Due in March/April/May 2013 Roll call!

[ThreeMenAndALAdy]

Shell, can you tell me what you know about cloth diapers? I know they're better for the environment, but are they cheaper than disposables? And is it more work?

[Shellbelle]

Your initial investment can be a few hundred $$, depending on what kind you buy. And once we finished building our stash, we didn't have to pay for diapers anymore, LOL. So overall, yes, they're cheaper. We actually started with them because my ds had a terrible reaction to whatever's in the new Pampers -- bleeding ulcers that wouldn't go away until we stopped using the diapers. We have only had a few minor rashes (mainly after someone gives him juice) with cloth. I was skeptical at first, because I really don't need any extra work around here, but seriously, they haven't added much to my overall routine.

They've added about 2 loads of laundry a week, and we had to buy a separate detergent (don't use regular detergent on the diapers or it can cause them to be less absorbent). BUT, we haven't had the overnight leaks that we had with disposables, which saves me a couple of washer loads a week because I don't have to change the bedding. If you air dry, it saves you more money because you're not running the dryer, but I usually machine dry mine for speed.

I started out with some diapers I hated (g diapers and an off-brand), and eventually moved to BumGenius. They're pricey up front, but even the pocket diapers are very similar to disposables in terms of ease of use. I've added a couple to my stash every month, so preparing for this baby hasn't been too painful money-wise. And now we have enough that we should have at least 2 days worth of diapers, even with a newborn.

Basically, when I change him, I roll whatever's in the diaper into the toilet. We have a sprayer attached to the water line on the toilet that I use if the diaper is still messy (and that's optional). Then I throw the used diaper into a pail that is lined with a washable bag, and when it's time to do diaper laundry, I throw the whole bag into the washer. Prewash, wash in hot, and then an extra rinse. I've found that we don't have any diaper pail stink, probably because there's really nothing stinky left in the diaper once it goes in the pail. When we're on the road, I have some cute, waterproof, washable zippered bags to put the used diapers in.

And after typing all that, I realized that it's probably more info than you really wanted.

I will say that I probably will use whatever disposables the hospital sends home with us until the meconium poops are over. That stuff is just nasty.

[Shellbelle]

BTW, every time I see your signature, I want to say OWEN REID! YES, OWEN REID! in response to the question mark. I love that name. This little guy will probably be Harrison Crosby (both are family names). Unless DH changes his mind AGAIN. LOL

[Turning the page]

Shell, can you tell me what you know about cloth diapers? I know they're better for the environment, but are they cheaper than disposables? And is it more work?

I'm totally hijacking your question, but I had to butt in. We cloth diaper and we LOVE it. Of course it's environmentally friendly, but yes, it is so much cheaper than disposables!! We have spent a total of $350 on Wyatt's diapers since birth, which is a drop in the bucket compared to over 2 years in disposables. Now, having answered that question I have to be honest and tell you that it is much more work. I can't lie. But I manage to do it while working full time, so it's entirely doable. The first six months are a breeze if your infant is exclusively BF. No rinsing of poo required at that age--just throw em in the washer! So even if you just did it the first six months, it would still save you money, especially if you just use prefolds and covers (what we did when Wyatt was little). HTH!

[Turning the page]

Shellbelle--we use bum genius pretty much exclusively now too! Very daycare friendly too. I sold the diapers I didn't really like on a local diaper swap on Facebook. Actually recouped about 2/3 of my money!

[Cinss]

Quote of the day from my 2-year old: "Mommy, you toot lots and lots."
Too funny not to share. Sorry.

hehe i love what comes out of kids mouths sometimes. The other day DD 2 year old climbed onto my lap and because my boobs have grown she was trying to push them out of her way, she looked up at me and said "Mummy, your more"

[TT_3814]

I'm glad to see bum genius fans here! Those are the diapers I have my heart set on and I'm hoping to start stocking up after the holidays.

[Rosie85]

I tried cloth, didn't work out the greatest for my boys. I will try it again with the next.

Just when I think my day is so awful and I don't have much to be thankful for I log into Facebook and see someone has it much worse. Feel like I should be slapped.

[Shellbelle]

I'm glad to see bum genius fans here! Those are the diapers I have my heart set on and I'm hoping to start stocking up after the holidays.

I have used both the 4.0 pocket dipes and the Freetime all-in-ones, and both are great. You will love them.

[mrshonyez]

I need your opinion ladies. We go to a friends Christmas party every year, and I just found out that the stomach bug has gone through their house. My friend is still out sick with the bug today. We take the kids with us, and I'm a germ freak. The party is this Saturday. I'm thinking about cancelling. If we get a virus in our house it lasts for a long time. Would you ladies go, or would you pass?

I would also pass... I know I posted about it on here, but when I was about 14 weeks I went to a friends house for lunch, and she said they had the bug about a week-2 weeks ago. I didn't think anything of it until I got really sick a few days later. Got dehydrated and had contractions and all. Then DS1 got it, then DS2, then both my parents as we were visiting for a few weeks. Ugh it was terrible.
And I just wanted to agree with the other ladies on the cloth diapering, we love it! I use mostly gogreen pocket diapers (my favorite by far!) and fuzzibunz. It's saved us a ton of money. DS2 has had a few rashes, but coconut oil cleared it right up.