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.

His Cloth Wipes Are Done!

I have finished the cloth wipes I started the other day. I have 37 total. The first picture shows three of the wipes. The top left is the Joann's fabric with the cute little birdies. The bottom left is the scraps of flannel that my mom gave me. It is a little blue. The fabric on the right is the car flannel I picked up from Hancock Fabrics.
The second picture shows the "S" I did. It is on the darker blue flannel scrap I found. I only had one square of it and I just happened to only have one left over car fabric square so they went together. All the other ones had the same fabric on the front and the back.
The third picture shows all of them together. (Excuse the kitchen) One is missing and it needs to be finished.

The final count is:
10 white birdies
4 light blue
22 cars
1 dark blue/cars
37 total. All flannel. All homemade. All super cute!

Starting his Cloth Wipes

So, I have started making Little One's cloth wipes. We had some leftover flannel so I started with that. My dad helped me cut them out into 7" squares. We used the envelope style to make them. So they are smaller than 7" but they are still plenty big. Out of the scraps, I got 4 double-sided wipes. To "seal" the middle, I put an 'S' for his first initial (which I'll reveal after he's born).

I also bought a yard of flannel (not totally boyish but I don't think he'll mind if it's wiping his behind) from Joann's fabric and craft store. It was a remnant, which means what was left on the bolt. Since it was a remnant, it was half off. We also went to Hancock Fabric and they had their flannel on sale for half off. We also had a coupon for 20% off. So $3.50 for the first yard, and a little more than $6 for the other 2 yards.
So far, I am guessing 30-45 more pairs. Plenty for the little one's buns! I have a My Little Pony container that someone gave me that I will probably try to use. A spray bottle is probably the last thing I need and will most likely need to use water. So, about $10 (plus the cost of the thread) for 3-4 dozen. Just to let you know how you can get wipes for cheap, if you are on a tight budget. Plus, it is a nice little project to show your little one what you can make.
My dad also made me a changing pad also using the envelope style. He used PUL fabric also from Joann's from their new Babyville Boutique line. He also used the cotton batting and double layered it. It is not perfect, but it is still so cute! He also sewed two lines so I could fold it in thirds to fit in a bag. It is about 15" by 24" without the seam allowances, so a little smaller. A nice little project that you can do. The PUL was a little more expensive at 14.99 a yard but we had a coupon for 40% off. It was worth it because it is a wipe-able material, which means any messes can be wiped off without really messing with the fabric. I will upload pictures later when I can!

Cloth Wipes

Since I am using cloth diapers, my mom thought why would I be using disposable wipes? Mainly because I thought it would be a little easier to get acceptance. But, we have found some scrap flannel that I will cut up to make wipes. With flannel, you do you really "need" to sew the edges up because it does not pill up like fleece. Most people say you need at least 2 dozen, or about 2-3 for each cloth diaper change. So, for my son due in February, I'll probably need about 24 the first day alone! I better get moving.

Fluffy Mail!

I have posted a video a about my Black Friday Haul.



Here is a list:
6 Indian Prefolds
2 Thirsties Duo Wrap Size 1 in Aplix (Meadow & Ocean Blue)
2 Thirsties Duo Wrap Size 1 in Snaps (Rose & Scottish Storm)
1 Snappi (Dayglo Orange)
1 Planet Wise Diaper Pail Liner (Green Giraffe)
1 Planet Wise Wet/Dry Bag (Organic Navy Circuits)
1 HABA Mushroom Ball Soft Rattle
I hope you enjoy the video!