So I have been talking about a cloth diaper post for a long time now. Problem is, it is a bit overwhelming. So I have been racking my brain for a way to present it in a less overwhelming way. I almost backed out of it because my brain just got overloaded.
Best advice? Take it one step at a time, I'm 9 months into it and still building/altering my stash.
So first step to diving into the world of cloth diapers is to look at why people are doing it, and why you should do it too!
Did you know, that it takes disposables over 500 years to fully degrade in a landfill? yuck!
How much money are you throwing away just to sit in a landfill? This was the biggest get'her for me. I used Luvs, $0.16 per diaper. You think, awe that's not bad compared to spending $4 or even $25 on one cloth diaper. But let's look at it on a different level.
You purchase a pack of let's say, 36 diapers for approximately $7.99 (again I used Luvs, Pampers and Huggies would cost almost twice this). You change your infant about 10 times a day, you're looking at a pack lasting about 3 days, then you're back to the store, twice a week for the next 2-3 years, spending $7.99.
So let's do the math. At this rate, 10 diaper per day or 70 diapers per week = 3640 diapers a year = 7280 til potty trained (if you're lucky to do it by age 2). At $0.16 per diaper, that's $1164.80 in diapers! That get thrown away! That's a lot of money! not to mention if you add another year to that and another $600, or if you use a more pricey brand. Wowzer!
Now let's look at cloth diapers. Supposing you go for a good brand (we'll review brands and types in a later post), but the most common diaper is a "pocket" and one of the most common brands is "BumGenius". Their diapers average at $17.95 per diaper. Now, assuming you would like to wash every other day, you need about 24-36 diapers, we'll say 36 for good measure. That's $646.20. Of course you can use this calculator to determine a cost based on utility use and detergent, but that really only adds a few cents a month. And that is it. A very good stash that will last your babe till toilet training.
Then guess what! You can sell them!!!!! Now you may not make all of your money back on used diapers, but you will get back at least half of what you spent on them, which is more than you can say for a disposable paper diaper!
How about them frugal apples!
Now, don't let the upfront cost scare you, I will share some of my "getting started" and "budgeting" secrets here.
Have you looked at the ingredient list of a pack of diapers?
Now those things are on your baby's precious sensitive skin.
Cloth diapers come in all types of materials, but let's look at the most common, a pocket. The outer layer is PUL, a waterproof cloth, with plastic snaps. There is elastic in the legs and along the back and the inner material that touches baby's skin is most likely suedecloth or microfleece. Both of which keep moisture off of baby so they feel dry. The absorbant middle comes in various materials as well, most companies include multi layer microfiber inserts. I use a blend of bamboo and microfiber. There are also hemps, velours, bamboos, cottons, and more blends.
Now here's one of my favorite bonuses to cloth... They're so stinkin' cute! Cloth covered bums are often referred to as "fluffy butt" cause yes, they're bulkier than disposables, giving babes that cute "fluffy" behind. Not to mention all the different colors and patterns you can get to adorn your precious little ones rear end.
Cloth diapering is really very versatile. There are so many options to fit anyone's needs/wants/expectations of cloth, which is why it can be a bit overwhelming to the senses. Check out Cloth Diapering 102 to see the different choices and Cloth Diapering 103 to find out which is best for you!
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