to cloth, or not to cloth...

So, call us crazy, but we have decided to use cloth diapers instead of disposables. Let me give you a minute to laugh...are you done? I am completely serious about this and I'm actually looking forward to trying it, I mean, dominating it. It's hard to believe that most people my age and older were all cloth diapered, it was apart of life. It was really no big deal, because everyone used cloth. But now, you even hint at the idea and you'll be laughed off the block. "Cloth diapers?! That's so gross! You'll never be able to do it. What do you do with the poop?" Those are just a few comments I've heard. I've learned to make my cloth diapering ambitions my little secret, so I'm not ostracized by my peers. Well, this is my coming out party! Yes, I will being using cloth diapers!

Why cloth, you might ask? Well, the pros far out weight the cons...at least right now, considering I've never changed or even seen a cloth diaper on a baby. Cloth diapers are better for the baby. The material is softer and more breathable. They don't retain as much liquid, so you change them more often, keeping baby dry. As a result, cloth diapered babies have few instances of diaper rash. They also don't wick away wetness the way disposables do, so your baby feels the wetness, leading cloth diapered babies to be potty trained earlier. Let's be honest, it's not very cute to see 3 year in diapers. Its green! Better for the environment, blah, blah, blah. Honestly, the environment didn't even register in my reasons for going cloth. The biggest, brightest, most wonderful reason of all? MONEY!!! Babies are expensive and so are their throw away panties! I can't, in a million years, every imagine spending almost $900 for a years worth of underwear that just goes into the trash. Granted, I'm not pooping in my underwear, but still, you are literally throwing money away. Lets just say I invest $500 into cloth diapers. In 2 years, when my genius baby is potty trained and wearing cartoon character underwear, I still only spent $500, not close to $1800. I'm no mathematical genius, but I'd say that those savings are about half the cost of a couples getaway to Mexico. The savings are phenomenal. Not to mention you can use them for baby number 2. Or, don't get sick on me, you can resell your used diapers for 75-90% of the original price, based on the condition of them.

I'm not going to lie, there are some major, major cons, poop being number 1 on my list. I have to agree with most people, cloth diapering is gross. So is the idea of carrying a dirty diaper around with you. However, depending on where you are, even if you use disposables, you have to carry dirty little diapers with you. And yes, I'm completely disgusted by the idea of flipping poop from a diaper into the toilet, yuck. But again, you may have to do that with a disposable, the directions suggest that you do so every time. I'm worried bout the smell and the washing, but I think I can handle, fingers crossed.

There is a large community of cloth diapering families online and its kind of inspiring. If you look up cloth diapering on YouTube, a million videos pop up. What really has cemented my determination is the fact that women who cloth diaper don't just tolerate it or even like it, they are enthusiast, they love it! They all swear by it and are kicking themselves for not doing it sooner. They all say its really easy. Plus, cloth diapers have come along way from those massive safety pins. They are also super cute now, and I'm not going to even going to try to deny the fact that their cuteness played a big part in my decision too (need I remind you of my love of shopping). Maybe I'm being overly ambitious and after one week I'll chicken out and give up, but I'm feeling pretty determine. I got this! I think...I hope...I'm a good 45% sure I got this. Did I mention that I've never changed a poopy diaper before?

I already bought a few, experience their cuteness: