After much deliberation (see recent post: Little Bean’s first stuff), we’ve decided to go with the Bum Genius cloth diapers.  This is a “pocket diaper”, consisting of two basic parts:

1. The diaper, which has a water proof outer layer and a soft, inner layer that wicks away moisture to keep baby dry.
2. The insert, which is the thick absorbent layer that is stuffed inside the diaper (between the liner and the waterproof shell).  Bum Genius diapers actually come with two inserts: an infant size insert and a larger insert for growing baby.

And, the diapers are adjustable to grow with your baby, from about 10 pounds to 35 pounds:

Image from Bum Genius webpage: how the diapers "grow" with baby.

We do not plan to use a diaper service but will wash them ourselves.  We will get enough diapers so that we only have to wash them every two days (instead of every day).  And, we will NOT be using a dryer, but will line dry the diapers in our abundant New Mexican sunshine (or air dry in the basement during inclement weather).

Still skeptical?  I’m sure some of you are thinking we’re totally nuts and that this is entirely too difficult a task.  Check out this video by a Texas dad, who talks about their diaper washing system, the ease of use, and the cost saving benefits of using cloth diapers: http://youtu.be/cenErxNvwIs

Stay tuned for more info on cloth vs. disposable diapers, plans for diapering our newborn (the BumGenius diapers don’t fit well until they are about 10 pounds), photos and what we think about actually using the cloth diapers once Baby has arrived.