cloth diaper questions (daycare, breast milk, newborn, toddlers)

[zebrashoes]

Hi I was wondering for those who have used cloth diapers.....Did you like them? When you are traveling or are out in public, and baby poops, does the water proof bag really seal out the smell of walking around all day w/ a soiled diaper? I really think cloth diapering is cheaper and a obviously better for the evironment, and just an all around better way to go, but was just wondering about the cons and how you cloth diapering mamas do it. Oh and what do you do for overnight. Does the cloth really hold up without leakage? Thanks in advance

[crazyme4878]

I have used cloth for both my boys. I just use the prefold type with a velcro wrap. I also use cloth wipes (cut up flannel fabric and cut up old receiving blankets). I use a waterproof stuff sack for the dirty diapers in the diaper bag. The only bad thing is that after a year or so the waterproof wears off.

I couldn't imagine using anything different. By the time they get to be toddlers, the odor can be an issue. I often keep extra plastic shopping bags in the car. If I'm out all day, I will leave the bag with dirty diapers in the trunk and tuck an empty plastic bag in the diaper bag. But this is after they are two years old and really giving a good soaking each time.

Breast milk poop doesn't really smell, so there is no problem there. Once they are totally on solids and the poop is solid, I shake it out in the public restroom. Once in awhile I find myself unable to do that, and then yes, it starts smelling quickly!

I also have never had too many issues with overnight, although I do wish I could afford the specially designed night-time diapers. When they were younger, we would put in a liner ontop of the diaper and then we would change once a night when he woke up to eat. Now we use an all-in-one (a Bumpkin?) with a prefold ontop of that. My diapers are getting old and my son is at the very end, so he does sometimes wake up with his pj bottoms a little wet sometimes. BUT this is because the waterproofing is rapidly wearing off now (this is the fourth year we are using them, though).

[CA4Now]

I used disposables for my first child and cloth for my second child. With cloth, we had a diaper service. This was many years ago! There is no savings in cost; I guess I just felt better not polluting the landfills again with all those disposables.

No, those little bags you take when you travel do not eliminate the smell of a dirty diaper. Unfortunately, you will probably have to use disposables then.

[crazyme4878]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

I used disposables for my first child and cloth for my second child. With cloth, we had a diaper service. This was many years ago! There is no savings in cost; I guess I just felt better not polluting the landfills again with all those disposables.

No, those little bags you take when you travel do not eliminate the smell of a dirty diaper. Unfortunately, you will probably have to use disposables then.

I really disagree with this post (sorry, it just hasn't been my experience): the cost, the smell, and the need to use disposables in the end.

We got the bulk of our diapers from a diaper service going out of business (on top of that, my SIL bought them as a baby gift; they costed about $90 and fully outfitted us from day one through potty training) and have added here and there as needed. I also know of someone that had a diaper baby shower--instead of gifts, people were asked to bring cloth diapers. I'm not sure how polite this is, and you won't want to choose only expensive all-in-one diapers.

I have never used a diaper service (that is what drives up the cost), because it is really simple to launder them yourself. There is an initial cost up front, but then you never have to buy them again! No weekly diaper runs, no coupon searching/clipping, etc. And I have to say that for several years after our first son was born, we lived under the poverty line. I shudder to think about having to buy disposables during that time!

And I emphasize: I don't have problems with smell!

The only time my sons have worn disposable is when other people have put them on them (i.e. when daycare got too lazy to put on his diapers we sent with).

Perhaps I am the only person who hasn't had a problem with smell, but my friends who do cloth don't complain either.

[stormy night]

You don't carry the poop in the diaper all day long. Empty the dirty diaper into a toilet and put the diaper in a plastic bag. Rinse it first, if you can. Or use liners when out and about. Babies don't poop numerous times, usually once or twice unless newborn.

Nights, I always used double diapers and rubber pants. Never had a leakage problem. Prefolded; one open and the front corners folded in, and a second one folded into thirds lengthwise works fine for nights and for older babies. The trick is in the folding to get a good fit.

