D is for...

D is for Diapers!! Cloth diapers to be exact! Today, (lucky you!) you get to receive a little tutorial on the wonders of cloth diapers! A growing phenomenon, there's an entire underworld devoted to the production, sale, trade and use of cloth diapers! I'm so happy I stumbled into it--for one, who wouldn't love to put these fantastic colors and designs on their baby's booty, as opposed to the plain white paper dipes? They're adorable! I don't have a very showy diaper stash, but even the plainest cloth dipes are cuter than 'sposies! Love these colors?

I'm not a huge environmentalist, BUT, Jesus did teach us to be good stewards of what we have, and I believe that extends to our earth. Some researchers place disposable diapers as taking up as much as 15% of our landfills! (But most say it's around 2-5%) That's quite a bit. Also, it says RIGHT ON THE DIAPER BOX (I couldn't get a good picture, but next time you're at the store, check it out.) that human waste belongs in the sewage system, not the dumps--we're supposed to dump the poo out of even disposable dipes before disposing of them--but who does?? (It's actually illegal in most states, just not enforced, obviously.) Some people also get up in arms about the chemicals used in the production of disposable diapers, that we're putting right on our babe's butts. So there are many reasons for cloth--my main reasons are 1) Cuteness 2) Convenience. I can't tell you how liberating it is to not have to make dashes to the store for more dipes all the time.

Ok--there's several different types of cloth dipes, but here, we're sticking with my favorites, pocket diapers. These have an outer waterproof layer called polyurithane laminate, or PUL. This is cotton that is laminated on one side--it's very soft, not crunchy or crackly. It comes in any imaginable color and print.

The dipes have either Aplix (strong velcro) or snap closure. Here is one of each:

I prefer snap, as I feel like they hold up better. Lots of people prefer the Aplix for ease of use. The inner layer of the diaper is usually fleece or suedecloth. Both of these fabrics are NOT absorbant, so the layer closest to baby's skin stays relatively dry.

This also comes in any color imaginable!

Pocket diaper get their name because they have an opening between the inner and outer layers. This pocket holds the insert--usually microterry or hemp--which does the actual absorbing work.

When the diaper is changed, I remove the insert for washing and throw the whole lot into a "wet bag"--this is a waterproof bag made of the same material (PUL) as the outside of the diaper. When the wetbag is full, I dump the whole lot of it into the wash, run a rinse cycle, then a regular wash on hot. Only a small amount of detergent is used because build up can affect the absorbance of the dipe. A giant NO NO in cloth diapers is fabric softener--this coats the diapers, making the inserts completely unabsorbant. If this happens, you'll have "wicking", which means the insert is not sucking up the pee, and it leaks to the outside of the diaper.

There are thousands of cute diapers, and some moms are willing to pay LOTS for diapers--it's a little bit like baseball cards...cloth diapers are hunted, collected, traded and sold. I've seen diapers go for literally hundreds of dollars in auctions. The hub of cloth diaper activity takes place at http://www.diaperswappers.com/ and http://www.hyenacart.com/. Check them out, you'll be amazed!

Diapers can be embroidered, painted, stenciled, appliqued, you name it--it's done. There are hundreds and hundreds of options! A plain, non-embellished pocket diaper generally runs from $10-$20, depending on brand. A complete stash is considered about 24 diapers (I'm too cheap and have never had more than 14--this has me washing at least every other day.). Although many women get into it to save money (it does in the long run), they often get caught up in all the cute options--one online friend of mine has over 50 diapers. The good news is that they hold their value very well and can be resold for close to what you paid.

Ok--I could go on and on and on, but I won't. Hmmm...what's E??