Showing posts with label cloth diapers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cloth diapers. Show all posts

Saturday, October 20, 2012

The problem with buying cheap cloth diapers



What is a cheap diaper? 

A cheap diaper is one that is found for a low cost and is made with little regard to quality or standards.

Cheap: 

  • 1  a : purchasable below the going price or the real value
  • b : charging or obtainable at a low price cheap
hotel> <cheap tickets>

  • c : depreciated in value (as by currency inflation) <cheapdollars>
  • 2 a : gained or done with little effort cheap
  •  victory> cheap>
  • a : of inferior quality or worth : tawdry, sleazy <cheapworkmanship>
  • b : contemptible because of lack of any fine, lofty, or redeeming qualities cheap
  • >
  • c : stingy cheap
  •  uncle>
  • 4 a : of money : obtainable at a low rate of interest


  • let's compare cheap to 


    Inexpensive:

    •  : reasonable in price :

              Definitions taken from Miriam-Webster online

    What does this mean in regard to cloth diaper purchasing?

    An item can be inexpensive, but it doesn't mean it has to be cheap. Cheap can mean inferior quality or gained with little effort. 

    This is what I think of when I see cloth diapers (as in pockets, all in ones, all in twos) being sold "new" for under $10.  Now sometimes intro prices or "second" or "irregulars" diapers will be less than $10.

    Now here's the thing: With my daughter I was really a cloth diaper whore. I hoarded them. I looked for quality, cuteness and didn't pay attention to cost. I mean, she had used diapers that cost $40, but most were new, hand made by mamas in the US, made of quality material and held up to her use (and many held up even after her brother's use!) :)

    When my son came around, I got some newborn diapers hand made and reused the "boy" stash I had originally, since I swore my daughter was going to be a boy! Thus, we had a lot of blue/green all in ones (mostly Bum Genius). Not for everyone, but I'm also fine with a boy wearing pink and dresses.

    Anyway, since my daughter inherited my sensitive skin, she wasn't able to use pocket diapers (thus the move into super cushy, super soft bamboo fitteds, like Goodmamas). My son didn't have that issue and I wanted pockets to make it easier on our au pair at the time and I didn't want to replace all of our fitteds for "boy diapers" due to cost.

    I found some cheap diapers online that seemed like a good deal. I had them shipped over from China, it took a few weeks to get here, but they made it. Since we bought these cheap cloth diapers, we gave it a whirl. Now, these are super cheap: Like $5-8 per diaper. And now we can get back to the definition. They are cheap. I had quite a few lose snaps right away (most US-based companies offer a warranty). They also have suede cloth that seemed to like to stain a lot more than any of the quality diapers I previously had.

    Then, I started noticing repelling issues. I thought maybe it was detergent. We changed detergents. I thought it was the inserts, we changed inserts. Some of these inserts even started to feel weird.

    This really made me remember why I don't like to shop at under-cutting stores and am against the expansion of places like WalMart into India. Quantity and margin changes when you have mass produced items and no return policy.

    Is it better to have $150 for 7-12 diapers you can rotate through over a day and wash daily and slowly add another diaper every few weeks, or maybe use "old fashioned" prefolds or flats? Or, should we get 30 cheap diapers for that same amount? You do get what you pay for and while there may be some overlap, we often get what we pay for!

    Then the next question is, "When we buy these "cheap" items, who are we supporting?" What are we supporting? Was the design stolen? Are there sweat shops behind what you're buying? Are the fabrics and other doo-dads sourced in a sustainable manner?

    Can't we make a life and teaching lesson for our family by making conscious choices in our buying of cloth diapers and most everything else we decide to purchase. 
    Have you changed your diaper choices or do you have thoughts on buying cloth diapers that you'd like to share? Link up below!

    Sunday, October 7, 2012

    Mommy Must Have - Soft, WAHM custom cloth diapers:


    Cloth diapers are not only eco-friendly, they are fun AND functional. Cloth diapers come in a variety of options. From the old-school flats or prefolds to today's waterproof all in ones... There really are endless options.

