Try Cloth Diapers Risk Free

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

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Why Not?

I’ve been asked over and over again why I use cloth diapers instead of disposables. Any time I’m in a group of moms with little ones, the question comes up. Sure, I can pull out my most adorable diaper (Thirsties Scottish Storm, anyone? How about bumGenius Albert?) and show off how cute they are. Sure, I can explain that I got tired of changing blowouts every time my little guy pooped. And there’s always that oh-so-memorable story about the time I swapped back to disposables for vacation and ended up having to scrub out his car seat in the middle of a hotel parking lot…but that doesn’t really explain it, either. After a year of cloth diapering one, with number two on the way, sure, I still prefer cloth because it decreases blowouts. That’s just not the only reason—and some of them, I can’t even articulate.

Here’s a better thought: Why not use cloth?

The “default” choice in today’s society seems to be disposable diapers (and bottle feeding, and sticking baby in a stroller over baby wearing). Anything “other” comes across as “crunchy,” or “weird,” or is even seen as “quirky.”

So why not be quirky?

Cloth diapering is cheaper. Why would I want to spend more money than I have to on diapers? Disposables are a $40 or more drain on the pocketbook every month, and that’s if you’re buying store-brand products. Why wouldn’t I make a choice that would save our family a little money?

Cloth diapering is better for the environment. I’m not naturally green by nature, but it’s a little change that makes a big difference.

Cloth diapering is more convenient. Yes, I said more convenient. I have never reached into my changing table and realized two minutes before bedtime that oh, crap, there aren’t any more diapers left. I have never had to make a mad dash run out for diapers, or ended up throwing away three quarters of a box of disposables because of a sudden growth spurt. I also know whether or not my baby has been changed every single time he has been left with a sitter—no walking into the church nursery to an overflowing diaper and a, “Well, we just changed him.”

My baby has had exactly one diaper rash in his entire life. Some redness from time to time, sure, but nothing that a good coat of CJs and a few hours of running around in a fitted won’t cure by bedtime.

Disposable diapers smell. I never noticed it before I switched to cloth, but disposable diapers smell fresh out of the box, they smell when they’re used, and they smell (more than cloth) when they’re sitting in the pail.

Cloth diapers are adorable. There are so many bright, fun colors and patterns available—a little bit of something for every taste. People who use disposable diapers pay obscene amounts for a single box of diapers in a cute print that will be used up in a matter of days. Every change that goes on my son is cute.

When I’m done cloth diapering, I can either sell them and make back some of my money…or donate them to someone who needs them. Disposable diapers are literally money thrown away, and you certainly can’t donate them to someone else (unless they’re unused).

All things considered—from the shallow to the more serious—I think every mom should at least try cloth diapering. Is it for everyone? Certainly not. There are moms who will find the poop disgusting, the laundry impossible to keep up with, and the start-up cost prohibitive for something that they may or may not decide to stick with. There is nothing “wrong” with disposables, per se; but there are certainly many advantages to cloth over disposables, and few reasons not to at least give it a shot.

Therefore, to all those mamas who say, “Why do you use cloth?” my question is, “Why not?”

By Emily

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I think " why not" is a great response! I think I'll be using it from now on. :)

Johanna said...

Those are my short and sweet thoughts as to why I CD. I wish more people would ask me why I cloth diaper...I'm not sure I could just respond with "why not?" though. ;)