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Question: What type of diaper should I buy?

Answer:
You won't go wrong with any of the diapers we carry because we've tested them all and found them to be superior in their class-good enough to qualify as Angel Bunz. All our diapers work and stand up to their manufacturer's claims. We have provided a chart below to help you make a selection guided by your unique needs and priorities. The chart will help you compare the pros and cons of the different diaper types to design a system to fit your unique needs (which may mean your stash consists of a variety of diaper types/brands). This isn't an exact science..but we think you'll find it helpful.

Diaper Comparison Chart
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Here are some general guidelines to assist you in your selection based on certain prevailing needs/values:

Q: What's the best fitting diaper on a small newborn?

A: Kissaluvs are great soft diapers that provide a superior fit on newborn baby shapes (skinny or chunky). Many of our customers find that Kissaluvs are the best diapers for containing newborn breastfed poo because of the elastic that runs around the legs and waist of this diaper. The size 0 can be snapped down out of the way of a healing belly button. The crannies in the cotton fleece traps soil so that it doesn't spill into the cover. In general, we prefer these fitted diapers for younger babies, but for some people they work great through toddlerhood. Order a few before baby arrives so you'll be prepared. Kissaluvs fitted diapers do involve a two-step system of diaper and cover and can take a long time to dry. If you need something that is easier to use for folks unaccustomed to cloth, or you want a faster changing system, go with the Bum Genius AIO size xs. Some very small babies may find that the fit can be tightened up with a stay-dry doubler inside. For those who want something that dries quicker and a little more economical in the long run, the Happy Heiny's One size diaper or Bum Genius one-size diaper would be a good choice on the smallest setting with 1 small insert--no doubler will be needed at the newborn stage. Finally, for those on a very budget, a good fit can be had with an infant size prefold and cover (Bummis NB or Thirsties xs with a infant prefold and a snappi clip. On a tight budget but want better containment? A half dozen Kissaluvs fitted diapers and/or some bumGenius 3.0 or Happy Heinys One-Size diapers would supplement a prefold system quite well. Feel free to mix and match according to your needs and budget.

Q: Which diaper should I select when budget is my primary concern?

A: The tighter your budget, the greater the stack of prefolds you will want. When folded inside a Bummis or Thirsties cover, they give you many of the features parents want in more expensive diapers but for a fraction of the cost. Prefolds also make great stuffers for pocket diapers as well as emergency backup diapers and diaper boosters even for those with heftier budgets. When used with a snappi clip you can get a better fit which means better containment and improved performance. They are great burp cloths etc. so everyone should have a few.

The bumGenius 3.0 and the Happy Heinys we carry are one-size diapers that can be used from the early weeks until potty training. That?s a good way to stretch your budget!

Some parents find that sized pocket diapers like Fuzzi Bunz can last through more than one child since each diaper is used for a shorter time than a one-size diaper and in the long-run its less costly. We find that the more diapers you own, the less each one is used and the longer they last--if proper care and environmental conditions are equal.

Q: Which cloth diapering solution is BEST for the environment?

A:
Of all the options, natural fibers are more renewable and more sustainable and biodegrade fastest. The more un-processed the better. This means that organic cotton prefolds, unbleached cotton prefolds and hemp prefolds and organic wool would be the best options for the environment. The age and wetting pattern of your child would likely influence your decision if environment were the only concern. This means that the Imse Vimse Wool (special order) or Organic cotton covers with unbleached cotton prefolds with a hemp doubler (if necessary) or hemp little weeds or bigger weeds (used as prefolds) with 1-2 snappi clips would be a good choice. When you're finished with diapering days you can use the prefolds to polish silver or re-sell them to another Mom. The wool cover can be re-sold, used on a doll, or passed down for generations. Cloth wipes will also help the environment and the health of baby's skin. We recommend the Bum Genius Bamboo wipes or the Kissaluvs unbleached cotton terry wipes. Use with a squirt bottle of plain tap water or bumGenius Bottom Cleaner (vanilla scent) or for a more herbal scent, try the Kissaluvs Diaper Lotion Potion.

Q: Which diapers do you recommend for a squirmy toddler?

A: Fuzzibunz worked fantastic for our squirmy toddler--especially if they take pride in taking off their diaper and running around naked while you chase! The snaps help hold things in place for the toddler who can out-wit the velcro. They are great for babysitters because they are so easy to use.

Bum Genius AIOs are also easy and quick (because of the stretchy tabs and the velcro) and perfect for those new to cloth. We recommend most cloth diapering parents purchase at least 3-4 to have on hand even if they are not your primary diapering system because of their ease of use. (Great for out and about, grandparents with poor eyesight, caregivers new to cloth etc.) We have an on the town package for this reason.

Q: What do you recommend for my super-soaker child who pees all night?

A: When using any pocket diaper over night on a toddler, it may be necessary to size up and then use a generously sized prefold as a stuffer for added absorbency or two-three microterry inserts or hemp--depending on the level of absorbency needed and level of trimness demanded.

Microterry is a great insert for its absorbency coupled with trimness and affordability. You can also double stuff a pocket diaper with it for extended daytime use when necessary. Microterry absorbs quickly and comes in different sizes. When multiple layers are used it can be very absorbent while still quite trim. Microterry dries quickly.

The most absorbent fiber we carry is hemp. Hemp has natural anti-bacterial properties, is a natural fiber and is trim. Hemp is available in prefold size as well as doubler size. It takes a long time to dry and must be prepared for use initially. Some boys who are very heavy wetters, but wet quickly, should use hemp wrapped or covered with microterry. In this way, the microterry used as the outer layer will catch the initial spurt of wetness and the hemp will lock it in for overnight. Hemp alone may sometimes not catch quite quick enough for some boys but it has the absorbency they need to make it through the night. Because hemp comes in doubler as well as prefold sizes there are many options for its use. You could use a hemp doubler alone in a pocket for training purposes. You could layer it on top of one microterry insert. You could fold it inside a prefold for a boost. You could wrap a hemp prefold around a microterry doubler or lay a microterry doubler on top of a hemp prefold.

Cotton prefolds are very absorbent. Some cotton prefolds will be more absorbent than a microterry insert. It is a natural fiber and takes a long time to dry but not as long as hemp. Cotton is the most bulky. Nevertheless, some customers tell us its their favorite nighttime choice.

Q: What do you recommend for toddlers who are starting potty training soon?

A: An older toddler needing a backup for nighttime accidents can use an un-stuffed Fuzzi Bunz put on a large setting so they can slip them on and off easily. Large size Fuzzi Bunz are great because you can customize the absorbency. Those well into potty training may just use a completely un-stuffed Fuzzi Bunz so they know they're wet, and your furniture has some level of protection.

A Mother of Eden overnight undie is good for those who need a true nighttime solution with diaper-level absorbency. Its great because your toddler can pull up and down these big kid pants by him/herself. The trickle-free trainers are for those who need to catch exactly that-a trickle. Both overnight undies and trickle-free trainers work well for daycare providers used to the disposable pull ups that fasten on the sides because these trainers have snaps there and your toddler can be changed while standing.

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