    Five years ago I bought my first cloth diaper. In fact, cloth diapering was one of my first parenting decisions. I wasn't sure if I'd breastfeed, but I knew I'd use cloth. My skin is sensitive and I wanted to put the best on my baby's bottom!

    I purchased a variety of diapers and one of the first was from Kiera at Made with Love Diapers. I loved her options and I loved that I was supporting another mom with my purchase. It has been just over 4.5 years since I purchased a diaper from her and she's a maker I've come to trust. I like to order diapers for pregnant friends (who are open to cloth, and I generally assume everyone can use a few back up, just in case!), and Made with Love Cloth Diapers are some of the top ones.

    Made with Love Cloth Diapers really are great - lots of options, stylish, and great customer service. 


    For one of our lucky Mommy Must Have with Attached Moms winners will get an awesome diaper from Made with Love Cloth Diapers!

    Specifications:

    One Size Fits Most 10-35 pounds
    2 Step Adjustable Rise 
    Organic Cotton & Bamboo
    Snap In Soaker for Quick Drying
    Retail Value $21
    Learn more at www.madewithlovediapers.com 

    Visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MadewithLoveDiapers

    Buy the Diapers at www.ecocheeksboutique.com/etsy

    Thursday, September 20, 2012

    Call for Cloth Diaper Moms to Fill out Survey

    CLOTH DIAPER SURVEY ALERT!

    Are you a current cloth diapering parent? If so, the Real Diaper Association needs your feedback so they really know what is happening in the cloth diapering world... today! Things change, times change, gadgets change, right? That's why they want to keep up to date!

    Please let them know Attached Moms sent you as well :)

    Please see their latest request below:

    The Real Diaper Association has recently launched our first comprehensive survey to understand current cloth diapering practices.  The goal of the survey is to understand who is using cloth diapers and how and where they're using them.  We will use the information to develop projects to better support and facilitate the use of cloth diapers.  
    In order to get the best information that we can, we need a LOT of people to respond - - our target is 10,000, which should be possible if you all help by reaching out to your local communities.  We managed to get more than 8000 babies changed SIMULTANEOUSLY, so we should easily be able to get 10,000 cloth diaper users to devote 15-20 minutes of their time to help the cloth diaper movement, right? :)
    Here's the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012GreatClothDiaperSurvey 
    To sweeten the offer, we're giving high quality DIY REUSABLE prizes to participants and referrers.  (So be sure to ask everyone to put your name in the field on the last page of the survey!)  You can find out more about the survey on our blog at http://realdiaperevents.org/archives/announcing-the-2012-great-cloth-diaper-survey

    Please note - the survey is only open to CURRENT cloth diapering parents - - regardless of how many cloth diapers they use each day.

    Do you cloth diaper? If so, please fill out this survey, you may just win a free diaper while you're at it! Please say Attached Moms sent you!  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012GreatClothDiaperSurvey 

    Tuesday, July 31, 2012

    Necessary for potty learning and EC

    Summer is coming to an end for most of the US (I say most because those in the desert SW and deep south probably have another month+ of too much heat).

    Many moms want an alternative to stripping off pants quickly for a potty learning or ECing little one. Many move on to leggies, a great option for many times, but, unfortunately, it doesn't cover the bum when the cold weather moves in. And, for me, it means making sure kiddos don't open the door to the UPS man! With EC pants, you get convenience and coverage!

    ECWear.com has split pants - what's that? They look almost exactly like regular pants but have a split for easy potty time! That's all of $10 to try them out to see if they're for you! You really can't get regular pants, much less specialty pants at that price! These are testers so she's seeing how they work - but with your feedback you can get $$ back too!


    Wednesday, July 25, 2012

    Great Cloth Diaper Hunt

    This time in August! Hunt for the lovely diaper icons and win prizes!

