We have been a disposable diaper family since before Darah was born. The thought of cloth diapering or part-time cloth diapering never even occurred to me. When I was pregnant I used online resources and a whole lot of coupons to get some really good deals on disposable diapers in sizes 1-3. Doing this helped take the sting out of the expense of buying diapers so that we have only had to purchase a handful of packages since Darah was born.
In my world outside of blogging, I only know 1 person who used cloth diapers, and she used the hybrid system (gDiapers ). They really sounded like the best of both worlds, but the price was just something I couldn’t afford, which is why we decided not to pursue that method of diapering for Darah. I didn’t (and still don’t!) personally know a single person who uses any other type of cloth diaper.
You have probably noticed, however, that there tends to be a disproportionate number of mommy bloggers who are using cloth. I have no idea why this is, but it has really fascinated me! Cloth diapering mamas seems to constantly be singing the praises of their favorite cloth diaper companies, and swearing up and down that cloth diapering is EASY. The overall thriftiness of cloth diapering, however, is what really piqued my curiosity.
Over the last few months I have started paying attention to cloth diaper posts. I’m starting to learn the lingo (which, by the way, is very intimidating and overwhelming to a newbie). I’ve even started entering cloth diaper giveaways. I figured that if I won one, then it was meant to be and we were going to give it a try.
Well, I did win one! Stay tuned for my next post where I tell you all about our very first cloth diaper experience, courtesy of Holden’s Landing.
I’d love to hear all the mama’s who DON’T cloth diaper talk about why you are choosing/chose not to. There’s no judgment from me for not doing it…I can relate to being wary about going cloth! 🙂
Tiffany, we used G diapers for a while with Livy, but started using bum Genius pocket diapers on her when she was around 6 months old — originally just as our nighttime diaper because they don't leak, hold a TON of pee as you can add more inserts if you need to, and the lining does not feel wet against baby's skin. We used them more and more during the day and in combination with the Gs as her poops got more predictable (Gs for the poops, Bums for pee). They are WONDERFUL and if you are thinking of going the cloth route that is my #1 recommendation because they're so easy to use and practically bulletproof. They are also the best remedy to diaper rash — Livy has sensitive skin and that's why most disposables don't work for us — she gets an insta-rash with many because of the chemicals and those little gel pod things. But since the Bums keep her skin dry, even all night, if she ever gets a rash it clears up within a day.
Right now we use a combo of chlorine free disposables and Bums, but I've also used fitted diapers by Goodmama (super cute but like, stupid $$$) and SOS. So yes, you DO know someone who uses cloth! :]
Also, laundry is easy-peasy and would probably be even easier for you since you have a top load washer. I do a soak, then an extra sanitary cycle using Charlie's or 7th gen HE detergent with an extra rinse, adding baking soda and vinegar if I need to for a stubborn smell. Nothing to it ! It's one extra load of laundry every 3 or 4 days. No big !
Oh my gosh that baby in those cute knitted pants is just so adorable!!!
We used disposable diapers with our first baby because, honestly, we were completely inexperienced parents and knew NO ONE who used cloth diapers, so we went with what seemed easiest. That being said, I will certainly consider using cloth diapers if we have another baby, now that we are experienced parents. But, I am certain that my husband will balk and throw a fit for disposables if we have any problems at all from the cloth diapers!
i WILL be following along. please keep us posted on how this goes. and p.s. you are the winningest person i know.
Currently we're using disposables because of me being pregnant in the midst of having just moved and trying to remodel. I just couldn't handle the extra laundry. However, I'm already preparing to cloth diaper this next one. I love cloth. I disposable diapered Levi for the first 2 months of his life. The blowouts were unbelievable and never well timed. Even the expensive diapers wouldn't hold the poo. When I switched to cloth I was amazed at how quickly it absorbed the runny breastfed mess and how few blowouts he had afterwards. They also aren't very tough to take care of and are so so much cheaper!