This is an adventure that has been literally years in the making. We originally planned on cloth diapering Fisher and that was 3 years ago. I bought 36 (yes, 36) DSQ prefolds , a few Kissaluvs fitted diapers and some covers. I think we lasted about a week. I struggled with breastfeeding. Fisher had colic and reflux. We were all very sleep deprived and decided it wouldn't work for us. I don't know if we were doing something wrong, but when we laid Fisher down while wearing a cloth diaper, his bum was literally higher than his head. It was also just one more challenge we didn't need.
When Fisher was around 2 years old, I considered cloth diapering again and bought 4 Crickett fitted diapers and a cover from a friend. Fisher has frequent diaper rash and I thought maybe if he could feel when he was wet, he would potty train sooner. Fisher was not happy about wearing diapers that didn't bear the face of Mickey Mouse. On one occasion when I did convince him to wear the fitted diaper, I put him in it without a cover so it would breathe. We were staying home so I figured I would just notice when the diaper was wet and change it. I noticed when the diaper was wet when it leaked all over the floor. This is when I realized Fisher is a heavy wetter and fitted diapers do need a cover.
Then when I was pregnant with Mallory, I revisited the idea for a third time. I bought 10 Kissaluvs contours. I was sure that prefolds were the reason we were so unsuccessful. We just needed a different kind of diaper and I wanted to keep it cheap since I knew I would have to convince Cj to try cloth diapering again. The contours were never prepped. They are still sitting in a bag in the bottom of Mallory's closet.
So, last week, I again revisited the idea of cloth diapering. Instead of just saving the earth though, I also want to save money. Two kids in diapers can get pretty darn pricey, even at Costco prices. It hasn't put us in the poor house (yet), but I think it's important to choose where your money goes. I knew my biggest obstacle would be getting Cj on board after our many failed attempts. That is when I found the Jillian's Drawers trial program. You pay a $10 fee (plus a deposit equivalent to the cost of the diapers) and get a box full of cloth diapers to use for 21 days. I get to return the ones I don't like for a full refund of the cost of the diaper. Talk about a low risk investment! So, 3 days after I placed the order, I got a box with a variety of diapers including a fitted diaper, AIO's, an all in 2, a one-size diaper, diaper cover and a pocket diaper. The package includes pre-folds but I politely declined those considering our previous experience. That is a choice I already regret. Last night, I prepped the diapers which basically means just washing them and we started our trial today.
Today was only day 1, but it was surprisingly easy. I thought it was going to be very, well.... messy. It wasn't at all and I think it will become less so with practice. Mallory was in a cloth diaper all day. We didn't have any leaks and the "solids" were fairly easily disposed of in the toilet. I did get a little poop on my hand once but I am quite sure my technique will improve with time. Fisher not so politely declined wearing a cloth diaper unless it was orange. The only orange diaper we had needs washed 3 times before using so we'll have to wait until tomorrow for Fisher to try cloth. I hate to give a 2 year old so much control, but some things aren't worth a fight.
The cloth diapers from today are in the wash now and I am off to bed.
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