On Becoming a Hippie…or just economically efficient
If you’d have asked me five years ago if I’d ever consider cloth diapering (CD), I would’ve laughed as I selfishly explained that not only would I never cloth diaper, I never had plans of having the baby to diaper in the first place. My, how things change!
Cloth diapering is not what it used to be. The variety of diaper styles is extense, washing a breeze, and the cost savings is well worth consideration. When we were expecting Summer Elizabeth, I stumbled across a few mommy blogs championing the CD cause. After considerable reading about the monetary savings and simplicity of use, I couldn’t have been more excited to begin exploring the world of CD. Thankfully, Husband was also on board.
I purchased 98% of our diapers from DiaperSwappers.com, where mothers sell new and used CD at very affordable prices (and sometimes free for shipping costs!) All in all, we spent near $200 for a stash of diapers to last from birth through potty learning stages. Long before 6 months, our investment will have paid for itself. The best part is that the initial investment, when properly cared for, can diaper future children as well.
Common Misconception : Cloth Diapering is messy, stinky job
Truth:
Messes are contained much better with the gussets and sturdier leg elastics in CD than with disposable diapers. Our only major blowout occurred on one of the very few occasions that Baby was suited up in a disposable. Oozing poo covered the unsuspecting Grammy. Not a pretty sight.
Laundering CD is a breeze, especially if you own a diaper sprayer. If you can wash a load of clothing, you already have all the experience you’ll need for CD laundry. Now, I won’t say that laundering is a spring-fresh experience, but the smelly part is over in split seconds once you’ve got the routine down. Messed diapers are kept in a wetbag until laundry day, which keeps all odors under cover sealed up in the polyurethane or other waterproof fabric-lined bag. Wash. Hang dry. Stuff or fold. Done.
More to come in following posts.
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