Yes, we took the plunge into the world of cloth diapering! Thanks to some good information from a couple of my friends who were kind enough to share their experiences and some good ol' internet research...we were off! =) Everyone else thought we were crazy...but we were so thankful to have a couple of fellow cloth diapering moms to lean on! =)
Our two main reasons for choosing cloth were the following:
-reducing the amount of waste going into our landfills (both the husband and I teach kids about doing our part for the environment...we needed to continue to "walk the walk") Here are some stats: http://www.ec.gc.ca/envirozine/english/issues/45/any_questions_e.cfm
-cost savings...kids are expensive! Although the initial investment into cloth diapers is hefty...the long term savings are HUGE! Check it out: http://www.tinygem.ca/cloth-vs-disposables.shtml
If you want to try to do the math yourself, here's a tool to help you (you'll need the prices of your choices though...) http://www.diaperpin.com/calculator/calculator.asp
We didn't start using the cloth right away...adjusting to parenthood was new enough thank you very much...but once we had a handle on everything, adding cloth diapers to the mix wasn't too bad at all! We were using cloth wipes from the very beginning...they just go into the same wash as the diapers.
You may be thinking the same things when I first thought about cloth diapers...
Ewww...gross!
So much work!
Safety pins and and cloths!
Washing must be gross!!!
It is actually not bad at all! (And this is coming from someone who is grossed out easily...TRUST ME!) Cloth diapers have come a long way in the last few years! The ones we use are pretty similar to a disposeable diaper...have a looksie here:
There are SO many different types of cloth diapers to choose from...you really need to research and see which ones suit your needs best. This particular one works for us...but it may not be ideal for other folks.
We chose this particular diaper for the following reasons:
-one size--it adjusts in size to grow with your baby--don't need to buy different sets of diapers for different stages in the baby's life
-pocket diaper--ability to adjust absorbency needs by adding or removing stuffing--also takes less time to dry in the dryer
-design--easy to put on...just like a disposable diaper because it has velcro attachments...no folding...no pins...easy peasy!
-one piece--no extra cover required
Aside from some pee leaks early on (mostly due to us not putting on the diaper properly)...they have been awesome! No poopy explosions unlike the disposeable diapers we used in the beginning! I'll take pee leaks over poopy explosions any day!!!!! =)
We aren't exclusively using cloth diapers...we use disposables sometimes when we are going out (depending on the outfit)...usually because the cloth diapers are a bit bulkier and some of Baby S's pants don't fit right because of it...and we use a disposable overnight. Cloth diapers don't hold as much as disposables do...we'd have to change Baby S overnight if he was in the cloth (he would wake up more), so we figured using a disposable diaper in order to have uninterrupted sleep is okay! =) We're using cloth for most of the time...we're doing our part...but we're not perfect!
As for washing etc. I think this website does a good job of describing it:
All in all it is a thumbs up in our household!
Baby S's diaper rashes are minimal to non-existent...
The diaper laundry is manageable...
We are saving money...
Baby S is starting his life in this world by doing his part for the environment...
Let me know if you want to chat diapers! =)
No comments:
Post a Comment