We’ve switched to cloth.
When I tell say that sentence to most people, they think I’m crazy, nuts, have gone off the deep end, etc. People my parents’ age especially think I’m nuts because they have visions of a cloth rag with diaper pins you have to stick in your hair in order for them to be sharp anymore. They also think of diapering services and hanging laundry to dry on a clothesline.
NOT ANYMORE!
We have some good friends that helped us make the switch. In fact, we were completely oblivious to the world of cloth diapering until we went over to their house and noticed their then 15 month-old son’s diaper cover was sticking out of his shorts and we said, “Is he wearing training pants?” They told us no, but we really didn’t ask anything about it. So then we started hearing more and more about cloth diapers and the revolutionary technology that has evolved into the 20th century cloth (no kidding). I actually read some websites that made me not want to switch, because they talked about the labor-intensive process of soaking, laundering, and folding. But the more and more I talked with actual people, they assured me that it was possible to still have a life and cloth diaper their kids at the same time.
So in a nutshell, here are the reasons why we switched.
1. We didn’t want to create so much waste. There is so much household waste and most American families do use disposable diapers. I haven’t asked each of them why, nor will I ever get to, but I believe most families like the ease and convenience of disposables, without thinking of the cost of the rising landfills. After switching to cloth, we only have 1 trashbag in our big trashcan each week, whereas before (with 2 kids in diapers) we had 3-4. Many people think that we should not worry about taking care of our earth, because God will take care of and provide for everything we need. But, since it does belong to the LORD, so why shouldn’t we have the reverence and respect to take care of His creation?
2. We wanted to save money. What about the start-up cost? Yes, it’s costly, but so is having a baby. We will easily make up the difference in six months, and if we have another kid or 2, we won’t have to pay it again. Not true with disposables. What about the trade-off in water costs? Our water bill has not changed in the six weeks we’ve been using cloth.
3. We knew it was better for the kids’ hygiene. Statistically, kids that are cloth-diapered learn to use the potty faster. And, when Colby wore disposables, he had several diaper rashes in his lifetime, and we had to get two different prescription creams (and two different doctor’s office visits) in order for it to clear up. Now, he rarely gets a rash, and if he does, it clears up much quicker.
4. We wanted the convenience. It’s convenient, you say? Yes! We don’t have to rush out and get diapers at midnight! I mean, we’re already washing clothes every day anyway, so why not throw another load on? And, we bought the one-size-fits-all, so Colby and Kennedy wear the same diapers and we adjust the sizes with snaps.
So, let me show you what these wonderful things are. (From the Cotton Babies website, Bum Genius diapers
There are tabs and snaps and elastic, oh my! My mom and dad think these diapers are the best thing since sliced bread, and I kind of agree. I really think another reason most American (or non-American!) families don’t use cloth is because they do have the preconceived notions I mentioned earlier. They don’t know how companies have spent millions trying to perfect their product and make it easier for Moms to make a difference in the environment. Ignorance is NOT bliss, in fact, it’s just ignorance.
We do owe a lot to the Supercinskis - they let us borrow diapers to try out. What great friends! We were able to use the diapers for both kids and then wash and dry them. Cloth diapering is pretty much the same as “regular” diapering, but with a better purpose in mind. I highly recommend it.
5 comments October 5th, 2007