I told myself that after our trip to California it would be time to start cloth diapering Owen. I’ve given myself a couple months of disposable while I adjust to life with two, but when I think about my cloth diapering experience with Jude, I realize that it doesn’t add much onto my work load except a load or two of laundry a week.

Why use cloth? Many reasons, but they are saving us hundreds of dollars on diapers, (see below) are better for the environment, (arguably so, some say, but the system I have down only uses one extra load of laundry per week using mostly cold water and line drying when possible) and seem comfier to wear for a little one than disposable. Don’t get me wrong- disposables are great and I use them too, at night and when away from home for the day, but overall the money saving factor makes cloth win out for us overall. And it really is easy!

My method is to use pre-fold diapers with covers that close with velcro- no pins, usually no leaks, and the covers can be used several times before needing to be washed. When a diaper is soiled I throw it into an airtight small trash bin, unless it’s filled with poop that can be gently shaken into the toilet, then in it goes as well, poop residue and all, into the bin to await laundry day. I do a pre-wash, then a regular wash, and dry the diapers (not liners- they last longer if air dried) on high or on my clothing rack on sunny days. Added bonus of line drying- sunshine bleaches out stains.

I don’t have exact figures for you but I do know for sure that my stash of several dozen cloth pre-fold diapers, diaper covers, and home made cloth wipes (squares of fabric from soft swaddling blankets sewn around the edges) could not have cost us much more than $100, if that. The fact that this stash of diapers is being used for multiple children makes the savings even greater. There are a lot fancier cloth diapers out there, but mine works great and is very cost effective. Including the price of laundering this is much cheaper than disposable.

Online Resources for cloth diapering:

*Where to start- Green Mountain Diapers- information, products, etc.

*Kushies brand diaper covers- you can find these for great prices online.

*A whole other subject but I’ll throw it in as well- this saved me a ton of laundering and diapers, and I’m starting slowly with Owie now too- ‘infant potty training’ aka ‘elimination communication’.

*If you want more info let me know! I’d be happy to share what has worked for me and other resources. When I was starting the cloth diapering process my cousin Heather helped me choose the kind of diapers that would work best and shared what worked for her and what didn’t, and it helped so much to have her as a resource and help me get started- thanks Heather!:)