March 27, 2009
Cloth Diapering: Is it for me?
A few days ago when I went to drop off Dawson at preschool, I had to wait in the hallway with the other moms until his classroom was open. I’ve gotten to know some of these ladies since Dawson started school in September, and can I just say that some of the conversations these moms have are sort of, I don’t know, nuts?
Some brag about how wonderful and brilliant their children are. Others talk about the best places to find affordable kids clothes. A few others like to play the One-Up Game. You know, the whole “my kid did this, what about yours?” thing.
The conversation this week was about breastfeeding and the cost of formula, and disposable vs. cloth diapers. The mom who started the conversation was saying how expensive formula and diapers were and she told us she spends $150 a week on the two necessities. Now, it’s been awhile since I’ve purchased diapers and formula, but $150 a week sounds way too high.
Then one of the moms who recently had her second baby piped up.
“See, that is just, like, too much money. That’s why I breastfeed and cloth diaper.”
I could tell she was very proud of her decision. Both are very great choices. But this mom was almost gloating, and it made me uncomfortable.
Another mom asked about the type of cloth diapers she was using, and how many she had to have on hand. So Gloating Mom explained that her investment in cloth diapers cost her about $500, but that she wasn’t one of the many parents paying $2,000 a year in disposables.
When I had Dawson I went with disposable diapers because I knew I’d be returning to work six weeks later, and I didn’t think I’d have the time (or patience) to constantly wash cloth diapers. Plus, it seemed kind of messy, and visions of plastic pants made me uneasy.
Now that I’m working from home, I’m actually considering the cloth diapering idea. It would be very eco-friendly, as well as cost effective. My only concern is about the time commitment. I’m worried I’ll make the investment, but that I’ll give up after a week of washing.
What are your thoughts? Disposable or cloth? Pros and cons? Links to great posts about cloth diapering, and where to buy these? I’d love to know more!
Posted by Dana @ 4:51 PM • Babies
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March 27th, 2009 at 10:42 PM, The Redheaded Lefty Says:
Diapers.com, baby. Because it’s easy. That’s all. I know. So bad. Shhhhhhh.
March 27th, 2009 at 11:50 PM, Headless Mom Says:
I was a disposable mom, myself. The convenience was worth it. I’m not opposed to cloth but never really considered it-the cost of a diaper service in my area is CRAZY. Way more than disposable. And I guess I wasn’t willing to do it myself.
March 28th, 2009 at 8:10 PM, Dana Says:
My friend Sara is doing cloth. Here’s her blog, she’d love to share her knowledge with ya!
http://www.saradeacon.com/