2011 was a year filled (and I mean filled!) with blessings. It’s almost too much to fully take in.
We began the year on a high note. At 3:03 am on January 3rd Camden Elijah was born. Our 3rd son.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAMDEN!!
Camden’s birth was what I prayed for- a normal homebirth. I had the failure complex lingering from Sterling‘s transfer birth.
Camden’s first cloth diaper was … I’ll give you hints: purple and red cotton velour. Snaps and the most gentle leg casings ever. A fitted. Oh, how I can’t wait to use those diapers again! Pure squishy goodness.
What’s your guess?
Other favorites during the newborn phase were Lil Joey’s and Mutts.
As Camden grew I transitioned him into one-size pocket diapers. I quickly discovered that he was sensitive to suedecloth so out went the BumGenius 4.0s that I loved with Sterling.
Our go to cloth diapers from about 3 months-10 months were Fuzzi Bunz one-size and Charlie Banana one-size. I stopped using them a couple of months ago because I was tired of stuffing diapers!
The other go-to diapers I used and still use are Rumparooz and Best Bottoms. These are my nighttime cloth diapers.
For the day I now prefer an all-in-one cloth diaper. I have 3 very lonely Ragababe AIOs (they desperately want siblings), several itti bitti tuttos, a Bum Genius Elemental, Mabu Baby and lots of Bum Genius Freetimes on the way!
I still use Fuzzi Bunz Perfect Fit and Tiny Tush Elite pockets during the day when I run out of AIOs.
Camden is a stout little guy weighing in at 23lbs and feeling more like 33. How does that work exactly?? My almost 3 year old feels lighter than him and he’s not!
If Camden could talk (well more than “poop” “Jake” and “Grandma” and the basics) he’d probably say that his favorite cloth diaper is the Fuzzi Bunz Perfect Fit. They fit him the best, leave no marks and are quick to put on which means he doesn’t have to lay there long.
That last bit would make itti bitti tuttos his least favorite.
After searching my computer for cloth diaper pics I realized I didn’t document his first year of cloth diapers very well. His face is just too cute so I focused the lens there ;)
Here are a few I found of him at 5 months, 7 months, 9 months and Christmas Eve.
WCW Shorties
Eco*Posh fitted
Thirsties cover over Pooters hemp fitted (I think)
Sustainablebabyish interlock longies (I wish they still made these!!!)
Camden has been such a joy to mother throughout this first year. He nurses like an acrobat, sleeps sporadically and eats like a 4 year old but other than that he’s a doll!
I’m so glad I get to share his cloth diapering journey with you! I look forward to all that 2012 brings!!
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Autumn is a wife, mother, homeschool teacher, friend and most important a follower of Christ.
Theresa says
Hi Autumn,
I have an HE top loader washer, I also have only (thus far) dabbled in cloth diapering. I had all the right intentions when Camille was born (and before) I looked into a service too. However, when I tried myself, I had leaks, more leaks, smells and everything. I don’t know what kind to buy, no matter what I do I don’t think my washer is washing them right (I only have about 8 diapers total). I felt like I was doing so much laundry and using so much water, I couldn’t see how it was anymore green than disposibles. I wish their was a service or shop that would look at Camille and tell me which kind of cloth diaper would work for her. I work full time and wish I had time to read all your blog and all the others you recommend, but as I look at snapshots of each I become more overwhelmed. Is there any help?! Or service? Or idea you could offer that would help??
Autumn Beck says
have you googled to see if there is a diaper service in your area? what type of body does camille have? long, skinny, chunky? what are you using right now and do you like them?
Theresa says
Camille has chunky legs and belly too–she’s chunky I guess. 16#’s at 4 months old. I have bum genius and happy heinies right now and a thirsties and grovia. I used gdiapers when she was little. Now I’m just stuck. The bum genius and thirsties leak (on the sides). I think it’s washing maybe?
There is a few diaper services in my area (prefolds) they deliver. I’d like to be able to do it myself but can’t seem to figure it out…
Any help, helps. Theresa
Autumn Beck says
It’s not necessarily the washing that is causing the leaking. She may be peeing so fast that it can’t absorb fast enough. It could also be something as simple as the diaper settings. Play around with letting the rise out and see if that helps.
Check out this post for diaper rec based on body type: http://www.allaboutclothdiapers.com/what-is-the-best-cloth-diaper-for-your-babys-body/
Kris says
Speaking of newborn diapers, I was thinking of doing a newborn diaper rental instead of buying. Does anyone have anyone they recommend? I have found quite a few boutiques that do this. Has anyone heard of http://www.kissedbythemoom.com? I’m interested in renting from her because I can get Little Joeys. Want to make sure its a reputable place first though. Thanks!
Autumn Beck says
i personally have not heard of Kissed By The Moon but that doesn’t mean much. i use and refer people often to sweetbottoms baby boutique, pooters and jillian’s drawers. i know i have seen another store with little joeys in the rental program…now i’ll have to go search :)
Kris says
Thank you for the referrals. I have ordered from Sweetbottoms before, I”ll look and see what she has. If you think of the other store that rents little joeys let me know. Thanks!
Autumn Beck says
http://www.pootersdiapers.com/newborn-rental-package-aios-and-pockets.html
Lisa says
I did the cloth newborn rental from One Lucky Mama and loved it. I chose the Mix it Up so I could try a variety. I thought I got a great variety and I also like that you’re not locked into a 3 month rental. Most placed I saw have a 3 month minimum. From my calculations and because I had a 9lb-er, so we didn’t use it as long, this was also the best value. Good luck!
