Are you looking to cut costs, help the environment or take better care of your baby’s health? If so, cloth diapering may be for you! While cloth diapering may not be mainstream anymore, many more moms are choosing cloth these days than you probably realize–and there are good reasons for it, too!
Personally, I did not cloth diaper with my first but I did with my second so I’ve seen and experienced both sides of the debate. While I love cloth, I have to admit, there are definitely pros and cons to both options. Here are a few things you’ll need to consider when choosing if cloth is right for you.
How Tight is Your Budget?
If you are looking for a way to save some significant cash on baby, cloth diapering is it. You can easily save a couple thousands dollars just by switching to cloth. Of course, there is an increased cost upfront, as quality diapers tend to be pricey, but if you can scrape up the money to start your stash, you will save significantly–especially if you use the same diapers on multiple children.
If you can’t afford the initial expense, consider asking for diapers as gifts, starting out with cheaper diapers and upgrading, or even buying diapers used. I know that sounds gross, but most cloth diaper mamas take GOOD care of their diapers, so just choose a trusted seller and you’ll be fine. Keep in mind you can also sell your diaper stash after your baby outgrows them to recoup a significant portion of your expenses.
How Much Time Do You Have for Laundry?
Babies go through a LOT of diapers a day, and when you are using cloth, that means a LOT of laundry. If you work outside of the home or don’t have your own washing machine, this can make cloth tricky, and you might decide it’s not right for you. If you’re a stay-at-home mom with a washer and dryer of your own, however, doing the laundry usually really isn’t that much extra work, especially if you choose diapers that clean easily, like prefolds. Just dump the diapers in when you have enough for a load and go about your day. They’ll be ready when you are; no folding really necessary.
How Squeamish are You Around Poop?
Cloth diapers really aren’t as bad as some people fear. Actually, I think they are far LESS gross because you flush the poop instead of letting it sit in the diaper pail in baby’s room for a few days. You’re always going to have a few blow-outs–cloth or not–though many people report that cloth actually helps contain messy poops far better, causing less blow-outs. Cloth really isn’t any more messy or disgusting than normal diapers, but if you’re the squeamish type, they may not be for you.
Personally, I loved cloth diapering and would gladly do it again in a heartbeat. But of course, the choice is up to you!
Teacher turned work-at-home mom, Brittany loves using her words to help people improve their faith, marriage and parenting. And with one awesome husband and two very rambunctious little boys, she’s always got a lot to say! In addition to writing for Love and Marriage, she also owns her own site, Equipping Godly Women, where she regularly shares helpful tips, tricks and encouragement to help women be the amazing women God created them to be.
Hi there, I am a great fan of t cloth diaper …. just like u I was not lucky to have one with my older kid who is six now. But I still use it with my 2 year old. Just one problem I’m still trying to work on…. there diapers I have are not able to hold larger quantities as of a 2 yr old. Any suggestions.