Thursday, 30 June 2011
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Making My Own Cloth Diapers
As you may recall, we're planning to cloth diaper Lucy. (Jason doesn't think it'll last very long, but I'm determined to try, at least.)
I want to make the diapers, and I have found a couple of patterns that look pretty easy to get me started. _However, we don't really have money to spend on fabric at the moment, nor do I have time to sew them.
Last night, we went to Target and got three bottles and a package of the cheap flat cloth diapers ($8 for five compared to $35 for 2 of the super nice fitted ones with snaps and all that). When it comes to making the first few of my own, I might use some old t-shirts. Then I'll buy nicer material once I can make decent-looking diapers. I think we'll be using disposable diapers for a couple of weeks at first.
Now, of the things that we REALLY need for Lucy, we're just missing a pump for breast feeding (I used a manual pump with the Izzy and Gabby, but I think I'd like to try an electric one this time around), some newborn-sized clothes, and sheets for the crib. We're getting closer to having everything.
And now the bank account is drained. So far, no one has shown any interest in buying the Grand Am.
Would you make your own cloth diapers? What have you done to save money as a mom?
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- From: yourkbear@xanga
- About Me: I'm a mommy of four and a wifey of one. My life is busy. I have a BA in English, and I am not working toward my BSN with plans to eventually become a Certified Nurse Midwife. I am also a photographer and a writer.
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Comments (7)
Well when I had my daughter what we called paper diapers were just on the market and I tried them once and went back to my cloth for my girl...Now it seems like most momma use the pamper type diapers and I still don't like them with cloth you have to change the baby more often so you use more diapers but I think the baby stays dryer with less rashes... And I think they are less taxing on the environement I always think it is funny how people talk of going green then they fill up the landfill with diapers..Oh well there is my soapbox for the day...I admire you for doing the cloth thing
I wanted cloth diapers but at the time she was born, we didn't have access to a washer and dryer on a regular basis so I thought that might be bad. But I have been exclusively breast feeding which is a big saver on money--formula is outrageous!
I used to think making your own baby food but now that the cost of food has gone up, I really think that baby food is pretty dang cheap.
Also I go to thrift stores for clothes, or get clothes from my aunt. Unless a baby poops or throws up on their clothes, you can find used clothing that looks brand new.
When it comes to wipes, sometimes I buy them, but if I really can't buy them, I have a ton of cloth rags that I will put some baby wash and water on them and use as wipes, since I have a washer now.
Good luck with getting your cloth diapers! I heard they don't smell as bad! Also, with regular diapers they put this gel stuff in them that is so disgusting if it breaks open. Sometimes it happens with my little girl when she crawls. It doesn't even have to be all the way full.
I'm a garage sale/consignment shop shopper! I've found brand new onesies and near brand-new items at these places for $1.50 or less. My daughter is 9 1/2 weeks old and growing quickly so I've decided to save money for outfits when needed.
Since it's so warm outside, we also don't wear any bottoms (shorts/skirts) at home. I'll put her in them if we're going out, but we just use blankets at home since she uses them anyway. It saves on laundry.
I also exclusively breastfeed, which has saved a TON on money on formula.
I like SmartiPants pocket diapers. I thought they were $9.99 when I bought them but I see now they are selling them on their own site (no longer on the site that I bought them from) and they're $14.95.
Although a friend of mine recommended GoGreen Pocket diapers after she tried them herself. I intend to try them soon. They are $9.99. Saves time & money for material to make it yourself. Remember that your time is worth something too.
I have prefolds and Thirsties duo diaper covers and Econobum diaper covers. The Thirsties are by far my favorites.
I've cloth diapered since my daughter was 2 months old. I started out with 24 prefolds, 3 Econobum covers, 6 pocket diapers with inserts, 6 extra bum genius inserts & 3 Thirsties diaper covers. That has been plenty. I'm even down 3 or 4 prefolds and 1 Econobum cover after just over a year. Oh & to close the prefolds, I bought two of the Snappi.
Good luck! Cloth diapering saves a lot of money & is environmentally friendly. Not to mention a lot of them out there (if you can spend a bit more) are really cute! A good way to save money is to look around online & on cloth diapering boards for moms who want to make a business from making cloth diapers - they sometimes give away a diaper or two to try & review & spread the word about or they give them for a low cost ($5 or so, it varies).
I bought 4 of the gdiaper covers. I bought the less popular colors which were cheaper. I just bought 12 cheap prefold to put in them. It has worked well.
@MyTwoCentss@xanga - What did you think of the Econobum? I've heard both good and bad about them, that they are basically a cheaper version of the Flip covers. I've heard that the Flips last multiple kids whereas the Econobums might not, so the Flips would actually be more cost effective if you're planning to do multiple kids? What was your experience?
Right now I primarily use BumGenius 4.0, but when my second daughter was born, I couldn't afford enough of those. So now I use prefolds with a snappi under a couple of different covers. The prefolds from Cottonbabies.com are only a buck or two apiece and they quilt up so nicely! I use the unbleached indian prefolds and love them. The Flip covers are nice over the prefolds because they will fit your kiddo from birth to potty training (cost effective), but I think I prefer my sized Thirsties covers because of the extra leg gussets. A *MUST HAVE* for runny breastfed poop. I could probably get away with only 3 diaper covers but I have 5 (3 Flips and 2 Thirsties). I prefer the bikini twist fold (or whatever you prefer to call it) with a snappi because it seems to keep the poop off of the diaper cover the best, so you can keep using them until laundry day.
@mevlink@xanga - I'm not a fan of the Econobum. They do their job (mostly) but, like you I am a huge fan of the Thirsties leg gussets. I'm also a fan of pocket diapers so I'm happy that Thirsties makes a pocket diaper version of their diaper covers. I plan to get some eventually.