| One of the most popular things that people looking into | | | | recommend 2-3 dozen diapers for a newborn (or |
| using cloth on their kids want to know are the pros | | | | more if you don't like to wash as often), this would be |
| and cons of sized diapers (small, med, large) versus a | | | | way more than one would necessarily need for an |
| one size diaper. The idea of only having to buy one | | | | older child - this certainly lends itself to thinking that it |
| set of diapers is not only ideal from a convenience | | | | might make the most sense to have a separate nb |
| standpoint but certainly from a financial standpoint. Lots | | | | sm stash of 2-3 dozen diapers and then moving up to |
| of parents think that they can purchase a certain | | | | a smaller stash of medium diapers or one-size diapers |
| number of one-size diapers and then recycling them | | | | when the babe grows out of the smaller collection. |
| through 2-3 or more kids - which may not be realistic. | | | | This also would allow families of multiple, different aged |
| This seems like a perfect plan before thinking about | | | | children to cycle through the sizes - especially if you |
| some of the factors that are worth considering. | | | | plan on having several children and using cloth on all of |
| There are several factors that influence that life of a | | | | them. The wear on one set of one size diapers |
| cloth diaper. The most important thing would be the | | | | through 2 or more children is going to be quite |
| washing routine. If you read the directions for washing | | | | substantial and you could be disappointed when they |
| on most cloth diapers, they say something similar to - | | | | begin to wear out earlier than you had hoped. Although |
| wash on hot with a mild, additive free detergent, follow | | | | you will most likely get quite a bit of wear out of a one |
| up with a cold rinse and then either tumble dry low or | | | | size diaper, it may not be feasible to expect any piece |
| hang to dry (some people like to do an initial cold rinse | | | | of cloth to withstand being washed every other day |
| to help with stains as well). Also, depending on your | | | | for upwards of 2 years. |
| lifestyle and the size of your diaper stash, it may not | | | | Another thing to consider is the resale value. There is a |
| always be feasible to hang your diapers to dry each | | | | good market for well taken care of, but used cloth |
| and every time - line drying will greatly increase the life | | | | diapers - so if you do end up with more in a particular |
| of your diapers. Even if you plan on line drying, also | | | | size than you need or if they still have some life in |
| plan on having to use the dryer every once in awhile | | | | them once your own kids are done with them, you |
| when you are in a rush! The last factor is the actual | | | | quite possibly could recoup some of your investment. |
| number of diapers you have, which directly influences | | | | If you do choose to have a stash consisting mainly of |
| the number of times you have to wash your diapers | | | | one size diapers, you want to make sure that it is large |
| per week which in turn will influence how long they last. | | | | enough that you only wash a couple times a week |
| For example - a dozen one size diapers that are | | | | and really properly care for them to extend their life. |
| washed every 1.5-2 days for 2 years are going to | | | | Our recommendation is that if you know you want to |
| wear out twice as fast than if you had 2 dozen | | | | have 2 or more children, sized diapers may be your |
| diapers and washed just twice a week (on average | | | | better choice atleast for some of your stash - 2-3 |
| that is the difference between 100 and 200 trips | | | | dozen newborn or small, 1-2 dozen mediums and |
| through the washer per year.) | | | | some kiddies don't even need large as they potty train |
| The next thing to consider is the actual diapering needs | | | | before they grow out of the mediums. If you are |
| of infants v. toddlers. As seasoned parents can attest | | | | having your children close together, having 6-12 one |
| to, the older the child, generally, the less diaper changes | | | | size diapers added to the mix might be good for |
| needed. In those early infant weeks and months, when | | | | outings and to streamline a little bit and make the |
| babe is likely needing changing all the time, you will | | | | diaper bag easier to tote around! It's important to make |
| certainly go through twice as many diapers than say a | | | | sure your expectations for any wear product is |
| 10-12 month old child. The need to change so often | | | | realistic and want to make sure that everyone finds |
| starts spacing out substantially as the child gets older - | | | | the type of diaper that will suit their family. |
| especially when solids are introduced. We generally | | | | |