Lisa says
Oops! Here is the link to that rental program.
http://www.oneluckymama.com/newborn-cloth-diaper-rental
Britt says
I’m guessing his first diaper was a goodmamma’s! Happy birthday Camden … You are a cutie!
Nicole says
Happy Birthday, Camden!
My little guy, Frank, will be 1 on the 8th :)
I don’t remember the first cloth diaper he wore, probably a Lil Joey. Those were my favorite! he was 36 hours old when we came home from the hospital, and at roughly 7.5 lbs, they fit him like a dream!
(Hubby’s favorite was XS BG’s. He didn’t like all the snaps on the Joeys.)
Erika says
Happy Birthday Camden! I can’t beleive how quickly they grow up.
Autumn, I wanted to thank you for this great resource. You have really made the whole experience of CDing so much less daunting! This site is definitely my go to place for any questions that come up.
On an unrelated note, I’ve been wanting to share about a really positive experience I recently had with Kawaii. I chose to go with Kawaii diapers because I needed something that was almost as easy as disposables in order to get everyone on board, so pockets work well, and the budget was really tight due to some changes in income lately and so we didn’t have a large amount to invest right off the bat. My initial order of 24 diapers came in at under $200.
I’ve been using them on my almost four month old daughter for about 3 months now and have not bee disappointed. I’m especially a fan of the bamboo minky’s. Anyhow, there was a problem with one of the diapers the I had not yet used (it was in the bottom of the diaper bag as a backup). It was not a problem that compromised the function of the diaper, but I thought I’d let them know. I received a prompt response from their customer service. They were extremely grateful for the feedback, and asked for more details so that they could sort it out with their manufacturer. They also provided me with a $10 store credit, which is approximately the value of one diaper. I wanted to place a new order anyways, so that worked out well.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that when my new order came, they had included another diaper free of charge, and a personalized note from the customer service agent I was in contact with! It was so nice to see that a “budget” cloth diaper company back their product like that.
I just thought I’d share a positive experience, since we’re so quick to share negative ones when they pop up :)
elisabeth bergoo says
Hi Autumn,
and great congratulations to little Camden. I am smiling reading your overview of his first year, happy new year to the whole Beck family.
Lisa says
Happy birthday to your little guy!! I love reading about your cloth diaper adventures, and I can’t wait to start some of my own! =)
Sue says
Hi Autumn, so are you currently using a Mabu baby and do you like them?
I heard about them and actually ordered right form the company. Cher is a doll to work with and sent me a kit to try. So far I love these dipes! The mini fits perfect on my smallish 4 month old girl. No leaks and the velcro is dreamy.
Very soft yet holds well and doesn’t curl or scratch. You can use the diaper without the snap in liner too as long as it’s not to big on baby. Iuse different kinds of pads in them sometimes and even prefolds.
Thanks for such a comprehensive website and blog. Happy New year and Happy Birthday Camden!
Autumn Beck says
I do like them, which surprises me!
Sue says
I was surprised to like them as well! They aren’t my favorite but close.
Another question, have you ever used a Nikky diaper wrap?
I have been diapering for 22 yrs and have never found it’s equal.
I had a 8 year break from diapering, my youngest is 11.
She was a HUGE baby, and never did fit the Nikky covers but she was adopted and the last baby I actually delivered was 15 yrs ago this month! I pulled out my old diaper stash and found the Nikky covers from my 15 yr old son in perfect shape. He was an average sized baby and I have been using them on my tiny girl and they are working very well…after all these years! This little girl was a MAJOR surprise but an absolute joy!
So I have a …
son-22
son-20
daughter-18
son-15
daughter-14
daughter-11
daughter-4 mos.
The 14 and 11 yr old daughters where adopted together and are bio- sisters.
But my 15 yr old son and his 14 yr old sister are like twins as they are only 10 mos apart! I have cloth diapered them all! It’s truly amazing to see what has changed and improved and what has not changed but still works!
Cheers and Happy New year!
Melina says
I use fuzzubunz one size. My son is now 22 months and I have mostly loved them (we had the ammonia smell and then rashes that wouldn’t go away, have to use sposies until clear).
Anyway…I just started my daughter, now 2 month old in hers, the new elite ones! We are on night 3 and she is soaking through a double stuffed diaper half way though the night, thus waking her up…any advice? I didn’t have this problem with my son until the last couple months bc he pees so much more now. Thank you for any help!
Autumn Beck says
Add a couple of hemp boosters, makes a huge difference.
Majaliwa Bass says
So cute. Happy Birthday Camden! I scrapbook but it never occurred to me to capture their cloth diaper journey. That’s a good idea!
Tiffany says
I’m not the biggest fan of the itti bitti so far. I quit using them because a.) I hate unsnapping the insert when it’s covered in poo. Pockets are easier than this diaper. Do you unsnap the inserts before washing? And we had leak issues. I hate when I have issues with a diaper everyone else seems to love. Makes me think I’m doing something wrong…
Jen H says
Tiffany, I am not a huge fan of tuttos. They don’t seem to get as good of a fit as itti bitti’s sized diapers, like the d’lish and boos. I agree they’re a pain to clean up poop in. We always end up with poop between layers, and even with a diaper sprayer, they are difficult to clean up. I try to use them when my son is less likely to poop. ;)
Autumn Beck says
I only use them because they aios. Other than that I’m not a fan. I don’t like how the minky bunches and the crotch is so narrow…I digress.
I do not unsnap anything before washing. It all goes in as one piece.
Tiffany says
That is good to know, thanks! I thought they were like pockets and you had to separate them. Maybe I’ll hate them a little less now! =)