30 Days of Cloth Diapering | Brand Reviews + FAQs

I've been cloth diapering for over 30 days now and I wanted to share with you all my thoughts and methods on it. I have several brands of cloth diapers I've been using which I talk about as well. Leave me a comment below, tell me your favorite cloth diaper brand and why! I'd love to know.
NOTE: I am no longer using Rockin' Green Detergent, as a kind viewer made me aware of its weakness. I am now using Tide detergent on my cloth diapers, which is highly recommended in the cloth diapering community.
-- Items Mentioned --
x Alva Baby Cloth Diapers - amzn.to/2ZuWiRV
x. Nora's Nursery Cloth Diapers - amzn.to/2zoFYHx
x Mama Koala Cloth Diapers - amzn.to/2L0F0Ij
x Lil' Helpers Cloth Diapers - www.lilhelper.ca/cloth-diaper...
x GroVia Cloth Diapers - amzn.to/2ZizAkB
x Cloth Baby Wipes - amzn.to/2ZpwiXW
x Baby Wipe Solution - amzn.to/2ZwiTNU
x Glass Spray Bottle - amzn.to/2ZhzF86
x Toilet Sprayer - amzn.to/2HrYW4u
x Sollybaby Wrap - bit.ly/3jtY01e
x Dekor Diaper Pail - amzn.to/326R9Rr
Shop My Amazon Favorites - www.amazon.com/shop/meganbell
--- Let's Connect --
www.meganbellmade.com
/ meganbellmade
/ meganbellmade
email: [e-mail]
Music - Smile Feat. Kasey Andre by Joakim Karud
#clothdiapering #clothdiapers #momvlog
This video is not sponsored.

[@bayleecheyenne252]

Cloth diapers in a daycare: as a previous daycare teacher (4yrs experience with 2yo and under and worked in 4 different facilities) alot of teachers hate them and tend to put off diaper changes when having to use them. I never seen an issue with using them as a teacher. And after the mom of the first cloth diapered baby i had took the time during drop off to teach me how to use them correctly to prevent leaks, I really preferred them and when parents would get upset about us using too many disposables in a week I'd be sure to let them know that i change diapers every 1.5 to 2 hours or as needed and tell them about cloth diapering to let them know that there are more options!!!

[@4Distractiononly]

I can say that cloth diapering was way easier than I anticipated before I had my baby. All the worries about it being difficult and disgusting was quickly discarded as I gained experience with it. Not to mention I actually enjoy it! I love fastening on a pure cotton muslin diaper on my baby, knowing how much better it is for him and the world. I like folding them, crazy as it sounds. Believe me when I say I was not so domestic before this. It takes some more time than a disposable of course, but not as much as you'd think. I hate having to go to disposalables when we are traveling. It's visibly more irritating to my baby's skin and the smell of the chemicals is nauseating. I feel uneasy about putting that next to his tender skin. Now I'm not a purist. We do use disposalables every now and then and I think you should allow yourself that as a family. It doesn't have to be all one way or another. But the benefits of cloth diapering is noticable for us by a huge margin. We save so much money and the resale for quality materials is great, especially if you take care of your stash. Plus, I'm not adding to the pile of non biodegradable trash in the world that is toxic to our ground water, is a carcinogenic and one of the most destructive piece of trash we throw away.

[@ashleynoble2880]

Also not a purist but I'm planning on doing this. I figure if I don't experience disposables being "easier" then I won't miss out. Lol.

[@shantiamccaskill4432]

This was the most informative and thorough cloth diapering video I’ve seen thus far and I’ve been researching for some months now. Thank you 🙏🏿.

[@MeganBell]

Omg Shantia thank you!!! I love the positive feedback! 🙏❤️

[@tuniemert]

I just wanted to say thank you so much for this video! I appreciated how laid back you were-the cloth diaper groups are super overwhelming. My daughter is 6 months and I just got my set of Nora’s Nursery diapers today. I’m anxious about making the switch!

[@MeganBell]

🥰 swoooon! Thank you! I agree, the groups can be overwhelming, but just dive in! I think you’ll figure it out as you go and what works for you and your little girl.