    I'm sponsoring the Diaper Hunt this August 2012 - win prizes! Register to hunt today, and feel free to say Attached Moms sent you!

    GCDH Sponsor Button


    Thursday, July 12, 2012

    Working moms in AZ - You can cloth diaper


    Cloth diaper use in Arizona

    Cloth diapering is a lot easier than many think. Most people who first see modern cloth diapers are amazed at the options and opportunities. I know many who do the "old fashioned way" and perfectly content as well (especially with the monetary savings!)

    Cloth diapers are great for baby, the environment and the pocketbook!


    In a forum recently a mom posted that in AZ you can't use cloth diapers in day care. I immediately thought,  "WHAT!! That isn't true!" But first decided to look it up before posting my thoughts... And I was right. You CAN use cloth diapers in day care.
    Here's the actual information from the AZ state code:


    3. Soiled cloth diapers or plastic pants from an enrolled child are:
    a. If soiled with feces, emptied into a flush toilet without rinsing the cloth diapers or plastic pants;
    b. Placed in a plastic bag labeled with an identifier that is specific to the enrolled child;
    c. Stored in a waterproof container that is tightly covered and lined with a plastic bag; and
    d. Sent home with the enrolled child's parent; and
    Soiled disposable diapers and disposable training pants are:
    a. Stored in a waterproof container that is tightly covered and lined with a plastic bag; and
    b. Removed from the diaper-changing area and discarded in an outside waste receptacle once daily or, if necessary, more often.



    What does this mean?


    You can cloth diaper in AZ and use regular day care. Any place that tells you otherwise is NOT worth your time and money. Why support a business that refuses to give you the options you are allowed per state law? Why would you give your money to a business who required you to use disposable diapers (assuming disposable diapers are against your beliefs?) Basically, if you regularly use cloth diapers and a day care requires you to buy disposable diapers... they are requiring you to spend even more money per day just to use their service?

    If you're worried about increase use of plastic, consider biodegradable bags.

    Show them the code, if they do not change their mind, fire them. Feel free to also link that information and report violators here.

    So to be clear:

    State law allows for cloth diapers to be used in Arizona.

    And if you're paying more than $340/week for child care, consider an au pair :)

    For more information on daycares and cloth diapers, visit the Real Diaper Association.

    Monday, June 4, 2012

    Natural baby products with the Joyful Giraffe GIVEAWAY

    Natural baby products is a passion I have. If you look to the beginning of my posts or see my old twitter name, you'll know that four years ago I ventured into the business and just couldn't keep the focus, but I'm very happy to see another WAHM start up and have those natural family products available to more moms.

    The Joyful Giraffe is a new operation by Kate Becvar. She promises tons of great customer service, an actively updating inventory (which includes a great selection of items, including wool dryer balls (which she allowed me to test and since I'm in Phoenix and we've hit 100* temps, cutting down on dryer time is extremely important!), cloth diapers and reusable items for the home, such as mesh bags and reusable coffee filters.

    About wool dryer balls:

    These are nice and large and range in circumference of 9-12″ an inch to four inches bigger than a tennis ball which is much larger than most others you will find and therefore work that much better.
    These balls are made of roving and sometimes have a string of yarn felted to them but there is no way the wool is going to come apart after being felted!
    The more you use the better your results therefore, it is recommended that people use 4 for small loads and 6+ for large loads to optimize drying time and benefits. Sometimes for huge loads of towels or cloth diapers I use 12+.
    Wool dryer balls are so easy to use. Simply leave them in the dryer and use them with every load.

    We like the option of the wool dryer balls (hand made by a local to Kate WAHM/family) over the plastic or PVC options due to potential chemical issues.

    ---
    Now for the fun!

    Would you like to win a SWIM diaper for summer fun? Well, The Joyful Giraffe is giving away TWO of them PLUS three different snack bags! Your chances of winning are great, and supporting WAHMs is another way to support families.





