Organic. Crunchy. Environmentally-friendly.
All words I'd heard before, understood, but never really thought they applied to me. And I still don't really think they do... not as a general rule.
But now, I fall into a category of Crunchy Moms - moms who cloth diaper their babies. (Or baby, as I only have one).
During pregnancy, I did all kinds of research. I talked to (or emailed) people who use cloth. I read a LOT online. I purchased a stash of both pocket diapers and prefolds & covers. I read about using cloth wipes. I bought some nice cloth wipes, and some cheapo washcloths to use (until I decided if I really liked them, then I'd buy more of the quality ones).
And then Hazel was born. Even at nine pounds, she swam in the cloth diapers. And to be perfectly honest - I was a bit overwhelmed with, you know, MOTHERHOOD, to be bothered with trying too hard. I told myself I'd give it a whirl again when she had grown a bit, and I felt a little more "at home" in my new role.
Up until last Wednesday (almost seven weeks) Hazel had only been in & out of cloth diapers occasionally. However - I am now excited to say that Hazel has been almost exclusively in cloth since Wednesday afternoon (I know - a whole five days... woo!!)
I LOVE IT.
She's got soft cotton wrapped around her sweet little bum. They're easy to clean (really!), easy to use. They work really well, even on big messes. And there is the depressing sight of your diaper stash shrinking quickly as the days go by, and knowing you need to buy more.
If I'm gonna be at home, she wears a prefold & a cover. At night & going out, it's the pocket diapers or a disposable (I still have a bunch left to use up).
It's kind of minor, but I'm proud of myself. Most people looked at me like I was crazy when they heard I wanted to mainly use cloth. But I really thought I'd like it, and I do. It's not hard for me, it's way cheaper, and it's chemical-free for my little girl. Win-win-win.
I'm a little surprised at this "crunchiness" that's popped up - natural childbirth, cloth diapers, planning to make my own baby food... but it works for us, and I really like it. We'll see how I do if/when I have two kids in diapers, though... :)
Monday, April 07, 2008
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Hi Mark & Katie
I'm feeling bad that I haven't talked to Mark since the arrival of your precious Hazel. Katie, I'm Tom Kochheiser and I've had the pleasure of knowing Mark through the MHC. What a great guy, and from what he says about you, I'm sorry I haven't had the chance to meet you.
Congratulations on the birth of Hazel. What a blessing. Reading the comments from you and Mark brings back wonderful memories of when our two boys were younger. They are now 15 and almost 12. Yes, you will also do the almost thing at some point!
I can really relate to Mark's comments about the wonderful baby smell and snuggling with babies. I always loved the feel of their warm little heads and those tiny fingers and toes continue to amaze me!
My wife Kristin and I always looked at the birth of our boys as true miracles from God. We have been blessed and I'm so happy for both of you.
What wonderful parents Hazel has--cherish every moment. Take time to enjoy the parenting journey.
God Bless.
Tom & Kristin Kochheiser
I am proud of you! We made our own baby food, too. It's awesome! Avocadoes are the best and they're a good one to start with. We didn't do cloth, but might have to start, he is 11 months and about to start size 6 (the last size huggies makes!). I've always heard it's easier to train a cloth baby. Don't know if it's true.
I've learned thus far as a mommy...do what you feel is best for your baby...who cares what people think! :0) How is the sleeping going?
Woohoo!! I'm proud of you! See, I knew you could do it! :)
But... Would you belive me if I told you I haven't used a cloth diaper in almost two months? :sigh: It's true. And my heart hurts a little more every day when I see my diapers, folded all clean and pretty in their basket, there on the changing table. I never imagined I'd be buying diapers every other week and tossing bags-full in the garbage can. I've just been running myself ragged the past six weeks or so and can't keep up with the amount of diapers both boys go through. Troy is starting to potty-train, though, and for the first time in a long time, I actually feel rested today, so I'm hoping that in the next few weeks, I'll be wrapping cloth around my little guys' buns again. I love cloth. Call me weird, but I do! :)
Great job using cloth diapers! It's amazing how much money disposable diapers can cost over a few years. And, how much waste they produce. It makes me sick to think of all the diapers I've contributed to our earth. Oh, how I wish I would have used cloth!
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