Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Why We're Using Cloth Diapers

Some people thought I was crazy to consider using cloth diapers. The usual visual is something involving folding and pins and leaks and lots of poop. But trust me, a surprising number of people use cloth diapers these days. And it's not as complicated or messy as it seems.

First, I did my research. I Facebook-messaged a couple of girls I went to high school with who are successfully cloth diapering to ask some initial questions (huge thank you for your help!). I read through websites and blogs to get more information. I dragged Scott to a class at a local baby boutique so we could see and feel all the necessary supplies and possible options. What seemed overwhelming and confusing at first started to sound totally do-able.

I made sure Scott was on board (all I had to do was calculate the cost savings ha!) and we decided to make it easy on ourselves by using BumGenius 4.0 one-size pocket diapers. They look a lot like disposable diapers with a microfiber insert that you stuff inside. With all the snaps, they adjust to fit babies from 8 to 35 pounds. The initial investment can be steep, but it definitely pays off. We registered for what we would need and were blessed to receive many of the items at our showers or through using gift cards.

There are tons of benefits of cloth diapering (good for the environment, less diaper rash for baby, fewer blowouts, super cute colors, etc), but the #1 reason we decided to move forward was the cost savings.


Hope she doesn't kill me when she's older for posting this... but it's too cute!
We used disposables for the first five weeks or so, until we got the hang of things and Evelyn grew a bit (the one-size diapers are a little big for newborns). We're still using disposables at night but might eventually venture into using cloth and double up on the inserts to increase the absorbency.

So far, we're loving our cloth diapers! We use cloth wipes with a little water on them, so we just shake the insert out of the dirty diaper and into the pail, throw the diaper and cloth wipes in, and we're done. We also use a Planet Wise diaper pail liner (we have two to rotate) which can be tossed in the washer along with the dirty diapers (no need to touch anything nasty!). Everything gets a cold rinse (to cut down on staining), a hot wash cycle with cloth diaper-friendly detergent, and another cold rinse (to get all the detergent out). Then the inserts and wipes go in the dryer and the diapers air-dry on the rack. Once everything is dry, we stuff the inserts back into the diapers and they are ready to go. We have 20 diapers and 36 wipes and do laundry every 2-3 days. (I feel like I keep saying "we" but Scott is just as involved with diapering and laundry as I am!)





We also have cloth diaper-friendly diaper cream on hand (regular creams can cause repelling and affect absorbency). Once E starts solid food, we have a diaper sprayer to attach to the toilet in case we need to get rid of some of the mess before throwing it in the pail, or we can use liners which we can peel out and toss or flush, but while she's exclusively breastfed, we don't have to worry about that. When we're out and about, we usually use disposables, but we have used cloth and just bring a wet bag along to stash dirty diapers.

There is so much information on brands and products and different washing processes, but if you cut through all of that, it isn't as complicated as it sounds. I'm just starting out, so things may change and I'm sure I'll learn as I go, but at this point, I'm happy to answer questions if any of you are thinking about using cloth!

74 comments:

  1. What really struck me about this post is the wonderful pictures of the colorful diapers drying and stored. Could make a cute poster.
    The other thing that I noticed is how adorable my granddaughter is! I've never seen a bad picture of her. And she is getting so big. Huggie/kissies to her.

    Grandma Pat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great Article Cloud Computing Projects

      Networking Projects

      Final Year Projects for CSE

      JavaScript Training in Chennai

      JavaScript Training in Chennai

      The Angular Training covers a wide range of topics including Components, Angular Directives, Angular Services, Pipes, security fundamentals, Routing, and Angular programmability. The new Angular TRaining will lay the foundation you need to specialise in Single Page Application developer. Angular Training

