Cloth Diapering.
First though, almost a month with no posts - unacceptable!!!
So back to cloth diapers. I started researching, I would guess about 3 weeks or so ago. What sparked my interest you ask? Well let me tell you.
1. I wanted something nicer on Sydney's bottom than disposables. And after a recent experience with Pampers smelling like rubbing alcohol after she peed (which by the way, pampers did handle it very well when I called and gave me some awesome coupons, and none of our other pampers diapers did this) - I wanted something that wasnt full of chemicals.
2. The cost of diapers is insane. One perk of breastfeeding (aside from health benefits) is how much money is saved. The same can be said for cloth diapering. I will go into more detail after.
3. I know a lot of people who do it, and with all the options out there - it is just as easy to throw a cloth diaper on as it is a disposable - the only difference is you have to do a little bit of extra laundry.
So lets talk about cost. Well first, lets talk about why we went with the System we did. After researching about all the different types of cloth - we went with the Flip system. Why? Again, let me tell you the reasons:
1. Ryan's only input was that whatever we went with, it was a one-size - meaning it will grow with Sydney and we can use it until she is out of diapers. Sweet right? That was important to me as well.
2. It involves a cover and an insert. Sounds like a bit more work than something that mocks a disposable, but it really isnt. We can reuse the cover a few times before we need to change it, so we need less covers. Our first day we were able to reuse the cover 3 times before Sydney pooped - then we changed the insert along with the cover and went on with our day. So it saves quite a bit of money when you are able to stock up on the less expensive part of a system.
We also got lucky and I am glad we waited. For the 4th, the Flip systems went on sale. We saved about 15% and our local cloth diapering store -
All Things Diapers in Blaine off 65 - took AWESOME care of our needs and were able to answer any and all questions we had. They even took apart some sets so we were able to get all the inserts we needed at once. Speaking of sets - they also have day packs that are discounted before the sale - so add the additional discount and it was a great savings!! Would I recommend them if you were looking to start out and your diapering needs? Absolutely. It is a no pressure environment - so you dont have to feel bad if you are looking to first get an idea of the different types of cloth and systems, and then go home to think about what would best fit your needs. We went once before we actually purchased anything and i can say it is very nice to see things in person. It's a cute little store with a lot of potential to empty your wallet - so keep your spending urge in check before you walk in. They also have a diaper changing station and a breast feeding area in case your little one decides they are hungry or in need of a new diaper while you are there! They also have an online store (I linked it above incase you missed that) and they have free shipping within Minnesota! Bonus!
So - for about $150 - we were able to snag 6 covers and 24 inserts - and that is with me doing laundry every 2 days. I am still interested in checking out some other types of cloth diapers for overnights if it seems to become a need since sleep, no matter what type of system you use - can prove to be too much for what works for you during the day (or so I have heard!) My next ones to check out are going to be Fuzzibunz and Bum Genius. I am hoping to grab some 'seconds' or some nicer used ones to save a little money since they are a 1 time wear diaper and are $17-20 a piece.
You will also need cloth diapering safe detergent (we chose Charlies; Rocking Green is another popular choice) and cloth diaper safe diaper rash cream (we chose Grandma El's and California Baby). CJ's BUTTer is another popular diaper rash ointment!
So how are we liking the switch? Its awesome. And it was a very easy transition. If you are thinking about it - but dont want to initially commit - try a diaper trial (also offered at All Things Diapers) and you are out almost nothing if it doesnt turn out to be something you like!
I will tell you - it becomes a sickness. There are a TON of SUPER cute cloth diapers out there for sale. But the money we can save by cloth diapering is well worth the laundry and any extra prepping that has to be done with them.
With that said, my washer is singing to me that our diapers from today are done (we are waiting on two covers to come in, and we dirtied two covers today, so I wanted to make sure just in case we have two poops tomorrow, we have a clean cover on hand!) - and I can hop into bed!
xoxo,
Kristen, Ryan, Sydney & Brigsby
