Is anyone considering cloth diapers?

I've read that the baby is less likely to get diaper rash and more likely to potty train sooner on cloth diapers than disposables. Plus someone told me that chemicals from the disposable diapers can leach into the baby's skin and circulatory system, which kinda freaked me out.

But it seems like a lot of work, with having to put 2 diapers on (the cloth diaper and the cover) as well as the additional laundry. Plus since there are increased up front costs, I don't really think it's much of a savings. And while I know it's more environmentally friendly, I'm really concerned with my baby's health.

My mom thinks it's doable, MIL thinks I'm insane.

Anyone else considering them?

I'm not a mom but from someone who worked in a daycare center...there was a baby in the center who had cloth diapers. I dreaded changing this baby's diaper. I used to stick myself with the pins, when I had to open the container that had the dirty diapers in, wow, the smell that came out of there! Also if the pins came open, the baby would get stuck with the pin.

Either way (whether you use cloth or Pampers) it is expensive...just that Pampers are more convienent.


Good luck with your decision!

Diapers

I totally think it is a great money saver. We would use these or ones like this during the day and them pampers for overnight. They don't have pins really anymore and we are looking into a diaper service so there wouldn't really be an increse in wash.

I compare it to BFing and pumping. You need to front lactation courses or a nurse, a good pump for home, a travel pump but once you get going it is a ton cheaper then buying formula.

-Now I just need to find a good diaper service in NW Florida.

My neighbor used cloth diapers on her son. They always seems so much bulkier than the disposable ones. Emma has had disposable since birth and never had a diaper rash. I know that her son has had diaper rashes. I think it matters how often you change them, not the diapers.

Also for the potty training. My neighbors son turned 3 in June and he has just begun potty training. Emma turned 2 in June and we are well on our way to diaper freedom. It has a lot to do with the parents trying to potty train and the childs willingness to want to do it.

As for the difference in cost... what are you going to pay for a diaper service?

(re: pumping and traveling: I have the car adapter for my pump in style so that only added $14 to make my pump a travel pump)

I use Pampers but I did consider cloth diapering and read a bit about it. There are a lot of people who really believe that cloth diapers are just plain better for their babies and the enviroment. If you believe that then you should try it out. I would get a small set up to begin with and if it works out well then I would build up the supplies. I do believe it is doable. My mom had to use a diaper service for me when I was an infant and before Pampers everyone had to cloth diaper so of course it is very possible.
To me it is like anything else- if it is important to you then you make it work.

Thank you all. It's given me some more to think about.

It is so confusing. It seems like everyone has extremely strong opinions (not that I asked, but what does that matter?) on what I should or should not do with my baby. Breast feeding and diapering seem to be the biggest debates, and people tell you their STRONG opinion for both pro and con, which makes it really hard to try to make an informed and educated decision. And god-forbid you say that you haven't decided yet.

Sorry - just really needed to vent. I NEVER give someone unsolicited advice. I just don't understand people.

If the baby averages 70 diapers a week.

Then it only costs about 15.00 a week and that includes weekly pick up and delivery, the diapers, diaper pail, bags for the pail, deodorizers, and a free subscription to Baby Newspaper.

For me a service is easier since most likely my dh will be deployed right after the babies arrives and this will cut down on my wash, garbage and trips out with the baby.

I may change my mind they only require you sign up for 4 weeks.

lol, but I'm also one of those people who would still have a milkman if I could.

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Posted by 070502


lol, but I'm also one of those people who would still have a milkman if I could.

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Cloth diapers were only a fleeting thought for me, but I would defintely have a milkman too! LOL DH drinks way too much milk for me to bring home! How sweet to have it on your doorstep.

If I used cloth diapers tho', I would go for the service, just makes life easier especially in the first few weeks.

I am not preggo, but one thing to consider is that it is an upfront fee, but your next child will also be able to use your previous investment.

I also do not think that a home washing machine gets hot enough to disinfect the diapers. A service is the best option.

BUT I have to say again that this has to be the parents decision, not the grandparents. If you do not want to breastfeed, you shouldn't. If you want to use Pampers- you should. JMO but once you let the grandparents make these decisions it will continue forever. Breastfeeding is a very private thing- I had very little family support but it was important to me. So I have made it work. But doing it for someone other than me and the baby would never have worked out.

I would also say 10 diapers per day in the beginning.