      Delete
  2. Don't you love those fun colors?! The picture of E is about a month old... she's growing so fast! And I have to agree, so adorable :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. pre order 72-10 jordan 11s,pre order retro 11 72-10
    pre order jordan 8 aqua 2015,black Friday jordan 8 aqua
    black Friday jordan 8 aqua,jordan aqua 8s
    jordan 8 aqua 2015 sale,aqua 8s 2015
    pre order jordan 8 aqua 2015,aqua 8s 2015
    jordan 11 72-10,pre order jordan 11 72-10
    jordan 8 aqua 2015,black Friday jordan 8s
    retro 11 72-10,jordan retro 11 72-10
    fake jordan shoes,fake jordans,replica jordan shoes
    retro air jordan 11 72-10,jordan 11 72-10
    jordan 11 72-10,cheap jordan 11 72-10
    72-10 11s,jordan 11 72-10,jordan 72-10 11s
    air jordan 11 72-10,72-10 11s jordan
    jordan retro 11,retro jordan 11
    moncler outlet,moncler jackets outlet
    UGGS on sale,cheap ugg boots
    UGGS on sale,cheap ugg boots sale
    kobe 10,nike kobe 10,cheap kobe X
    UGGS on sale,cheap uggs
    fake ugg boots,cheap fake uggs
    jordan 11 72-10,72-10 11s
    jordan 11 space jam,space jam 11s
    jordan 11 gamma blue,gamma blue 11s,retro 11 gamma blue
    jordan 11 concord,air jordan concords 11
    valentino shoes 2015
    valentino shoes sale
    valentino shoes outlet
    nike kobe x, nike kobe 10,kobe 10 elite,kobe 10 shoes
    nike kobe x, nike kobe 10,kobe 10 elite,kobe 10 shoes
    jimmy choo,jimmy choo sale,jimmy choo shoes
    herve leger,herve leger dress,herve leger sale
    herve leger,herve leger dress,herve leger outlet,herve leger sale
    herve leger,herve leger dress,herve leger sale
    herve leger,herve leger dress,herve leger sale
    bordeaux 7s,air jordan 7 bordeaux 2015
    jordan 11lab4,air jordan 11lab4 2015
    christian louboutin,christian louboutin heels,christian louboutin shoes,christian louboutin pumps for cheap,christian louboutin heels
    jimmy choo,jimmy choo shoes,jimmy choo outlet,jimmy choo ca
    new balance shoes,new balance outlet,new balance ca

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes, I am with what you think. And with that many people have mentioned.

    สมัครแทงบอล

    ReplyDelete
  5. Physical activity is not a taboo for such individuals, as they can use overnight adult diapers for prolonged periods during the day as well.cute adult diapers

    ReplyDelete
  6. And, there you sit in a messy, uncomfortable diaper until someone can change you. Remember, now, you put yourself in this position by volunteering to go in diapers when you did not need diapers. Vežimėlis Skėtukas

    ReplyDelete
  7. We require all the more such articles that we can read with such excitement.
    Billionaire

    ReplyDelete
  8. For a long time me & my friend were searching for informative blogs, but now I am on the right place guys, you have made a room in my heart! extra large baby diapers

    ReplyDelete
  9. These websites are really needed, you can learn a lot.
    Fashion

    ReplyDelete
  10. In the universe of blog composing, this blog really should be known as the best.
    kilgour.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. stirare camicie a domicilio

    ReplyDelete


  12. شركة نقل عفش بمكة
    ______-

    اننا في شركة الرائد للخدمات المنزلية نقدم خدمات ممتازة في الدمام بافضل الاسعار بجودة عالية لمزيد من الخدمات تفضل بزيارة

    شركة مكافحة حشرات بالدمام افضل شركة مكافحة حشرات بالدمام

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hire Best Packers And Movers Mumbai for hassle-free Household Shifting, ***Office Relocation, ###Car Transporation, Loading Unloading, packing Unpacking at affordable ✔✔✔ Price Quotation. Top Rated, Safe and Secure Service Providers who can help you with 24x7 and make sure a Untroubled Relocation Services at Cheapest/Lowest Rate
    Packers And Movers Mumbai

    ReplyDelete
  14. Packers and Movers Hyderabad Give Certified and Verified Service Providers, Cheap and Best ###Office Relocation Charges, ***Home Shifting, ✔✔✔Goods Insurance worth Rs. 10,000, Assurance for Local and Domestic House Shifting. Safe and Reliable Household Shifting Services in Hyderabad with Reasonable Packers and Movers Price Quotation @ Packers And Movers Hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  15. The core 7751 movement was fake Breitling designed to add functionality to the iconic Valjoux 7750 automatic 12 hour chronograph. What it adds is a complete calendar (displaying fake Omega the month, date, fake Hublot and day of the week), as well as a moon phase indicator and synchronized 24 hour hand which effectively serves as an AM/PM indicator. I’ve written about fake Cartier watches that use the 7751 movement for over a decade now, and I will remind readers that one of the downsides of the 7751 is that it presents particular design challenges for watchmakers seeking to create visually balanced dials. So much of the “weight” of the information on the dial is on fake Patek Philippe the left-side. That means the right side of the dial is relatively fake Panerai sparse and typically reserved for a fake Tag Heuer watch brand logo. Longines fake Audemars Piguet designs this Master Collection dial about as well as can be expected around the 7751’s quirky dial layout.

    High-end fashion classic replica watches, worth collecting.www.vipwatches.co

    ReplyDelete
  16. Packers and Movers Gurgaon Provide Reliable, Safe and Certified Service Provider list, Get Free ***Best Price Quotaition and Compare Charges. ???Hassle free Household Shifting Services, High Quality packing Material, Office Relocation, Car Transportaion, ###Local and Domestic Shifting Service @ Packers And Movers Gurgaon

    ReplyDelete
  17. This may be an issue with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before.

    ReplyDelete

I'd love to hear from you!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails