There are the chlorine-free diapers that are hypo-allergenic and latex-free. They're made of renewable resources, such as corn, wheat, wood pulp and don't pollute as much as traditional disposable diapers. The downside to these is that they end up in the landfill.
Another option is G Diapers. There are two styles to these. The first is one with the disposable insert that is flushable, and the cover is machine washable. So far this is the option that is winning for me. Their other style is the cloth insert that you have to wash. This doesn't seem too different from a cloth diaper so I'm not sure I would go this route.
The final option I have is to use cloth diapers. I know a few people who have recently had a baby and LOVE cloth diapers. I have to see this process in action in order to judge better whether this will work for me. There is a cloth diapering service around here but not in my town. I wonder if they'd make a special trip out for me or if I'd have to drive out to them. Washing them in my own washer seems like the better option but do I want to deal with the hassle?
I have 3 months left to choose which eco-option I will try. Cost, hassle, and environmental impact will weigh in on my decision.
Maybe I could just start potty training from the beginning. There is a new movement that gets kids potty trained starting at 4 months. The thought of no diapers sounds like bliss, but running to the bathroom every time an infant needs to go sounds like anything but heaven to me.
I'll keep you posted on what option I choose. Decisions, decisions....
You can try mine out with Henry and see what you think; I love them. I have the bum genius adjustable size ones, so the same set of diapers fits from newborn to older kids (which was awesome when Ben and AJ were both in diapers). There are also FLIP diapers, that offer using both a flushable liner OR a cloth liner, so you can use flushable/throwaway while out and about and cloth insert at home, or whatever works for you. A friend of mine just introduced me to that option, which I don't think was around 5 years ago when I invested in my cloth diapers. A diaper sprayer is a must for you; it makes the cloth easy to use and clean before throwing in the wash. Plus some wet bags. You will save tons more money with cloth options than with the biodegradable diapers, too. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I saw this all in action, otherwise I would've thought of the archaic method of rubber pants and safety pins. I think I'll be trying it out, for sure! Thanks!
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