Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Cloth Diaper Debacle

On Saturday I took the little boys down to Ventura to get Dieter's haircut. Both boys were little angels during the haircut and enjoyed playing with the toys there and afterwards we still had plenty of time before it was time to pick up Faith and Jacob from their dad's house. So I thought, why not walk over to Mother's Guild, which is right next to the haircutting place, and check out the cloth diapers? I'd been thinking a little bit about switching Rainer to cloth diapers part time--not at daycare of course, but at home. Jacob and Faith were cloth diapered, so I am experienced in it, and it is something we could do to be a little greener. But when I got there I ended up not just "checking it out" as planned, but actually buying a dozen diapers and 3 covers. It was impulsive, but I thought everything would be okay, having done this before years ago with my older two. Ugh! Was I ever wrong. After washing and drying the diapers 3 times as instructed, I tried Rainer in a cloth diaper the next day. It was way too thick and uncomfortable. Poor little guy! I'd never had the high quality "Chinese prefolds" back in the day. I'd only ever bought Target quality diapers. These are just so bulky it is unbelievable, and he didn't like them at all! What a waste. We're back to disposable after just one diaper. I guess the greenest thing we could do now is hope for early potty training!

And for those of you who were asking, here are some views of the top that show the neckline. Just a basic casing with elastic--easy.

I'm off to San Diego later this morning. We're taking the train down--should be very European. I hope all goes well. It's been more than 3 years since I've gotten a full night's sleep. I don't know how my body will react! Mostly I'm concerned about Rainer. He's not weaned yet, so this will be a shocker. He'll be in good hands with his Daddy. The big question is if he will still want to nurse when I get back (Saturday night). He is my last baby. I know I'm not ready for him to wean, but I guess that is really up to him. I have to have Faith that everything will work out.

I'll be back to my blog Monday. Have a great week!

14 comments:

Christine G said...

Heavens, Mama! You are a seamstress! :) Why not just sew yourself some totally cool fitted diapers? They are soooo easy, convenient and can be just as thin as a disposable. You can even sell them off later. And...covers are super-easy to make, too! Really! Honestly! (And, of course, you will feel like the smartest mama on the planet with your own, gorgeous cloth diapers!)

amy turn sharp said...

I feel yr pain...I tried gdiapers and only lasted until I went back to work really...I save the earth for 12 weeks :) You do lots of other great things to help out- yr family sounds wonderful and responsible! have a great weekend!

Sarah and Jack said...

Have a lovely trip! (And I am pretty sure the baby will not be very eager to give up nursing either.)

Florence Knapp (Flossie Teacakes) said...

That's gorgeous - good work. I also love the red door that you're standing infront of!

I hope you have a lovely time away and a happy homecoming on your return. x

Carrie said...

Remember that even after weaning, both of my children remained "attached" to my breasts in ways that meant that special bonding still remained. To the point of my own irritation! And despite FINALLY severing their attachment, we're still pretty bonded.

Unknown said...

Thanks for posting the neckline. I like it a lot. And you look great!

Our Adventures As A Family of 4.... said...

Hope you have a great trip to San Diego. Thanks for the comment on my blog, I just discovered yours and have to say I enjoy reading it. I really want to try some of the recipes you have posted. And I'm on to the poached egg for breakfast. I had to try it after seeing your blog. Hope your little guy doesn't have too hard a time when he's with dad this week.

Love the top and the hat too.

Molly

Unknown said...

We're a cloth family and hear ya on the bulk. In the beginning it was bad but it seems better now..either they got slimmer or we're used to it.
Love the shirt!
And am wondering the same thing about nursing and leaving my little guy!!
Have a great weekend and enjoy your relaxation time.

Unknown said...

Thanks for getting back to me on the question about the cookbook! I decided to request a copy via interlibrary loan since my local library doesnt have a copy.

Now onto your question I LOVE my Ergo and manage to safely hoist my 33lbs. almost 2yr. old on my back quite easily.

Also, I wouldnt worry about your youngest weaning as I recently had the same concern and returned from a 5-day business trip to a tot that I believe was happier about seeing his "snacks" than seeing his Mama!

Kristin said...

We were a cloth diaper family. We did use disposables part of the time for the last one who was born 8 & 10 years after 1st two. When you go from the ultra thin disposables to cloth they do seem pretty big and bulky. You and they get used to it, but alot of the clothes these days are not designed for a thick diaper. Also, I used pins and plastic pants which are practically unheard of today but they worked best for us and were less bulky and definitely less leaky than the covers.

Sarah said...

I hear you on the bulky diapers, but you and he will get used to it if you decide to keep using them. When we go to my mom's I usually just bring disposables for Noah, and they always seem really weirdly thin to me - like part of him is missing! Maybe a smaller size prefold or a different type of fold would work better for you.

I hope you have a wonderful time on your trip! I'm looking forward to hearing about it.

amanda said...

Enjoy your trip! And all of the luxurious sleep you will be getting!! I would bet you will be nursing again once you return. At least that's how it was after my first weekend away, when Ivo was a little past two. I remember having that similar feeling about wondering if this would be it.

Still lovin that cute blouse. . . thanks for posting the neckline.

Annie B said...

oh I remember that weaning the last baby thing - creates such weird feelings of "nostalgia in the now"...

I'm assuming you've tried the shaped diapers? we used MotherEase and they were great.

great blouse - you look so chilled in it

mom go green said...

i never tried cloth diapers for their intended purpose, but did find that they are awesome for cleaning up spills around the house (especially pee accidents!) you still have a chance to use them in a green way.

love your posts, as always!