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Sparkle (1)
The Mister is starting to worry that I’m going to start hugging trees soon. Why? Well I breastfeed, I make my own baby food, and just today I purchased some cloth diapers. I’m one step away from hugging the tree in my front yard everyday on my way to work.
When I first found out that I was pregnant, I wanted to use cloth diapers. Not because they reduce waste and are better for the environment, but because it’s insanely cheap! My purse is squeeing and my credit card is ready to take a nap now. However, this got pushed to the side with the plethora of other decisions that had to be made and the general stress of preparing for parenthood. I just didn’t have the patience to figure out cloth diapering as well.
The problem with deciding to cloth diaper is that it isn’t a one-and-done choice anymore; there are so many options out there. Cloth diapering has come a long way from when our parents did it. For one, there is no swishing a poop-filled diaper in water or the toilet. I will not be sticking my hands in the toilet. Also, I said a big "Hell, no!" to attaching something to my toilet to spray crap off of diapers. Again. no. So, for most of you out there who haven’t spent the last week researching cloth diapers you are probably very confused.
You have fitted, pre-fold, all in one (AIO), all in two (AIT), pocket, perfect sized, one sized (OS), covers, inserts, and a whole bunch of other options and choices that need to be made. Also it’s mostly an internet business type of situation so I couldn’t go out and actually look and compare any of these different options. I’m a hands-on person; I want to physically hold the different options and compare them side by side.
I’ve decided that pre-folds are not for me. Pre-folds are essentially the old fashioned type of diaper that you put a cute cover over. They are one of the cheapest options out there, but I’m to lazy for all the folding and want this to be as close to disposable diapering as I can possibly get. You can fold them and just place them in the cover or use a snappi (diaper pin alternative) and make a little pre-diaper and then cover. The covers can be used for multiple diaper changes. You just need to change the pre-fold unless of course the cover gets poo on it. (Covers run about $20.00 and the pre-folds are $2.00 – $4.00 each.)
I’ve also decided against the fitted type as well. Fitted diapers are very similar in design to disposables but you can 'stuff' them for added absorbency. However, they are not waterproof so you will again need a cover. Entirely too much to purchase, keep track of, and tote around while we’re out. (Fitted diapers run about $5.00 – $7.00, plus you’ll need some covers.)
AIOs are a good option. There are no extra pieces and no covers to purchase - you buy the diaper and that’s it. When it’s soiled you toss the whole thing in your wet bag/diaper pail and pull out a clean one - no folding or stuffing. However, everything is attached. You can still add extra absorbency layers, but one is always attached. The outside is waterproof so no need to purchase a cover. I did purchase one AIO. I choose the GroVia AIO OS. (AIOs run about $20.00 – $25.00 and no extras are needed)
Pocket diapers are the type that I have decided to go with. They are shaped exactly like a disposable, only you don’t throw them away when dirty, you toss them in your wet bag or diaper pail. You can add extra pads for more absorbency when needed as well and you just remove them to clean. You don’t need a cover but most even come with two liners as well. I purchased a BumGenius 4.0 OS, Kawaii OS, and a Happy Heiny OS. (OS pockets run anywhere up to $25.00 and don’t require any extras.)
The main reason we’ve decided switch to cloth diapers is because of the one size (OS) option. What is OS? The diapers go from 8lb – 35lbs. So essentially you can use the same set of diapers until potty training. Well, hot damn! No running out to the store
