Thursday, October 1, 2009

cloth diapering

Yes, I'm one of those weirdos that has decided to go old school, but in a new school way.

I'm using cloth diapers.

And I love it!

This ain't your mom's trifolds, either. If you ever want to know more, I'd be more than happy to give you an ear full. But not in a preachy way. I hardly think everyone needs to be doing this. But I say, why not save you hours of research if I've already done it?

My favorite diaper story to date is about my dear friend Jennifer. She was kind enough to hold Eli (actually, I think she was about to pry him out of my arms had I not offered) while I was in a long meeting. In her typical care-free style she popped over after a little bit and grabbed my diaper bag so she could change his stink. I immediately explained the "cloth" situation and stood up to change him myself. But this is care-free Jenn! She said, "No problem."

Except there sorta was. Because I'd forgotten to pack another diaper for him. (Such a rookie move.) She searched the bag, but to no avail. Gratefully Jenn is a seasoned veteran of two boys herself and knows how to be inventive when necessary. She ingeniously washed the outer layer and stuffed it with one of my burp cloths. Brilliant and yet so obvious.

It didn't phase her a bit. I, however, couldn't stop apologizing. And wondering... if I was in the same predicament, would I have been as resourceful? I decided no, I wouldn't. Eli would be wearing a toga made of toilet paper.

So many of people have asked why I'm doing this. I don't have a trendy answer. It's not because of the environment, though that was a little bit of the influence. I occasionally have nightmares of a landfill in India filled with Eli's poo. It's not because I'm afraid of harsh chemicals on my baby's bum. Although we have gratefully had no diaper rash issues since switching over.

Perhaps pathetically, it's mostly about the money. I'm estimating that we'll save about $700 over the life of Eli. Not to mention that I should be able to reuse them for the next kid. Maybe saving another $1200? Not a bad trade off, I say.

I decided to do this after watching my good friend Becky tackle cloth diapers 3 years ago. She made it look effortless. I watched and learned and am finding that it really isn't as bad as most people think, even with my on-the-go lifestyle. (As I said, if you want to know more, I'll give you the run-down. Just shoot me an email.)

I'm glad I'm doing it. Yes, it means I do more laundry. And occasionally it's a bit messy. But overall I think it's great and am glad I wasn't intimidated past the point of trying. One thing I will mention, though - since cloth diapers have more material than disposable, some of his newborn pants and onesies don't fit anymore.
What can I say? Baby's got back.

9 comments:

Erin said...

Karen,
You rock! I so wanted to try cloth, but I had 2 major obstacles: a septic system that doesn't allow use of bleach and tends to belch if I wash too many clothes, and going back to work. They look so cute and I'm sure Eli's bum will appreciate the effort! :)

Happy said...

I have given cloth a thought as I'm about to put a third baby/child/poop machine in diapers. And it would definetely be about saving some mula.

I never even considered it with N and C because I did return to work with both and it would have been a lot to ask of my babysitter and I thought it would be too much for me as well.

However, since I'm all set up to "retire" when this one pops out all sorts of new possibilities are on the horizon.

So...feel free to inundate me with information. I'm all ears.

Heck, maybe I'll switch Noah to cloth and he'll hate them and he'll finally say he's ready to go on the potty.

Don't even get me started about how he watches Elmo's Potty Time eighteen times a day and yet doesn't want to even entertain big boy underwear.

Shawna said...

Great post! I love it! It is so Karen! He is so adorable. I should just fly to TX since it is starting to get cold here & the snow is starting to fly. But of course seeing Eli would be the best excuse ever :)

Megan said...

Karen if you ever decide you want more cloth diaper OR anyone who reads this and wants to consider cloth diapering....my sister in law works with refugee women who are actually making cloth diapers, liner, insert, everything, for about half the cost of what they typically cost. So if you are interested let me know - you could save even more money and support these women.

Crafty P said...

that is awesome. i considered it as well.... but resorted to luvs. I love cloth diapered babies though! he looks so cute in that dipe!

Ashley said...

Hi! I saw the title of this post over on Chrystal's site and was just wondering...what brand are you using? We're having a little boy in January, and I am doing cloth diapers. So far I'm planning on FuzziBunz bc I've already had several friends reccommend them, but are there any particular brands you've loved/hated?

LifeAtTheCircus.com said...

Look at his cuteness! Gosh I miss that boy. And I had no idea that cloth diapers were so cute... look at that little but sticking up there... Love it!!

Muthering Heights said...

LOLOL, I jujst love the huge booty created by cloth diapers!!! Just wait until he starts walking. It will be priceless!

Anonymous said...

Yeah for you!! I love cloth! A couple of months back I bought a stash of the new Bum Genius Organic w/Snaps...LOVE them!