Retrospect; My Advice on Buying Cloth Diapers

When my dad does something, anything, no matter what it was, he does it 150% percent. Scuba diving? He bought the most expensive scuba gear and equipment! Metal detecting? Yep, he had a fancy schmancy metal detector. Muscle cars? He owned a 1969 Hemi Super Bee (commonly referred to as his “retirement”). I even created a stand-up routine that lasted more than 10 minutes highlighting some of his many “hobbies.”

Alas, I am very much my father’s daughter! My mom and I have a long standing joke: “Mirror Mirror On the Wall... I am my father after all!”

Therefore it was no surprise when I finally succumbed to my incredible urge to cloth diaper that I would become the cloth diaper aficionado I am today. Despite being my dad’s twin, there’s one thing I’ve learned from him that has always proven beneficial; RESEARCH BEFORE you buy!

I spent DAYS (not just a few minutes here and there over the course of a couple days, but hours upon hours) pouring over all the cloth diaper options available (at the time). Reading reviews, analyzing the pros and cons of just about every diaper option and brand, deciphering detergents (what was and was not recommended), laundry routines, you name it, I did the research on it!

Finally I settled on purchasing the bumGenius One Size 3.0 pocket diapers. So I spent another two days comparison shopping. I was determined to find the best possible price (I’m all for saving money whenever possible especially on such a hearty investment as cloth diapers). I quickly discovered Kelly’s Closet had the best package deals (and still does in my slightly biased opinion). I decided on the Shop and Go package (comes with virtually everything you need to get started - diapers, wipes, wet bag, diaper sprayer) and purchased a few additional diapers to have a plentiful stash.

After using the bumGenius diapers I was SOLD on cloth diapers! I also used prefolds and diaper covers in the early weeks because I wanted to “save” my pocket diapers from wear and tear! Yes, I know these are just diapers and they’re meant to get used - but I’m VERY particular about keeping my things looking nice and brand spakin’ new for as long as possible!

It was not long before I branched out and tried other diapers such as the Happy Heinys One Size diapers (thanks to the Happy Heinys/Baby Frenzy Fashion Show we were able to participate in here in San Diego last year). Then I ordered a couple of the Blueberry One Size diapers and I fell in love with those diapers - the diapers fit great, snaps are easy to use and the hemp combination insert is super absorbent.

Needless to say all of the amazing sales Kelly’s Closet offered only fed my addiction! Seriously, how many of you have the strength to say no to a diaper sale? I can’t imagine many of you raising your hands! (Yes, believe it or not I was just an ordinary Kelly’s Closet customer before I became the cloth diaper guru many of you rely on for tips, advise, and recommendations.)

Now, of course, I have a new excuse for buying and trying every new diaper that comes out because, after all, I have to be able to know what I’m talking about when someone asks about a particular diaper, right? All in the name of customer service! At least that’s what I try to tell my husband when he sees the changing table and two closets overflowing with diapers! *Sheepish grin*

What, if anything, would I have advised myself back then when I was a “newbie”, knowing what I do now? Hindsight is always 20/20, eh?!? I would definitely advise buying a sample of various diapers that interest you most. At least this way you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket! While I love the bumGenius One Size 3.0 pocket diapers I quickly discovered there were other amazing diapers I wish I had given a try first before investing so much in one diaper.