Cloth diaper experiment reaches week 3

Posted Jan. 2, 2012

We’re three weeks into the cloth diaper experiment, and I’m thiiiiiiiis close to actually calling myself a CDer. Owen has been wearing cloth diapers for most of every day lately.

I did forgo using cloth diapers over Christmas when we were traveling. Like I said, I’m close, but still a bit reluctant, especially at the idea of transporting poop.

Since I last updated readers on the cloth diaper chronicles (http://bit.ly/z3PAUT), a college friend sent me an extra-special Christmas present: a sample box of reusable diapers she doesn’t use anymore, which brought my stash up to a level that allows me to CD frequently. Inside were a few different styles of diapers, so I’m now more familiar with the variety out there.

For the uninitiated, here is a very brief rundown of the basics (with help from Diaperjungle.com):

All-in-One (AIO): Just like it sounds, the entire cloth diaper is one piece. It has a waterproof outer layer so no cover is needed. You change it just like a disposable diaper, except it fastens with snaps or Velcro instead of tape. Similar are AI2, which feature a removable soaker pad.

Pocket diapers: Like the AIO, you don’t need a separate cover, but you do need to stuff the inside with an absorbent insert (or two).

Fitted diapers: These fasten a lot like the AIO and pocket diapers, but are not waterproof so they need a separate cover. When wet, you change the fitted part but can continue to reuse the cover.

Prefolds: Old-school style, you place these folded squares of fabric inside a wrap or cover. They’re often made from cotton, hemp, flannel or bamboo. Again, you can reuse the cover until it’s soiled or smelly. They may need a fastener, too.

My sister-in-law loaned me a prefold and Flip cover. She said these are her and my brother’s favorite. (And they are the ultimate CDers in my mind. They took their then 9-month-old daughter on a trek across Ireland, cloth diapering all the way!)

I’m much more partial to the pocket diapers, though. I like that they’re separate so each part dries faster than an AIO, but you still end up touching less wetness than with the fitteds. My SIL said she has a couple pocket diapers, but never really used them. I think your preference for diaper type depends a lot on what you try first, and what you get used to using.

I’ve also discovered I like snap-fastening diapers more than Velcro. Velcro is kind of a pain in the washer and dryer. If you’re not careful, you end up with a chain of diapers.

I’ve spent another $30 on the Cloth Diaper Experiment (bringing my total investment to about $80). I bought a medium-sized cover on Amazon.com to go over the fitteds, as well as some flushable liners (I’m told these will save on the gross factor once Owen starts solids). I also got a bigger wet bag, to hold all my fancy, new-to-me diapers.

Who knew I would ever use the word “cute” when talking about the containment and disposal of bodily waste? That may evidence enough that I am officially a cloth-diapering mama.

Richards is a reporter at The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead and blogs at topmom.areavoices.com

Tags: life, health, blog