A silly idea that might just work

Most of you are probably going to think I'm crazy, and I'm okay with that. But you'll find out sooner or later, so I'll go ahead and tell you now: we're planning to cloth diaper Baby Girl.

I'll let the initial shock wear off.

We have lots of reasons (one of them being that it's a way for me to shop while actually saving us money!), and I won't get into all of them now. The picture is my very first diaper--isn't it adorable? The inside is fleece, and it has 3 different size settings adjusted with snaps.

Some of you are going to leave now, but to the rest, I'll explain my cloth diapering strategy. It may bore you, but it's actually helping me to get it all down on e-paper.

There are several different types of cloth diapers nowadays, and hundreds of options within each. I'll try to break it down for you:

The one above is a pocket diaper. The outside is waterproof, the inside is absorbent and the miracle worker is called an insert, which you stuff into a flap (or pocket) inside. Very easy to use. Major pros: adjustable absorbency. Major cons: inserts can be expensive, and you have to stuff before you use.

There are also all-in-ones. These are like a pocket diaper, except with no pocket. Instead, the absorbent material is sewn in as part of the diaper. Even easier to use. Major pros: Ultra easy, probably the trimmest fitting. Major cons: Take a long time to dry, not as adjustable.

And finally, there are prefolds and covers. A prefold is just an absorbent piece of cloth you fold, and then put a cover over. Covers are, of course, waterproof. Major pros: Very cheap, adjustable. Major cons: Potentially more of a hassle, potentially bulky, potentially a bit leaky.

I plan to begin with a mix. I've read the reviews and found a few brands I want to try. Many are designed by work-at-home-moms, and seeing as I plan to be one, I like to support them.

I'll order about 5 pockets total, including the one above. Three of these will be one-size-fits-all diapers, so they'll grow with Baby Girl. The others are sized, but some parents are lucky enough to get by only buying smalls and mediums before potty training, and since Baby will be perfect, I'm confident we'll be this lucky.

I'm also planning to order 4 all-in-ones. There are a couple I've seen excellent reviews for (some even promise to dry fast!) and all are known for being both trim and absorbent.

I wasn't initially going to try prefolds, but after spending lots of time on message boards and review sites, it seems like they'll be worth a shot. I'll get about a dozen prefolds and 3-4 covers, which don't have to be washed after every use--only if they get dirty (which isn't as often as you'd think, apparently). The added benefit of prefolds is that they can be used as inserts for pockets, burp rags, spill rags, car-washing rags, snake-cage-cleaning rags, etc., and are only about $1.50 each.

I'll use the prefolds/covers mainly during the day when we're just around the house. Pockets and all-in-ones will be for going out, babysitters and the diaper bag (along with a few disposables). Overnight, I'll probably see how pockets work. And once I figure out what brands and styles I like best, I'll stock up a bit more.

Some of you who are still left might be wondering about laundry. Me too, actually! I've heard it's not bad, and especially since I'll only be working part-time and from home, I'm optimistic that I'll be able to take on the extra work. I'll try to end up with enough diapers that I only have to wash once every 3 days, and until then I'll use disposables as needed. Yes, diapers do come clean! I won't bore you with the details, but there are lots of great methods.

And some may be wondering about leaks. Well, not only will Baby keep her excrement to a minimum (remember, she's perfect!), but I've made sure that each cloth diaper or cover I order has lots of reviews that rave about how leak-proof they are.

Also, until Baby Girl is about 8 pounds (and able to fit into smalls), we'll just use disposable diapers. Assuming she isn't 8+ pounds at birth--yikes.

So there you have it! If you have questions, I'd be glad to answer them. Without ever using them myself, I feel like something of an expert. I'm sure that will change once I have a squirming baby. But wait, Baby Girl certainly won't squirm!