[@lindsaymcintyre4814]

Loooooved this video. People have actually tried to dissuade me from using cloth diapers, saying that it would be difficult.. but after watching this video I actually feel really confident that it's something I can do :) thank you Megan!

[@JoanaCortinhal]

Much gratitude dear Megan for your sharing! Blessings!

[@jessicabanuelosdelangel2623]

Very nice review and explanation!! Thank you!

[@relaxingmusic4083]

So helpful, just found out I'm expecting and appreciate the honesty.

[@MeganBell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hanab837]

Don't let go of the Grovia quite yet. Hang on to it, because it is 100% cotton and will get more and more absorbent the more you use it. I LOVE my Grovia AIO's. Your son's shape will change as he grows, and you may change your mind about the diaper. What I have learned is to never sell a diaper until I have tried it at several different stages. Some of my least favorite diapers have become my absolute favorites down the road! :) Great review! I really enjoyed this video.

[@MeganBell]

👏🏻 I couldn’t agree more!! Now that my son is bigger these fit so much better. I kept grabbing this diaper last and noticed over time I was liking it more and more. Since I filmed this I’ve ordered several more! You are so right. I need to do a diaper update!

[@jessicahiggins1982]

We cloth diapered 11 years again and loved pocket diapers too! When my son went to daycare (Kindercare) they were willing to use the cloth diapers, I just had to take the diapers daily and give them a fresh wet bag and diapers the following day. They didn’t use the cloth wipes, but we were so happy that they did the diapers. We did make the switch because if the skin benefits, we was getting terrible yeast based rashes and with the change, the rashes stopped. Glad cloth is working so well for you! Wish there were all the fun designs 11 years ago 😉

[@skyl616]

Hi I’m just starting out on cloth diapers and I bought the Alva baby pocket diapers, they come with microfiber inserts and I hear that those are not good by themselves. I’m doing so much research and can’t find the answer. Is there any insert that I can use by itself in the pocket diaper with no leaking issues. It’s just that I don’t want the diaper to be bulky during the day. Tnx!

[@AWORTHYLOVE]

Thank you for making this. So encouraging

[@MeganBell]

I’m so glad Mandi! ❤️

[@biljanabasovic]

Cloth diapering was the best choice for all of my 3 kids. You are so lucky to have so much brands to try. I live in a country where cloth diapering doesn't exist. So I buy them from all over the world and I have spent more money on taxes and delivery...it hurts. ☺️ But still I wouldn't change it for nothing in the world.

[@MeganBell]

Biljana Basovic good for you for pushing through and spending the extra money on something that me better for your children and the environment 🙌🏻

[@biljanabasovic]

@Alina McPherson thank you, but actually there is no manufacturing or distributor, or any other small business (like sewing studio) in my country, Montenegro, Europe. So...

[@kellie5138]

My favorite are now stretchy bamboo hemp flats, fitted diapers & preflats. But when we were using pockets, athletic wicking jersey (awj) was my all-time favorite! More breathable,way easier to clean & doesn't hold onto smell! I don't care for mama koala only because they don't have the hip snap and that made leg gaps a issue for my toddler. Microfiber was the absolute worst because it holds stink. Wahm natural hemp & Bamboo inserts & boosters are the way to go 100% . also baby kicks joey-bunz hemp inserts are hands down the best I've used. Even after 3 washes they were so absorbent. Thirsties hemp/cotton blend was great too. Geffen is my 3rd fav. Inserts matter & how they're layered. (Fastest absorbency on top to slowest on the bottom) persil pro-clean is what we use & it is what's worked best for us! Oh & the "charcoal bamboo" has microfiber in it. Also love to see other mommas baby wearing! Wraps for longer periods of wearing, mei tai (anytime) , & ring slings (for a quick uppie time) are my favorite.

[@PattymacMakes]

You should call the Lil Helper number and thank him for the diapers. Nobody ever calls to say thank you or how much they appreciate something. It would really make his day. =) The diapers are so cute. You are the best Megan. I love that you are so modern yet so vintage at the same time.

