Better Late Than Never

And I'm not talking about blogging! I have decided that its time to go cloth. Yes, I said it, and no I haven't lost my marbles. Next week we will be 100% cloth diapering. (Well maybe 99%) It's been on my mind for a while now, and because of a little push from my buddy Bethany (who's also taking the plunge with Attie...no pun intended) and a recent bout with diaper rashes, I am really going to do it. Before I go on, I must say that this is a personal decision, and in no way is it meant to be a guilt trip for other parents reading this blog. In the last few weeks I have faced some criticism from those with whom I've disclosed, so I don't want any of you reading this to think I have it all figured out and my way is the only way. Be responsible and do your own research. BUT...I do think this recent change in our lives is blog worthy, so here's why we're ditching the disposables. Most of us know the impact disposable diapers have on landfills, and even how much money you can save cloth diapering (especially if you start sooner than me), but I have been recently more conscious of the toxins we are exposed to on a daily basis by way of our skin. I know that some people can go uber crazy when they "think" something is potentially harmful, or they've "heard" that something is bad, so I tried to take a conservative and sensible approach. In my research of chemicals found in disposable diapers, I found a lot of inconclusive and vague information, but the majority is negative. The diaper manufactures basically regulate themselves when it comes to what they put in their products and they don't have to give all this info on the box. What I do know from my own experience is that those suckers can hold a lot of pee for a small amount of material, and that just ain't natural! I also know that sometimes money can come before being completely safe when it comes to a product as widely sold as disposable diapers. So, as I tend with most things, I'm going with "better safe than sorry". It might be an inconvenience, but I know I'll sleep better at night. So how did I convince the hubs...especially since he does all our laundry?! I tapped into his environmental planning side. It also helps that he's currently heading up a project at work for a solid waste master plan and had to tour a couple trash and recycle hubs last week! Now those of you that don't have little kids might be picturing those old prefolds that my baby butt was wrapped in. The cloth diapers of Rylin's generation have come a long way. We're talking adjustable, snaps, Velcro, removable liners, and no more plastic covers. I have personally decided to go with Fuzzibunz one size (meaning birth to potty training age). They come in all sorts of colors, have adjustable leg holes and waist, and use handy snaps that are a lot safer and easier than those giant diaper pins. We've tried them a few times this week and they have been super easy....and Rylin really put them to the test if you know what I mean. It is pretty hard to get a picture of him that isn't blurry these days, but here's my best attempt...

I will also be purchasing the handy sprayer that hooks to the toilet to avoid the "swirl" cleaning method. We'll see how long it takes Jordan to use it as a bidet!

So here's to being a little more Eco friendly. Green has always been my favorite color.