Even before I got pregnant there is something that I was considering for our first child. Something that is... controversial and divisive. Those that do it, seem to love it. Those that don't, just don't get it and even seem to resent those that do...
I'm talking about cloth diapering.
I confess--we are going to try cloth diapering. I did a lot of research on this topic and I don't even remember how I originally started considering it. What I was shocked to discover is that this topic in particular is one that a lot of mommas out there feel very strongly about. There is a LOT of talk on the 'net about judgmental mommas. Mommas who believe their way is the only way. How dare you go back to work? Why *wouldn't* you want an epidural? Let them 'cry it out'. How could you not breastfeed? People are quick to judge or get very defensive when they find a momma that isn't doing things the same way they are. It's actually quite sad. That's one of the reasons that I have been extremely hesitant to discuss this with anyone--family or friends. The other thing is that the world of cloth diapering has changed a WHOLE lot. When I finally mentioned to my mom that I was thinking about cloth diapering, her immediate reaction was "Oh no. Why would you want to do that?!"
So, why would anyone want to cloth diaper? I can't say, but I can say why WE are interested in giving it a go.
1. The number one reason for me is cutting back on our contribution to the weekly garbage load. Do you know that newborns can go through 12+ diapers a day??? Yes, that number greatly decreases as they get older. BUT...estimates are that a single disposable diaper takes 250-500 years to decompose. I know, I was appalled too. And the plastic bits never really decompose. That is a LOT of diapers hanging around for a really long time. :( Newer biodegradable versions supposedly decompose a lot faster, but they also cost more. Which brings me to #2.
2. Cost. While cloth diapers do require a substantial initial investment, you can save a significant amount of money in the long run. It depends on the brands of cloth diapers and number that you buy... but conservatively you could save half your money by cloth diapering. Not to mention the fact that because they are reusable, you could save even more by using them for multiple children! Another child not in the cards? The most popular brands of cloth diapers are even in demand as used items. You could recover at *least* 40% of your initial investment that way... some of the more popular ones will even re-sell at 60-70% of retail!
3. Less potential chemical exposure to baby. Modern disposables are filled with all sorts of crap to make them as super absorbent as they are. Not to mention that they are coated in plastic and therefore aren't very breathable. Cloth diapers are (mostly) made of natural fibers--no ultra absorbent gel in there! Fibers like cotton, bamboo and hemp are popular. Again, depending on the type you purchase, they likely have a waterproof layer built in to prevent leaking. But the natural fibers wick away moisture and allow baby's bottom to breathe, which may help prevent diaper rash.
4. Modern cloth diapers are nothing like the cloth diapers of old. When I mentioned cloth diapers to my mom, what immediately came to mind for her were the old-fashioned cloth diapers. These diapers were essentially a flat length of material that was folded around baby and held in place by a pin. The material was absorbent, but not waterproof, so a pair of rubber pants was placed on top of the diaper. Lovely. Nowadays... that flat length of material (a flat of prefold diaper) is still a popular cloth diapering options, but pins have been replaced by newer closure systems and the covers have come a long way as well and are available in wool and fleece. The most exciting thing though is that there are new cloth diapering systems that very closely resemble disposables as far as ease of use goes. By that I mean that there is only one piece involved, you simply remove the dirty diaper and instead of throwing it away, you wash it. This kind of system is called the all in one diaper and there are about a million options out there. This type of diaper is going to be the main type in our diaper stash. We have also decided to mostly go with one size diapers. These diapers adjust in size through a series of snaps and will potentially fit from 8lbs. to 40lbs. This means they may not fit the tiniest newborns right away, but they will fit toddlers all the way up through potty training. Some diaper brands are sold in sizes S,M,L, which means you have to size up as the child grows. Buying one size diapers only means we'll have to spend even less on diapering our child. How awesome is that?
5. They're cuter. I'd be remiss if I didn't further confess that one of the reasons I am so excited to use cloth diapers is because the diapers are so darn cute!!! Again, depending on the brand, they come in a variety of colors and patterns and even outer fabrics.
The dirty bit... Yes, these diapers are going to require regular laundering--at least every two days. Yes, I will be washing them in my home washer and dryer. Yes, that will be a bit stinky and require some serious dedication. However, for all the reasons I have listed above, I'm willing to give it a try. Stay tuned for some updates on just how much work it is after the baby actually arrives. Ha!
I have already started my cloth diaper "stash." I have purchased two different brands so far and there's a couple of others that I'm looking to try out. I'll plan on starting to post more about the diapers that I've selected now that I have confessed. :)
I wish that the mommy world would recognize that we're all just trying to do what is right for *us.* As individuals. I will not wear a badge that says "I cloth diaper." I'm not doing it to be better than anyone else. I'm not going to try to convince anyone that it's the right way for *them.* I will answer questions when/if asked. Other than that, I just consider it another parenting choice that each mom and dad is free to make on their own. There are a lot of things that are going to come up that I will think to myself "well, I would never do it that way," but that doesn't make it wrong. It just makes it not right for *me.*
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