Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Nesting Project #10: Cloth Diapers


Okay, this deserved it's own post, if only because it has consumed my thoughts for months now.  I'm going out on a limb here, because I think I've already revealed myself as an obsessed mommy.  But I'm going to share anyway, partly so I can have a record of it, and partly so I can let out some of my excitement. 

When Isaiah was a baby, I had online friends who cloth diapered, and I thought it was sooo cool (so great for the environment, and those diapers are super cute!) and a great way to save money, long term.  But way more work than I could ever handle.  I read a whole bunch about it, and then pushed it to the back of my mind because I knew I would be laughed at by Adam and probably everyone else I knew "in real life" if I ever showed serious interest in it.  Fast forward a couple of children and a handful of years, and here I was, pregnant again, and reading online (again) about other women cloth diapering their babies.  And I was so jealous.  I did a bunch of research (a lot can change in a few years, and I was pretty sure I could handle the extra work now), and I mentioned it to Adam, in an "isn't this cool" kind of way.  He humored me, which was sweet because I know he thinks my green-ness is a little . . . weird, maybe.  Or maybe just unnecessary. 

And then a couple of things happened.  One, my sweet sister-in-law, Molly posted on her blog about cloth diapering.  And two, while I was perusing Craigslist I came across a listing for cloth diapers that was a total steal--the deal of the century!  And after crunching the numbers and presenting them to Adam, I bought them.  And I started a new hobby, as Molly called it.  Because that's really what it feels like: something fun to think about and buy and do, never mind the fact that it has to do with poop. 

With the excellent advice that I start with Max to see if I really liked it (and could stand it), I ordered some cheap one-size pocket diapers in July, and started out with him.  Since then I've tried a few different types and brands of diapers, and am learning what I like best.  And just in the last week, Lily has gotten big enough for her smallest all-in-ones and is wearing some homemade fitted diapers with covers. 

She's an excellent diaper model don't you think?  This is one of the fitted diapers I made. 

My thoughts so far?  Cloth diapering newborns is way easier and less gross than toddlers.  But even toddlers can be fun.  There is something so cute about Max picking out what color diaper he wants, and then toddling around with his fluffy bum.  Now if I can refine my wash routine to eliminate detergent build up, I'll be all set . . .

5 comments:

bladenfamily said...

When in the world do you find time to do all this stuff, let alone blog about it?? You are seriously wonder woman.

I know how you feel about going natural. It was such a high for me with Halle. I loved it.

Molly said...

It is so nice to have someone else I know with the same weird "hobby". The fabric you used for the diaper is darling. Which pattern do you use?

Rachel said...

I modified Rita's rump pocket to be a newborn-sized fitted. Believe it or not, that fabric came off the Walmart dollar table! I think it was $2 a yard :) I put terrycloth on the inside layer, and cut up microfiber towels for the soaker.

The Yoder's Five said...

You are one AMBITIOUS woman!! Lily looks so cute. I am impressed.

Exuberant Chaos said...

Where did you get your pattern? My sister is trying to perfect hers!!! Please share! email me at lexysweetness@hotmai.com!

Thank you Lexy