Guest Post: Cloth Diapers — First on My “Will Do Better Next Time” List

I’m planning to post much more about cloth diapers this time around, but first, a guest post and one mama’s experience of making the switch from disposables to cloth diapers. I’m thankful to have Dara Herman from daraclaire.com guest posting today!

My mind began a checklist, when I saw the two pink lines, of all the things I would do better and different with baby number two on the way. I felt I had done a decent job with my first, impressing my family and friends by using only all natural and organic products to touch, or go in, my baby!

I felt proud using Seventh Generation Diapers and wipes. Bragged on the fact we never battled a diaper rash, giving kudos to the unbleached product. Until a close friend began using cloth diapers and cloth wipes. I felt the wind go out of my sails!

Cloth is better for the environment and my baby’s bum. That became number one on my “Will do better next time” list.

I spent HOURS researching cloth diapers, the quality, the price, and the user friendly ratings. I watched video segments on several brands. My husband looked in disbelief when I told him when to expect the UPS man with the delivery. He looked even more concerned when I told him the price.

Well, that was until I showed him my cost breakdown of what we would be saving from start to potty trained time. He has not fussed ONCE about using them (well except when I accidentally ordered a light pink diaper for his boy). He even asked how to laundry them! So far score!

I was so excited to open the box, pull out the dipes, inspect them, and give them their first (of five) washings! I sorted the covers and inserts, enjoyed the colors, and practiced the snaps. But they sat for a week! WHY? Because the idea of getting them dirty felt wrong!

Finally I ran out of disposables and was forced to jump in! With the first poo diaper I felt saddened to see the bright white ruined. I felt even worse when I pulled them out of the washer to see stains!

Luckily with my hours of research I remembered the advice of many moms to let the sun do it’s magic. I hung them outside, telling myself that the sun would erase them to a light stain and it would be okay. After 3 hours in the Florida sun they were bright white! Now I know that won’t always happen but it made me feel a lot better and kept me motivated!

So far they are still a nice bright white, which is a miracle if saw before pictures of the damage my little boy can do!

I am two months into my cloth diaper journey, and so far it has gone smoothly. Both my hubby and I prefer the Flips with Velcro, even though most of the ones I purchased are snaps!

The BumGenuis 4.0 Pockets are nice but I feel like I am being wasteful using up a diaper each time. I love being able to re-use the Flip cover a few times (unless it’s a big blow out! Eeeckk!) I love showing off the cloth diapers and have to reign myself in from going on too much to expectant friends and family!

So what’s next?  I’m charging full steam ahead into my list of “Will do better next time”. Homemade wipes followed by homemade organic shampoo and soap!

Dara Herman is a wife, mother of two boys, teacher, and writer. She was born and raised in a small town, where she still lives and is raising her two boys. She is determined to live a full life. To live a life on purpose; to make the ‘Livin’ Part of Life’ happen with purpose and not lay her head down at night and feel a day was wasted. You can find her at daraclaire.com.