What is the best diapering system?

I frequently have customers ask me, "What is the best diapering system? What would you choose?" This question is hard to answer, because I feel diapering systems are such a subjective choice. First, I usually find out what are the reasons a person is cloth diapering, i.e. cost, environmental, health, convenience. This helps a little when choosing a system. Obviously if you are doing it more for the health and environmental reasons and not so much for cost, most of these individuals are interested in a more natural system-organics and wool. A lot of people will also ask, "What is the easiest and most convenient?" I look at this in a couple of different ways. A lot of individuals believe prefold diapers are "easier" because of the simplicity and versatility they offer. Others believe pocket diapers are the "easiest and most convenient", because there is no folding of the diapers (which is actually VERY simple). Pocket diapers do require you to stuff the insert, which some may find to be not convenient and others like the convenience of having the diaper all ready to go before putting it on baby. I guess the bottom line is, we all interpret meanings of words in different ways and what I may think is a convenient diaper, another may not. I can offer suggestions and explain the pro's and con's of each diapering systems, but a diapering system really comes down to personal choice.

I personally like a variety of diapers in my "system". Wierd as it is, I get bored with the same type of diapers and I feel a mix of diapers works well. Each type works better for different reasons, absorbency, convenience, night-time, etc. I like pocket diapers for night-time and on the go. I also like All in Ones for on the go. Both of these diapers typically offer a trim fit. I prefer prefolds because of their simplicity, absorbency, trim fit and cost-and you can ALWAYS use prefolds for several purposes-diaper, stuffing a pocket diaper, doubler, and my new favorite-my kiddo's spills on the floor (SUPER absorbent!). I like fitted diapers for their absorbency for night time and ease of use when a baby is going "cover-less".

Some individuals like a consistent system, to keep all the diapers the same type. And that's fine, too. I would suggest trying a few different types and seeing what you like best. You can always sell or donate the diapers you decide you don't like as well. A great place to sell diapers is on the forums at www.diaperpin.com . When in doubt, give me a call and we can discuss your options. I think it is sometimes easier to discuss the options and help sort it all out rather than spending hours (as I did) trying to figure it all out online. Cloth diapering is simple and easy!