[CA4Now]

Originally Posted by crazyme4878

I really disagree with this post (sorry, it just hasn't been my experience): the cost, the smell....and I have never used a diaper service (that is what drives up the cost), because it is really simple to launder them yourself.

Well, of course you would save a huge amount if you laundered them yourself! Did you factor in the cost of the water, detergent, your labor, the wear and tear on your washing machine, and the fact that the dirty diapers would take multiple bleaching? Also, I can't imagine they'd ever get clean enough by being washed in a non-commercial washing machine.

And the smell of the travel bags is not the dirty diaper; it's the strong freshener they provide with it. Back then, it was so strong that it could be smelled from another room.

[Sam82]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

Well, of course you would save a huge amount if you laundered them yourself! Did you factor in the cost of the water, detergent, your labor, the wear and tear on your washing machine, and the fact that the dirty diapers would take multiple bleaching? Also, I can't imagine they'd ever get clean enough by being washed in a non-commercial washing machine.

And the smell of the travel bags is not the dirty diaper; it's the strong freshener they provide with it. Back then, it was so strong that it could be smelled from another room.

If you want to wash diapers yourself, they need to be soaked before hand (especially diapers that have been pooped on). You do NOT bleach diapers. Even with the cost of washing them, you would still save money over time and not to mention help the environment.

[stormy night]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

Well, of course you would save a huge amount if you laundered them yourself! Did you factor in the cost of the water, detergent, your labor, the wear and tear on your washing machine, and the fact that the dirty diapers would take multiple bleaching? Also, I can't imagine they'd ever get clean enough by being washed in a non-commercial washing machine.

And the smell of the travel bags is not the dirty diaper; it's the strong freshener they provide with it. Back then, it was so strong that it could be smelled from another room.

Do you factor in all those things when you get your clothes dirty?

Babies lived in cotton (cloth) diapers for generations before disposables were invented. They got clean at home. They were economical. They don't smell bad at all if you take care of them correctly. There is no negative to cotton diapers.

When the baby grows into underwear, the diapers make excellent soft rags for countless uses.

[crazyme4878]

Originally Posted by CA4Now

Well, of course you would save a huge amount if you laundered them yourself! Did you factor in the cost of the water, detergent, your labor, the wear and tear on your washing machine, and the fact that the dirty diapers would take multiple bleaching? Also, I can't imagine they'd ever get clean enough by being washed in a non-commercial washing machine.

And the smell of the travel bags is not the dirty diaper; it's the strong freshener they provide with it. Back then, it was so strong that it could be smelled from another room.

No I didn't, but I don't think it is neccessary. Kids equal more laundry, although I suppose it is easy enough to figure the cost of one extra load of laundry per week. I buy the natural, bio-degradable detergent, which is around $12/box, and one box is 42 loads. So we can call that $15/year for soap. Plus my $90 start up, plus another $100 over the four years (2 kids) for new diapers/wraps. So we will just call that an even $200 over four years, which is $50 per year for the diapers themselves. I don't think there is a need to factor in extra wear and tear on the washer because one extra load per week is not over the manufactors ideals. For the most part, we have had well water, so there is no cost for water. Not sure on the electricity. So we have spent approximately $65 per year on cloth diapers. However, there is a self-sufficiency issue here, too. If push comes to shove, I can launder cloth diapers by hand (I know--ewww, but I was willing if I needed). I'm not tied to finding the money for part of my baby's needs.

I have never bleached a single diaper in my life. Most times, I do one long wash (on Hot), without a soak before. However, these days I more often than not do a rinse cycle first. Nevertheless, they always come out clean.

As for the travel bags, I actually don't know what people are talking about because I just use stuff sacks from the outdoor store. No smell there!

Good luck to the OP on your decision. In the end, there is no right or wrong, just what is right for you. I highly suggest doing cloth diapers, but for many reasons, it may not work for you. See if you can find anyone with cloth diapers (newborn sized) that they are not using and ask to borrow them. Then you can give it a trial run without being out any money.

[crazyme4878]

Originally Posted by stormy night

When the baby grows into underwear, the diapers make excellent soft rags for countless uses.

Or sell the ones still in good condition and make some of your money back!