I just added some new equipment in my cloth diapering mission. Say hello to the diaper sprayer from Bum Genius! With this new purchase I thought it would be a good time to do a review about my experience with cloth diapers.
Cleaning.
Just wet diapers go in this bag that I made, and then go directly into the wash on wash day. The bag is lined with a non-breathable material so the smell can’t escape. “Dirty” diapers get rinsed in the toilet with the help of the diaper sprayer. Watch out, the sprayer has power! Rinsed diapers then go into the bag as well to wait for wash day. (Best to rinse dirty diapers right away.) I do a load of diapers about every 3-5 days using a natural laundry detergent. If I need some extra bleaching power, I put them out in the sun to dry–it really does work!
Diapers. I use several different types…it makes it kind of fun.
Pros:
Great for overnight.
Seem very comfortable for baby.
Very absorbent
One size fits all
Cons:
I have to wash the entire diaper after 1 use
A bit bulky
Leak on occasion
Pros:
Good price ($12ish)
I really like the inserts I make for them. (I use Tony’s old t-shirts.)
NO leaking
Not as bulky
Can use covers multiple times before washing
Cons:
2 different sizes
Too wet on babies skin for overnight
Pros:
Not as bulky
Can use overnight
Can use covers multiple times before washing
Inserts easily snap in covers
Cons:
A bit more spendy ($18ish for cover + cost of inserts)
Not as flexible around bigger babies waist
Wipes.
Check out my video on how to make wipes with paper towels!
I also use reusable wipes. I have some exciting thoughts to share with you on these in the future.
Butt rashes. Do NOT use normal diaper rash cream in cloth diapers!!! It makes them non-absorbent. Use a natural cloth diaper safe cream…or try a bit of corn starch on babies bum…or use a disposable cloth between babies bum and cloth diaper.
Cost. I have put about $300 into cloth diapers. I am totally saving money after 1 year of using cloth and homemade wipes.
I really do enjoy cloth diapering–environmental and cost are the two biggies for me. The transition to cloth was easy for me, but I am a stay at home mom. As to the husbands involvement…well, he doesn’t do a lot with diapers unless he is home alone with Elias…I don’t mind, since it was the bargain I made with him when I convinced him to go cloth. We didn’t start cloth right away with Elias, so I am anxious to see how I feel about using cloth with a newborn. We will see… My next cloth diapering adventure is trying a knit soaker cover–I’m excited! I’m going to use the pattern Curly Purly Soaker Cover.
Let me know if you guys have any other questions!
Thanks, Ingrid! I’m strongly leaning towards cloth for our little one who is coming this fall and I had no idea where to start. It’s so nice to hear how people that use them like them and have success with them. The cost difference is unbelievable. Did you make up your own pattern for the “dirty” bag, or did you find one somewhere? Thanks again!!
Great topic! Is it weird that I am so excited to learn about cloth diapers when I don’t even have a baby on the way? haha. Working with babies for a living, I’ve really been thinking about cloth for the future when we have kids of our own. Your post is so concise and helpful! 300 is no bad at ALL compared to the cost of disposable. Thanks for posting this!