A stupid little obsession

One of the benefits of cloth diapering is that we can let Kalina run around with only the absorbent cotton diaper part, not the waterproof barrier, so her little bum can air out a bit.

Some would argue that this is not, in fact, a benefit but is instead a liability.

You thought we were crazy for having a baby in the first place, and now we want her to soil entire loads of laundry so we can wash it in our own washer, fold it with our own hands and then repeat the process? Several times a week?

Well, we'd consider it the lesser of two evils. Really, we'd like her to potty train tomorrow. And say please and thank-you. And drive us to the movie theater so we can watch a full-length feature in fewer than 3 sittings.

The problem is, cloth diapers are extremely cute (see photo) and I have all the signs of being officially addicted: I try to convert all my friends to cloth diapering, I miss my cloth diapers when I travel and I ask for them for Christmas. I secretly visit cloth-diapering websites regularly even though we have plenty so I can check out the new fabrics. I even take pictures of Kalina in just her cute little diapers so that I can remember them forever (see photo).

This is spurred on by the fact that the cloth diapers of today, much like electronics and pets, are not content to exist simply in a utilitarian fashion. After all, who would buy a diaper for such mundane details as how leakproof or absorbent it is? Not today's shoppers. And not me.

Kalina and I require cute patterns, colors and styles (Daddy, by the way, does not). Using various absorbancy, stay-dry and waterproof layers, we like to customize each individual diaper to our plans for the next few hours. Sometimes we try to coordinate with her outfit, sometimes we get a little crazy and leave off the waterproof layer to get the aforementioned air on her little bum. It's a veritable party on the changing table many times a day.

I'm not alone, by the way. I've found entire message boards devoted to the topic of cloth diapers heavily populated by people both crazier and more vocal than I. They (and now I) toss around phrases such as "lanolizing" and "stash." The acronyms, by the way, would wow even the most obnoxious CEO.

The questions bouncing around the message boards are even stranger than the people at times. "Can you wash wool in the bathtub?", "Where's the cheapest place to buy Loopy-Doos and Fuzzi Bums?" and my favorite, "How can I get my child's poop to solidify a bit so it's easier to dump?" (The answer is less fruit).

We use words like "invest" to console each other for the fact that the cutest diapers can rapidly end up costing more than diposables, much to our husbands' dismay. We remind each other every chance we get that it's better for the environment.

And then there's the whole "trimness" challenge. Cloth diaperers continually battle against bulk. We get ourselves into it (because no matter what anyone convinces themselves, nothing is as trim as a "sposie," as we like to call them), and so we try rather convincingly to get ourselves out of it by experimenting with different brands and combinations and complementing one another liberally. I've been known to take pictures of particularly trim diapers I've achieved (see photo), others have been known to throw parades.

It's not that we look down on those who use disposables. It's that we think they're missing out on all the fun. Don't you agree?

So why all the hooplah about such a mundane subject?

Two reasons. 1. Cloth diapering can be as simple or as complex as you want to make it 2. Pretend you change a diaper 8 times a day, every day for 2-3 years. Wouldn't it help if at least the diapers were cute? Absolutely it does.

Not that Kalina has to make a fashion statement with every diaper she wears. But can she at least make the statement "I like purple flowers?" You bet. (See photo)

A silly idea that might just work

Most of you are probably going to think I'm crazy, and I'm okay with that. But you'll find out sooner or later, so I'll go ahead and tell you now: we're planning to cloth diaper Baby Girl.

I'll let the initial shock wear off.

We have lots of reasons (one of them being that it's a way for me to shop while actually saving us money!), and I won't get into all of them now. The picture is my very first diaper--isn't it adorable? The inside is fleece, and it has 3 different size settings adjusted with snaps.

Some of you are going to leave now, but to the rest, I'll explain my cloth diapering strategy. It may bore you, but it's actually helping me to get it all down on e-paper.

There are several different types of cloth diapers nowadays, and hundreds of options within each. I'll try to break it down for you:

The one above is a pocket diaper. The outside is waterproof, the inside is absorbent and the miracle worker is called an insert, which you stuff into a flap (or pocket) inside. Very easy to use. Major pros: adjustable absorbency. Major cons: inserts can be expensive, and you have to stuff before you use.

There are also all-in-ones. These are like a pocket diaper, except with no pocket. Instead, the absorbent material is sewn in as part of the diaper. Even easier to use. Major pros: Ultra easy, probably the trimmest fitting. Major cons: Take a long time to dry, not as adjustable.

And finally, there are prefolds and covers. A prefold is just an absorbent piece of cloth you fold, and then put a cover over. Covers are, of course, waterproof. Major pros: Very cheap, adjustable. Major cons: Potentially more of a hassle, potentially bulky, potentially a bit leaky.

I plan to begin with a mix. I've read the reviews and found a few brands I want to try. Many are designed by work-at-home-moms, and seeing as I plan to be one, I like to support them.

I'll order about 5 pockets total, including the one above. Three of these will be one-size-fits-all diapers, so they'll grow with Baby Girl. The others are sized, but some parents are lucky enough to get by only buying smalls and mediums before potty training, and since Baby will be perfect, I'm confident we'll be this lucky.

I'm also planning to order 4 all-in-ones. There are a couple I've seen excellent reviews for (some even promise to dry fast!) and all are known for being both trim and absorbent.

I wasn't initially going to try prefolds, but after spending lots of time on message boards and review sites, it seems like they'll be worth a shot. I'll get about a dozen prefolds and 3-4 covers, which don't have to be washed after every use--only if they get dirty (which isn't as often as you'd think, apparently). The added benefit of prefolds is that they can be used as inserts for pockets, burp rags, spill rags, car-washing rags, snake-cage-cleaning rags, etc., and are only about $1.50 each.

I'll use the prefolds/covers mainly during the day when we're just around the house. Pockets and all-in-ones will be for going out, babysitters and the diaper bag (along with a few disposables). Overnight, I'll probably see how pockets work. And once I figure out what brands and styles I like best, I'll stock up a bit more.

Some of you who are still left might be wondering about laundry. Me too, actually! I've heard it's not bad, and especially since I'll only be working part-time and from home, I'm optimistic that I'll be able to take on the extra work. I'll try to end up with enough diapers that I only have to wash once every 3 days, and until then I'll use disposables as needed. Yes, diapers do come clean! I won't bore you with the details, but there are lots of great methods.

And some may be wondering about leaks. Well, not only will Baby keep her excrement to a minimum (remember, she's perfect!), but I've made sure that each cloth diaper or cover I order has lots of reviews that rave about how leak-proof they are.

Also, until Baby Girl is about 8 pounds (and able to fit into smalls), we'll just use disposable diapers. Assuming she isn't 8+ pounds at birth--yikes.

So there you have it! If you have questions, I'd be glad to answer them. Without ever using them myself, I feel like something of an expert. I'm sure that will change once I have a squirming baby. But wait, Baby Girl certainly won't squirm!