[@MeganBell]

Pattymac Knits haha I wonder if it’s really his cell phone number! Wouldn’t that be something! Also, thank you Patty. Modern yet vintage at the same time is a huge compliment to me!

[@rebornsnuzzles2573]

@@MeganBell You could just start singing. "I just called to say I love you, and I mean it from the bottom of my bottom." 😂

[@sadetashi]

Loved your video / tips ! Thank you 😊😊

[@MeganBell]

You are so welcome!

[@NoMoreTears64]

Several years ago I was "introduced " to cloth diapers while working at a daycare facility. I knew nothing about them. It was a challenge for me to figure out how to snap them because it seemed like there were a hundred different snaps. I didn't understand the liners either. Getting past the idea that it was ok to put a poop diaper into the little "wet" bag was ALSO difficult for me. My only experience up to that point with cloth diapers was when I was a child and watching my mom dumping the poop into the toilet from my sister's Gerber white diapers. Education goes a long way. I am a grandma to a soon to be, 5th grandchild and I am trying to talk to mom about giving cloth diapers a try and I plan to use them when babysitting even if she doesn't. Thank you for the very informative video!

[@hillarywolfe8789]

I have been cloth diapering for years and in my experience, the Grovia ones have been my favorite but once my babies where over over 12 weeks. They did not work well for the new born stage, so if you have not given them a try again I would recommend it. I love how trim they are.

[@MeganBell]

You couldn’t be more right. I went back to grovia recently and I’m loving them. So far I only have four but I’m definitely investing in more!!

[@amberslilrose3954]

I lovveeee GroVia!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@rebornsnuzzles2573]

Chiming in to say that we converted everything to Grovia Hybrids awhile back! My absolute fave. The ONES were much too wide and bulky for my liking, but GroVia is a GREAT company. You can't go wrong.

[@pixiemermaid]

Great Q and A video. I just subscribed. Especially local the tip of going with a glass spray bottle instead of plastic. Also regarding daycare : my main concern is that someone working at daycare may b unknowing that microfiber cannot go directly against baby's skin. (It draws natural moisture from baby's skin) Therefore i wanna make sure I never even supply babysitters with miceofiber

[@MeganBell]

PixieMermaid I had no idea about microfiber doing that! That must be why theyre some of my most absorbent inserts. I’ll be sure to keep it away from my baby’s skin! Thank you! I guess you could always make sure you don’t pack anything microfiber to go to the daycare just to be safe!

[@Raydie]

An easy way to get rid of poop stains is to soap up the area with Zote washing bar soap. Just allow it to sit on the diaper for a while and it will clean out the stains eventually.

[@fayvictoria7127]

Hi! This video is very helpful. By the way, what's the brand of the Cloth Diaper for this video's thumbnail? I love its print. 🥰

[@moyralouise7123]

I used cloth during the day, and disposable at night 👍

[@pixiemermaid]

I hear often that people use disposeable for long term sleep but I dont get leaks with cloth diaper and with disposeable I get leaks plus rash on those. Weird we all have slightly different experiences on disposeable vs cloth.

[@georgie3523]

Would've gave a Kings ransom for those cloth diapers when I was rasing my boys.lol used the latch pin ones. All 3 of my sons were allergic to disposable diapers. Have a wonderful evening 🌼

[@MeganBell]

Georgie Walters when I told my mom I was cloth diapering, she gave me some pins to use! 😂 she had no idea cloth diapers had changed so much! It’s amazing.

[@georgie3523]

@@MeganBell Has it ever! From what I can gather you're doing a fantastic job being a new mom. As a mom, Nana and a great grandnana myself I can tell you I would've gave a lot to have the tools that are out there now raising the boys. Bet your mom was like what in the world! Know I was . Have a wonderful weekend 🌼

[@ashleynoble2880]

@@MeganBell When I told my mom what I was planning she said I was crazy. Lol

[@court1619]

tripped. i’m in hampton roads too😂😂

[@pixiemermaid]

Yes I agree I like the alvas. Like how they're not bulky so that you can add as much bulk necessary on quality inserts instead of the cover already being bulky to start with.

