This is sort of off topic, but then it is sort of not because I'll tie it to the Amish:)Â The topic: cloth diapers.
Over the years I have seen more Amish using disposal diapers like Pampers and Huggies than I have resuable cloth diapers. I'm sure there are Amish who do use cloth diapers, but it seems like the exception rather than the rule. You'd probably be more likely to find cloth diaper users in very conservative settlements like Swartzentruber Amish (but they wouldn't be the bright colorful ones pictured below) or more eco-sensitive settlements like Aylmer, Ontario or Manton, Michigan. When Rachel first broached the topic of cloth diapers to me I was indifferent or maybe slightly not in favor. I hadn't spent much time thinking about the topic, but once I realized that we wouldn't have to continually buy diapers, I was sold. And cloth diapers are environmentally friendly to boot.
So these are our cloth diapers (Bum Genius brand) awaiting the arrival of our daughter who still hasn't arrived....any day now...any day...so, any advice or thoughts on cloth diapers for this newly minted cloth diaper Dad?
Misty
My advice is use pampers or huggies.
Angie Yoder
My daughter and her three girlfriends are all cloth diaper advocates. In fact, they are getting ready to open their own cloth diaper store in Columbus, Indiana in January called Stash. Cloth diapering really is the best way to go and once you get into the swing, it is just as simple as using disposables yet so much more cost effective and environmentally friendly as well. She recommends the hand-held hose that attaches to your toilet and allows you to rinse the diapers off directly into the toilet before laundering. She also makes her own baby wipes out of flannel and makes and sells handcrafted cloth diapers, wipes, bags and accessories for dolls as well, so big sister (or big brother) can get into the cloth diapering game. Check out their Facebook page for more information on cloth diapering as well as with any cloth diapering questions. http://www.facebook.com/stashcolumbus And congratulations on your impending miracle! 🙂
Kevin
Angie, thanks for the post...I wish Stash were going to be opening here in southwest Ohio, we'd check out the store for sure. Sounds neat!
Angie Yoder
Well Kevin, I'm not sure where you are but Columbus is only a little over an hour away from Cincinnati! Check us out if you're ever in the area! 😉
Bernadette
Started out with diaper service and realized disposable was much simpler for us "older" parents.
Deb
We used a diaper service at first and I really liked it. It just wasn't "doable" after I went back to work. My niece has two girls and swears by the new cloth diapers. It seems to be more accepted and easier now. I think it is a great idea and wish you luck with it!
Marge nistler
Wow I didnt know they came in colors now. Don't think I would like that
Sharon Tutt
This story brought back a lot of memories. My children are 52, 51 and 43 and I used cloth diapers for all three. Didn't have disposable diapers back then. When my youngest daughter was born, I started using disposable for her and the the many foster babies we took care of over the years. Back in the early 1960's, a favorite shower gift was always cloth diapers and I got many, but the best set of diapers was given to me by my mother. She bought flannel and made a couple of dozen of diapers for me. She cut the squares and hand hemmed them. Those diapers lasted forever. As they aged they became softer and thinner and finally became polishing cloths. I'll bet if I looked hard enough I could find one lovingly folded away in a drawer for posterity.
Kevin
CUte story, Sharon, at least I know our diapers may get second lives someday as polishing cloths:)
Shayla
I have been cloth diapering for the past 3 yrs. I started with my oldest when he was about 4-5 months old and never looked back. We had our second a year ago and had both in cloth for a little while until my son potty trained this summer. Cloth diapering is no different than huggies or pampers other than you have to wash them your self. I think they are easier on the skin and if you are running low on diapers, just throw them in the wash! There is no running to the store in the middle of the night for diapers and the cost is great. We use a combination of different types of diapers but started with Econobum covers and refolds. We love prefolds but I have fallen in love with a brand called Peachy Green, made in Missouri 🙂 Once you master your washing routine and such, it is a piece of cake, I promise!!! Feel free to email me with questions. Good luck with your precious baby and you will be fine, I promise.
Kevin
Peachy Green, I'll have to Google those! Thanks for staying on standby, Shayla, I may need it!:)
Kristi
Congrats on the upcoming arrival! A bit of advice if they are velcro diapers - reattach the velcro before washing them or all the diapers will cling to each other and you'll have to untangle them! My husband was great as our diaper washer for our first baby. Also - keep a supply of white vinegar for soaking and washing.
Pam
I used cloth diapers with my children who are all grown. I agree that they are softer on the skin and the wallet! I did also keep a few pampers on hand for days when we would be out a long time or traveling. It just made it easier than worrying about carrying around a the dirty diapers. I always found that the most important thing with cloth diapers was to dispose of the waste asap and soak them in a diaper pail with a little borax. The borax is a natural ingredient which will help keep odors down and help keep the diapers stain free. Congratulations on your new baby. Can't wait to see pictures!
