Check out this post from Not The Jet Set about cloth diapers. Wow. I’m very impressed with the detailed description of everything they did, how much they spent, and how much they saved compared with disposable diapers. We’re planning to use cloth diapers for our little one who will be arriving next month, and I love reading about other people’s (successful!) experiences with cloth diapers.
So far I’ve purchased six cloth diapers on Craigs List, and Kelly from Small Cents gave me three. I’ve also purchased seven waterproof diaper covers in various sizes, all used. I’ve spent $24 so far on diapers and diaper covers. I’ve also spent $10 on used flannel sheets that my mother and I are going to make into diapers. Between what I’ve bought used and what we’re going to make, we should be able to cover at least the first six months of diapers, so I think we’re doing pretty well on the money front. I’m planning to wash the diapers using washing soda, vinegar (in a downey ball, a tip I got from the lady who sold me the used diapers), and an eco-friendly laundry soap that I use for everything else. Then I’ll dry them on the clothes racks that I already use. I almost never use the dryer anymore, and I’m planning to continue that with the diapers. On nice days I can set the drying racks outside on our patio and let the sun do its thing. I’m excited to see how we do with the whole process. Thanks for the encouragement NJS!
Mrs. Accountability says
Line drying will extend the life of your cotton diapers, but check Google using the words – air dry cotton diapers stiff – for some tips on preventing stiff line dried diapers. Your baby’s bum will thank you. :-) So exciting, only one month away! Mrs. A
NtJS says
Glad you found the post useful. Sounds like you are well on your way to successful cloth diapering.
FYI- line-drying can also help to naturally ‘bleach’ any stains out of your diapers.
Anyways, thanks for the kind words.
MITBeta @ Don't Feed The Alligators says
Check out my wife’s post on this subject at my blog. Good luck!
http://www.dontfeedthealligators.com/blog/frugal-baby-part-i-not-your-mothers-cloth-diapers
Chaucey Ellis says
Hi. Good on you for using cloth diapers. I use them for my son too.
I also agree that line drying is excellent – the sun will bleach out any staining.
You mentioned using a laundry “soap”. If it is an actual soap it could leave a soap residue on the diapers which will lessen the absorbancy of the diapers. I’m sure there is some info on that if you goggle it.