I should mention up front that I am an "every day", average Mommy who uses prefold diapers and cloth diaper wraps, and am relatively new to cloth diapering.
I don't claim to be an expert…
I don’t claim to be an expert (by any stretch of the imagination) when it comes to cloth diapers, but I thought I'd share 7 things I have learned about cloth diapering:- My baby needs larger pants because cloth diapers (at least the ones I use) are bulkier than disposables. Yes, my baby definitely has back!
- With cloth diapers, I need to change my child’s diaper, or my child's outfit, more frequently because the cloth diaper leaked.
- If I don’t use a cloth diaper liner, removing the poop from the cloth diaper prior to washing is a somewhat painful process. Spray Wands are sold to help with this or you can simply use a liner; Heaven forbid if you have to swish them in the toilet with your (gulp)…hand (Been there and done that - no longer interested.).
- My friends and family have worked themselves into a tizzy about why I would put myself through "…all of this work!". "Why not just use disposables?" Mother-in-laws are most guilty of this. They'll wonder if you're some kind of "environmentalist". Have you been listening to Al Gore for Pete’s sake????!
- My baby has become more and more wiggly during diaper changes so prefolds and wraps with inserts make diaper changing a bit more challenging.
- Although my cloth diapers need to be in the sun to get the stains out, that's not always possible (or should I say "fun") at 20 below zero.
- Cloth diapering can be fun! There are so many products to add to my cloth diaper stash with lots of bright colors and fun textures. I have to strive to focus on what I really need.
All things considered, I wouldn’t change my decision to use cloth diapers. I love knowing I’m trying to help our Earth. I also love knowing I’m saving money each month by diapering on our own. I think my baby looks cute too in her Thirsties. Who knew cloth diapering could be this satisfying?