Cloth diaper journey

What was I thinking? Cloth what? Yes, cloth diapers (CDs)! During my pregnancy Leonard & I decided that we would use cloth diapers for baby Maggie to save $$$$ & the environment. I did alot of research online, attended a CD class, and worked with a great local vendor (Jen Starks @ Ecological Babies). My initial stash consisted of several dozen pre-folds with Thirsties Duo covers, 2 bumGenius, a GroBaby starter pack, and one FuzziBunz. Jen suggested that I try out a few different ones so that I can choose which one works best for me & my baby. I am soooo glad that she recommended that. Initially I was sold on the bumGenius and was going to invest in several of those. Nine weeks into using my stash, I have a different opinion.

To say the least, this CD journey has not been completely smooth. We've had a couple of bumps in the road. First, Maggie developed a rash at 2wks. The only time I've had to deal with a diaper rash is when Hannah had massive diarrhea when she was about 12mos old. Why did Maggie have one now? So, this was a little discouraging at first. Unlike disposable diapers, common diaper rash ointments/creams cannot be used with CDs because they ruin the diaper. And I did NOT want to have to buy a disposable diaper. I immediately starting using a CD safe ointment called the Magic Stick. However, after a couple of days of using it, the rash appeared worse! I was ready to pull my hair out. I did what I didn't want to do and bought a pack of disposable diapers & Desitin. I continued to change her diaper every 2 hrs around the clock & slather her bottom with Desitin for a few more days with NO improvement. The Ped said it was yeast and prescribed Nyastatin & Triple Butt paste. So, after another week of disposables there was minimal improvement. Then I found a cure in Motherlove's Diaper Rash & Thrush ointment & it was ok to use with CDs! Actually, a friend recommended it & I should have used it from the beginning. It literally worked overnight!

Our second bump was figuring out the best way to wash the CDs. See, we have a front load HE washer that uses cups of water (not gallons) to wash. I knew that breastmilk poop was water soluble & did not have to be removed before washing. Yeah, that's true if you DON'T have a HE washer! I would go to remove the diapers from the washer & ALL of them would be covered in speckles of yellow seedy poop. Now what? I certainly wasn't going to buy another washing machine. The point here was to SAVE $$$! Then I remember one of my baby shower gifts....a bumGenius diaper sprayer. I finally figured out what cycles and how many with what temp to keep our stash "so fresh & so clean clean!"

In short what I have learned thus far:

• U need the RIGHT detergent & the right amount (a very small amt)
• CDs needs to be rinsed thoroughly of ALL detergent (I think this may have been the culprit to our rash)
• Magic Stick is GREAT for preventing rash & treating mild flares
• Motherlove is GREAT for preventing rash & treating aggressive flares
• HE washers don't use enough water to dissolve breastmilk poop
• A fleece liner is amazing at wicking moisture with a pre-fold

So, 9wks in & no regrets! Maggie is starting to sleep a little more at night & I'm trying to figure out the best diaper for night time. The jury is still out on my preference for the BEST diaper. Hands down, the pre-fold with cover is the most reliable....no blow outs or leaks yet!

Super-Sized Cloth Diaper Giveaway: Nov. 20 - Dec. 4, 2009

Cloth What?

Yes, cloth diapers! Everyone is asking "why?" My response, "why not?" True, I did not use cloth diapers with my first two girls, but after talking with a few friends and doing alot of research....."why not?" Initially, I was a little hesitant. My first thought was of those Gerber pre-folds and white vinyl covers that my Momma used with my baby sister. I remember dunking those things in the toilet....and the smell!

Pre-fold diaper with Snappi

However, cloth diapers have come a LONG way in the past few years. Sure, the pre-folds are still around, but say "good-bye" to the safety pin closure. The Snappi is a plastic stretchy closure that wont stick you or baby. The pre-fold diaper is still the most economical, but the quality is much better than before. And now those white vinyl covers have been replaced by cool assorted colors that close with snaps or velcro.

Thirsty Duo Covers with Pre-fold

FuzziBunz Pocket Diaper

Ultimately, the decision to use cloth was that it would be best for our pockets & best for the environment. If you know Leonard, you know that he is "Mr Green" and all about saving the environment. And if you know me, you know that I am all about spending money wisely and saving where I can. I spent a little over $200 for my initial stash and shouldn't HAVE to buy another diaper for at least 6mos....even longer if Baby Girl Huff is as petite as Ms Sarah. And I can give them away and that Mommy wont have to spend a $$$ on diapers!

FuzziBunz Pocket Diaper

My Beginning Stash + a few dozen pre-folds

There are tons of great resources on-line for choosing cloth diapers. But thank God, I have been blessed with someone locally who has helped me tremendously. Seeing something on-line and actually touching it & asking an expert about them makes it soooo much easier. Jen Starks at Ecological Babies (http://www.ecologicalbabies.com/) has been a great resource. She encouraged me to buy a couple of different brands to fill them out first. So my beginning stash includes one FuzziBunz, 2 Bum Genius, 2 Gro Babies, and pre-folds with Thirsty Duo covers.

Gro-Baby System

Gro-Baby System comes in a alot more colors/patterns & snap closure. They are one of the newest diapers on the market. See how easy to use!

Bum Genius 3.0 One size diaper

The Bum Genius diaper is the most popular and seems very easy to use. My Dear friend, Genny has offered me a dozen of her baby girl's. I'm quite excited about adding them to my stash and for the low low $$$$$!