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Just starting out with cloth diapers?

...Cloth Planet is here to help!

How many cloth diapers do I need? What else do I need? How do I choose the right diapers for my family? Don't worry if you feel a little overwhelmed at first. Cloth diapering is much easier than it looks, but with so many choices available it can feel overwhelming at first.

While cloth diapers are an investment, it is important to realize that most experienced cloth diaperers started out trying several different styles. One person will swear that pocket diapers are the only way to go while another person says that fitted and wool covers are the only logical choice. Realizing that trying different choices in cloth diapering is part of the journey takes much of te stress out of selecting diapers.

Keep in mind that this is supposed to be fun! Most people end up with one system they really like and a lot of other odds and ends in their stash. Even if you decide that simple prefolds are the way to go, you'll soon find yourself adding a cute fitted diaper, then an all in one, then a new kind of cover to your stash.

The good news is that used cloth diapers are highly sought after, so if you end up hating a particular style of diaper you can sell it on a site such as DiaperSwappers.

How many cloth diapers do I need?

The number of diapers you need witll depend on the age of your baby and how often you choose to do laundry. A newborn will go through more diapers than a toddler. Most people choose to do laundry about every other day. If you can afford to buy more diapers you may wish to do laundry every 3 days. You won't want to let them go much longer than that or odor will be a problem.

If you can't afford to buy all the diapers you need all at once, you can start with one day's worth of diapers and then add more each paycheck until you have the number you need. If money is really tight you can buy Regular size prefolds for infantsand fold them down to fit. They will be a bit bulkier, but you'll buy fewer diapers over time. You may also be able to find good used diapers or make your own to save money.

	Wash Daily	Every 2 days	Every 3 days
Up to 6 Mos.	10-12	20-24	30-36
6-12 Mos.	8-10	16-20	24-30
12-24 Mos.	6-8	12-16	18-24
Potty Learning	2-4	4-8	6-12

You will need one diaper cover for about every 3-5 diapers you have. Covers can be reused a few times by airing them out between changes unless they are dirty. It is always a good idea to have one more cover than you think you need. It never fails that when they are all dirty and you are in a hurry that the one remaining cover gets dirty too!

Wool diaper covers can go several days or even a week or two between washes if they are properly lanolized when they are washed. PUL diaper covers are easily cleaned and dry quickly if the need to handwash one arises between loads of laundry.

Pocket diapers and all in one diapers do not need covers. You will need to have at least 1 insert for each pocket diaper and it is a good idea to have a few extras for night time doubling.

How do I choose?

Reading diaper reviews and talking to other cloth diaper moms and dads on forums can help you make an informed decision. Just keep in mind that opinons on diapers run strong! Everyone has a different idea of what is the perfect system. You can get a rundown of the most common diaper choices here.

What else do I need?

You can get by with a few basic diaper accessories, or you can go for the gusto with diaper storage systems, velour wipes, and other goodies.

Minimum supplies:

* 2 dozen cloth wipes. You can get simple flannel wipes or choose 2 layer velour or terry wipes. You'll find them very useful for little noses and faces too, so you may choose to buy an additional set in a different color so you can keep them separate from your diaper wipes.

*A diaper pail liner. If you use the dry pail system a pail liner will save you hours of scrubbing a nasty diaper pail. The liner is washable and goes in right along with your diapers.

*Wet bag. When you are out and about you will be very grateful for one of these small waterproof bags.The top securely closes to keep odors in. You can find them in drawstring, hook and loop, or zipper topped styles. Smaller bags will hold 3-6 diapers, larger bags will hold about twice that many.

Nice to have:

* Diaper sprayer to rinse off the really icky diapers into the toilet. A good sprayer will cost you about $40 and will include an automatic pressure control valve so you don't end up with back spray all over the room.

* Really nice wipes. Velour, sherpa or terry diaper wipes are really nice and help get messes off more easily. A cushie cloth wipe is a nice, affordable luxury.

* Diaper Cleaning System from Potty Pail. One of those things you don't have to have, but you'll be really glad if you do.

Latest news

Little For Now Pocket Diapers - the newest pocket diaper is now available in cool colors and adorable prints you won't find anywhere else. Now THIS is why we cloth diaper!