It’s official: I’m switching to cloth diapers.

Go ahead, Gasp. Call me asking why I would do such a thing. Facebook me about it. Or comment simply to root me on. I’m changing and proud of it!

Yes, Savannah is 2.5. Sure, the logical thing is to potty train to save money but the simple point is this: she’s not ready to potty train and I’m not one to make her. I’m fine with changing diapers, but I’m not fine shelling out $50 (plus the cost of wipes) a month until whenever she shows me she’s ready (and yes, we’ve tried). Which, could be at least another 6 months for all I know. Or longer! In our tight budget, I don’t want to keep (literally) throwing our money away. Not to mention, the green mommy (not green with envy, of course! Environment conscious mommy) in me is emerging and I don’t like the thought of throwing out plastic and poop every day to sit in a landfill for 500 years. I just won’t do it anymore, and I so wish I was this brave when Savannah was still a baby and switched years ago!

So aside from saving hundreds of dollars until we potty train and doing a small part to protect the earth, I also am investing in our future child. I mentioned back when I found out I was pregnant last time that I had planned to cloth diaper that baby, and that still holds true whenever our time comes again.  So the bonus of the diapers I chose?  They change sizes! One diaper fits newborns up to toddlers, so as long as I take care of them I’m good to go for next time. I bought 15 Bumgenius 3.0 (pictured at top) for a super good deal (plus I already have 2 Haute Pockets), so Savannah can wear them now until she’s out of diapers, and the next baby can start wearing them as an infant up until he/she grows out of diapers. Which, let me tell you, saves a heck of a lot of money in the long run. I’m also switching to cloth wipes since I can just throw them in with the diapers.

So, before you knock my choices down and try to persuade me other wise (I’ve had enough of that, thanks): I’m not changing my mind. The diapers are bought, they are in the mail as I type.  Just be happy for me, even if it’s not what you would chose for your kids. Even if Savannah does magically potty train next month, this isn’t a waste, they can and will still be used in the future.

That said, cloth diapering mommas I need your help!  Mark is worried about the diapers stinking up the house between washes.  What worked best for you? I’ve heard of wet bags, diaper pails with liners with and without lids, and just a plain ol’ bucket.  Did you use baking soda or a product in the bag/pail? Is it true that not putting a lid on (so it has air circulation) reduces the smell rather than trapping it in with a lid? Any other cloth diapering tips I should know?

Seriously though, bottom line: I gotta do what’s best for us. If you don’t like my choices? Click away, click away…