So I think I want to try cloth diapers. Definitely not full time, but during the day when Adin is hanging around the house and maybe nights until he's sleeping longer. They have come a long way in technology/methods where they look nicer and don't leak through because there's a cover. Infants use around 6,000 diapers within the first two years. That creates over a ton of waste that takes longer than is known to decompose (scientists are guessing around 500 years, but diapers haven't been around that long).
In my research I found that I could go the expensive (start up cost) route of using "cute" cloth diapers which are about $20 each and, of course, it's recommended that you get 24-36 of them. Hmm, that would be an initial cost of at least $480. Diapers would be about $50 a box and a box will probably last about a month, so after 10 months they would end up paying for themselves. Or I could find an economical set (which I did) which gives you 12 cloths and 3 covers for only $50.
Of course, I do all this research and then ask Jesse what he thinks and he's not a fan. Maybe I'll share the statistics with him and pitch how "green" we would be - maybe then he'll come around. Or I can talk about lowering our carbon footprint. Or maybe it'll just stay on my registry and if it gets bought I'll deal with it while I'm home on maternity leave and during the summer and he can put on regular diapers.
Oh, and studies show that children who use cloth diapers potty train sooner and do not get diaper rash. Just saying. Who's on my side versus who is on Jesse's side?
Had I not had surgery and then gone back to work soon after Alex was born I was going to use cloth diapers for him. However, I could not force a baby sitter to go that route. I do not know about the potty training statistics but Alex is already starting to potty train and he is just turning one. I think that that has a huge thing to do with the baby himself. As for your side versus Jesse's side. Girl I always have your back. Besides you are the mom. It is your call. Mom vetoes dad always.
ReplyDeleteI was starting to worry that something was wrong since you hadn't posted in so long. Glad to hear everything is okay.
ReplyDeleteI see where you are coming from wanting to use the cloth diapers. I thought about it when I had Jaren, but I also didn't want to have more laundry than I was already going to have. I however, was doing laundry for five people, not 3 like you would be. I think it's a person choice. I chose disposable diapers more for convenience for me. I didn't have a lot of time to do laundry all the time, to make sure that I always had enough of them. I think they are a great idea, for someone who has the time. I do have a friend who had used cloth diapers though. She loved them, but I don't think it made potty training easier for her particular baby. He was potty trained by the time he was 2 and a half to 3 years old. I have heard it it reduced the chances of diaper rash though. My three kids never had a diaper rash, and they used disposable. I think it all depends on how often the parent changes the baby and how sensitive the baby's skin is. I would say I am more for your choice, just because it is the "green" thing to do, and you would know how much time you have to keep up with the washing, and if it works into your schedule. I kinda wish I hadn't talked myself out of using cloth diapers with Jaren. You are a VERY smart person, and I know you will make the best decision that works for you and your husband!