Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Cloth Diapers

About a month and a half ago, I was browsing some forum topics on Upstate Moms, as I often do, and one topic caught my eye. Some mamas were discussing cloth diapering and one mama had linked a video of a lady demonstrating how easy cloth diapers are. Surprisingly, I was intrigued and wanted to know more. One of the mamas on Upstate Moms is a doula and knew a lot about cloth diapers. I sent her a message and asked if she would be willing to meet with me and give me more information. She graciously agreed and Thomas and I went to meet her at the end of May.

I had no idea until meeting her that there were so many options for cloth diapering. For those of you who think of safety pins, cloth diapering has come a long way. One of the best options is a diaper called bum genius. It is a pocket diaper and it has velcro to keep it in place (works much like a disposable). The great thing about a bum genius is it fits a baby from 7-35lbs! There are snaps on it that adjust to small, medium, and large. I was very intrigued, but obviously had to come home and talk to Josh first. Since I change most of the diapers anyway (he thinks it is gross), he told me to go ahead and get what I wanted.

The only catch? Cloth diapers last a long time (bum genius will probably last through three children), but they aren't cheap. Twelve of them are $200 at Cotton Babies. I decided to buy 3 bum genius (green, blue, & white colors) and a "try-it" package of Chinese prefolds and two covers for the prefolds. After finding the right detergent (you can't use just anything), I washed them and began using them on Thomas. And you know what? I love them! They aren't hard at all and for any mama used to dealing with bodily fluids, it won't gross you out. The only negative is they are a bulkier than disposables, but Thomas' clothes still fit over them. Until more money is available, I'm using 2 prefolds during the day with disposables too, and the bum genius at night because it keeps him dry all night long (11-12 hrs). Josh is even okay with using the bum genius if he gets him ready for bed.

Right now I wash about every 3 days. I just use a small trash can with a lid as a diaper pail and it works great - no odors. By using cloth diapers, I'm helping our budget and the environment. Plus, most babies who use cloth diapers potty train earlier. The lady I met with said her daughter began pooping on the toilet at one year and was fully potty trained by two - that is great incentive for me!

Here is a recent picture of Thomas in his green bum genius (of course Daddy put the shorts on his head - aren't daddies great?)

6 comments:

Unknown said...

I must say the thought of cloth diapers has me very interested. Now getting Amy on board is another matter...

Ashley said...

I like this idea but I'm not sure I'd like it in practice. I'm not sure I could handle the poo dumping. Sorry to be so blunt. It's really cool though, maybe I'll give it a try some day!

Tonya said...

Haha - I agree with Ashley. But I admire your efforts! For now, we shall stick to the beloved Target brand disposables. :-)

The Culbertsons said...

Chris - I think Amy might be open to it. When she was here a couple of weeks ago, I showed them to her and she seemed interested.

Ashley & Tonya - I completely understand your aversion to cloth diapers - they certainly aren't for everyone! I have read that for bf babies who aren't eating solids yet, you don't have to clean the poo off before you wash - don't know how I feel about that though!

Ashley said...

You're right, that is sort of icky. But even if they are on solids, which Gabriel is, the poo (to me) is still not "dumpable". (What a conversation:)

Tonya said...

I have nothing more to add really - except that Ashley's comment literally made me laugh out loud! :-) "dumpable"...teehee