8 Advantages Of Using Cloth Diapers

I have been using cloth diapers since I discovered them with my third child. For him, I even used them at night.  They did not work as well, but I also did not use the new button or velcro.  The plastic cover was all I could afford AND I even used the old fashioned pins.  Yep, I went back to the old, old days of cloth diapers.

It did not make sense for me to go and spend $20 per diaper cover on new ones.  But, now I have a friend who owns a consignment shop and she got me hooked on the diaper covers.  That is what I used with my fourth son. I did invest in new covers and inserts but this time I spent  $200 dollars. It does sound like a lot but they have paid for themselves in the first year.

There are many advantages of cloth diapers:

Easy Cleaning System:

I am a procrastinator on many levels.  Especially in the grocery dept.  I buy milk when we are down to the last cup.  Yes, I can admit it but at least I don’t wait until we are completely out. The same goes with diapers. When I only used disposables the last minute runs to the store were countless. Every time I knew that my planning had to be better. Now, when I see that I am on my last few diapers then I throw in the whole load. It takes about an hour to wash, dry, and fold. Then I am back in business.

Cleaning Is Cheap:

The chemicals that are being used in our products are insane.  Some we do not even know how dangerous they are, or the effects they have on us long term. Just because a company claims that their product can get out every stain does not mean it is good for you. So, I make my own laundry detergent. This started when I did some research investigating foods and laundry soap that could be related to symptoms of ADHD.  My oldest son was exhibiting symptoms so that is when my research began.  Since then I make as much as I can homemade.

For my cloth diapers I use only my laundry soap and alternate white vinegar and baking soda.  We do have a laundry line outside but it makes the diapers stiff so I use the dryer. Staining is not an issue for me because really…who sees it?

Easy To Use:

The velcro and button cloth diapers are SUPER simple to use.  I really prefer the velcro because they adjust really well to all kinds of growth spurts etc. The buttons adjust well, but they start to fit snug around the legs as baby grows.

They Work Fine In Diaper Bags:

Some have said, and in the past I have noticed a very full diaper bag when I stuff in my cloth diapers.  But like when packing clothes for a long trip it just took practice. Now, usually I do  pack disposable because I feel like a lot of people who may change my baby instead of me shy away from cloth. If it is a place I frequent alot like church or the YMCA where they are used to us then I will use cloth. I do give a brief description that I want him changed and all they have to do is put it in the bag I have provided and I will wash it at home.

So when I pack my cloth diapers I tell them it is just like a disposable, but don’t throw it away. I keep gallon sized ziplocks in the bag.  If it is poo, then I just wash it out when I get home.  I keep a separate store plastic bag for carrying the used diaper. To pack more than one diaper roll them.  Roll them as tiny as you can and organize them along the bottom in a row.  I have been able to pack 4-5 diapers this way.

They are NOT as expensive as disposable:

With the internet options are endless.  There are gently used diapers that can be found at consignment shops, and also diaper swaps. Craigslist will have them listed occasionally.  ALWAYS re-wash with bleach. Then rinse. Then wash with normal laundry soap. I wash twice when I buy used.  That way I FEEL and know  they are clean. Even without stains a double wash makes me feel better.

Inserts Are Re-Usable:

I do have some of the inserts that come with the diapers, but I also stock up on the old three way cloth diapers.  They can be used after baby is done with them.  Trust me because I use to be a housecleaner.  Use these to dust with and clean windows or mirrors.  They last forever and shine objects like no tomorrow!

What do you do with your cloth diapers when your child is potty training? Follow me on my twitter account:@momsarefrugal1 to get more tips, ideas, and more!

Cheers,

Michelle