When I first began my blog, I shared about new ventures into cloth diapering here and here. I realized recently that I never followed up with our results: I gave up!
I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but it just was not working out. I'm not sure if I should have given it more time or dug deeper to find solutions to our problems or what, but I'll use the excuse that I was pregnant and not up to the challenge.
The extra laundry was not a problem because I don't mind laundry. I do it everyday anyway and I actually enjoy folding it. Going out with cloth was much easier than I expected so I didn't really find cloth diapering inconvenient. However, I had a smell issue.
No matter how I washed the diaper covers, no matter what temperature water I used or how I rinsed them, I could not get rid of a stinky, stale odor. The diapers themselves (which actually touch the skin and absorb the...well, the body excretions) smelled fine, but the covers got so bad I couldn't get past the gross factor. Add to that the fact that Owen got a bad diaper rash that we still battle off and on (possibly unrelated?)...and I just called it quits.
Hi, my name is Kristin and I use disposables.
I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but it just was not working out. I'm not sure if I should have given it more time or dug deeper to find solutions to our problems or what, but I'll use the excuse that I was pregnant and not up to the challenge.
The extra laundry was not a problem because I don't mind laundry. I do it everyday anyway and I actually enjoy folding it. Going out with cloth was much easier than I expected so I didn't really find cloth diapering inconvenient. However, I had a smell issue.
No matter how I washed the diaper covers, no matter what temperature water I used or how I rinsed them, I could not get rid of a stinky, stale odor. The diapers themselves (which actually touch the skin and absorb the...well, the body excretions) smelled fine, but the covers got so bad I couldn't get past the gross factor. Add to that the fact that Owen got a bad diaper rash that we still battle off and on (possibly unrelated?)...and I just called it quits.
Hi, my name is Kristin and I use disposables.
It has been almost a year since we have started using cloth diapers. I just finally am confident in my wash routine, as far as bad smells and what not. It can be very frustrating...it really is whatever works for you. I always am asking my friend who also cloth diapers a million questions:) I giggled at your last line!
ReplyDeleteWe have stink problems too, but I have it somewhat under control. The worst are the BG all-in-ones, which are thick and the inserts are sewn in and can't be removed. Yucky smell as soon as pee hits them. I can't even IMAGINE being subjected to that during a pregnancy. My nose kicked into overdrive and any little thing could put me over the edge into nausea. If you feel like trying again, I've been told that putting them out in the sunshine can help with smell AND with stubborn stains. The sun has amazing bleach powers! There are other ideas too, but I honestly haven't been bothered enough to try most of them. We use a little Baby Oxy-Clean in with ours and it works pretty well.
ReplyDeleteThat made me laugh, the last line that is. If you ever want to give CDing a try again and have some suggestions let me know :-)
ReplyDeleteI use wool because the odor issues are almost non-existent with wool covers!
Hi my name is Raya and I use disposibles too. And this time Im determined to not feel bad about it.Ive tried cloth twice and given up and felt guilty about it .There is so many things we worry about with our kids where we put theyre poop in my opinion shouldnt be one of them. Dont worry about it .I'll see you at the next meeting DDA :) Raya
ReplyDeleteDon't feel too bad. I tried too and I gave up! The reason I used to justify myself is that I didn't have time! Something had to give.
ReplyDeleteIt's all about what works for you! Which can change from year to year (or month to month!). I couldn't handle cloth when Maddie was a newborn, it was enough work to just make sure both of us were bathed and fed! It's really funny that you brought up the smell issues, because we've been dealing with that this week. I've tried a few different stripping techniques and started using an open pail and that seemed to do the trick. I'm working on a pair of wool soakers, I'm hoping I love it as much as Katie - I love how breathable it is!
ReplyDeleteYa know what? I go back and forth on this issue. I wish I could make the plunge, but after reading your blog post.... I think I will stick to disposables!
ReplyDeletelol I have wanted to try clothe for so long, but I am so content with my waistfull use of disposables! lol
ReplyDeleteAnd the whole diaper rash issues, and the laundry issues, and the odor issues...well...I think I like things just as they are.
Many blessings you funny lady!
Amanda
You do what you gotta do. I know lots of mamas that do both...or a combo.
ReplyDeleteWe have had stink issues too, but mostly it is in the actual diaper, not the cover. That is interesting, and really frustrating!
And I agree on wool covers. They are great! We have been making the switch to them lately. Not only do they not smell, but they can be part of the outfit...which is really cute!
Anyway. Don't beat yourself up. If you feel up to, try it again. If not, don't worry about it. Using cloth diapers doesn't make you a better mom. ;)
Funny post! I admire your honesty. ;)
ReplyDeleteI, too, use wool covers. It's true - odor issues are pretty much non-existent with them!