A little over a week ago, I switched to using cloth diapers 100% of the time after all the encouragement and tips regarding their use, plus the fact that I had this big stash of cloth diapers I had been given for free, ready and sitting around, while almost being out of disposables.
As I had before, I did a ton of reading online to figure out how to finally make cloth work. I have tried with every single baby, and have never stuck with it. Part of the problem, I think, is that there is
too much information out there, particularly regarding the many choices in cloth diapers. Having had that choice made for me by the simple fact that I had been given the diapers, rather than having to pick them out myself, made that a lot easier.
Here in Phoenix, we have a wonderful store that specializes in everything to do with cloth diapers,
Zoolikins (formerly Wildflower Diapers). Everything is also available through their website for mail-order service, but I love that fact that I can walk in and actually see and feel what I'm getting. So I headed down there with all the diapers in Becky's size packed neatly in a box, hoping that the lady in the store would be able to help me figure out what supplies I still needed to make a complete system.
- My most important purchase was a diaper sprayer. It certainly makes those dirty diaper messes a lot more tolerable to deal with (though still majorly unpleasant, as is inevitable due to the nature of the job). In addition, I think I will get a box of diaper liners next time I am at the store, just for those times that I am pretty sure Becky will need it. But even just the sprayer is great. I can see how it can be used for lots of other things as well, such as rinsing a potty.
- Diaper pail liner: this goes right in the washing machine with the dirty diapers on wash day. Only bought one, but hoping to add a second soon to be able to use while the other is in the wash. I would also like to get the reusable wet bags for my diaper bag in the future, but for now I'm just using a large ziploc storage bag.
- Diaper covers: as it turned out, the only diaper cover I had in Becky's size was the Aristocrats wool soaker. I ended up buying 4 Bummis Whisper Wrap diaper covers to use during the day, and I use the wool soaker at night. The Bummis go right in the wash with the diapers and are easy to care for, but still, I much prefer the Aristocrats wool soaker. I would really like to switch to using only their wool soakers exclusively, but they are so expensive that I would really have to stretch out adding one here and there every few months while continuing to use the Bummis. I do know how to knit, and I know that I could make my own wool soakers, but I just LOVE this particular brand and know that mine would never come out as good.
- Snappi diaper fasteners: these are to go with my dozen prefolds that have been sewn into fitted diapers, but don't have their own fasteners. Very easy to use.
- For wipes, I bought 3 dozen cotton terry washcloths at Wal-Mart, and a wonderfully smelling wipes solution. In the future, I plan on just making my own solution from scratch, but I wanted to have something convenient like this on hand for those days that I am pinched for time.
- Laundering supplies: I bought a small bottle of detergent specifically made for washing the wool soakers with. I also bought a couple of small samples of the natural detergent that the lady at the store was recommending as being effective with our very hard water. So far, I have never yet been able to find a natural laundry soap that really worked, but this seems to be getting the job done. I will order a box of it through my co-op next month, which will be much cheaper.
Even though I was only buying these necessary "add-ons", my total cost was still pretty high. I think the initially large investment into cloth diapers is what makes is impossible or undesirable for many to make the switch.
As far as being more work, I do find that I have change Becky's diaper more often, but each diaper change itself really isn't taking any longer.
Then there's the extra laundry. I find myself doing a load every other night, but it's not a full load (maybe like 2/3). Then I dry them first thing in the morning, and the kids help fold and stash the diapers back in the bins where we keep them. Not a big deal, just a question of getting into a different routine. I make fresh wipes every couple of days also, which again takes very little time. In all, not really more work than having to walk to the other end of Wal-Mart or Sam's Club with five kids in tow (after driving there and getting stuck in traffic) to buy disposables or wipes for the umpteenth time.
Becky certainly seems to prefer the cloth diapers. They do feel very nice and cozy. I mean, I am sure that disposable clothes would also be convenient for many reasons, but I can't imagine them being very comfortable. It must be a similar thing with the diapers.
Am I a fan of cloth diapers? Do I love them? No. But I'm just not a fan of diapering in general, disposable or cloth. Do I prefer the cloth diapers? I do, because at least I do feel better about this being a healthier choice for my precious baby, as well as saving money in the long run.
