I have had quite a few requests for information about where to find good quality cloth diapering supplies. Here's a list of my favorites.

Hemp diapers:
"http://www.babiesunderwraps.com" This work-at-home mom makes these hemp "Raincatchers" when you order. Expect delivery to take a couple weeks. I ordered about a dozen of the small 2-layer hemp jersey diapers to start our supply. These are perfect for the first few months! Because they are so trim they will fold down to fit a tiny newborn and then can be used up to about 17-20 lbs. with doublers for additional absorbency. For us that was about 6-9 months (we have big babies around here!) In fact, I still use them as my back-up supply if I run out of clean ones and forgot to start the washer and they're still going strong after 19 months. They have been extremely durable. I have only had to throw one away, and that was after more than a year of heavy use.

"http://www.babykicks.com" I ordered a couple of their "Duz-It-Alls" to see how they would work as diapers when we outgrew the small "Raincatchers." The service was good and timely. I was not at all pleased with the product, however, though the price was great. After one wash the fabric was pulling at the stitching and starting to make holes. I reinforced all the stitching and ran two parallel lines of stitching down the center of the diaper long-wise (so it looked more like a pre-fold). This definitely improved them, though I still don't think I'd order them again. We use them regularly because the size is perfect but they are almost too worn now. However, I've heard that the hemp pre-folds made by Babykicks are very good. I haven't tried them because they are pricey.

There are some other work-at-home moms who make hemp diapers as well. To find them, you may want to ask on the diapering board at "http://www.parentsplace.com" it is a HUGE resource!

Hemp fabric to make your own - This can be a little tricky! First, ask on the diapering board at "http://www.parentsplace.com" to see if anyone can send you information regarding current hemp co -ops. They cannot give you information on the boards, according to the rules of the site. But often someone will e-mail you if you ask and post your e-mail address for responses.

The next thing to try is to go to "http://www.yahoogroups.com" and search for diaper fabric co-ops, cloth diaper co-ops, hemp cotton co-ops and any other catch phrase you can think of that might find what you're looking for. Hemp co-ops come and go, so it really depends on what you can find at any given time. The terms of purchase will vary from one co-op to the next so read the terms very carefully!

Hemp doublers-

You have several options if you want to use hemp doublers. Doublers are flats which are folded into a strip or several layers of hemp that have been sewn into a strip. This strip is laid long-wise in the center of the diaper for additional absorbency. Doublers can also be used in "Fuzzi Bunz" or other pocket diapers.

"http://www.babiesunderwraps.com" - you can use the "Raincatchers" folded. "http://www.babykicks.com" - their "JoeyBunz" are the "original" hemp doublers for pocket dipes. "http://www.smjae.com"- this is my favorite, personally. This work-at-home-mom makes the best selection of doublers, wipes and other diapering accessories and her prices can't be beat.

Chinese Prefolds or Diaper Service Quality Prefolds-

First, you need to know some terminology and what you're looking for. Chinese prefolds (CPFs) and diaper service quality (DSQ) prefolds are not created equal. The DSQ diapers available in retail locations such as Babies R Us are not worth spending money on in my opinion. They cost the same or more than the higher quality ones online. And the best quality ones will last virtually forever! So it's worth the effort to get the best.

There are also European prefolds now. Some people prefer European prefolds because they do not use child labor (not all CPFs do either, but how do you know?) I've heard that European prefolds are a little more durable than CPFs but the CPFs are softer and quilt up more nicely. Since either one is going to last a very long time, the durability issue isn't a factor in my consideration.

Diaper service quality diapers are often not as high quality as the CPFs or Europeans. You need to know your terminology. Sometimes CPFs or DSQs are 4x6x4 and sometimes they are 4x8x4. This numbering designates the number of fabric layers in the edges and center of the diaper. My personal preference is CPFs or comparable DSQs in 4x8x4.

"http://www.weebees.com"- carries both CPFs and Europeans. They also offer a wonderful explanation of the differences of each, as well as of a large selection of other diapering products. Be sure to take note of their shipping policies before ordering! Their shipping is not out of line, but neither is it the most reasonable I've seen.

"http://www.naturalbabies.com"- I love this work-at-home mom! If you have the opportunity to deal with her you will become a fan too. She's wonderful. She ships very fast and packages things nicely. Her shipping price is the best out there. She will also price-match (taking shipping into consideration).

"http://www.prodiaper.net"- This is a company that makes diapers and covers for diaper service companies. You can order at retail on their website. However, this is my personal favorite place to shop for covers and prefolds because you can get seconds for a wonderful price. To order seconds, call (360) 699-5403 (in Washington State) or (800) 397-8594. You can ask for Prorap diaper cover seconds and for diaper seconds. You will want to c hose 4x6x4 or 4x8x4. I prefer the 4x8x4. These are about $17 per dozen and then shipping is by weight. This is the best price I've seen. I've been using these diapers for about a year now. I only have one dozen diapers so I wash them every other day. After a year of use they still look new!

A word about seconds- supposedly the diaper covers have slight flaws but I've never been able to find them. The diaper seconds are actually first quality. The company gets the diapers in huge bales. If a bale opens and the diapers spill out, those diapers are sold as seconds. There's nothing at all wrong with them.

Diaper Doublers-

Diaper doublers are used to increase diaper absorbency. These are especially helpful as baby is growing so you don't have to buy more dipes as often. They also help keep your diaper trim. Just about any of the sites I've listed here carry diaper doublers. However, I do have a personal favorite. "http://www.smjae.com"- is awesome.

Prorap Classic Diaper Covers-

Several of the websites I've listed above carry these diaper covers. However, I get them by calling Proservices (above) and ordering seconds for about $3 each. I like having 8-10 diaper covers, though 6 would be quite adequate. Four is too few.

Fleece or Wool Diaper Covers-

I haven't ever tried either wool or fleece diaper covers. I like the Proraps so much and the price for them is so good, I've never tried any other. However, many people prefer to use a more breathable cover or prefer using only natural materials with no synthetics. Several of the websites I listed above carry either or both types of covers. You can also ask for recommendations or favorites on the diapering board at "http://www.parentsplace.com"- you will get a lot of info if you ask!

Diaper wipes-

Here again, just about any diapering site has diaper wipes. However, there are really just two options I recommend.

First, pick up a big pack of store brand wash clothes at Wal-Mart or Target. These will work great and are the cheapest route.

If you want something a little more absorbent and a little more manageable size, again I recommend "http://www.smjae.com"- you will not be disappointed with her baby wipes and her prices are the best out there.

Patterns to make your own-

If you'd prefer to make your own diapers be sure to check out "http://www.diapersewing.com"- these are free detailed instructions with photos.

An additional site that has been suggested but not checked out by our diapering-age staff. "http://www.earthbaby.com"

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