Cloth Diapers

Ever since my second son was born I've been feeling guilty about all the disposable diapers I have been using.  My husband thinks I'm crazy. So I purchased 7 cloth diapers for my youngest and started using them last week. I NEVER thought I would be using cloth diapers.  I used to tease my Mom that she had to use cloth diapers with us. HA! Sucks for you!  But you know what?  They aren't anything like I thought they would be.  Here are some of my misconceptions:

1.  You pin the diaper to the baby and put big ugly plastic liners over them = uncomfortable baby + high probability that I will stab him with a pin
            Reality: They are REALLY cute.  And they look and work like disposable diapers (for the most part). So far - not so bad.

2.   You have to dunk them in the toilet when they are poopy and then soak them and they stink up the house.
         Reality: Okay, if this were my first son, I might be grossed out by poop.  But the fact is that I have been pooped on puked on and cleaned up some of the nastiest things I have ever seen.  This really isn't as big of a deal as I thought it would be.  Plus, should you choose, you can buy flushable, biodegradable liners and the poop just falls right out of the diaper.  Bonus!  They also sell wet bags to put the diapers in that seal in the stink, or you can use the diaper pail method.  I'm working with a variation on both right now, so far - no smell.....

3.  Cloth diapering is cheap.
     Reality: Um, I kind of had to commit to cloth diapering (somewhat) because they are not really THAT cheap.  I guess I would have saved more if I started 2 years ago with my first son.  And I supposed it depends on the brand you buy, but they are 20ish to 30ish dollars each!  But I guess that is about the price of a box of diapers.  Bonus, the brand I like had an outlet say this week and I bought 13 more.  I guess I'm REALLY committed now!

4.  My husband won't change cloth diapers.
     Reality:  My husband won't change cloth diapers.  This is a work in progress!   

5.  Uncomfortable for the baby and they leak.
     Reality:  Sometimes they do leak, I've only had it happen twice, the more used to them I have gotten, the better it has been.  Baby doesn't complain, and his butt looks SO cute in them.  Now will my oldest find them uncomfortable?  Maybe, I haven't fully committed to the cloth yet with him.  I'm still just working with the youngest.  But maybe if the oldest hates them enough he will go to the bathroom in his potty.  OR he will just pee on the floor.  My money is on peeing on the floor!

6. They are pain to clean and have stains.
    Reality:  You do have to clean them, and then put them all back together (I use the pocket diapers). So that is kind of a pain.  They take FOREVER to dry.  Which made me wonder if I was even saving money because now I'm running the dryer FOREVER!  So, I bought a drying rack and do laundry on sunny days (so far).  It has worked (granted this is a very short term analysis of my experience). Plus they say the sun helps with stains.  Although, so far, all the diapers have come out of the washing machine clean.  Side note - you have to use a special detergent, and not just for the diapers, for all of your cloths because of the residue left in the machine and on the cloths.  Apparently it makes the diapers less absorbent. 

Overall, I like them.  Interesting.  If you knew me better, you would find this discovery even MORE interesting.  I will continue writing about my experiences with cloth diapers.  Because I'm sure there will be a lot more to write about.  Plus, I'll have to post pictures of the baby with them on, just because they are so cute!  My best advice if you are considering it.  Go to a baby store where they have a big selection and the people who work there know what they are talking about. That way you get to see them in action and actually see the differences.  I found reading about all the brands online overwhelming.  Then just buy a couple and see how it works for you.  Good luck!  Write to me and let me know how it goes.  Ask me questions!  If I don't know the answers I know people who do and I'll find you answers!