Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The Poop receptacles

Back in the day when I was about 10 weeks pregnant (was that really over a year ago?  holy hannah) SB and I decided for a number of reasons to try cloth diapering our little terror.   A great website that pretty much sums up what I found can be read here

Fast forward to 4 months in, and I am in LOVE with cloth diapers.  We chose BumGenius, so they function just like a disposable as far as putting them on and changing them, the only difference is we only buy them once, and instead of hitting the trash after use they hit the wet bag to be washed.  And because they can be adjusted for size, they will fit M until she is potty trained.

Why do I love them so much?  Well, they're super cute.  Exhibit A:

So in the hot summer weather she can wear just a dress and a colorful diaper.

Her butt is in great shape - no rashes yet, and barely any redness.  We'll see how she makes out when teething comes on, but so far, I'm crediting the diapers.

We never run out.  In the few weeks we used disposables, I made at least three emergency phone calls to SB to pick up diapers on the way home - and get home quick!  Now I keep a stash of emergency disposables just in case the laundry gets the best of me, but generally one load a day keeps me on top of it.

Some rumors that I have found to be false:
They are hard to use.  Again, they go on just like a disposable diaper.  Some people prefer cloth diapers with snaps, but I prefer the velcro tabs since they are even easier to get on and get a good fit.

They are a lot more work.  Yes, they are more work, but I think saying they are a lot more is a stretch.  I wash one load of them a day, maximum.  And since I generally have at least one other load of laundry to do anyway, what's one more?  Laundry is my favorite chore, since you are absent for 90% of the process anyway, so bring it on.


They leak.  The only leaks we've had were due to poor fit.  That was back when I was terrified I was putting the diapers on too tight.  But now that I've learned how to check for fit and adjust them properly we have no leaks at all.  We'll see how it goes when she starts motoring around, but I can't see how they could be any worse then a disposable.

So, if you are ever considering cloth diapers, I'm free to discuss.  I think a lot of people picture thin pieces of fabric, origami folded and precariously pinned to the baby, leaking and oozing all over the place.  But that's so not what cloth diapers are now.  They are fun, friendly, effective, and cute!

4 comments:

Jenn said...

I'm really happy to see this post, Julie! There are sooo many assumptions about life with cloth diapers.

Like you, I got used to them very quickly. No biggie.

I also like people to know that even a diaper service is only $20/week in Montreal (read: fresh, clean diapers delivered to your door) More expensive than buying cloth diapers, but totally worth it.

Anonymous said...

Friendly, Effective, Reliable and....Organized.....I gave it my best shot!

-Sara
xox

Jules said...

Yes, Jenn, my neighbor uses Auric diaper service and is very pleased with them. There are options for everyone, and no harm trying them out!!!

Sara - you were an excellent diaper organizer! (and I still prefer Octopus)

Knit and Purl Mama said...

She looks so cute in her cloth diaper. I have respect for those who cloth diaper, but it wasn't for me.