Tuesday, March 29, 2011

diapers of cloth

"You are using CLOTH diapers?" This was the phrase I heard quite a bit once I decided to use cloth diapers instead of smelly, expensive, garbage filling, thin and non absorbant disposables. I think when most people think of cloth diapers they get a mental picture of a baby with a soggy cloth diaper, falling down to his knees and smelling terrible. Also, the picture of struggling with safety pins and having to use plastic pants-where can you even find those nowdays? After a lot of research and having to learn the cloth diapering "language" (AIO, pocket diaper, diaper cover, prefold etc.) I decided that I was going to use the Bum Genius 3.0 which is basically like a disposable diaper but you can wash it. It has two pieces but the insert fits into the outside, waterproof liner so it is one piece when it goes on. After using them for 6 months, I am definately sold on them and bought some more just last month.
     Of course, there are pros and cons...Cons being that they do have some smell, after being used for six months and being hung in on my drying rack to dry but it is mostly if the diaper is really wet. (it bugs Jeremy a lot more than it bugs me) The other con is that they are expensive if you buy them new...around $20 a diaper, so if you go out and buy a whole bunch to get started it is kind of a big commitment. But then you are all set for at least one kid...hopefully a couple...but since this is my first, I don't know for sure how long they will last. And if you buy them on ebay, you can really save a lot of $. I started off with 12 diapers, which isn't really enough, but I made it work. (with a few of a cheaper brand that didn't work as well) I now have another 12, but I am not even using them all...I put some of the pink ones away for later. :)Another con is that you have to wash them every other day...but that really isn't all that hard.
     Now for some pros...you don't have near the trash to haul away, you don't have to worry about blowouts, you save money (yes, you do...you really do! Not as much as if you used the old kind of cloth diapers, but you still save a lot!), they have some really great colors and look quite cute on a little bottom :) and they are so easy to put on-my husband will change diapers if asked and doesn't complain about the cloth part at all.
     For some reason my pro list seems shorter than my cons list...needless to say, I would definately recommend Bum Genius to anybody as a great way to save some money when having kids.

These diapers actually got some sunlight today...the first time in a very long time. Spring is coming folks!

3 comments:

  1. I just used simple prefolds mostly...combination of cloth diapering and elimination communication...Rawdon was very sensitive to wetness...so many times there was no diapers at all and that saved even more...but it is a lifestyle choice and many people are not ready to give up convenience...it is funny, I have found that ladies with more education are going to cloth diapering more than others --why? perhaps environmental conciousness?
    Tamar

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  2. yes, Tamar, I think the main reason for cloth diapers is environmental conciousness...that wasn't really my reason for it, but I sure don't mind it...as long as I can save a little money while I am at it! I'm curious how you did without diapers? That seems like it might have gotten a little messy?

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  3. Way to go,Janine!! I used many a cloth diapers back in the day!!! Of course they were the ones with pins,rubber pants...we''ll u get the picture!?? :) There are a few of the MOPS ladies who use cloth diapers for their children namely Bum Genius and they love them too!! I get to use them too when i take care of my nephew and neice or babysit for sum of my friends!! :)

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