Cloth diapering does take a little getting use to

When Bob and I decided to cloth diaper, I asked him if I should get a little disposable stash just in case it didn't work. He said no because he didn't want to have an easy out lying around. I am so glad that we didn't have an out, but there was a little trial and error in the beginning that made me question what we were doing.

We did not start cloth diapering the first day for two reasons: the first being that we weren't sure how overwhelmed I would feel or what my recovery would be like at first and the second reason was his circumcision, which requires a lot of Vaseline the first few days that can cause repelling on cloth diapers. For the first seven days, we used disposables, and in those seven days we had leaks and blowouts and issues to say the least. But I am so glad that happened because when I had a few leaks in the beginning of cloth diapering, I knew that it could also happen with disposables. That knowledge was priceless to me on the nights Calan woke up and his sheets were wet, which any parent knows is the last thing you want to deal with in the middle of the night. It made me just realize that I had to keep trying.

A lot of cloth diapering leaks are caused by user error and having the right fit. It took me a little while to get the hang of it, and of course, once I would get it figured out, he would grow and I would need to figure it out again.

This post might sound like he was leaking all the time. He wasn't, but it was just so frustrating whenever he did. Most of the time it was because of me, so I would get annoyed with myself. Here are some things that I learned along the way:

1. Newborn diapering is different than baby diapering. Calan had pretty skinny legs when we has born, which a lot of diapers that are all-in-ones or pockets just do not fit well. The best option for us was using prefolds or fitteds with covers. These did give him a rather large caboose, but he didn't leak. He started to fit into his one-size diapers (diapers that fit from baby to toddler) closer to three months. They fit better after the baby is securely more than 10 pounds.
2. Nighttime diapering is different than daytime. Our son is pee-er, to say the least. In order for him to have dry sheets in the morning, he needs a thick, super absorbent diaper. I have found that fitteds stuffed with extra absorbent pads and then covered works best for us. He has four nighttime diapers and when those are dirty, it is time for me to do laundry, which is why I do laundry every 3 to 4 days. These diapers are thick. They would not be good for the day when he is moving all about, but for night they are perfect. Calan sleeps for 12 hours and I can't even tell you the last time he leaked. 
3. Washing is all about the routine. It took me a little while to get my washing down to a routine that did not case repelling. For a little while, I was using too much detergent, which can lead to build up and repelling. But then I was using too little and I was getting bad stains. Then I had to make sure that there was not a left over dryer sheet in the dryer, which can basically ruin diapers (it took several hot soaks in order to fix). Most cloth diapering Web sites recommend to do a cold rinse and then a hot wash with detergent and then an extra rinse per load. However, I found that I like doing a cold wash with a little detergent and then a hot wash with a little detergent and then an extra rinse. It is what has worked for us.
4. The diaper is not on too tight. I use mainly snap diapers and have found that even if I am one snap off in the fit or if on my Velcro diapers, I do not attach tight enough, Calan leaks out the top of his diaper. It might be a boy issue, but I have to make sure that his waist fit is pretty snug. This is one reason I do like snap closures better because I have figured out what snaps work best and each time I can get the same fit. With Velcro, I am not as consistent. 
5. It is OK to go through a little trial and error. Some diapers work better for some than for others. I love Smartipants, but another mother might like Fuzzibunz way better or any other diaper brand. You really need to test out and figure out what works best for you. One of the most popular brands is Bum Genius, but the one diaper I had for Calan just never fit right and it always leaked. It went to the back of the drawer and just sits. Not every diaper is going to work for you. Try and diversify your stash until you figure out what works best. There are so many options out there. Do not feel like because your best friend loves this kind that you have to love that kind. It might not be right for you. Test things out. 
6. Don't be discouraged by leaks. Leaks can happen to anyone who uses cloth or disposable. Yes, I would say that maybe you might have less pee leaks with a disposable, but I have only had one blowout from Calan in 8 months and that wasn't even too bad. It only got a little on his back. Most cloth diapers have elastic along the back that really helps to keep the poop in. Just know that leaks happen. They are annoying and frustrating, but they happen and it is OK. 

I am hoping this time around, it is going to be less trial and error and more dry baby. Who knows. Every kid is different. However, I at least won't stress out as much as I did the first time. I know that I can get it figured out; it just takes time.