    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Sunday, June 3, 2012

    Yarn and fiber store - I Love LOCAL

    I was searching for local stores and came across a post for City Girl's CSA Fiber Farm on a website that advertises local. I love the idea of local fiber shares from animals you know are treated well. Not only is that great for the animals, but it leads to great fiber for knitting, crocheting or felting.

    Not only is the lady behind this AWESOME idea for the Phoenix/Scottsdale AZ area doing these shares, she also has good ol' online yarn store, One Planet Yarn and Fiber! She also has her own patterns, including this Swirl Pattern Baret!


    She's also on Ravelry, be sure to join her group (which is a high point entry as well in the rafflecopter!)

    yarn for spinning
    Local yarn ready for spinning
    I was able to test some fiber for spinning. I used a hand spindle and spun a small amount and compared it to spinning the small amount you can buy (read: super expensive) from Joanns and this was so much softer. Of course it was undyed so the chemical processing of the "big box store" stuff lost its softness there as well.

    One Planet also offers your own dyes, so you can order say undyed fiber for spinning and the dyes to make it your own. They also offer prespun yarns - everything from Alpaca to Merino to O-Wool to Vivace and so much more. Their selection is just about endless for the yarn and fiber lover. Get some ideas for some cloth covers with their extensive selection of colors in their yarns! SO beautiful, SOOOO soft!

    Please check out One Planet Yarn and Fiber for your next yarn or needle or other accessory purchase.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Tuesday, May 22, 2012

    Single layer easiness - Flat diapers on the cheap .20 each, easy wash

    I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry.  For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all.  You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post.  This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!   

    Since I had previously sold my flats from last year's challenge, I did not want to spend money on this year's challenge. Thus, I've used what I have on hand to get through this year's challenge. A majority of what I'm using is serged terry cloth. You can use an old towel with perhaps some dye stains or even purchase fabric on discount. Serge/sew the edges and wallah! Easy-peasy.

    Make your own cloth diapers 


    You can make your own quite easily. I know some people are using cut tshirts, since there's no fraying, it is a no-sew method.

    Here are 12x12 squares I cut.



    2012-05-22_084842 Then Serged!

     Less than a minute each! I estimate that these reusable inserts are costing me less than $.20, so about the cost of a disposable and they're reusable. I used two at night last night and my son decided to stay mostly dry no leaks :)

    2012-05-22_084737 I use these as inserts in pockets or laid in half inside a tight fitting pul cover.




    You know how to diaper on the ch eap! great! find the Ikon :) on a post related to infant carseats not belonging in shopping carts

    Sunday, May 20, 2012

    Flats Challenge 2012 - Hand washing diapers.

    I am taking part in the Second Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge hosted by Dirty Diaper Laundry.  For 7 days I will be using only flat cloth diapers and handwashing them in an effort to prove that cloth diapering can be affordable and accessible to all.  You can learn more about the rules and why this challenge was started by visiting the announcement post.  This year there are over 450 participants from all over the world!  

    Get your old tshirts and start diapering! The flats challenge starts in the morning! What's that? Diapering with single layer fabric (twist, tie, fold how ever you want!) and then HAND wash those things to clean! Let's prove that it doesn't cost a lot to use cloth.



    Good bye designer diapers... hello CHEAP, comfy and reusable!

    Wednesday, May 16, 2012

    Sing it from the Mountains - World Record Cloth Diaper Changes!

    2012-04-21_092555

    The record for simultaneous cloth diaper changes has been broken!! After all the tallying, note taking, verification and sweat... the Real Diaper Association has announced,

    "The official count is 8,251, that is 3,225 more than last year!  Great job everyone!  This is amazing!" 

     Congratulations to all who participated in the events that brought together cloth diapering parents and awareness to communities.

