When we do Cloth Diaper 101 Workshops in the Greater Vancouver area, one of the handouts that often renders long gazes and quick mental calculations is our cost comparsion sheet. Off the bat, it sounds like cloth diapers are a luxurious, expensive venture.  But when it comes down to it, they can save you money, and lots of it! 

Regardless, you are laying out some bucks and want to make sure that you are wise with your spending.  Our friends over at ParentingbyNature.com inspired us to consider how we help New & Green Families keep their diapers in tip-top shape and fend off those nay-sayers that say it's too much money! At New & Green, our top 10 recommendations to get the most out of your cloth diaper investment are:

• Have enough diapers in rotation so that your diapers aren't getting excessive wear and tear.  We recommend 24 for newborns, 16-18 for older infants.  If you are using a One-Size solution and expect to use your diapers for upwards of 2-3 years, we suggest you add 6 onto these numbers to ensure their longevity.
• Use appropriate detergent - we highly recommend Nature Clean Powder and Wonderwash Detergent.
• Do not use bleach on your diapers - they will prematurely wear and break down.
• Wait until your diapers have "cooled" out of the dryer before restuffing them or stretching the elastic - it is a great stress for elastic to be stretched when it is hot.
• Hang to dry when able - especially your pocket shells, covers and tote bags.
• Close those velcro tabs to prevent the hook velcro from catching on other fabric and snagging it.
• Do not use fabric softeners in the washer or dryer - this will decrease the absorbency and performance of your diapers
• Do consider re-selling your diapers when you are finished with them.  Craigslist Vancouver is a great place to re-coup some of your initial investment by selling your "no longer needed" diapers to other families.
• Do use a microfleece liner inside your diapers when using a bum cream to avoid coating the diaper with moisture repelling creams/ointments.
• Use a "dry pail" to store your dirty diapers to laundry day and wash those diapers every 2-3 days.

With this insurance policy, you are set to get the most out of your cloth diapers! What are your best tips to keep your diapers in great shape?

The GroVia Magic Stick is made from natural ingredients and is cloth diaper safe. It protects baby's sensitive skin from wetness and helps clear up minor rashes.

The unique format allows your hands to be mess-free and lets you apply the perfect amount. Since it is mess-free, the GroVia Magic Stick is a great addition to your diaper bag.

I'd like to dedicate a post to Wraps. These wonderful carriers are nothing new, the concept of wearing our babies is an age old one, but it is not always an obvious choice for parents.

There is the obvious fact that it allows us to be close to our babies and have our hands free to get some chores done (Yea right!) or play with older kids... or whatever it is you need to get done that day. But there is much more to them than that. Being close to your baby (any care giver, not just mommy), strengths bonds, makes parents more attentive, allows for more interactions, and provides a feeling of safety for your baby. The closeness of mothers and babies actually allows them to shape one another's behaviour, leading to many more positive emotions and interactions.

Check out the CuddlyWrap by Peapod. This wrap is made from 100% organic cotton, and can be used from birth to Toddler. It comes in many different colours, and most importantly is extremely safe and easy to use. Baby sits safely on your chest, allowing for lots of bonding time. For more info watch this video.

The BumGenius brand has become a staple in most cloth diapering homes, yet I have recently discovered that Mini-Kiwi One Size Pocket Diaper is quite comparable, if not better! It is sized similarly, and almost as trim as it's BumGenius counterpart. Why this post you may ask? Well, personally, I'm a huge fan of natural fibres: they are easier to clean and can be extremely absorbent. The Mini-Kiwi One Size Pocket has the usual waterproof outer layer, but it's inside that counts! The insert boasts 3 layers of bamboo, and I have to say - there is no leaking to be had here! The included newborn insert is an excellent booster for an older baby, and works well for overnights and naps. While the instructions included advise un-stuffing is required before washing - I have found that this is actually not necessary. The inserts do work their way out of the diaper quite well in the wash, as long as the load isn't too large!

A bonus feature is the newborn fold down snaps to accommodate the umbilical cord - something most pocket one size diapers lack! 

All in all, a great buy that should last comfortably from birth (actually!) to potty. Added bonus, this is made right here in Canada!!