You might think we're crazy, but we've started using cloth diapers. It's something that I had considered doing before but hadn't started to seriously consider until recently. I know a couple people who do it and I started to research it. It's something you have to really be sure you want to do and be ready to commit to before you jump in. My two main reasons for wanting to do it are because it's better for the environment (less disposable diapers in landfills) and also better for Olivia (she's not exposed to the chemicals in disposable diapers). Since I am currently a "stay-at-home-mom," I have the time to devote to doing it. If I had gone back to work, I think I would have had a much more difficult time taking this on. I figure I have no good excuse not to at least try it, so...I am giving it a shot.
When I started researching cloth diapers, I couldn't believe how much information was out there. There are so many different ways to go - from the traditional prefolds with waterproof diaper covers (of which there are many types and brands to choose from) to pocket diapers (a diaper cover with a pocket which you stick an insert into) to all-in-ones (just like it sounds, you put it on just like a regular disposable diaper, except you can wash and reuse the whole thing). I'm sure that's more than you ever wanted to know about cloth diapers!
During my research, I discovered there was a diaper service available locally. They provide you with a week's worth of cloth diapers (prefolds) and a wetbag (where you store the used diapers). They also pick up your dirty diapers once a week and replace them with clean ones. Since I am new to this and didn't really know what I was doing, I thought this would be a good way to start. It offered me the opportunity to try it out without having to buy all the diapers. Also, they offer a risk-free trial (you put down a deposit but can get your money back if you decide to cancel after two to three weeks) so I figured it was a win-win situation.
So, last Thursday, the woman from the diaper service came out and brought me the diapers and gave me a little tutorial on how to use the diapers and diaper covers. It's not as easy and convenient as disposable diapers, but it's really not so bad. The funny thing is that they are much bulkier than disposables and therefore, make Olivia's bottom half look quite big! :) Here's a picture of Olivia wearing a prefold with a diaper cover.
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I also discovered a store in Centerville - Cutie Patooties - that has just begun selling cloth diapers. Since they are the only place around here that sells them, I went to check them out. I would much rather be able to touch and see what I am thinking about buying in person than have to order stuff online and not be able to do so. The owner of the store was very nice and told me that she would work with me to order more of whatever I wanted. Right now, she doesn't have all that much since she has just started carrying them. I bought one each of the all-in-ones and the pocket diapers to try them out. I really liked the pocket diaper. It was soft on the inside and outside and fits nicely. It's also a lot less bulky. Here's a picture of Olivia wearing the pocket diaper. It's the same one as she is wearing in the top picture, except a front-view.
Here's a picture of Olivia in the all-in-one. It's cute, but huge and bulky.
Right now, we are doing a mish-mash of prefolds, pockets, the all-in-one, and disposables (mostly at night and when we are out and about). It's been good to try out all the different types to see what we like best and decide what we think we want to go with. We are leaning towards investing in more pocket diapers as they have been our favorite so far. We will probably cancel the diaper service and get our deposit back, not so much because we hate it, but more because we'd rather invest that money in the pocket diapers and wash them ourselves. I'll keep you posted on our cloth diapering adventure as we go along!
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