So how’s cloth diapering going, you ask? Well, I’d say good!

It’s been about a week since we started…minus this weekend we took off because I went to the beach for a last girls weekend getaway before school starts (tomorrow!), so Mark watched Savannah and is still intimidated by cloth. Thankfully we still have disposables left over as we make the transition. Anyways, it’s going well. Savannah likes being able to choose which color diaper she wants to wear.  We’ve had zero leaks, even over night. The house doesn’t smell like poop nor have I had to touch poop.  We have less stinky trash now! And, as a bonus, since the diapers feel a little different it helps her to realize her “bodily functions” more and will probably help her potty train faster. We’ll get there.

What I’ve learned so far:

-The poop? Not a big deal what so ever, especially at her age when she eats only solids and doesn’t run/stick to anything. It  goes in the potty, Savannah flushes it and that’s that! No stink, no mess, not much different than disposables.

-The washing? I’ve been washing about every other day and it’s not too bad once you figure out the groove and understand the washing directions.  I follow the BumGenius manufacturer directions for the most part: I soak everything in cold with a half tablespoon of Charlie’s Soap for 30 minutes, then let it wash in that cold water and extra rinse. Then follow with a hot cycle, add Charlie’s Soap again, with extra rinse.

-Cloth wipes really are more effective than disposable ones. One wash cloth cleans far more and then it gets washed! Never going back.

-For night time I use one hemperoo inserts under a Bumgenius microfiber insert and it does perfectly. Mark was worried about leaks throughout the day/night, but this stuff WORKS! I’ll be anxious to see one day how well these diapers hold in newborn explosions.

-I decided to air dry my diapers rather than use the dryer, in hopes that it helps them last longer. We have a 25 year old dryer that only has super hot heat, and my bet it would ruin the elastic in no time. I hang the diapers on hangers in the laundry room and use the dryer for the inserts, wipes, and wet bag.

-Bleaching inserts or diapers in the sun to remove spots or just to dry? Doesn’t work to well without a line to hang them on. They blow away…

-I originally thought we would use just a wet bag in an open pail because I’ve read that the air circulation makes it not stink. But, the inserts overly stink (see below) and unless I figure out how to cut down the smell, I’ll need to get a pail with a lid.

My biggest issue right now? The Microfiber inserts REALLY stink like ammonia, especially after night time use. I’ve read that’s a common problem with the fabric and I’m trying to research about how it can be fixed. I love, love, love how absorbent they are! Do you guys have any suggestions? But really, that’s the only issue. That and my husband is scared of them.

Will I keep going? Yes. Is it worth it so far? Yes.