There is definitely a learning curve when it comes to cloth diapering. There are just so many brands and styles, different ways of washing, and detergents etc. No wonder parents feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the mere mention of cloth diapers.

9 things I wish I would have known before I began cloth diapering:

1. Opinions of other cloth diapering mamas who could have guided me. Well, since that didn't happen, I learned by trial and error. We have had some good cloth diapering moments and some not so good ones, and we are still learning. With that said, find cloth diapering groups online or in person. Find other people that are just as in love with cloth diapering as you!
2. Wash your diapers in small batches (16-20 at a time). The more diapers you wash at one time, the less clean they get. Seems like common sense, but I guess I didn't pick up on that one until recently. Now that I don't stick 30 plus diapers and wipes in the washing machine they seem to be less stinky.
3. Strip your diapers. I  figured I must be doing something wrong if my diapers got stinky or started to leak. Turns out it happens to pretty much everyone, and having to strip them every couple of months or so is completely normal. Different things that can cause build up include detergent residue, rash creams, and minerals from hard water. With that said, strip your diapers.
4. Soap nuts are a great detergent. They work amazingly, are inexpensive and reduce the amount of residue build-up!
5. Use your dryer’s lowest setting. I usually hang dry my diapers, but on occasion use the dryer. They would always come out stinky if I dried them after washing. I recently discovered that the lowest heat setting is best.
6. Use a dry pail, not a wet one. I found this one out the hard way. Water in a bucket with poo filled diapers is the worst combo ever. This piece of advise should be written in the actual diapers, so no one makes this mistake. Ever.
7. Diaper spray. Using a diaper spray makes cleaning your diapers so much easier when they start on solids. Trust me. I have done the whole dump in the toilette and swoosh around. It is not very pleasant.
8. It is addictive. You have no idea. Once you start you just can’t stop and all of a sudden your drawers are overflowing with the cutest diapers. Lesson from the wise- try not to over buy and look for versatile diapers that can be adjusted to grow with your baby/toddler.

Right now, I have a few different types of diapers and love them all for different reasons! But, AppleCheeks was kind enough to send me more diapers, a swim diaper and liners. You know- because you can never have too many diapers, right?

The very last thing I wish I had known was how amazing AppleCheeks diapers are, before I started on my cloth diapering journey 2 and 1/2 years ago!

To learn more about cloth diapering, AppleCheeks offers a lot of information on their site and they have some great diapers to boot!

If you cloth diaper, what do you wish you had known before you started?

I was sent diapers and liners from AppleCheeks in return for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my very own.