The Not-So-Fluffy Truth About Cloth-Diapering

Okay, I would like to begin by saying that I am happy with the choice to cloth-diaper, and it is working out for my particular family.

However, I am also a person who has been known to hate it when the decisions or choices I make don't turn out to be completely perfect in every way. But, since I'm on a real growing spree (spiritually, mentally, emotionally), as of late...I've been, more often, interested in sharing the details of those everything-I-do-is-not-perfect moments. Needless to say...my friends already know this ;)!

I was talking to a friend the other day who has weighed the option of cloth-diapering, and for many good and valuable reasons...has decided she must pass on it, for her family. She was disappointed and I though she, and maybe others, might be interested in the following...You’ve heard of the advantages of Cloth-Diapering…but here’s what your friends haven’t told you!

• The laundry is, LITERALLY, never done!


• The inserts may only take 10 minutes to stuff into the pockets, but it is, seriously, the most annoying part of my day.


• Yeah, the big cloth-diaper-butt can be cute…but my 8 month old can’t fit into 12-18 month pants and I’ve had to make many extra trips to the mall (with a crying baby) to return the bottoms I was sure were big enough to fit!


• I’ve recently discovered that what they say about cloth diapers and rash creams not mixing, is actually TRUE. Stripping (not a naked dance) your diapers takes time and it is just one more thing to do in a mommy-day that probably doesn’t need extra things in it.


• There’s always the POOP. Truth be told…this winds up not being that big of a deal…but it is still POOP!


• I thought by diaper bag was full before…these things don’t hold a candle to the flat, skinny profile of a disposable.


• Inevitably, once you begin down that cloth diaper route, you will wind up turning into some crazy woman who not only obsesses about her cloth diapers, but feels the need to always be talking to others about them!!!

So, here’s to Cloth-Diapering…and also to those of us who are NOT doing it!

Here's Something Fun...

So, I ran across this Great Cloth Diaper Hunt Competition starting on April 15th. Sounds totally cool with lots of prizes, and somebody's got to win! I never win anything...but I'm totally doing it anyway (I've got the time!). Just thought I'd pass it on!

No Turning Back

Well, here you have it...It's all over. There is no way out for us. All 24 diapers are pre-washing at the very moment I am writing this blog...leaving me with no return ability. AHHHHHHHHHH! From now on, the Bickertons are Cloth Diaper-ers. Until death or potty training do us part! Good Grief!

The process of choosing and purchasing aforementioned cloth diapers and all the accessories has certainly been a long one. That's just because I obsessed over it like I do everything else. And, there are a lot of options and a lot of reasons for doing one thing or the other. Then, there are a lot of things you need to know about the products you do eventually settle on.

• Now, it doesn't have to be that difficult, of course. I've read a lot of comments and blogs from different people who have an array of different kinds of cloth diapers in their "stash" and are always trying new things. These same people are also trying different laundry detergents, accessories, diaper colors and washing methods until they find the one they like best.





• These are the same people who have been a wealth of information for me as I've gone about my diaper inquisition. But, I really didn't want to do it that way. It would totally stress me out. I just wanted to decide on something and call it a day.





• So, I thought I would jot down what I decided and, why, for those of you who have expressed interest or curiosity. For those of you who think I am totally crazy...well, you are absolutely right. But, I'm having a grand old time at it!




• Diaper Brand: OKAY...the BumGenius brand has a pretty good wrap (no leaking, convenient, ease of use, one size option, good fit, etc.) and a friend had already told me about them. I got one to test out and decided I agreed with the masses (although plenty of people love other brands, too).




• Diaper Style: There were three options that I was looking at: the one size pocket diaper , the all-in-one and the one-size organic. I had wanted organic, but there is some question as to whether or not they do well with leaking and the natural cotton keeps baby's skin pretty wet, while the synthetic keeps the wetness away from the skin. Also, I wouldn't be able to add any extra stuffing and I really think that Gwendolyn is a HEAVY peeing one.




• With the all-in-ones, it's really like you are using a disposable. It's just one piece and there is nothing you need to stuff into the diaper, though you do have an option to put extra padding in for night-time if you want. But, with the all-in-ones, you have to buy different sizes. Although the all-in-one would have been my first choice, I felt like i would have had to buy these diapers four different times. It wasn't worth it to me. Once I got further into this process I decided I was all IN. I want these diapers to last and I didn't want to spend any more money on them, until absolutely necessary.




• Ultimately, I wanted a diaper that worked VERY well and saved me tons of money. I guess, for me and Bic, these priorities just trumped the other desires like organic fibers and all-in-one ease. So, the one size pocket diaper won out.

• Cloth Diaper Accessories: I had recently stopped using Kirkland Baby Wipes because, apparently, they are among the most toxic. Also, Gwendolyn's diaper rash really got better after I stopped using them. I figured...while I've totally gone off the deep end...on the diaper end, why don't I keep going! I am going to use cloth wipes. I just put them in my empty baby wipe box and pour water over them. There are tons of cool wipe solution recipes out there...but, with these diapers, you are not supposed to use anything oily b/c it messes with the absorbency. Some people still use a drop or two of tea tree oil or something...but I think I'm going to keep waiting to get a non-oily, non-soapy recipe. I've been using water on her butt for a month now...and we are doing just fine. I figure if the cloth wipe thing gets to be a real problem...i can always go back to water and paper towels.




• I also am using the diaper sprayer. I need to hook it up tonight. some people scrape the poop into the toilet (when it's solid). I liked the idea of spraying it off, and many swear by this little gadget.




• Last, but certainly not least, is the detergent. It actually really does matter what you use. Detergents with any additives or brighteners can totally mess your absorbency up and you'll wind up having to do a lot of crap to get them back to where they work. I chose Allen's Naturally detergent because it's supposed to be one of the best for use with cloth diapers...and like I said, I'm not in the mood for trial and error.

