re-calculating reasons to use cloth

[aikigypsy]

This morning I felt compelled to run some numbers to figure out how much I was saving by using cloth diapers. I looked at some websites and thought about ranges and averages of cloth-diaper-use cost, as well as the approximate cost of using disposables.

I did the same thing before the baby arrived and again when she was about 6 months old, and probably a few other times, too. Why do I keep re-calculating? I always get the same results.

Then I realized that I was thinking about it this morning because yesterday my FIL wanted to buy us a huge pack of disposables, and I had to explain again that we really don't use them, and don't find any need for them. I know that he thought it was strange. Every time we go on a trip, my mother says "Just buy some disposables!!!" as if that would make things so much easier. It wouldn't. We have cloth, we use it all the time, we don't need to mess around with another system just because we'll be away from a washing machine for 24 hours.

So I guess I was thinking about reasons to use cloth again because I'm surrounded by people who thing that disposables are the only way to go, and I often feel the need to defend our decision to use cloth. Does anyone else go through this? :



I rarely even mention EC!

[Vancouver Mommy]

Yeah, I just got back from a nine day trip to visit my parents and they thought I should just buy disposables. I find that cloth is just a part of our routine now so I don't really consider it to be an inconvenience. I used disposables occasionally with my dd, but almost never do with ds. I do use a cloth or paper liner if we're going out and he's due for a big poop though, as I hate rinsing cloth diapers in public toilets.

[Michigan Mama]

Yeah - so many people just don't get it, and I have to admit, I used to feel that way too, before I really learned about them. It's like people think "why go back when we've made his advancement?" Like going back to a typewriter after using a computer. People just don't understand it, unless they are willing to take the time to let you explain!

[evermore82]

nak

I go through the same thing with my mom. We use cloth 100% of the time at home and when we're out and about and traveling. My mom watches the kids occasionally and absolutely refuses to use cloth. I just let her have her way as long as she provides the 'sposies. I still always have more than enough cloth diapers set out for the hours in which she has the kids, just in case she has a change of heart!

I think it goes back to when my brother and I were young. My parents used cloth on me, and then the 'sposie movement began when my brother was born. When comparing the two, they came to the opinion that cloth was a HUGE inconvienence, with pins and washing and leaking. If I try to explain the pros of CDing, my dad gives me the look that says, "You can say as much as you want, but I've already come to my conclusion. I won't change my mind, and I think you're full of it." It used to bother me, but I don't let it anymore. At least my mom respects my choice to reduce and reuse, I'll give her that, even if she does not care to use cloth.

[katie9143]

Originally Posted by aikigypsy

This morning I felt compelled to run some numbers to figure out how much I was saving by using cloth diapers. I looked at some websites and thought about ranges and averages of cloth-diaper-use cost, as well as the approximate cost of using disposables.

I did the same thing before the baby arrived and again when she was about 6 months old, and probably a few other times, too. Why do I keep re-calculating? I always get the same results.

Then I realized that I was thinking about it this morning because yesterday my FIL wanted to buy us a huge pack of disposables, and I had to explain again that we really don't use them, and don't find any need for them. I know that he thought it was strange. Every time we go on a trip, my mother says "Just buy some disposables!!!" as if that would make things so much easier. It wouldn't. We have cloth, we use it all the time, we don't need to mess around with another system just because we'll be away from a washing machine for 24 hours.

So I guess I was thinking about reasons to use cloth again because I'm surrounded by people who thing that disposables are the only way to go, and I often feel the need to defend our decision to use cloth. Does anyone else go through this? :



I rarely even mention EC!

yep....all the time, for the past 2 yrs since i had dd....i actually have a couple friends from college that cd, but pretty much everyone in my family thinks im crazy

oh well i say

[tjjazzy]

around here, everyone either thinks it's no big deal or they ask curious questions or they say how great they think it is. my mom gets terribly confused and uses disposables (we have both) mostly though. she ALWAYS puts diapers on backwards though, cloth or disposable. LOL. however, she buys cloth diapers for us and has no problem with whatever decisions i make.