So I had to put an update in after 1 year of cloth diapers. We've been using Bum Genius diapers with Asher since birth--the same ones, they're all sizes in one. If you want to read more about our journey you can look here on my previous posts.The diapers have held out extremely well despite washings several times a week. Because Asher is older now and not nursing anymore, I can get away with only four to five diapers a day without any wetness. From about 10-12 months, I had to put him in disposables overnight because he would be wet in the morning, but after he weaned, that problem was eliminated and now he's fine with a cloth overnight.
Estimating conservatively, disposable diapers cost around $1100 per year. The cloth diapers cost $250 and I also had to buy about $100 worth of disposables for trips and overnights. Of course, there are costs of water for washing, which I can't really quantify, but I think it's safe to say that our family has saved money through cloth in this first year alone. Even more impressive is the lack of landfill space. According to Mothering.com, "disposable diapers make up the third largest source of solid waste in landfills" and I'm happy not to contribute too much to this. I don't have any delusions of being entirely green, but I do think that little things can help.
In regards to Asher's comfort, the only time he has ever had diaper rash was when we were on vacation and he was in disposables for a couple of weeks. However, that was when he learned to crawl as well, which reinforces my suspicion that the bulky bum may have delayed his crawling a bit because he wasn't strong enough to lift his huge head and bum! Even if this very unscientific tidbit is true, it wouldn't be enough for me to not use these on another child.
7 comments:
I'm definitely thinking about it. I may have more questions in the future. Sure appreciate your info! Did you use cloth or disposables for Bridger? just curious.
I used disposables with Bridger and actually was really against cloth because I really don't like cleaning poop. But I must say that I'm a true convert and I find it just as easy as disposables now.
hi rachel, i know you from new life in glenside - friend of lino and seth and dana. i have a 6-week old boy. people keep giving us disposables but we really want to try the cloth diaper road. how did you pick bum genius over, say, fuzzi bunz? plus, basic question here, you said you're not bending over a toilet. how do you get rid of the solids?
heather gregg
greggstwo@verizon.net
Hi Heather! Congrats on the new baby! With the solids issue, when I was exclusively nursing, I didn't do anything with the diapers, just threw them in the wash. Once solids started, I would dump solids in the toilet, but not scrub. Now I usually use a flushable rice paper liner to catch big stuff and then we have a utility sink where I can spray off stuff if need be.
As long as there's nothing too chunky, two hot/cold cycles, a little detergent, and some baking soda really do the trick for squeaky clean diapers!
I love my BG, but I wonder if they are really going to last through a few more kids. they are holding up fine, but are definitely worn. I think they are really cute on Sam, too. I bought three of the newest version 2.0 BG...which came out RIGHT AFTER all of mine were purchased (of course). I like them a little better.
My daughter has been using these diapers since birth. My husband who is totally against cloth diaper has really taken to them. He has even cleaned the poopy diapers. She now 7 months, she has been crawling for over 2 months and cursing for at least 1 month. The diapers has not delayed any of her gross motor development. We love them, but we do have some issues with the velcro not staying on the wash stripes. How can you fix this?
We haven't had any problems with the velcro staying on, though it does seem to get a bit worn after awhile.
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