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?)