I have a confession to make.
We have only just begun using cloth diapers. When I say that, I mean mere days ago. We inherited a large bag of various types of cloth diapers from a couple of Mike's lovely co-workers. I had every intention of beginning to use them within the first month or two of babyhood. After all, babies alone are enough to figure out without the many facets of cloth diapering thrown into the mix. When the weather warmed up I washed, sorted, and hung the inherited diapers on the line, but I still remained confused as to how these ones worked and so continued on with the disposables.
Months have passed and I felt sick with every package of disposables we fired through. We would sit in the aisles grimacing at the idea of throwing more money into a landfill. I was fully aware that the savings in the long run were substantial, but most stores we visited suggested the start up cost would be around $900 dollars. The diapers would pay for themselves and then some over the course of their lives, but it didn't change the fact that $15 to $20 every week was easier on our bank account in the short term.
Then one day, I was finally done feeling guilty with each diaper change and began seriously researching the world of cloth diapers. I found some great sellers on Etsy and was comparing two sellers in particular. I could get 24 AIO (all in one) one size {birth to potty training} diapers with 24 free reusable wipes for $240 plus shipping through this seller, and the same from this sellerfor $365 plus shipping. I then decided to make my way over to Ebay where I found 24 AIO cloth diapers for $128 with free shipping.
Sold.
This company is in China and the decision to purchase from this seller may have been less than ethical or even environmentally savvy. That being said we don't always have the luxury of choosing handmade, local, and organic items as those often seem to be much more expensive choice and as a family trying to cut costs so that I may stay home, the decision was made to go the more economical route. I am a big believer in supporting the tiny shops and the environmentally responsible, but when it comes down to this transaction, I saved well over $100 and am now creating much less waste for many years to come. I think now that we are set up, I will be able to buy lovely and more local diapers in the future.
The transition to cloth has been interesting and we are still trying to find our groove and comfort levels. The first day we had her in them we had an astonishing number of teething/prune induced poops and so, after the 12th poopy diaper, we felt a little overwhelmed.
Yesterday, I went to our local baby boutique and picked up some bamboo inserts {$4 each} to go inside the three covers I had purchased when I had no idea what I was doing and will try those soon too. I would also like to visit our local Recycled Kids store to see if they have any second hand diapers.
So far cloth diapering is not nearly as intimidating as one might think. You have to change them more often and wash them when you need more, but we have enough to last us 2 to 3 days at least with 24 AIOs plus 3 covers with inserts. So far, the hardest part for me is looking at the fresh white fleece being smeared with poop and hoping it comes out in the wash. I am sure it will be easier when the novelty wears off.
I will keep you posted on our progress and I would love to gather links for future diaper buying if you care to share your suppliers and favorites.
I always love hearing about your experiences!
e.
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