I mentioned on Twitter a few weeks ago that I was trying cloth diapers. I'd thought about it before we got pregnant and had done some research on the different types and brands. There are a heck of a lot of options & everyone has an opinion about what's best. When Nate got here, it was just easier to use all those disposable diapers folks were so kind to give us. That and Sandy flat out said if we used cloth, he wouldn't change a poopy diaper.... and that's all of Nate's diapers!!
When I found a website,
Jillian's Drawers, that offered a money back trial of any kind of cloth diaper you wanted, I just had to try. I'd been working on Sandy for at least a year and now that Nate's here, he has realized it's just poop. So, I placed my order and eagerly awaited the mailman!
I opted for the
BumGenius 3.0 One Size diaper. It's one of the more well-known brands (think the Pampers of cloth) and uses velcro tabs, just like disposables. I wanted one diaper that would last for as long as Nate was in diapers. You have the option of buying sized (or fitted) diapers based on weight, but as your child grows, you have to buy the next size up. At $17 a piece, I wasn't willing to make that kind of investment, so I bought the kind that have snaps on the front to adjust the rise of the diaper. Nate can wear these until he's potty trained (provided that happens before kindergarten). These have a snap, size-adjustable insert that goes down in a pocket on the diaper (hence the term, pocket diaper). The insert absorbs all the liquid and you can add additional inserts for more/less absorbency for overnight and naps.
Because we're starting solids, I've ordered a
diaper sprayer for the toilet (no more dunking, Mom!) that works like the sprayer on your sink. That'll make things a little less messy.
I tried to sew my own drawstring wet bag (hangs in the bathroom to put the sprayed diapers in until you're ready to do laundry), but my sewing skills are rudimentary at best and it leaks. I *think* I've figured out what I did wrong, so I have plans to take it apart and redo when I have a little more time and the patience to rip out all those seams.
We've been doing cloth for a few weeks now & I have to say I like it!! A lot!! I haven't had a single leak and haven't been pooped on at all (that was a daily occurrence in the disposables)! I'm doing a lot of laundry (I only have 12 diapers, so I have to wash every day to have enough clean), but I was washing a lot before anyway.
I even got crafty & sewed my own cloth wipes which we're using now instead of disposable wet wipes!
If I'm careful with the diapers, they can last for a second (and possibly 3rd kid), which will save a ton of money in the long run! It's also good for the environment (you all know I'm pseudo-green) and they're super cute! If the next kid is a girl, I'll have to order some in pink.
