Friday, October 22, 2010

Cloth Diapering for Dummies

Because I'm a glutton for punishment and didn't have enough going on in my life, I decided to try cloth diapering this time around.  I quickly learned that cloth diapering is lots more complicated than I thought.  I've had to learn about the many different types of diapers (all-in-one, all-in-two, pocket, hybrid, etc.) and the various fabrics used (cotton, fleece, bamboo, hemp, etc.)  It's been exhausting to say the least, but I love cloth diapering my baby.  My friend Steph who blogs at Sound Off sent me a couple of her diapers as a gift.  She has her own cloth diaper company called Pampered Cheeks.  Here's Calvin modeling one of Steph's all-in-two (AI2) diapers.  I love that I don't have to mess with a diaper cover and the doublers unsnap from the diaper for easier washing and drying.

 


The only downside to cloth diapering Calvin right now is that he's dirtying 12-15 diapers per day.  So for now I've found that I love using a hybrid system, called g diapers.  The g pants can be washed with normal clothes and have a snap in liner and either a cloth or disposable insert.  When I'm at home during the daytime I use the cloth inserts.  When we're on-the-go I use the disposable inserts.  The disposable inserts are biodegradable and the inner insert is flushable when separated from the outer insert.  The disposable inserts are not supposed to contain chlorine or other harmful chemicals.  They're not as absorbant as disposable diapers, but it's better than having to fill up a wet bag when out and about.  Calvin went through 4 diapers while we were at Bible study Wednesday!  He loves to spread the love around like that.  Anyway, here's how the g diapering system works.


Shown with cloth insert.

Tabs go in back.
 Since I'm new at this I'd love to have any advice you can offer me.  So far, I've been washing the cloth diapers and inserts on cold first without soap, then hot with cloth diaper detergent and extra rinse, then drying on high- sometimes twice.  This seems to be working, but I've read many wash variations.  What works for you?

4 comments:

  1. I used cloth on two of my kids. I think it is worth the extra effort. :)

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  2. CUTENESS! He is adorable. I have no advice on diapers though, becuase I used disposables with both of mine. However if I am ever blessed to choose again I would go cloth all the way :)

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  3. I considered cloth for my upcoming baby, but I'm a little hesitant to have more laundry, so I've chickened out and decided to stay with disposables. I know I would save money in the long run with cloth, but I'm just too tired to think about more work!

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  4. I found your blog through a friend and am loving it! I have 5 kids, homeschool, and cloth diaper.
    I wanted to mention a couple things about cloth diapering....I only put mine in the dryer every other month or so. Putting them in the dryer repeatedly makes the fibers break down, becoming less absorbent over time. I line dry diapers, and throw inserts in the dryer.
    You should look into OS diapers! (one-size) They are pocket diapers, so you can stuff as much or as little as you'd like, plus, you only need to buy ONE diaper. EVER. I can't get enough of it! Here is a SAHM where I get mine from: http://madebymama.com/store/WsDefault.asp?Cat=OneSizeDiapers

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I'm an on-the-run mom to 6 kids who studied and taught exercise science in a previous life. I love all things running, nutrition, and health-related. I usually run at zero dark thirty in the morning and am often quite hungry before, during, and after my run, but I live a rich, full, blessed life with my children, family, and friends. My faith in God is my anchor, and looking to Him and His promises allows me to live fully even when life circumstances are difficult. While running gives me an appetite, my desire is to hunger and thirst for righteousness more than for physical food.