Today, I am going to talk about cloth diapering. If you are anything like me, you love cute prints in any kind of material. Nowadays, you can find some real adorable cloth diapers; nothing like your grandparents grew up with. I will start this topic with pros and cons of cloth diapering, then compare brands I have tried personally, which are only a few, and finally list some resources where you can find some of these cloth diapers.
Pros to Cloth Diapering
They save money! It costs about $1600 (and 6000 diapers!) to use disposable diapers for 2 years, but a stash of cloth diapers range from $100-$500. (Unless you are like me and obsessed with cute prints, then you go and keep buying anyway :D)
They are better for the environment because disposable diapers are used only once, tossed in the trash and buried in a landfill. Cloth diapers can be used over and over. Estimations say it takes about 250-500 years for disposable diapers to decompose.
They don't contain chemicals, while the disposables contain traces of toxins. Think about it touching your baby's soft, delicate skin 24/7. It is not a comforting thought if you think about it.
They contain the mess better. Some mothers insist that the infamous disposable diaper "blowout" doesn't happen as often. I can vouch for this, but if the diaper isn't on good and the fit is poor, it can still happen.
They can help with potty training. Since they are not absorbant like the disposables, your child will feel wet which could be an uncomfortable feeling and may make your child want to start using the potty.
Cons to Cloth Diapering
More laundry. While you can wait to change an older baby every 3-4 hours, a newborn is usually changed every hour. This can add up to a lot of diapers in one day! And doing so much more laundry can add up in energy bills and detergent.
Unfortunately the poop does not clean itself off the diapers, which is not very fun to clean. But there are tools out there which make cleaning easier, such as a diaper sprayer or flushable liners.
It can take longer to change your baby, depending on the type of cloth diaper you choose.
You may have to carry around stinky diapers if your baby poops while you are out of the house, until you can get home to clean it.
Up front costs to start your supply. You can't just buy as you go, you will need to invest in the beginning (or even before baby is born). You will need at least 6 dozen diapers just for one child.
Your decision to use cloth and disposable diapers is all up to you, but there are some cute, okay a TON of cute printed cloth diaper choices out there, and you can choose to use cloth at home and disposables out if that makes it easier for you and your family.
Now, as promised, I will compare some brands that I have tried personally, which are only a few, and then I will post resource links so you can see these brands and choose which you would prefer if you choose to cloth diaper.
Diapers I Have Tried
Alva - I call them the China cheapies, because they work but are definitely on the cheaper side. If you cannot afford any of the other higher priced styles, this is the perfect diapers to start.
Grovia - These are a little pricier, but they are nice. Unfortunately they did not work for my son with his body shape. This is a slimmer fit, and I would suggest if you are interested in trying these, buy 1 to start to make sure the fit is good, otherwise you will have wasted your money.
BumGenius - I found a couple of these locally at a secondhand kids store. They are similar in price to the Grovias, but the fit is nicer and closer to Alva.
Twinkie Tush - These are costly but are homemade and have BEAUTIFUL prints. I recommend these. I had become addicted to this brand and the prints they sell. These
diapers you will need covers with for when out of the house as they are called fitted diapers.
Resources:
https://www.alvababy.com
https://www.grovia.com
https://www.bumgenius.com
Twinkie Tush BST facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/650440741714674/?ref=br_rs
Group Customs - https://www.facebook.com/groups/180959655292044/?ref=br_rs
http://www.twinkietush.com/shop