[erinella]

Why do you use cloth diapers?
I have 2 kids and have never used cloth, but after reading some of your posts i am interested in learning more about it.....i am due in November with baby #3
Julie

[mama2riley]

bumping this up for you hun

[lavatea]

I'm curious about this, too. Besides the obvious environmental benefits, what is better about cloth? I thought about using cloth with my daughter, but since I wasn't in a position to be her primary caregiver during the day I didn't want to put that burden on anyone else (especially my grandmother!!). I'm anticipating the day when I will be home with future kids and would like more info.

[NikkiLDS]

-no chemicals on my baby's tender bum (like the gels in disposables - some may have allergic reactions, etc...)
-cloth is a TON cheaper, in the long run. I have a 3-yr-old boy, still diapering, and a 7 month old girl. Total diapering costs? Less than $300, ever. (well, plus laundry detergent & water, but I'd still say I'm way below disposable averages). Cost was our main reason.
-theory: cloth helps kids feel wet more than disp, so they are more aware of it & may theoretically toilet-learn easier. (hence the new "feel & learn" diapers!)
-theory: the heat produced in a disp diaper may cause problems for male development & affect fertility later in life.
-there are so many cute options!
-it just feels more natural to me.
-environmental benefits (less waste, less production...)

[Aerie]

I use cloth for all the reasons Nikki said! I tried to use it with my older children when they were babies, but found it too overwhelming- partly because I had 2-3 in diapers at the same time, I'm sure! Now, I find it a great joy. I think I am better able to handle the 'poop' of life now, as something that just has to be dealt with. I get warm fuzzy happy feelings when I put fold my cloth diapers, change sweet Margary Rose, and pat her huge ole cloth diapered bum. For the environment, to avoid chemicals on sensitive skin, and to not avoid contact with the tough things in life, but to meet them head on! And of course, 'cause I'm cheap! I finally found a good source for cloth pants for bedwetters (got the bedwetting genes from their mama... but I'm down to only two bedwetters now- woohoo!), and that has save us a ton of money over buying pullups, and I just throw them in with the diaper load.

Blessings,
Theresa

[maryavan]

Saving money and helping the enviroment of the world for my child were the main reasons we started. MOney was the big one. The money saved on dipes, wipes (b/c cloth wipes are washed w/ dipes), and NOT needing butt creams b/c of greatly reduced diaper rashes is big even w/ more expensive systems of cloth diapers. After seeing statistics on the environmental impact of one baby in disposables,wow, that wasn't for me.

DS inherited the excema that runs in dh's family. Turns out that the cloth was an excellent choice for ds. The poor lil guy looked like a lizard head to toe, EXCEPT for his butt! That was beautiful and smooth. The dr always laughed at seeing that smooth butt. Whenever we did put him in disposables (when traveling), he would break out in only a few hours. The chemicals of disposables did bother him.
So cloth did make a big difference. DS basically never had diaper rash his whole time in cloth. We also rarely had any blowouts w/ cloth diapers.


Once we started using cloth, I instantly loved it. No worrying about finding good deals on dipes. We never ran out. The washing of the diapers never was really a chore--I enjoyed it. I knew I was doing something that made our family's budget work and also was good for my son and our planet. Whether the dipes were out on the line or the washer, I always had a thrill folding a freshly dried batch.

The products available now are just amazing compared to what most people think of when they hear "cloth diapers". It is a real shame that the common big retailers in America do not make quality cloth products available. I couldn't believe that Babies R Us stopped carrying the Gerber wraps, which weren't the best velcro wrap ever. But we liked them and they were good sturdy wraps that we could pick up in town. Thank goodness for the internet!

[erinella]

thanks for all your responses.
Besides the internet are there retail stores that sell an AIO system? I hate to buy a bunch and then not like them just to have to buy a bunch more just to try......you know what i mean? We are on a budget so if cloths would be less expensive thats a route i would be willing to at least try.

[NikkiLDS]

Not many. Where about do you live?

In Kansas City, I have a friend who is opening up a store. She's online already (http://www.happybottomus.com) and is opening the B&M store hopefully in August. I would imagine that in the bigger, hipper cities, that there would be someplace. But none of the big chains like Babies R Us or Walmart or Target carry anything more than perhaps some prefolds and cheapy covers.

You should check about getting some sample packs or seconds from some of the diaper companies. Like www.motherease.com definitely has a small sample pack that you can get to try them out. Or try someplace like http://diaperswappers.com/ to get some used at a cheaper price to see what you might like.

[penelope1]

I second diaperswappers. Thats where I got all my information and motivation. I use cloth because it is cute, convenient (I have all my diapeers here, no need to go to store), dd gets less rashes and it looks more comfortable and natural. I wouldnt want to wear paper underwear. hth.