[@MeganBell]

I just ordered some more Alvas. They are perfect with a charcoal insert! 👏🏻

[@carlycake5277]

My friend has been cloth diapering for 1.5 years now and she rinses her diapers in the (clean) toilet bowl first to get most of the poop off before laundering; she flushes once or twice while rinsing it in the bowl. An idea if you're comfortable with that!

[@MeganBell]

Totally! We have a diaper sprayer, but we basically do the same thing with the help of the sprayer. Straight into the toilet.

[@carlycake5277]

Megan Bell if I had of waited to watch the whole video I would have seen that! It’s genius I’ll be getting one for sure! Thanks for your videos

[@yandiraa5389]

Que lindo lindo lindo bb bien comportado esperando a su mamá

[@XuanLe-xe9ro]

Thanks - very informative video. Just wondering, what's your opinion of the Lil' Helper after having tried it?

[@MeganBell]

I actually need to make an updated video. I plan to at the one year mark, which is coming soon. Surprisingly, the diaper I mentioned not like at all is my favorite and my favorite brand of all - grovia. Amazing diapers. I use the all in ones during the day and the o.n.e.s at night. They’re worth every penny and I wish I had known and just invested in their brand earlier on. The lil helpers have been great, but I think they’re a bit bulky and I’m having trouble with the fit now that my son is bigger.

[@XuanLe-xe9ro]

Thanks. Does the Lil' Helper leak? I'm seeing mixed reviews on this brand. Looking forward to your follow-up video!

[@MeganBell]

I had trouble with the lil helpers leaking recently, but used their troubleshooting app that they have available and learned some really interesting ways to fit it that I hadn’t thought of (one of them was unsnapping the soaker pad after the diaper is on the baby to make more fabric available on the shell, ) but I’m not confident these will continue to Fit my baby all the way until he is potty trained, so I can’t recommend them with full confidence. Most of the people who have had trouble with them have little boys and that may have something to do with it. For the price, grovia is a the better choice in my opinion. They are so slim and they’re the same price as lil helper.

[@iamelizabeth]

Hi there! Great videos on cloth diapering. Do you use any alternative liners on the insides?

[@MeganBell]

Thank you! I have actually switched completely to Grovia and their systems. I love their all in ones and their ONEs. So to answer your questions no.

[@kellie5138]

Fleece liners are great. The cheap $2.50 fleece blankets from Wal-Mart will make about 35-40. I also love using disposable bamboo liners ( just don't flush them lol)

[@rebornsnuzzles2573]

We also used Tide, but I have started having internal conflict over using cloth to eliminate chemicals on skin and then putting him a cloth diaper coated in chemicals from the detergent. We have used and loved Washing Greens Washing Powder (don't do it if you have hard water; it will not go well). I still use Tide for my clothes, but I'm currently cloth diapering a 9 year old with complex special needs, and Tide was an absolute no for him. G Tube infections, skin irritation, you name it. We went back to our beloved Washing Greens.

[@MeganBell]

This is great advice! Thank you!

[@rebornsnuzzles2573]

@@MeganBell I watched through your entire cloth diaper playlist. Thanks for keeping me entertained during quarantine.

[@NinjaWarrior0893]

Great videos!! You didn’t list the diaper sprayer you use, I’m curious!

[@MeganBell]

Hi Megan! Thank you so much!! The sprayer is listed in the description box under “glass spray bottle” as well as the solution I use in it under “baby wipes solution”

[@NinjaWarrior0893]

Bell & Cotton oh okay! I was thinking of a poop sprayer that attaches to the toilet. I get what you mean now sorry and thnx :)

[@MeganBell]

I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize you were referring to that! I’ll fix that. The link to it is SmarterFresh Cloth Diaper Sprayer, Premium Stainless Steel Diaper Sprayer for Toilet - Diaper Washer Hand Held Bidet Sprayer for Cloth Diapers www.amazon.com/dp/B014V793E6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mre7CbB41RZMH It’s really great quality and super easy to use.

