Cloth Diapers...

My investigation into cloth diapers (cds).... What will I find!?!?
(This is a totally informal look into cds. The things I read & videos I watched are all listed at the bottom of the page. Everything else is just my thoughts on things as I go through the info!)
(P.S. sorry if this post is a little jumbled, I'm writing this in my 3rd trimester and it has caused quite a scattered brain!)

We started looking into cds because they seem the most economical. We've heard so many parents talk about the money they save on diapers, even with the initial cost being pretty high. I've also heard some moms talk about how they start an addiction to them, getting cute prints, but it's all up to who the parents are. There are many different types or styles of cds.

Pocket diapers are suggested to be the best because they keep the waste off of baby pretty well.  What I don't really like about them is that you have to take them apart to wash them.

There are all-in-ones (commonly referred to as AIOs)  that are like disposable diapers in that they are just one piece. I love the idea of that, though it sounds like they are harder to clean, or rather to dry and they are more expensive for the convenience.

A Mama Shared This With Me: A Basic Run Down of Four Styles 

Pre-folds seem to be awesome in the newborn stage and can be used as liners or inserts in the pocket diapers (also as burp rags and cloth wipes.) They seem to last the longest, as in they can be used in many stages throughout baby life.

I don't like the idea of a big bulky diaper... there are different inserts that are thinner and can manage a smaller look, but in general, cds are bulky. Also, size! Making sure a newborn is in newborn size and so on and so forth will change how bulky the diaper looks and how bulky it truly is for baby.

So, I've never been in a situation where I've used cds before (with the exception of one babysitting job.) I've never had to wash cds before or fold them or (really) change a baby in a cd. Not only are there several types of diapers, but there are also different folds and cleaning practices. The best advice I'm hearing is to get or borrow (from other cd moms or there are trade groups in some areas) different types of cds and see which ones work best for you, baby, and the family lifestyle - this is not for everyone.

Some wash all their cds by hand and hang dry. Some clean their cds with a 'special' wash cycle, a 'special' detergent, and hang dry them. Some use an extra rinse cycle, use their regular detergent, and tumble dry in the dryer (no fabric softener - it causes the fabric to repel liquids, which causes leaks.) Some wash every day and some wash after about three days. It's all dependent on the cd that is being used and how lazy the user is I suppose. Personally, I would probably be one of the lazier users.

From all the articles and web sites I've read, from the youtube videos I've watched, from talking to parents who cd, and from talking to hubby, I think I've (we've) reached a conclusion for our family. I think we're going to give this whole cd-ing thing a try. We'll probably start with pre-folds while he's an infant and test out other options as Dexter gets older. I'm excited to start collecting my stash! Hubby isn't as thrilled as I am, he's not looking forward to the dirty laundry (which I don't even expect him to do or really be a part of. So I'm not sure why that's on his mind?)

We'll see how this works out!

Resources:
Fluff Love University (educational website) (-lots of information!-)
The Different types of Cloth Diapers (blog)
Cloth Diapering Girls vs. Boys UNWRAPPED (4 min youtube video)
Types of Cloth Diapers (and how to use them) (22 min youtube video)