As you know, our children wear cloth diapers. Not 26 years ago...my husband's age :-)...people used them as the norm, and were just being introduced to the mainstream disposable. Diaper services were not hard to find, and did the "dirty work" for you.
My Nana has told me that she had three in diapers at the same time, AND she had 12 dozen diapers! Oh my, can you imagine what that stack looked like. I now have 24 diapers fervour boys, and that stack is pretty big to me! She also told me that she hand washed them all!
Now, disposable are convenient, and the norm...but not as cheap as people would like to think. When I started with cloth, I never knew that there was such thing as a cloth diaper "safe" detergent. Or a "safe" diaper rash cream. I just figured that it shouldn't be too hard to use them. I'm on several cloth diaper forums, and its amazing to me how complicated people make it. Not to mention the detergents they use make cloth just as expensive as disposable!
So, here's my advice to newbies....
Find a diaper YOU can live with! I prefer one-size pocket diapers with snaps, or all-in one's. I'm big on only needing to buy one set at a time, and these go from 5-44 pounds depending on the type.
Use the detergent that works for YOU! I have to make ours because all of my men have sensitive skin. Yes, borax is safe for the diapers. If you use the more popular cloth diaper detergents and you love them that's great!
If you are going to use cloth diapers, use cloth wipes too...it just makes more sense and its not any more work. We use microfiber towels from the "car care" aisle at Walmart. Again, cheap, simple, uncomplicated.
Wipes solution can be as simple as water. Anything else will mold after two days. Water can cause mold too, but takes a lot longer.
Buy, or make a wet bag. We never used one until our second baby came, but it really is handy for wet diapers and clothes.
If you travel, you can still use cloth. Wash all diapers right before you leave so that you have your whole stash of diapers clean before you leave. Put a 5gal bucket, or your large wet bag in the trunk, and make sure you have a lid for the bucket. When you stop for the night, put the used ones in the wash at the hotel laundry facilities...simple, and just like at home!
Cloth diapering is not hard, expensive or gross. Don't let proper talk you our of doing what you think is best for you, and your child!
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