New to everything!

[MamaVeronica]

My account was finally "opened up" so that I could post! (I never received any activation e-mail and had to write to DS.com for help!)

Anyways, I am Veronica. Mother to William, who is 11.5 weeks old and a SAHM. I am an American (from California) living in Germany, with my German husband.

I had always said that I have no interest in cloth diapering.. Until I had my own! We've been using Pampers since he was born, but it's proving to be very costly and the amount of trash is just ridiculous.

My husband and I decided over the past week or two that we want to make the switch to cloth diapers because of the aforementioned. I have read a lot on the internet, and thanks to a friend from high school that lives in California, as well as another expat here in Germany (DS member SerenaJean1), I have decided that we will be doing pocket diapers.

So I am here to get more information and see what everyone has to offer.

[newtocloth2]

Welcome!

[kbz2002]

[kbz2002]

[Mommieof2]

Welcome to DS

[MamaVeronica]

I can't believe I forgot to update this!

I've been cloth diapering now for about 4 weeks. I bought Alva's directly from their website (even though I am in co-ops with regular Alva's, but I didn't want to wait possibly 8 weeks for the diapers). Because I ordered over 20 items, I received free express shipping and I got my order (China - Germany) in 4 days! Woo! That was exciting.

I LOVE the diapers. So cheap and so cute.

I was having a problem with leaking because my son is a heavy wetter, but about a week into it, I ordered Bamboo inserts from Alva as well. I now have 1 MF + 1 Bamboo insert in each diaper and it works SO much better.

I am still using disposables at night (boo!) because he is a heavy wetter and I don't want to shove 5 inserts into one diaper. haha. But I'm in the market for some good heavy duty night time diapers. I've been looking at the GNHW from Kawaii, but blast! They are always out of stock.

I'm also in need of some good velcro diapers (also might get Kawaii) because my husband doesn't like snaps. haha.

I just got cloth wipes this past week, and made my own wipe solution yesterday and I LOVE it. It works SO much better than disposable wipes. Disposable wipes I would go through anywhere from 5-10 wipes per poop, whereas I only need 1-2 cloth wipe per poop.

Anyways, I'm going to try to stay active here so that I can get access to the "private" threads. THAT'S where all the good stuff is.

[NewMommy6111]

Welcome to DS! I'm glad you're liking your new alva's.
There are so many options with cloth diapers, taking the plunge seemed overwhelming (at least for me when my DS was 2 weeks). Did your friends talk to you about your wash routine? Your diapers will become more absorbent as they are used & washed more. Also make sure your detergent is CD friendy & you aren't using fabric softener. That should help with the absorbency too.

[Quickshep19]

Welcome to Diaperswappers!

Jodie ~ wife & mama

[MamaVeronica]

Thank you!

@NewMommy6111- I am actually an acquaintance of DS member/admin Serenajean1, and she helped me figure out what laundry detergents in Germany are cloth diaper friendly. And, luckily, I have A LOT of online friends who cloth diaper. I hear/read about their washing schedules practically daily.