    Fun Facts for GCDC 2012
    • 189 sites qualified
    • 9 sites had 100+ attendees (only 2 last year), all in the US, with one state (Oklahoma) represented TWICE in Oklahoma City and Tulsa: CO, OK, MI, IL, FL, OK, UT, SC, TN
    • 3 cities were in the top 10 both years: Denver, Oklahoma City, and Charleston.
    • 21 sites JUST made the Guinness count with 25 attendees each.
    • 67 cities hosted events that didn't qualify for the Guinness World Record BUT DID ACCOMPLISH our goal of increasing awareness about reusable cloth diapers.
    • When you Google “Great Cloth Diaper Change” and 2012 – you get 557,000 results. I guess we DID raise awareness!!! :)
    • We had 17 countries register. 11 held events that qualify for the record: Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Great Britain, Ireland, Malaysia, Netherlands, US
    • Another 4 countries held nonqualifying (but cloth-diaper-awareness-increasing!) events: Brazil, Chile, Estonia, Japan
     Do you have a blog related to this topic? Link in here!

    Saturday, April 21, 2012

    Great Cloth Diaper Change - Phoenix - Midwives Rising!

     Thank you to Midwives Rising for use of their lovely and
    super accessible location!
    This morning at 9:30 am local time we helped (hopefully) break a world record. Our gathering gave us 30 adult/child pairs and raised money toward the Real Diaper Association and also awareness through the Great Cloth Diaper Change.

    We met at Midwives Rising in central Phoenix and I swear it was before the sun rose, but I guess it wasn't - it just felt that way! Vendors appeared to be happy. To help ensure that their support was not left unnoticed, we encouraged participants to visit vendors and get signatures - five signatures gave participants an extra entry into the raffles.



    Awaiting instructions. Photo courtesy of Dr. Becky Kleckner

    Getting into position. Note the tulle roped off area and the 3TV news van!


    Getting ready to change. Photo courtesy of Dr. Becky Kleckner



    In all we had 30 successful changers. We had more pre-registered, but life happens... we had enough to count as an official site. The news stopped by and if we get a spot tonight (or later), that means more people know that cloth diapers ARE still used and a great alternative to more trash!

    Happy Earth Day!

    Feel free to link your GCDC comments/pages and I"ll add them here!

    Friday, April 20, 2012

    Real Diaper Week - Friday

    Earth Day is Sunday and all week posts around the blogosphere have focused on ways to lessen the impact we have on the Earth.

    Today consider what you can do to make less trash. Does it mean, buying a refillable starbucks cup and using that rather than the paper ones? Does it mean using reusable plates at your next party at home? Does it mean switching to a DivaCup rather than using tampons? Does it mean travelling with cloth diapers, even though you may *think* it is easier to use disposables?

    What does less mean to you?

    Just a reminder of my plastic bag issue...

    Earth Day Graphics

    Thursday, April 19, 2012

    Do one thing for Earth Day - Less Trash, Better for Babes

    Less trash, better for baby, cloth better for environment
    Cloth diapers for a better environment this earth day, April 22, 2012
    Have a non-potty learned child? Struggling with emptying the diaper pail at a too constant pace? Considering options to show your family how important the Earth Day? You can volunteer for earth day from home!

    I invite you to consider "one less" diaper for Earth Day. What does this mean? It means either using one cloth diaper on Earth Day or going diaper free for a time period. Not only will this help you see how often your baby is peeing, but it will mean one less plastic diaper sitting in the landfill for an extremely long period of time.
    Since, most commercial diapers use toxic bleach to make the paper diapers white, on top of the overall processing to create the poop catcher.

    If you are already using cloth, consider more diaper-free time and consider practicing elimination communication. Since we know there is an impact on the environment due to washing diapers, one less a day may mean one less load a month. Diaper free time may not be the best for your couch, but it is great for airing out stinky diaper bottoms! Real Diapers for Real Babies, the tag line for the Real Diaper Association and a gentle reminder this Earth Week.

    We're just a few days away from the Great Cloth Diaper Change as well!

