You hear about cloth diapers and you cringe. And, you’re right, it’s gross. But, really, whom are we kidding? No matter WHAT kind of diaper you’re using, it’s gross. Then you say, “Well, I keep hearing conflicting reports on the environmental benefits of cloth vs. disposable.” I’ve heard those as well. There are plenty of folks ready to defend their positions based on a myriad of criteria. My position: introducing cloth diapers, even on an occasional basis, will lower your diapering expenses.
I used to buy a Costco pack of disposable diapers approximately once a month, at $30-$40 each time. Since we started the hybrid diapering system (almost 8 years ago), I now buy a Costco pack once every 3 or 4 months. That’s a savings of $200-$300 each year. Sure, that savings is off-set somewhat by laundry expenses and cost of cloth diapers. Even so, I save money. And after re-using those cloth diapers with subsequent children, the savings continue to increase.
So, you are secretly a little bit interested in trying cloth diapers. You check out various suppliers online. You say, “What?! It costs $15-$20 for ONE cloth diaper?! They must be joking!” It’s true; some kinds of cloth diapers/covers do cost that much. But, listen up. Don’t worry—I can guide you step-by-step through this process.
And so, the baby-stepping begins:
#1—Buy 10-15 “old fashioned” cloth diapers—the kind some people use as burp cloths—that are folded and stitched so the diaper is divided vertically into thirds, with the center third thicker than the two sides. It will cost you approximately $30-$40. (This cloth diaper post always gives me the giggles.)
#2—(tee hee . . . “number 2”)
. . . what?! You were thinking it, too . . .
#3—Use one folded cloth diaper as an insert inside the disposable diaper—the disposable acts like a diaper cover and prevents leaks. When baby wets that cloth diaper, remove the insert to the diaper pail and replace with another cloth diaper in the same disposable. If the diaper is soiled, the disposable “cover” will most-likely be soiled as well and you’ll discard that one and get a new one. This is the least expensive way to try the hybrid diapering system. You will recuperate your initial costs within 1-2 months and the savings will just continue to grow.
#4—Ready to add something new? Cloth wipes. You can use washcloths (but, please, designate them as “diaper wipes only”) or old T-shirts cut in the size of washcloths. You can also buy cloth wipes (from online vendors).
#5—Next item to try: “Variety Pack” of more-advanced-engineered cloth diapers (i.e. "pocket," "all-in-one," "contoured"). Most online suppliers will have this option available. It’s a great way to add to your collection and become more familiar with different styles and discover which ones you like and which ones you don’t.
#6—Now that you know what you like, you can decide which route you prefer to take.
#7—Another alternative I’ve tried—g diapers. It is a couple of cloth covers, a few plastic liners, and a pack of inserts. This is not an easy option if you’re on a budget, but it may be a good fit for those who wish to forego the washing of cloth diapers. The inserts can be either flushed down the toilet, thrown in the trash (decompose in under 6 months), or thrown in the backyard compost (only wet ones, please, not soiled ones).
{Soiled. That’s a funny word.}
#8—And finally, this last option can be used at any point in your diapering years: diaper per diem. Those disposable diapers can hold a LOT of wetness. You could pretend that you’re just maximizing each diaper’s potential; trying not to be wasteful—to compensate for your baby who’s nothing but “waste”-full. That’s right, lil’ Susie, you get 2—count ‘em, ONE, TWO—disposable diapers today. What’s that? You don’t like feeling uncomfortable? Well, you should have thought of that before, now, huh?
You ready to try the potty now?
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