I also made my own diaper-wipe solution. Sometimes, I would get fancy and buy wipe solution cubes on Etsy. It wasn’t much of a chore: Toss the dirty diaper and washcloths in the same bucket. As my son’s bowel movements grew with his appetite, homemade wipes were no longer efficient; I opted for disposables.
Two Years
At about the two-year mark I couldn’t get the stench out of the diapers. After all, they had been used every day for two years. I called the manufacturer, went to online forums and asked mothers from prior generations how they got the odors out. I did everything they said, but nothing worked.
My kid stunk.
So, I was left with a choice. Invest another $550 and get a new set or take the plunge and go disposable. Which would be cheaper? How much longer will he be in diapers? Being the slothful gal I am, I went disposable.
I felt a terrible sense of remorse, and then gradually began to feel less awful for going disposable and proud for the time he was in cloth. Most people who know me were shocked I lasted a week, let alone two years
Advantages of Cloth
Cloth diapers have many advantages: My son rarely got diaper rashes, they are chemical-free, we saved oodles of money and I helped the planet out. (Editor’s note: According to several sources, including mint.com, disposable diapers cost about $800 per year.)
Advantages of Disposables
Disposables have advantages too: They need to be changed less often, are more convenient and are more daycare friendly.
Share your cloth vs. disposable diaper stories in our comment section below.