You'll see, below, that I've hung suspension rods (shower curtain rods) under the shelf in my laundry room. There are two (one behind the other). I've decided that my diapers, apart from the padding that goes in them, will be hung to dry. In Arizona, it's about a 5 hour (or less) process. It will extend the life of these diapers and that makes me happy.

• So, I started out trying to find something with a little less chemicals than the disposable diapers and now, even with choosing the synthetic cloth, I am totally pumped up about the life change. I'm excited to not buy anymore diaper products. I am excited to have comfy, cozy diapers that work awesome. I even really like the idea that I will have less garbage. Who knew?


• What's even cooler is the fact that my husband is totally into it too. I think he gets excited for all the same reasons. Without his interest and support, I'm sure this would be a no-go. Okay, I think I've gone on about as long as I possibly can...for now!
  

Cloth Diapers...Continued

• Today, I plan to order my cloth diapers. I am excited about it and it's fun hearing how other people I know are using them. I never thought I would even consider it! It's cool to me how much more of a flexible person I am becoming since Gwendolyn arrived. In general, I feel I'm just becoming more of the person who God made me to be...someone who knows Him more, enjoys my blessings more and actually wants to love others more.
  
  Side note on the whole "better person" thing...I think it's important to comment on what could appear to be a new-found appreciation for "nobility" or "good" actions.
  
  
• I believe the Bible to be the ultimate word on Truth and this is how GOOD the Bible says I am:
• "...None is righteous, no, not one, no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." Romans 3:10-12:
• "But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is no one who calls on Your name... Isaiah 64:6,7
  
  
• It is only through the unmerited favor that God has shown me that I am even able to put my faith and trust in Him and through His death and resurrection that I have been made perfect and through my identification in Him that I am whole and GOOD.



• My new interest in Cloth Diapers and Organic foods and cutting back on using 100 paper towels in one day, has no bearing, whatsoever, on the question of my "goodness".



• What's more...I've got to say, my reasoning for wanting to switch to Cloth doesn't even have a whole heck of a lot to do with what is good for our planet...although, I feel I am growing in my desire to be purposeful with my consumption.



• Also, I would be dishonest if I said I was doing it to be wiser with money...although I think this is a very good goal and something I definitely want to get better at.


• The truth is...The start-up costs are SIGNIFICANT. We will be spending over $400 for 24 diapers and also purchasing a few accessories (diaper sprayer for toilet, etc.). These very convenient diapers are the most expensive way to cloth diaper...there are other options and you can mix and match with cheaper ones. Let's not forget that I will be doing an extra wash every two days, for the diapers, alone.



• So, yes, in the long run, this WILL save us a good deal of money, especially taking good care of the diapers and expecting many to last to the next kid. Also, it's nice to not be throwing 8-10 diapers in the trash every day. But, ultimately, for me and my husband, it's about the possible health effects that the absorbent chemicals in the disposable diapers may have on our baby. Also, they are totally CUTE! Of course, my baby looks like a sumo wrestler at night when I stuff it with an extra pad for more absorbency!



• I hope this non-conclusive, only slightly-researched information has helped anyone who is curious about the subject! I know that I have really enjoyed getting info and opinions from friends and strangers who have gone before me in this task.
  

Cloth Diapers...Continued

• Okay, so Gwen and I ordered a diaper to test out (money back guarantee)! They're not kidding when they say, "This is not your Grandmother's (or Mother's) cloth diaper." It's so cute and so soft and comfy...I wish I was wearing it! Wait, I take that back...I don't want to be diapers!
• Anyway...there certainly is a whole cloth diapering routine with washing and wearing and even how you set things up at the changing station...but I'm totally excited about it! I just hope I'm not delusional and this isn't some honeymoon stage that will come crashing down on me and one day I'll be sitting in a pile of poopy diapers thinking, "What have I DONE!!!!"
• I will be continuing to talk about these things in my next blog, but for now I just thought you ought to see my little diaper model. I just can't believe I get to be home with this smiling fat one and see every one of her little looks! What a blessing!

Bumbling Thoughts On Baby Bottoms

- I haven't been Blogging, because I've been "researching". I am mulling over many things (fun things). Some of these things have to do with Cloth Diapers, Organic Food, Toxic Crib Mattresses and Cow Buying (more explanation later).

- Anyway, I'm interested in sharing my thoughts, not just because I like to hear myself talk (type)...although that's always a plus...but because I am always faced with the question "Is this crazy...have I totally lost my mind?" Call it "insecurity" (which it probably is), but it's always nice to find out what other (real) people are saying and nice to get healthy views to evaluate. Also, especially in times of need, It's nice to know you are not alone and that you really have not lost your mind.

- Of course, I must admit, I always feel weird when others think of, express or figure out something before I do. Call it "pride" (which it definitely is), but it's a nice reminder that I need others and that, contrary to what I originally had thought, God did not make me the smartest woman in the world.

- So, first topic...cloth diapers...very interesting. I was going to write a bunch of background on why I've been thinking about the topic and am considering switching (which I will do), but I think Jenny Clark did a great job at that on her blog, and since she's the one who got me really concentrating on the topic (not by coercion, but by sheer curiosity and an already existing question about it, in my mind), I thought her blog might be a nice place to start.

- I look forward to continuing the topic, but for now I invite you to view Jenny's comments and a nice graphic of the diaper in question, by clicking on the title to this blog (or on the link below).

- Oh, by the way...the whole Infant Potty Training thing is all her. I will be NO help on the subject. Not that I think she's strange or anything for wanting to do it...I just, personally, plan to have her flown in to potty train my infant!

* http://www.michaelandjennyclark.com/?p=255#comment-1443