[@ashleynoble2880]

Do you or do you know anyone that use rumparoos covers? They are $14 and made in Canada so I like the idea of them being nearby and not 20 something dollars

[@MeganBell]

I've heard good things! My suggestion is to join a facebook group dedicated to Rumparoos and see if there's some further insight on the brand there.

[@barboramachackova4420]

What would you do with stains when it is not sunny on daily basic?

[@MeganBell]

I wouldn’t worry about it. Take advantage when it’s sunny, and when it’s not, keep it movin. They’re just stains, not an indication that the diaper isn’t clean. 💛

[@denniscloud]

correct me if I am wrong .. I heard her say microfiber ans bamboo charcoal has the same absorbency ... Because I am very confuse what should I buy next .. I first bought the bamboo charcoal its working fine for me .. I will make my second purchase so I don't if I should also buy the microfiber type

[@kellie5138]

Bamboo charcoal has microfiber inside of it. The only true bamboo charcoal will be super thin. Fyi 🙂

[@AnnaD0525]

what type of disposable diapers did you use when cord was healing?

[@MeganBell]

I used pampers pure

[@katdorsey1779]

I cloth diaper pt my sons always pees through cloth diapers. And if I keep doubling up they are to think and look funny under his pants. Cloth is only cheaper if you find them used but at 20$ CA a diaper you will almost spend double trying to cloth diaper plus laundry’s but it’s good that they don’t sit in landfills

[@MeganBell]

Agreed! We have to do our part I believe. I wonder why he’s peeing through? I was having some issues and I changed a few things, doubled the fold on the inserts on some and then others I needed to make the leg gussets tighter.

[@OrlaQuirk]

You don't have to buy a bunch of expensive diapers. If you use covers and flats, the covers do not need to be changed every time. You need fewer covers. Flats can be doubled for night. Look up cloth diapering on a budget if you are interested. Don't be afraid of pins, either. My baby never got scratched or poked by a diaper pin. Good luck!

[@ashleynoble2880]

I've seen ones from Canada at like $10 each but those are the covers.

[@ohiograndma8655]

Nora’s Nursery diapers are rebranded Alva diapers. They are the same

[@MeganBell]

I have to disagree. Because I have both I can tell a difference. The material is different, the snaps are different and the Nora’s are larger. The alvas are stretchier.

[@alexmac6386]

Try grovia ONE ,they are awesome, I didn't like that style grovia either

[@MeganBell]

I actually ended up loving the all in ones once my son got a bit larger, but we did the ONEs for nighttime and they are awesome! I am totally sold on grovia now.

[@alondravalerio4939]

What’s the brand he has on? I’m just curious.

[@MeganBell]

Mama koala

[@margueritemonka6440]

How many wipes do you suggest to have?

[@MeganBell]

Having 3/4 on hand per day is ideal. Depending on how often you wash. I like to have about 25 on hand.

[@tashavillegas4744]

Does mama koala get smaller than Nora’s nursery?

[@MeganBell]

Yes, I think they fit smaller and snugger when buttoned all the way down than any other brand I mentioned.

[@staceyrussiantonian]

Where is the little bear diaper from that’s on the cover photo?

[@MeganBell]

Mama koala

[@staceyrussiantonian]

Megan Bell I cant find it anywhere unfortunately. If it’s not too much to ask can u check amazon or an email when u ordered it to see if still available.

[@MeganBell]

I just looked and it seems it may be a retired print now! I just published a new cloth diaper video on my channel, and I recommend it. I actually talk about these diapers and why they stopped working for me

[@staceyrussiantonian]

Megan Bell thank you for checking. I will watch your video as well:)

[@AnaPerez-gm8qk]

Rockin green is not a good detergent for your diapers. Check out fluff love and cloth diaper science they have a website listing all the detergents that work well and don’t work for diapers.

[@MeganBell]

Ana Perez you’re awesome, thank you!

[@4Distractiononly]

I changed to good ol Tide Free and Clear. So much better. Plus, you can use it for everything you wash.

