Cloth Diaper Liners

I am planning to use cloth diapers with this next child (a boy!) due in August. My debate right now is whether or not to try the newborn size prefolds and covers. I don't currently have any newborn sized diapers, only infant/smalls, which my daughter didn't grow into until she was over 2 months old. Although the bumGeniuses (which I love) do have a newborn setting, I am planning on my daughter still wearing those until sometime next winter or spring when we will hopefully do potty-training. So I need something to get by until this new guy will be big enough to wear the infant/small prefolds and covers that I already own. I want to do something economical and easy. Hmmm. Thoughts?

Anyways, on another related note: diaper liners. I started using these once my daughter started foods other than breastmilk. There are two kinds that I have found that work well for me.

1. Imse Vimse Flushable Liners

Pros:

• Flushable - makes it easier to change a dirty cloth diaper when you are not at home.
• Reusable 1 more time (Holds up for one washing in my front loader if not soiled. Makes me wonder on the flushablility... no problems yet, though.)
• I can get by with the baby size on my 25 lb. daughter. (Slightly cheaper than the toddler size.)

Cons:

• You are paying for the convenience of "throwing something away". Will need to buy more.
  

2. Dollar Store Washable Wipes - dry, from the cleaning section

Pros:

• Cheap. If you have to throw a nasty one away, the cost is negligible. You can get several out of one package.
• Soft after washed.
• "Endlessly" reusable.
• Rinses well for a reusable liner. Much easier than rinsing the diaper itself. (It is perforated so stuff doesn't stick to it that much and the water flows through it when you swish it in the toilet.)
• You can cut them to the size you want.

Cons:

• If you want to use them when you are out of the house, you would need to dispose of a soiled one in a ziploc or other sealed bag (out of courtesy) just like a disposable diaper. (If I am throwing away a really bad one at home, I put ours where we put the dog poop. Gag.)
• Probably not made of eco-friendly material.

My compromise:

I use the Imse Vimse liners when we are out and about. (You still need to change the child near a toilet, though!) I use the Dollar Store Washable Wipes for liners when we are at home. (Thanks to my husband's mother for telling me about the washable wipes that she used to use for liners on her kids back in the day!)

As for baby wipes, I use disposable ones for when we are out and about, and I use flannel wipes with my homemade wipes recipes when at home. Sometimes, I will get caught without some flannel ones ready at home and have to use disposable ones. Then I will toss them in with the diapers to be washed once and they come out nice and soft and clean and great for wiping runny noses!

Visit the Green Baby Guide for more thrifty, green tips!