I'm back and I'm pregnant! :)

**Lindsay E** · 08-06-2010, 09:23 PM

So I've been absent from Frugal Village for a little while now... I'm not even sure anyone will remember me, I wasn't the most active member. I fell off the frugal wagon for a little while, but I'm back with a really good reason to save my money. My boyfriend and I are expecting our first child in February. I'm hoping once I get some energy back it will be easy to get back into my good habits.

Since I'm here, I thought I'd ask if anyone has any good frugal baby advice? In particular recommendations on good cloth diapers? I've purchased 6 Bum Genius 3.0 on sale, but I know I'll be needing a lot more.

**Libby** · 08-06-2010, 09:32 PM

No advice but congrats on becoming a new mommy!

**Kellili** · 08-06-2010, 09:47 PM

We have a local store here that is owned by a mom of triplets. Her name is Sunny, and she is awesome at helping you with the ins and outs of cloth! Her website is cutietooties.com If you have any questions email her, and Cutie Tooties is on facebook too. Cloth diapering can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. There are the basics, like prefolds which work great but are again, basic. Or you can "go wild" and get "modern" cloth diapers. They work just like sposies, have snaps and some are even one size, meaning they adjust so you can use them newborn to toddler. Take a look at that website and if you have any questions email Sunny or PM me and I can try to help. Oh and CONGRATULATIONS and Welcome Back!

**Palooka** · 08-06-2010, 11:18 PM

No advice but congrats!

**Russ** · 08-07-2010, 07:35 AM

welcome back and Congratulations!

**nuisance26** · 08-07-2010, 11:23 AM

~Congratulations! And welcome back to FV.

We're doing cloth again. Our first two were in a combination of prefolds(which I didn't care for at all)and Motherease one size terry snap dipes(which I loooooooved!). I gave almost all our dipes away years ago so this time I have a few Motherease and prefolds and homemade t-shirt fitted diapers. I bought flannel to make fitteds the next size up. I've only spent $20 on diapering stuff and we're set for the first 3 months. I'll have to buy larger covers after that but I can make all the actual diapers with materials I already have.
If you have time and a machine look into sewing your own. It's shockingly easy. Otherwise I highly recommend ME. My DH and sitters had no trouble with using them and even praised them.
Cloth will save you so much money!~

**Lindsay E** · 08-07-2010, 11:37 AM

Thanks guys!

Nuisance, I was originally going to go almost entirely with Motherease because of the price, but then I read some reviews online that said that a lot of babies don't fit them well.. I might still get some, I'm thinking since this is our first time cloth diapering I'll get a variety of different kinds and see what I like.

Kelili - Thank you I will definitely message you if I have any questions! the number of different kinds out there are seeming a little overwhelming so far.

**Momto5RN** · 08-07-2010, 01:25 PM

congrats !!!

with my last child - i made homemade wipes - used the diaper itself to wipe away most of the mess ( didnt use clothe - couldnt get dh on board for that - ) and then just used the wipes for cleaning etc - i forget the exact recipe i used - but i used scraps of fabirc i had - cut up baby blankets that were worn or stained from older children - other soft fabric .

i know alot of frugal groups recommend this with wipes or diapers or forumla - shampoos detg etc etc but anything that goes next to my childs skin or inside them ( formula etc ) i do not stock up on .
out of the 5 kids 3 had issues with certain brands of diapers- detergents wipes rash wise and none had the same brand issue - so if i had stocked up i would have wasted alot of money .

**MaryCarney** · 08-07-2010, 01:42 PM

Congrats!!!!

The real "Secret Weapon" in cloth diapering is use of a diaper liner. Gerber used to make them - they're almost exactly the same as a used Bounce dryer sheet.

You 'line' the diaper with the liner, and if/whan the baby poops, the liner catches almost all of it. You wrap the soiled liner in newspaper, recycled walmart bags, whatever, then throw it away. All you're left with is a wet diaper to launder. NO DUNKING!!

**nuisance26** · 08-07-2010, 03:16 PM

~What fit problems were the complaints about ME one size? DS was plump his first 6 months and then thinned out to super scrawny around his tush and thighs and they still worked great. DD was average throughout. I started putting DD in ME at 7.5lbs when we got home from the hospital.
You can get a couple and see what you think. I think they have a starter pack of some kind.~

**pollypurebred39** · 08-07-2010, 03:30 PM

Breast fed! Good for baby, good for Mom's figure and GREAT for the bank statement!

**mauimagic** · 08-07-2010, 03:38 PM

congratulaations!!

I discovered that babies sure didn't need everything that stores are so willing to sell you.....as you probably already figured out!!

**wanderlusting** · 08-07-2010, 04:23 PM

Congratulations!

BG cloth diapers are definately easy to use and great for babysitters. But they are spendy. You could always do prefolds and just trifold them into a cover- that way you don't have to worry with pins.

Breastfeeding is an awesome way to save money and give your baby some great food. I exclusive pump for my twins and bought an expensive pump. However, I did the math and the pump paid for itself in 2.5 months in formula not bought!

Don't buy any baby clothes! Most people will give you baby clothes as gifts and at your baby shower. I haven't had to buy any baby clothes except for the preemie clothes. And I won't have to buy any till they're past 12 month clothes.

**Darlene** · 08-07-2010, 04:43 PM

Just wanted to add my Congratulations to the bunch.

**Kellili** · 08-07-2010, 10:28 PM

I have to agree with the other ladies on the breasfeeding! I BF Gavin for 14 months, and I wouldn't trade a second of it. Some people will try to tell you to formula feed because it's "easier", meaning someone else can feed them for you. To me, breastfeeding is as easy as you can get! No bottles to make, nothing to heat up or get up for in the middle of the night. Just roll over and there you go! lol. (Gav was in a bassinet in our room until he grew out of it). Always the right temp, always on hand, perfect nutrition, and FREE!