Well, it's official, my family & my husband all think that I've gone off 'the deep end'. I've chosen to cloth diaper Megan. Now, I have a lot of family and friends asking me why. So, I figured I would type a blog post that I could direct everyone to, to explain my reasons and the research that I've done myself.
So, why?
1. In the long run, it's a cheaper option than using disposables.
2. I've had experience potty training G, with that, comes poop accidents. I never heard, until recently, a parent throwing away poopy underwear. We've always just dumped it in the toilet, rinsed them, and then thrown them in the laundry. It wasn't too big of a mess with G, and I figured since we've been doing it for the last year, what's another few years with M?
3. I've recently heard and read about the new chemicals that are placed in Dry Max type diapers, and the so-called 'rashes' that babies are getting from wearing them. Honestly, I don't want those chemicals on my baby, and the chance of her getting horrible 'rashes'.
There are a few more, but those are my main reasons for choosing cloth diapers this time around rather than disposables. I also realize that my choice is not the choice for everyone else. I think it's completly overwhelming to figure out what is the best decision, and many people just think it's 'gross'. So, please remember that these are my choices alone. I'll also add that these aren't necessarily DJ's choice.
When I mentioned cloth diapers to DJ, he told me 'no'... a very stern 'no'. It was something that I felt strongly about, so I went ahead and purchased 2 diapers. He was not happy once they arrived on our door, but I was so excited to show him the diaper and convince him that they 'looked' like regualr diapers. I still don't think he's sold on the idea, but he's willing to let me.
A drawback to cloth diapers is the laundry. Yes, they do require a special detergent. But, from what I've heard, you're using less detergent so it lasts a long time. They also do have to be rinsed, and then washed, and they should be line dried. All of which are concerns, but it's a sacrifice i'm willing to make. The laundry is still an area that I'm learning and exploring, and since the cloth diaper world can be so overwhelming, it's something that I'm waiting to figure out. Of course, I can't wait too much longer!
So, after exploring the pros and cons, I started to explore the types of diapers that were available. After talking to a few other moms, I have figured out that we want to try one-size diapers, because they can grow with the baby. I am also going to use all-in-one's (AIOs) and pocket diapers. Finally, I decided to try a few covers & prefolds for the newborn stage.
So, here's what I decided with each one:
Above is the Bum Genius 3.0. It's an AIO diaper, meaning I will rinse it, and throw the entire thing into the wash. It has an absorbent inside and the cover is attached. I decided to try these, because I found them for $10.00 each. These however, were not my first choice. Because they're an AIO, I feel like the outside cover can deteriorate over time since the pee & washed off poo, might get on the outside in the wash. Also, these are velcro or aplix, which, also deteriorate over time. When I received them, I didn't think they were as 'thick' as the Fuzzi Bunz that I had already received, but I'm willing to try them.
I've purchased some other AIO's, but because they're an 'off brand' I'm not going to include them in this post, as they're basically the same style.
Above: The Fuzzi Bunz pocket diaper one-size. After doing research, these are my favorite diapers. I love that they have pockets. Meaning, I can put 1-2 inserts inside the diaper to make it more absorbent as needed. They also come with 2 inserts. I'll be purchasing hemp inserts as well, as they are more absorbent, and i've made some of my own flannel inserts. Plus, the inserts can be removed and washed seperately, hoping to prolong the outside of the diaper.
I like that these have buttons and can be adjusted, and that they'll grow with the baby. Meaning, I can use from a starting weight until age 2. I also like that these have an adjustable elastic, so I can fit the leg holes on smaller or larger settings as needed.
The con that I've heard to this diaper, is that the inside fuzzes in the wash. But, they're also very soft! Another con is the cost at about $20.00 a piece.
Finally, after deciding on the above brands, I decided I would attempt to cloth diaper at the newborn stage. Above is the Thirsties cover- this is actually the Thirsties duo, but bare with me, as I'm pretty sure they're similar to the Thirsties that I did purchase.
With the Thirsties cover, you simply place a pre-fold inside the cover. Once it's soiled, you take out the pre-fold and replace it with a new pre-fold, and you can wipe off the cover if something gets on it. Pre-folds are also a cheaper option in the long run, and I'm hoping that I'll like them and can continue to use them with ease as the baby gets older. But, for the newborn stage, I've only purchased x-small Thirsties.
These do also have leg guskets, which gives an extra layer of protection at the legs to prevent leaks.
Above, you'll find the Indian pre-folds. From what I've read, these are the most cost-efficient and they're absorbent. Plus, they can be used as extra inserts in pocket diapers. Now, don't think these are like the Gerber type prefold, and the old-school cloth diapers that you have to fold and pin in place. That's why I was scared of pre-folds. You do simply fold the square into a rectangle, and that's it. After it's folded, you just place it inside the cover.
So, these weren't as intimidating as I originally thought, and at around $1.50 for the prefolds and $11.00 for the covers, it can be more cost efficient.
Have I overwhelmed you? Don't worry, if I did, I know how you feel, as I'm still feeling overwhelmed, but I'm determined to get through it and figure it out. As, we go through this process, I plan on blogging more about it. My goal is to make it as easy as possible for others to navigate through.
Feel free to leave questions in the comments, as I can use them for more cloth diaper posts!
