Diapers diapers diapers. I hear changing them is the most fun thing about having a baby, right? Feel free to skip this post if you think diapers are boring, I won't be offended. I'll try to post something pretty tomorrow to make up for it. If you are still reading, here are some things to know about me and how I made my diaper decision:
I decided to use cloth diapers sometime at about 13. When I heard about the landfills and whatnot. Gross. I know people argue about cloth diapers and the energy usage to wash them and blah blah blah but when I am done I will be throwing out less than a garbage bag of waste. After 2 kids (maybe three if they survive to be passed on). Also I will have saved thousands of dollars. I like all these things. And those statistics created to make people feel good about disposables don't factor in HE washing machines or eco-friendly detergents. By the way.
If you have ever thought about using cloth diapers you will have noticed that there are about a million kinds. It's crazy. Tons of types and brands and colours. Some people love this. Some women collect cute diapers like most of us go after shoes and handbags. Some people love having different kinds to go with different needs (travelling, overnight, babysitters, rashes). This gave me a headache. I do not want a million kinds of diapers. I do not want to hunt down the newest cutest print and beat all the other mothers into getting it.
So I decided to go with one system. If it is so much more work than disposables I just won't know. If it's not the best system ever invented by mankind, I also won't know. Thus I will be happy, because ignorance is bliss. Craig is on board with this, by the way, which is helpful.
This said, I decided on Applecheeks. Because:
- They are designed and made in Canada. As opposed to China or who knows where. This means decent quality and excellent customer service.
- They are very highly reviewed. I've spent hours online researching this and very nearly everyone loves them. Those who didn't don't seem to have read the directions properly.
- They are midrange in price. I will have to buy two sizes of covers (which ensures a decent fit) but only one set of inserts. I will end up paying about...$700 for all the diapers I will ever need for two kids.
- They can be used as pocket diapers or covers and inserts. You might not know what this means, but it's the best of both and much cheaper than just pockets.
- They are cute. And not in a "I have Disney characters on my bum!" way.
And here is what I bought (about $500) for those of you who are curious about how to start out with this sort of thing. This should be enough that I will only have to do laundry ever three days.
- 12 covers. A varity of gender neutral colours. I like the cherry tomato and St Lucia best. Also the chocolate brown.
- Hemp Inserts. 30 two layer and 6 three layer (for overnights).
- Two hemp boosters and a stay dry liner.
- A roll of flushable diaper liners. You put it on top of the insert and then when it's dirty you just flush it. So that when I change diapers at the restaurant I don't have to carry my poo home with me.
- A large laundry bag in turquoise (because it's Pantone's colour of the year and I like to be fashion forward about these things) and a small chocolate brown bag for the diaper bag (which is awesome and will be discussed later). I will be buying one more large laundry bag for when this one is in the wash.
There you go. Will it be awesome? I'll keep you posted! (Because you care about my baby's bum, I know it.)
11 comments:
That's great! I seriously love using cloth diapers and I'm so glad we went that route. Honestly not a ton of work and you feel so much better about diapering than if you were doing disposables.
They are so cute! I like the red, blue and brown ones best too.
You didn't talk about wipes. Do you have wipes? Do you know what kind you are getting (there are 8 zillion kinds, just like diapers). I like both flannel and terry - so you can make your own or just buy really cheap wash cloths. I don't recommend the baby wash cloths, though, as they tend to just smear poop around. FYI.
Can't wait to hear what you think about these diapers :D I don't know anyone who uses them, so definitely excited to hear about them.
Kimberly - and look at what a happy baby you have!
Kait - I don't have wipes yet, I've got some flannel hankies and I'm thinking of buying some terrycloth at fabricland and hacking it up...
I'm just happy to see someone using cloth diapers. I detest the idea of disposable diapers.
I know so many people on limited income who seem to feel they MUST have disposable diapers.
I don't have kids of my own, but I changed my younger sister and brothers cloth diapers and don't see why they are a problem. Less stuff for landfills and cost effective. Also, I really hate seeing them on the ground in parking lots. Why do people seem to think that's an appropriate place to put them (I know you wouldn't do that -- don't take that statement to mean that).
These look really cute. I hope they're everything you hope and more.
Jean - sometimes people leave dirty diapers in the lockers at the pool. This is why they have to check them every night, because otherwise you have to hunt for the funny smell. People are gross.
Please, do keep us posted, because I am debating about cloth vs disposables. I would like to see the reports about energy saving with disposables, if you don't mind to share the link.
Also, are you planning to work outside of your home while the baby is young, or send him/her to daycare? I think I'd want to stay, but it is also depending on Greg's situation then.
I am very interested in this Hanna, thanks for charing!
Coty - I am not planning on working outside the home, so daycare isn't a factor for us. Craig has a full time job and I just want to do illustration work from home as I can make time.
Here's some links on comparing cloth vs disposables:
http://applecheeks.ca/site/en/Why_Trend.html
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/cloth-or-disposable-diapers.html
http://www.thenewparentsguide.com/diapers.htm
http://www.tinygem.ca/cloth-vs-disposables.shtml
We've also made the decision to cloth diaper, and I've got a couple of Applecheeks in my current stash to see if we like them. I've got a little bit of everything at this point, but I'm leaning towards pockets for the long run.
There are so many good reasons for cloth, and it's always nice to see more people willing to take the plunge! :)
The best way to clean cloth diapers is to pre-rinse them off in the toilet using a Hand Bathroom Bidet Sprayer. So convenient and if you are trying to help the environment (and your pocket book) you can give it a double whammy by virtually eliminating toilet paper use at the same time as you benefit from using it on the diapers, by using it on yourself. I'm not sure how many people know this but that is what they were originally created for. I think Dr. Oz on Oprah said it best: "if you had pee or poop on your hand, you wouldn't wipe it off with paper, would you? You'd wash it off" Available at http://www.bathroomsprayers.com they come in an inexpensive kit and can be installed without a plumber. Now we're talking green and helping the environment without any pain.
Hooray for cloth! Cloth diapers rock! I cannot believe I didn't give them a try years ago - even "old school" prefolds and covers or wool is awesome.
I've never tried Apple Cheeks but will be testing them soon for a friend's business.
Woohoo! You've got a great stash there! I do use cloth wipes too
Good Luck Hanna, I bought Applecheeks too and can't wit to use them. My BF uses them with her little girl and loves them. The other good thing about them is that kids tend to potty train sooner than those in disposables. Bonus :)
Take Care,
Lisa
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