Cloth Diaper Newbie: The Decision
Posted by Darcy •
January 16, 2011 •
Basic Cares ,Cloth Diaper Adventures ,Hygiene and Toiletries •
2 Comments
A few weeks ago I started to contemplate cloth diapering. I briefly considered it while I was pregnant, but had the image of the old fashioned way my parents did it:
- Bulky cloths
- Nasty wet pails
- Dunking in the toilet
- Rubber pants
- Pokey diaper pins
That was yucky and unpleasant.
But, as I discovered, cloth diapering has come a long way and doesn’t have to be so unpleasant.
These look pretty & fashionable! (Simplyla @ Flickr)
Now, I’m learning about the different systems, sizes, and styles. I’ve also read up on laundering & caring for them.
I even received some helpful advice from Laura of 29 Diapers, who took the time to answer my newbie emails!
And I want in.
The first several weeks, Aerissa easily went through 12 diapers a day, sometimes more because she would poop after (or during, or during AND after) each nursing session.
After looking at a few comparison charts and doing some calculations of my own, I figured we could save around $1500 by switching (including initial investment!)
Plus, her bottom gets irritated looking…and there are lots of chemicals in disposables…
Hopefully I can increase our savings by keeping the investment low cost… I’m aiming to build a respectable size stash for less than $300. I’m entering a TON of giveaways in hopes of winning some. That would provide a nice variety without impacting my bank account. I’m also keeping an eye out for deals on used ones through Craigslist & eBay. So far no luck. What I’ve seen has failed on one of 3 accounts so far: too pricey for used, too worn/need repairs, or used bad detergent such as Tide. (Bad for cloth diapers! Very bad!)
Tags: 29 Diapers, cloth diapers, diapers, disposable, Finances, giveaways, laundry, stash
I may just jump on the wagon. I did disposable diapers with my first but I’ve thought about trying cloth diapers the second time around. Just to have the experience. My mom had a diaper service when I was little that cleaned all the diapers for her! Now that’s the way to do it! lolmmommie
Ooh a service would be nice, but I definitely couldn’t afford that! We’re now on our 3rd day of full time cloth diapers and it’s going great so far. I have to get to work on posting updates on this venture, but I’ve been distracted with trying to enter all the ABE giveaways! :DSyrana