Denise
Go for the cloth diapers, such savings and so gentle on the bottoms. I had the flat ones that you had to fold...so much easier now. Be meticulous in laundering them. White vinegar in the rinse water. And sunshine is great for drying if you have a spot. We once left a diaper at my grandmother's; she crocheted a pretty edge on it, and it then became a dish drying towel. I still have it!
Theresa
Kevin, there is enough in the landfills already. I'd go with cloth. I was raised on didee (sp) diapers.
Carol
I have used cloth diapers for eight children. We still have one in diapers. The first thing that comes to mind from reading the other posts is to advise you to use the ones with snaps not velcro. In my experience, the velcro just seems to 1) not hold as well once they are crawling, etc. 2) are easier for little hands to undo and take the diaper off and 3) they just don't last as well (i.e. the velcro stops sticking. Cloth diapers are not hard but are an adjustment. They can also double as spit up rags or changing pads. They are easier on the baby's bottom if they are changed promptly. However, for all night wear especially if you want them to sleep for longer than a few hours, I recommend disposables for night time. A wet cloth diaper will disturb everyone's sleep quickly. Also for trips out esp. longer trips disposables are better. If you are going to the store and it is a short trip, a leaky diaper will make it messier and potentially shorter. On long car rides, disposables make baby more comfortable and mean less laundry or stinky baggage in the car. If you do try disposables be careful which brands. Some cause allergic rashes from the chemicals. I have one brand that none of mine have ever been able to tolerate. Also baby washcloths make great wipes for cleaning. I used to keep them in a wet soap solution but after a few spill on trips, I figured out it was easier to just keep them dry and wet as needed. I only used soap on their bottoms if really necessary. Carrying a bottle of water placed on the dash or in front of the heater vent is handy for wetting these while traveling. Also, for carrying cloth diapers(and other supplies) a handy thing to use in conjunction with a diaper bag or by itself is a backpack. I gave up carrying a purse for years and just kept my things in the diaper bag or backpack. It was so much easier! Just remember--parenting does not have one right way. It's all individual trial and error and what works for your family. Wishing you all the best. Savor every second and make each one a memory--it passes faster than you realize.
Angie Yoder
I completely agree on the snaps versus velcro. Velcro breaks down too easily after several washes, but the snaps hold up well forever!
Helen
I had 5 children. But they didn't have disposable diapers until the 5th one. So tred the disposable diapers but he got bad rash from them so back to cloth. Another advantage of cloth diapers is when you get done having children they make great dust cloths. In fact I have a couple that are 46 years old.
farmhousebarb
I also used cloth diapers on my 3 kids..who are now in their 30's. I still use some as dust rags and such. Disposables were available,but we couldn't afford them! My daughter uses both,but mostly cloth..I just love the newer cloth ones that don't require pins!
susan martin
Raised both my girls on the old fashioned cloth diapers. Yeah the ones you folded and used diaper pins. I was a stay at home mom and we needed to save. Neither one of my kids EVER had a diaper rash or problems. These new cloth diapers seem the way to go. Good Luck!!!
Lillian
I used cloth diapers 40 years go for all three of my children.
Mary Kay
I vote for the cloth diapers. All my siblings and I (7 of us) had cloth diapers. As I was the eldest, I was in charge of the washing, drying and folding for the diapers from age 8 on. They are easier on baby's bottom. good for the environment and make great burp clothes and then dust clothes later on. There's already enough disposable diapers in the land fills!
Mindy
I used cloth for my daughter and occasional disposables for trips. I just wanted to mention one thing this hasn't come up yet. People seem to avoid cloth because they don't want to flush the solids down the toilet. But you are supposed to do the same with disposable diapers. Landfills are not meant to deal with human waste. Read the diaper package for instructions on disposal. I find it less disgusting to rinse the solids away than have them sitting in the trash for days. Especially with the new gadgets that help with the rinsing now. So please do think of the health and environmental impact disposables have and stick with cloth. They are really simple to wash and dry.
D. Millington
Spent a grand sum total of $60 on cloth diapers (like yours) that lasted through 2 kids and then were donated to a mothering program. Potty training was a breeze w/ both kids - they KNEW when they were wet.
dee
I agree w/Mindy--cloth is great, but there are occasions for disposables that really are convenient from time to time, such as trips, at night on occasion (especially if YOU are sick and can't handle the ordeal of cleaning a dirty cloth diaper) or at a wedding, or church service. Otherwise, cloth is a lot less expensive!
Carolyn
I had six kids. Oldest one was twenty when the youngest one came along. I have experience with both cloth and disposable. I'll have to say cloth is much better. I was bent over the crib diapering my third son, and I was pulling his diaper together when my hand slipped and I gave myself a shiner. That was so hard to explain. Anyway I can only imagine how anxious you are for your little girl. God Bless, you are in my prayers.