    Tuesday, April 17, 2012

    Piddle Pads for Elimination Communication - Potty Training Bed Pads

    Wet beds are no fun. Washing sheets is not in my top 10 list, and neither is airing out mattresses. Mattress protectors are common, but not all mattress protectors are created equal.

    Here are a few things to look for:

    - waterproof versus water resistance (AKA, will the pee go through)
    - chemicals used in processing
    - other toxic issues

    Rubber mattress covers may be extremely water proof, but you have to worry about puddles AND the fact that a face-down baby may not be able to breathe. If you decide to still use rubber or plastic, put an extra barrier between the sheet and the mattress, such as a thick cotton towel.

    Plastic often contains multiple chemicals. Breathing in chemical for 12+ hours per day is not a good idea. Consider using items that are processed without chemicals.

    Most regular mattresses are chock full of chemicals. Wool is naturally fire resisistant, so fire retardants such as PBDEs are not required in the creation of those products.

    Personally we have Naturepedic - Waterproof Pad and we do not have leak problems. It protects our mattress and made of organic cotton that is extremely tightly woven. I am confident in the brand and love that it is natural, free of chemicals and keeps our mattresses from needing a scrub when we have accidents or leaks. 

    We have a front loader and they wash easily in "bulky" mode. I usually line dry, but they do dry in the drier but do take a bit longer than a standard poly-based mattress protector.


    What's the right way to protect that expensive mattress?

    Check out the great sale on these non-toxic, wool-based (may need to be lanolized) piddle pads.

    I put this cl ue twice so you can understand that I put all my clues at the bottom. Both lead to the same place... ! the first week of august is this month. which CODE makes me boycott a large conglomerate? look for something with pfizer in the topic



    Monday, April 16, 2012

    Your personal invitation - change the world, one cloth diaper at a time

    Welcome to Earth Week where Real Diapers are Real Simple!






    What makes cloth simple? The fact that cloth really is as easy as - put on, change, wash. Cloth diapers isn't as difficult as it may seem. There are resources available to help you with a wash routine for your cloth diapers. One awesome benefit of cloth is the lack of middle of the night runs to the store when you realize you're out. Plus many diapers are one-size so there's no "wrong size" to worry about if you don't want that worry either!

    Learn more about diaper types through the Real Diaper Association.

    Saturday, March 24, 2012

    Elimination Communication - EC - Infant Potty Training, Diaper Free Babies

    What is it about spending $.25-.40 cents per poop or pee that Americans just love? I mean we might as well just throw it in the trash, unless of course you're using cloth diapers.

    Cloth diapers can save a family thousands of dollars. While not all of us cloth diaper for the economic reasons, others do it for the environment, allergies, or to avoid the chemicals in paper diapers.

    However, some of us hate laundry.

    If that's the case, consider a diaper free baby. What's that? Just that - a baby free of diapers. At some point in your parenting career, whether you choose to use cloth or paper, you'll get to a point where you're sick of diapers. And, unless you're willing to wait for your kiddo to really be ready for potty learning, pressuring a child to "go" just doesn't work well, and there are indications that pressure tactics aren't effective (not does it help with the bond you have with your child). But, elimination communication really is different. Babies aren't born wanting to pee on themselves. They don't WANT to be in their own excrement. Really. Ask most parents... the moment you put the new diaper on, out comes the wee-wee. Open the diaper, and pee in the eye. It happens. 

    With our daughter we started around 7 months with potty time - we were on vacation in Cancun, I brought along just around 10 cloth diapers and figured we'd spend time at the ocean sans-diaper and the rest I'd rinse/wash by hand and hang to dry in the sun. Well at around that time we noticed that she always woke from her nap DRY. So we used that opportunity to just start putting her on the potty when she awoke. We had good success with this and she was signaling to us from an early age when she had to go and would often wait until we put her on.


