Complicated Simplicity: Reflections on Cloth Diapering and some Pictures

Ask anyone who knows me and they will confirm: I am obsessed with diapers. We made the switch to cloth when Jack was about six weeks, and after much trial and error, I think we've got the hang of it.

We use a combination of different types of diapers to meet Jack's... elimination needs. My favorites by far are bumGenius Organic One-Size Cloth Diapers. It's not that they're organic, though that's a nice touch. The fact that they are all-in-one doesn't hurt either, but the great thing is they seem to fit a slightly larger size range than the bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diaper. Incedentally, that's my second favorite. Stuffing diapers can be a little bit of a pain, but it's great for nighttime and travel when Jack needs more absorbency, and when it's really hot, you can cut down on the bulk by using just the doubler/infant insert.

We also have a handful of purple size Medium FuzziBunz diapers that my mom found at Unclaimed Baggage in Scottsboro for $2 each. They are still too big for Jack, but I like the snaps and the fact that they have a higher rise, good because he is tall (long?) and thin.

But the real reason I'm making this post is to praise the wonders of a traditional prefold and rubber pants, or a Dappi cover. (Warning, there is about to be poop discussion...) Cheap, easy to wash, and almost stain-proof, if your baby goes number 2 on a regular schedule, these are the diapers to use when he is due. I use prefolds almost exclusively during the day for all those reasons. I also like that when pinned on, the sides of the diaper create a pocket that contains matter in a way that pocket diapers have never done for us.

You can't beat pockets or all-in-ones for convenience, but it's hard to improve upon the original prefold. I remember my mom using them as rags long after my sister and I had been potty trained. They make great burp cloths and impromptu bibs too.

Since changing over to cloth, Joshua and I have gone from three full trashbags a week to less than one. I think once I convince him that cloth wipes are great too, we'll get away with one every 2 weeks. We've added one load of laundry a week, so essentially, we are spending $1.75 to wash cloth, where we were spending at least $12 on disposables before. After the initial investment for the diapers, and estimating 3 years in diapers, that's a savings of almost $1500! Even more if we have another kid and reuse the diapers.

Yeah, I think cloth is pretty great.

And now for some pictures...