The Newborn Number

The answer is 14. That's the newborn number. It is the current number of diapers we have changed in one day with our baby son. Sounds like a lot (and it is) but the diapers are cloth. Changing cute, cloth diapers makes all the changing kind of fun.

So how did I get to a place where I used cloth from day one? Let me explain: I get a little obsessive. When I first started cloth diapering my daughter who is now 3 and a half, it became more of a hobby than a financial, or green decision. I just wanted to try new brands, fabrics, types, and my spending and stash became something to be impressed with. This story is not new. Many cloth diapering mommas tell the same story.

When we were pregnant with our second, I pulled out the stash and was a little embarrassed. There were over 40 diapers. I have enough diapers for personal use and then more to go around. At one point I loaned about 15 diapers to my sister in law to try to use while I still had enough in rotation for personal use. So with this new baby, I swore to myself that I would not buy any more diapers. None!

Well, until I saw newborn diapers. Baby kept measuring small and I was sure that none of my one size diapers would be small enough. I've heard that newborn diapers are a controversial investment. Babies usually only wear them for 1-3 months. And newborn diapers can be a little pricey. But (there's always a but) if you use them for more than one child, and maybe find some used, it's worth it. And considering that you're going to be spending money on diapers anyway, might as well have something to show for it.

So as luck would have it, there were 24 used, newborn diapers for a great deal on craigs-list. With husband support, we jumped in and would cloth diaper from day one. It was the only thing I purchased for baby, since we left the gender a surprise. And they are tiny and so adorable. Is the obsession resurfacing?

We have 12 'lil joeys and 12 FuzziBunz in size extra small. I go back and forth on which brand is my favorite. My son weighed in at 6 pounds 7 ounces so the 'lil joeys were the best fit in the beginning. The snap down feature was perfect while the cord was still on, so the lil joeys are great for that first week. Now with a little bit more weight, I think the FuzziBunz fit better. I love how the lil joeys are all in ones and don't need stuffing. But I love the fit of the FuzziBunz and I think they contain the poo better. Both are excellent diapers and I would recommend them both to anyone wanting newborn diapers.

Cleaning is not hard either. With the newborn sleep schedule (exhaustion) I wondered if it would be too much to stay on top of, but so far it's been pretty good. I use a high-efficiency steam washer on the heavy steam option. A pre-rinse, extra wash, and extra spin cycle are added for good measure. I've been using Country Save detergent, half a scoop. It takes two and a half hours for the cycle to finish but they come out sparkling clean even time. Baby Ben is pretty much only breastfed so there hasn't been any problem with staining.

Already the newborn diapers are getting snug and will probably only work for another month, maybe two. But then I can crack open the huge stash of other diapers I have. It's been a lovely three weeks and so far I'm hooked. I have really enjoyed cloth diapering this new baby and will probably keep the set for the future. New born cloth diapering is just like regular cloth diapering, so if you're considering, then go with it. It's laundry every other day, but the diapers are so cute and little that I enjoy the freshly clean bunch every time the wash is finished.

Bio: Alicia is an 8th grade English and Drama teacher and is a pretty crunchy momma. She shares her Arizona home with a wonderful husband, energetic 3 year old, sweet 1 month old, 1 crazy dog, and 7 happy chickens.