Cloth Diaper Newbie: The Decision

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.

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!)

Cloth Diaper Newbie: Day 1 >>