You're Going To Do What?!?

That is the statement I would use to most accurately describe the horrified look on people's faces when they hear that Jon and I have decided to use cloth diapers with our little one. Now if you would have told me a year ago that I would use cloth diapers, I probably would give you the same look I've been getting lately. It wasn't until I met a few people (one good friend in particular) who swear by them that I began to think about the idea. After plenty of talk and research, we've decided we're all for it!

Now, when most people think of cloth diapers this is the picture they envision:

An ill-fitting diaper secured with diaper pins that must be a bear to scramble around with when trying to change a newborn. Well, that was then and this...

...is now.

So, now that you have the first picture out of your head, let's talk about why Jon and I decided to go the cloth diaper route. The main reason it first appealed to me was the fact that it saves money. Comparison studies indicate that diapering costs for the first year of a baby's life are $1000 to $1500 less with cloth diapers. Since cloth diapers are reusable they can be passed on from child to child as long as they are well taken care of, cutting even further the cost of diapering the following children. Aside from the money, research I have done indicates that cloth diapers help to cut down if not completely eliminate diaper rash and aid in speeding up potty training. One other fairly obvious aspect of cloth as opposed to disposable is that they are more environmentally friendly, although Jon rolls his eyes a bit at this. :-)

One of the first comments people say when they get over the shock of our cloth diaper usage in the 21st century is "Gross!" Now maybe my idea of gross is a little different from most people due to the fact that we've been picking up after our Great Dane for 2 years now. I honestly don't think we can be phased by whatever sized blow-out this little one decides to dish out. As a side note, we're not planning on using cloth diapers until we have gotten a little more use to the chaos of having a baby around. Somewhere around the third month or so I think we may switch over, but we'll start out with disposables. See, we're not TOO crazy.

Now I know that plenty of people will still think we are nuts and that's fine with me. To each his own in the diapering world. However I can't help but think in this convenience based, throw away society that maybe a little extra work and invested time is worth the payoff. I suppose we'll find out firsthand soon!