I Want to Cloth Diaper But...

It kind of bothers me when people say "I want to cloth diaper but..."

• ...I don't have the upfront costs.
• ...My partner doesn't want to.
• ...I have to deal with poop.
• ...I don't have a washer or dryer.
• ...I'm too overwhelmed!

I will admit that cloth diapering can seem daunting, but after you start doing some research on simple sites such as Dirty Diaper Laundry. I will break down each one of these excuses and hopefully this will help you if you are saying, "But..."

"I don't have the upfront costs."

Cloth diapering does not have to be all or nothing. You could buy a diaper here or a diaper there. If you are still pregnant, buy a diaper or two every paycheck (or once a month). If you do this instead of buying a pack of disposables, your money will go long ways.
If you are in need, there are diaper banks such as Giving Diapers, Giving Hope.
If you are not pregnant, vow to replace one pack of disposables diapers with one cloth diaper (will last much longer). If you buy your diapers at Target, they do sell Charlie Bananas in store. You do have to start somewhere. Every disposable that you don't use is one step closer to their goal.

"My partner doesn't want to."

If you can convince your partner that you will be saving money for them, that might change their minds! Plus, you will probably be the one changing most, if not all, of the diapers! Try to explain that is what you want and they don't have to change diapers if they don't want to. But once they see how much trash it has eliminated and how cute the diapers can be, it would definitely help!

"I have to deal with poop."

No matter what, you have to deal with poop. I have used disposables and I will have to admit that I have had to deal with more poop with "poop-splosions" than with cloth. Exclusively breastfed baby's poop is completely water soluble. Plus, you wash the poopy clothes in the washer with your other clothes so your washing poop with it anyways. I would rather deal with a poopy diaper than a poopy outfit.

"I don't have a washer or a dryer."

Every year, Dirty Diaper Laundry posts a challenge about Flats and Handwashing. You can handwash (I know...gasp!). I have not personally done it, but I have heard many good things about it, including how easy it can be. Using flats are also cheaper and you can use practically anything. You can also use a laundromat's washer and dryer every couple of days. It might seem costly, but it is still cheaper than disposables in the long run.

"I'm too overwhelmed."

In my opinion, all parents are overwhelmed. Whether you are working, going to school, or just staying home, there are still things to be overwhelmed with. Sometimes disposables can seem like a good idea, but is throwing out all the trash, including the stinkies? A load of laundry can be a nice break for 5 minutes. It could also motivate you to get your laundry done because you're already going there so why not make it for all of your laundry?

All of these are my own opinion and I know other people might disagree. But remember, you must ultimately choose what is right and best for you family. It was right for ours to use cloth to save money, but do use disposables (which are bought by his grandmother) for unexpected overnight trips. I hope these have helped you in not to make excuses.

Remember, it starts with one.