When I discovered I was pregnant with Big Brother, I knew cloth diapering would be a part of my future just as an easy way to save money. I researched the different kinds of diapers, the prices, and especially how in the world I could ever keep them clean.
Now that I’ve been cloth diapering for well over four years, I have changed and washed more than my fair share of cloth diapers and cloth wipes. I know all about the kind of cloth diapers we chose, an all-in-one pocket diaper with Velcro closures that grow with the child. For our family, the total expense (probably $500 for 30 diapers bought in two rounds) was well worth it. I’m still using many of the four-year-old diapers on Little Sister.
I remember what it’s like to clean a newborn’s cloth diaper filled with liquid poop – and then continue to clean several a day. (When you start with a limited number of cloth diapers, you end up with very frequent cloth diaper laundry loads.)
And I know what it’s like to shake out a growing girl’s poop and realize that pretty soon she’ll be potty trained.
Even though someday soon my diapering days will just be a vague memory, those memories will be filled with our blue, yellow, green, and pink cloth diapers.
Now that I’m on the back end (pun intended) of my cloth diapering journey, I can say I don’t regret a moment of it. I truly didn’t mind the extra – and filthy – laundry. I didn’t mind stuffing my clean pocket diapers.
Most of all, I’m thankful for the money we’ve saved by using cloth diapers.
Now that I’ve become conscious of the environment, I’m thankful for the tons of dirty disposable diapers my family has kept out of landfills. And as a concerned mother, I’m glad I don’t have to be concerned about the safety of my children’s diapers.
Great Cloth Diaper Change
Last April, Little Sister and I participated in the Great Cloth Diaper Change, along with more than five-thousand other babies around the world. (The event set a Guinness World Record.) The inaugural event was so popular it’s happening again this year on April 21. If you’re a cloth diaperer, check out The Great Cloth Diaper Change to find a location near you. It’s a fun event, and you may even get some cool freebies. (You also can follow The Great Cloth Diaper Change on Facebook and Twitter.)
Talk back
Are you a cloth diaperer? What has your family’s experience been like?
Today, I’m linking up with The Better Mom and Women Living Well.
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I just started cloth diapering a few months ago. For me, the biggest struggle has been to “clean” the diaper before putting it in the pail to wash. Gross. But I love the money I save and the knowledge that what I’m doing is natural and “easy” on my son’s bottom. :)
I agree with you about the grossness issue right after a dirty diaper. I’ve been amazed that our diapers keep washing up bright and clean after four years … because there’s been a LOT of gross. :)
I just started cloth diapering and I love it! Seriously, never thought I would, but once you invest so much time into something you think is worth it, it’s hard not to get attached!
I actually just made my first Vlog(s) about my stash and how it is going and reviewing the diapers I have! I had no idea it was cloth diaper awareness week! Perfect timing!
I LOVE cloth diapers. Definitely a bit more of a challenge when my little one is sick as the poo changes. But his bum is so cute and it really helps as he’s learning to walk and frequently falls down on his nice padded bottom. He has sensitive skin so I feel much better putting a cloth diaper on him. It’s a little more laundry but it’s what I call a “night load” meaning I can stick it in the dryer on my way to bed. Some days it stays in there and I fish out diapers as I need them but I try to get them stuffed and into his drawer so it’s easier. And the money we’ve saved…love that!