    Shown with the BABYBJÖRN Potty Chair, Blue

    With our son we've been less consistent, but we did start putting him on the potty when he started sitting. However, he's a different personality and honestly, for some reason, prefers his cloth diapers (especially his apple diapers!), but will sit on the potty if someone's in there with him and if he's not just waking up! I know if we'd been more consistent (and likely with one kiddo it was easier), we'd be catching more, if not all of his eliminations. One option is the Waterproof Bassinet Pad but for a larger baby or toddler consider Fitted Crib Pad.

    Shown with the Itty Bitty Potty

    Elimination communication versus potty training/learning is basically any time before they're really able to verbalize their need, etc. Start with that dry time and keep it low stress. When he goes, even if it isn't on the potty, show him the signal and say "potty" or "sss" (if he's not yet verbal). The signal is generally the pinky finger.

    We haven't ventured much into night time EC, but if you do, use a wool or cotton piddle pad, on their sleeping area, and on top of that put a towel. They sleep there. If you co-sleep, and they start moving around, put them on the potty. Often this does mean there's a potty in the bedroom.

    Of course, if you do sleep share, keep it safe and only do it if you are comfortable and otherwise CAN share sleep safely.

    Happy potty time!

    Thursday, March 8, 2012

    For the World Record!

    Her shirt reads: "My Favorite Diaper is in the Wash" :)
    On April 21, families around the globe will be wrapping up Earth Week (aka Real Diaper Week) with an attempt at a world record. Just how many cloth diapers can be simultaneously changed at one time? Hopefully more than last year and enough for a new group of child/adult pairs to make it in the Guinness Book of World Records.

    For more information and to find a location near you visit http://greatclothdiaperchange.com/

    If there isn't a site near you, create one! If you get 24 others to join you (and a few other items, required for official recordness, you can be a part as well!

    But really, even if it is just one diaper at a time, real diapers make a real difference. Less waste, less cost and better for baby!








    See more information about Phoenix-area events on Facebook:
    Central Phoenix
    and
    Tempe Area
    and a late add in Phoenix at the Baby Moon Inn

    Tuesday, December 27, 2011

    The cost of water and cloth diapering

    There are some questions out there regarding saving $$ and cloth diapering. The Real Diaper Association is a great resource. On a popular cloth diapering site, someone indicated that since changing to cloth diapers they're using 4000 more gallons of water each month. That doesn't make sense to me, so I started looking at some "averages"


    The average load on a top loader is 40-45 gallons per cycle, while a front loader uses around 20 gallons.

    I read that in the US, the average cost per gallon  across the US is $0.002.

    So if you are using 2400 gallons per month for washing your diapers double daily... then it should be costing you around $4.80 per month to do so... http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw/wot/pdfs/book_waterontap_full.pdf

    However, very few people I know wash daily... so for an extra $4/month and possibly $3 for detergent (Mine costs around $12 and I go through it every 4 or so months).... that, the environmental impact and the fact that I HATE TOXIC chemicals... I'll say yeah... keep those sposies....

    Rockin Green




    Another link.

    Okay you may have to spend a few pennies per load for the hot water but yeah... it still doesn't add up!

    Friday, October 15, 2010

    Time for the hunt!

    It’s that time again! We are proud to announce our sponsorship of the Eleventh semi-annual Great Cloth Diaper Hunt™!
    Join us for fun and frivolity as we search for diapers, chat with other hunters and compete for some awesome prizes!

    How does the GCDH work? It’s simple! You register at http://www.diaperdecisions.com/pages/greatclothdiaperhunt.php beginning today! Visit all the participating sponsor sites and hunt for the Diaper Decisions™ diaper (or is it an owl?) to earn entries to the 90 random prize drawings, including Two Grand Prizes and one Ultimate Grand Prize!


    For more details about this great event, please visit the Rules and FAQ pages at http://www.diaperdecisions.com/pages/greatclothdiaperhunt.php. See you at the hunt!

    Please say ATTACHED RESOURCES referred you :)