us: - Bamboozle with a Bummis Wrap and a AppleCheeks stay-dry booster - bumGenius! with one microfibre and one small hemp babies insert - AppleCheeks diaper with a 3-ply hemp insert and a booster What about
cost? Here are some cost examples, each with enough for 24 diaper changes. Please keep in mind these do not include taxes. Prefolds
and covers: 24 organic
infant prefolds: $65.80/99.80 (2 sizes) 5 small
bummis covers: $59.75 per size (most
babies will end up using small, medium and large sizes) total to start: $125.55 total to potty training: $344.85 AppleCheeks
as covers with inserts 6 covers:
$120.00 per size (size 1 will fit to 22 lbs, size 2 will fit to 35 lbs) 24 one-size
hemp inserts: $188.40 total to start: $308.40 total to potty training: $428.40 (you can buy as a kit for more savings!) bumGenius! One-Size Diapers 24 pocket diapers: $574.80 total to start $574.80 total to potty training: $574.80 Drybees All-in-Ones 24 AIO
diapers: $430.80 per size (3 sizes from 6-30+ lbs) Washing: AppleCheeks estimates the cost of laundering diapers (including power, water and detergent) to be $80 per year. Disposables: Estimates range from $2000-$3000 per child, depending on brands. The above
figures are enough to wash about every 2 days. Keep in mind that you may want other accessories, such as liners, booster or diaper sprayers. You can, of course, use a variety of kinds of diapers for different reasons! (Fitteds and covers at night, pockets at daycare, AIOs for Grandpa . . . ) Still unsure? Email us for help! |