[@ashleynoble2880]

@@4Distractiononly I've heard Tidenis the way to go. My mombused Tide when we were kids and I use it. Switched to free and clear and had the worst rash. I have sensitive skin and I think I just can't switch. Lol

[@kellie5138]

Flu gives HORRIBLE advice! So many people get buildup & their babies get the worst rashes/chemical burns because flu believe that detergent build up is not real & more detergent is better. No. Agitation, load size & a decent detergent is key!

[@lovelivi1591]

I switched my baby at 4 months to cloth and she has been having diaper rashes ever since. I feel so bad but dont want to go back to disposable. Anybody have tips!?

[@MeganBell]

What are you washing with?

[@lovelivi1591]

@@MeganBell free and clear detergent the first couple times then regular tide.

[@MeganBell]

love livi are you doing an extra rinse?

[@lovelivi1591]

@@MeganBell yes a rinse cycle first then wash with detergent.

[@kristenshawcross7251]

I use Annointment baby balm for rash protection. And Grovia mighty bubbles to get rid of build up. Never ever had a problem :) hope that helps

[@Heythere24561]

What tide detergent? The free and gentle?

[@MeganBell]

Not free and gentle. Regular tide. Check fluffuniversity.com they have a detergent index

[@Heythere24561]

Megan Bell thanks! So original scent is okay?

[@Heythere24561]

Never mind just checked the website you mentioned. Thank you for the info!

[@MeganBell]

Amanda you’re welcome! Hope it clears things up. I was confused about all of this at first

[@laurynnimmo222]

Hi I just sent you a message on Instagram!! I hope you see it, thank you so much for this video 💛

[@alexmac6386]

People wipe the baby's butt with the disposable diaper ,but legally they should be removing the poop to throw away in the trash if you read the box small print it wi say that the second diaper you mention alva baby makes them they just get a different tag 😉

[@MeganBell]

so true about the poop! Lol!

[@kellie5138]

Did you know that in most states it's against the law to put feces in the trash? It's supposed to be tossed into the toilet! Even from disposables, on the bag in small print it says to plop the poop into the toilet, then wrap the diaper up & throw in trash.

[@alexmac6386]

@@kellie5138 yes!but soo many people don't do it

[@margueritemonka6440]

I tried cloth diapering for three months. From month 2- month 5 and had to give it up. It just always leaked. Every.single.time. And not just a bit, like a ton. I tried everything. Different snaps, different KZbin videos, his little man facing different directions, double padding. But it always leaked. I used Nora, Alva and BabyGoal. All of them leaked. Along the thighs and at the top where the bellybutton is. Leak like a tap. Then I had to wash his onesies, his bedding, my couch. I’m super disappointed. I really wanted to do cloth diapering.

[@margueritemonka6440]

And with cloth diapers I mean the pocket diapers really.

[@MeganBell]

I was having those issues with Alva and Nora toward the end, but not the beginning. I really love grovia and used it til my son was 18 months.

[@TabbyWaddell]

Look into environmental effects of microfiber. It's not great. The microfiber sheds.

[@rebornsnuzzles2573]

And PUL is also awful. The manufacturing process is toxic. We've gone back to pockets because it's just about all we could find for the 9 year old with complex special needs that I care for, but for many years I eliminated all PUL and synthetics from our routine and I was so happy. It made a world of difference.

[@justrosy2635]

That "hormone" bit is nonsense. Babies don't have the ability to produce hormones, either naturally or chemically induced. That system in their bodies isn't developed enough yet for that, and any "chemical influence" would have long, long dissipated by the time they are school aged (when a very few children become able to respond to things like milk or soy). All chemicals have half-lives, and anything used in diapers, beyond the plastic components, will have very short half-lives. Plastic itself is not dangerous if it didn't come from China or other nations that don't care if they poison the rest of the world. If it was made in the USA, you can be assured that the testing standards are high enough that *that* plastic won't hurt anyone. They use plastic every day to save lives in hospitals, to no ill effect even down the road. Just some food for thought there. #ScienceMatters #PsuedoScienceIsLunacy