I’ve thought about doing this for years, but haven’t ever taken the plunge. But, at the homeschool convention this past week, this speaker and vendor made it seem easy enough to try (ie. commit!). I talked with the vendor in the morning and picked up her information. Then, I proceeded to read and discern about ‘it’ for the rest of the convention. By the end, I’d made a decision and came home with a two bags filled with the following items…
3 dozen cloth toddler diapers
4 bummi waterproof covers
12 doublers for night time use
1 pkg. (includes 2) snappies
I’ve always known the economic benefits and environmental benefits, but wasn’t sure I could handle it. However, I’ve been thinking about this for at least 14 years!! I’m committed to using 3 cloth diapers each day. If I do more, that’s great. If I use less, that’s ok, too. I was going to try to avoid the ‘poo’ times, but that didn’t happen. So, I’m now experienced with ‘that’, too.
My husband thinks I’m nuts (the look on his face was pretty much priceless!) and I haven’t shared my adventurous purchase news with anyone else, yet. Eric was happy to hear that he wouldn’t be held to using them, nor would we be bringing them on trips.
So far, the HE front load washer has done a good job. One wash left the diapers without smell, which surprised me. I’d heard that front loads wouldn’t wash the diapers well with only one wash and you’d waste more water, thus cutting your savings.
Louis has ventured into potty training, so I hope that by August, when the new baby arrives, he will have mastered the skill and only need diapering at night. Cloth diapers also help in training, or so I’ve read and heard. Based on how this experience goes, I may commit to making a purchase for the new baby. Only time will tell.
I'm just imagining Eric's face!!!! All I got to say is, "You go, girl!"
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and a few prayers sprinkled in :) I think it's great!
My mom had to use cloth for my brother, as he had a terrible reaction to the "disposables" of the 1970's.
Someone mentioned to me that there is a Diaper Service here in Fargo somewhere. Curt said, "Yeahhhhhh. Nope" when I asked him about it :)
Uh, I think you are nuts too.
ReplyDeleteI don't even think I can even say anything else....
I remember cloth diapers, too. Only we had pins and the vinyl elastic covers. I actually remember changing them, dunking the diapers and the diaper pail. I never remembered it as being horrible, so maybe that's why it's always been in the back of my mind.
ReplyDeleteIn reality, this isn't so much different from trying to potty train, except the waterproof covers hold it in instead of letting an 'accident' cause a change of clothes and a possible floor cleaning. I'm also going to invest in some disposable liners that make changing the poo a little easier, too.
And, if it doesn't work out for me, there is a good re-sale value on cloth diapers. At least now I can say I've tried it. Yes, I waited a good long time, but some decisions take a while!
Suzie--Chris and I use cloth diapers for Edison and I love them!
ReplyDelete-Rikki
Suzie! Imagine, I actually get to reading some blogs today, and this is the first post I read! *I* don't think you're nuts, and in fact, I applaud you! I have used cloth with all four, and I hope you find that they work well for you. I also appreciate your guidelines - Matt, too, is supportive (I think more because it saves a TON of money) but they're not his favorite to change. I figure, even if I was the only one using them during the day, we'd still really be saving money, and of course, the precious environment God gave us to steward. On that note, I've always kept a phrase in my head relating to cloth diapers that I do believe was Holy Spirit inspired, "I don't want my kids legacy to be their diapers in a landfill" - because, well -- they take between 200 - 300 years to even POTENTIALLY biodegrade!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSo - good job. Email me if you have any need for tips - I *think* I've seen it all at this point! ;-)