One of the baby things I went crazy over ever since getting pregnant was cloth diapers. They are just soooo cute!!! Now, I know it’s probably too early to be buying baby stuff (Have you heard of the belief that buying things for your soon-to-be-baby so early might jinx your pregnancy?), but upon researching, the things that I’ll be needing once our baby is born is just so overwhelming.

I’d like to prepare slowly, one by one, rather than go at it at the last minute. Plus, I think I’ll be super huge by then that I might have a hard time going about buying stuff. But you might be wondering why, of all the baby things I should start to prepare, I started with completing my cloth diaper stash, well the reasons are these…

First, I don’t know what hand-me-downs we’ll be getting from our relatives. My husband has two older siblings who already have kids, so we’re expecting a great volume of hand-me-downs (and I believe that cloth diapers, at least the newer styles, were not that popular yet during their time). Secondly, of all the baby things that I’m sure of spending money on, cloth diapers are definitely on top of the list.

I know there are advantages and disadvantages of using cloth diapers. Why I decided to use cloth diapers instead of disposable ones are because of the savings we’ll get and the environmental factor. I don’t want to add waste into mother nature.

There are so many kinds and styles of cloth diapers in the market today, and I am not an expert on this. This is going to be my first time using a cloth diaper. I, however, have done my research and have heard reviews and experiences from my mommy friends. Now, I’d like to share what I’ve learned and my deciding factor(s) when buying cloth diapers.

1. Velco vs. Snaps

I like snaps better because I think they’re more durable and long-lasting. The snaps might hold better when washed several times. I’ve had experiences with velcro (although not in cloth diapers) where in the sticky side gets stuck up on other cloth materials and sort of ruins that material, makes a fluff out of it. I also think that after several washes, the velcro might lose its “stickiness”. Although, velcro is easier to use.

2. Material of the Shell

When it comes to the shell, most cloth diapers have waterproof shells so there’s really nothing to compare there. But I like the inner lining of the shell to be made of bamboo or like a plastic material (suedecloth?) and not cotton. Ok I’m not sure what it’s called, but some inner linings are made of wool or cotton, and I think that it’s not a good choice here in the Philippines since the weather is warmer. Of course I’m talking about here the hybrid (with pocket) types of cloth diapers. Some shells are also thinner, which is fine in a warmer environment.

3. Material of the Inserts

So far, the famous insert material included when you buy a set of hybrid cloth diaper is the microfiber insert. But I heard from other moms that microfiber inserts are not good for the baby’s skin so you really have to insert them into the shell’s pocket. I don’t want to do this if I can help it. Since I’ll be using the cloth diapers as soon as my baby is born, I think that I might be able to “save” the shell from getting soiled by putting the insert on top and not use the pocket first (and maybe put another layer, a waterproof sleeve for the insert). Some moms and cloth diaper sellers also suggest this for newborns since they don’t move a lot yet. That way, I’ll only have to change the inserts.

Aside from microfiber inserts, which I don’t really have a choice with since they’re included in the set, there is now an organic type which is the bamboo insert. This type can regulate temperature. If it’s too hot, the material will cool the baby’s tush. If it’s too cold, then it’ll warm her. There is also the combination of microfiber and bamboo. Microfiber is better in absorbency but since it’s not great for the baby’s skin, you use the bamboo side for the baby’s tush. Another material for inserts is hemp/cotton, which, according to the images below, is the best one. Unfortunately, I’m having a hard time looking for this type.

My Stash

Now, for the exciting part – exciting for me because I want to show you the cute cloth diapers I bought – here is my stash of cloth diapers. 🙂

1. Hand-Me-Down Cloth Diaper Flats

It’s amazing how good quality materials last. These cloth diaper flats were the same ones used to my husband when he was a newborn, and were also used by his sister to her newborn daughter (now 13 years old). It literally went through generations! I’m not sure what type of cloth they’re made out of, though. But they’re soft to the touch and seem really absorbent. I’m gonna use some as shells and the rest as inserts.

2. Bamboo Dappy Cloth Diapers

I just love this brand. It’s a hybrid with pocket type of cloth diaper. I feel like the quality is really good and the shell is exactly what I’m looking for. It’s made of bamboo, even the shell. The shell’s inner lining is not the cotton type, so it’s exactly what I want. It’s a little pricey but it feels and looks better than most cloth diapers in the local market today. I can’t wait to use them on baby Light! 🙂

3. Baby Leaf Cloth Diapers

I bought my Baby Leaf cloth diapers from My Baby Dragon in the Belly Blessed Fest Expo here in the Philippines. The shell’s inner lining is made of cotton/wool, but I thought I’d buy some since my mommy blogger friend from Yellow Yum has tried it and was satisfied with the fit and absorbency of its cloth diapers. They also have the waterproof insert sleeve that I was talking about earlier. I didn’t buy them, though, because I felt like I wouldn’t be needing them. But my friend suggested that I get a few ones just to try. She said it helped a lot. So, that waterproof sleeve insert will be my next target!

4. Chino Pino Cloth Diapers

I bought these because I like the old-school feel but with the modern enhancements. The cotton material is exactly what our parents used  with us before. The difference with these Chino Pino diapers is that they’re already fitted and pre-folded. I feel like they are very breathable and soft for the baby’s skin.

4. From Asya’s Cradle

My friend from Yellow Yum has been getting some of her cloth diaper stash from Asya’s Cradle. I was really determined to complete my own stash so I thought I’d buy some from Asya’s Cradle as well. They have really affordable cloth diapers and inserts. When they had a sale, I took the opportunity. My friend has tried and tested their Alva cloth diapers and was satisfied with them. I bought three Alva 3.0 cloth diapers, three 5-layer charcoal inserts and two hemp bifolds.

So what do you think of my stash? 🙂 If you have tried any of these cloth diapers, please share your experiences through the comments section below. Tell me what you think! 🙂