Published on September 3, 2005 By Janders In Misc
In the 8 weeks since we have had our daughter we have gone through an unbelievable amount of diapers. Probably close to 500 if not more. The thought of all those going to a landfill and polluting the earth disgusts me. Not olny that but little Jayna has already had two minor diaper rashes on account that the diapers don't "breathe".

So we are making the switch to cloth..... For those of you who remember the diaper, pin and rubber pants, those days are long gone. There are very fancy cloth diapers out there. I have purchased a few different kinds to see what we like best, before we invest a lot in a certian brand.

There are pocket diapers like fuzzi bunz and wonderoos that you can stuff with pre folds or inserts. (we are trying pre folds and hemp inserts, and I may try and make some of my own inserts) I also bought some all in ones that are all put together, so they are very user friendly. I also ordered some fitted diapers, but still need to order some covers for them.

I was so suprised how cute the diapers are. You can get traditional white, but also every color under the sun, prints and even cute fuzzy animal faces. My first package arrived to day, so we will start weaning into cloth diapers after they are washed.

I am really looking foward to no more Target trips for diapers, no more rash and no more TRASH.

.

Comments
on Sep 03, 2005

We made the switch some time ago, and I have one small hint for you: If you go to church and your church has a nursery, you might wanna put the lilun in disposables for the trips to church. Most nursery workers are unfamiliar with cloth diapers, and many are unwilling to use them.

But I, for one, applaud your decision. Vive le fabrique!

on Sep 03, 2005
I also applaud your decision. When my kids were babies, we never used disposables, except when traveling, and only for my second child. I hated them. We did lots and lots of laundry, but it was better than filling the landfills. If you don't want to do the landfill thing, think about a diaper service. That's what my daughter did with her son (who is now six and the love of my life).
on Sep 03, 2005
Janders: That's a sacrifice I wasn't willing to make with either of my children. I admire your tenacity in your quest to provide the best care you can for your child. I hope that the cloth diapers will work out wonderfully for your little one.
on Sep 03, 2005
The UK government's Environment Agency concluded recently that once the energy and detergent usage associated with cloth nappies has been taken into account, there is little to choose between them and disposables.
Link: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/857406/1072214/?lang=_e
Not everybody subscribes to these findings, but truly independent studies / conclusions supporting either side of the argument are thin on the ground.

We chose eventually to go with disposables - partly for convenience, I admit, but also because our daughter seems significantly happier and more comfortable in them.

Recently, we found a new (to us) manufacturer whose nappies contain no PVC, and are manufactured with environmental friendliness in mind. They are available in Europe, and have just been introduced here in Australia. (Sorry, but I don't know whether they have made it to the USA yet.) They're rather more expensive than the standard supermarket variety, but I suppose that's hardly surprising.
Link: http://www.nordicnappies.com.au/

None of which is to even suggest you've made an invalid decision, of course. We admire you for having the determination to make a decision like this and see it through. Hope you get the benefits you are looking for.
on Sep 04, 2005
Gideon~ She stays with us during church, but I will think of that when she get older... Thanks for the advice.

Dabe- Unfortunatly the area we live in does not offer a diaper service, otherwise I would be all over that!

Texas~ They sure don't make it easy for parents, do they? Thanks for the compliment.

Furry~ I agree that once you figure in water and energy usage it is not that great, but I feel it is better than more trash, thats just me though. Plus there is the benefit of less diaper rash. (hopefully)


on Sep 04, 2005
I'm impressed!

Trinitie
on Sep 04, 2005
I wish i had a digital camera so that i could snap a pic of my kids wearing flannelette diapers, pins, and rubber pants. I would send it to you to remind you that old-fashioned cloth diapering is still alive and well!
on Sep 04, 2005
Maryanne~ That is very neat that you still use the classics! I appluad you.