Solving the Diapering Dilemma

Posted by BJ and Shalene in

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The economy and the environment ... these two reasons (and perhaps myriad more) may have you seriously considering cloth diapers. Afterall, they're a green alternative to landfill-clogging disposables, and they won't eat away at your pocket book on a monthly basis. Still, it means a bit more labor when donning your little one's tush, and really, who has time with tots underfoot?

To help shed some light on the issue, we asked one cloth-diaper devotee and Moms Dish reader to share with us her own personal experience. Kathleen Welnack, mother of Jacqueline, 3 months, dishes on her love affair with Bum Genius. Read on and then decide for yourself.

Solving the Diapering Dilemma
by Kathleen Welnack

Deciding between disposables and cloth diapers can be a real challenge, especially when considering cost, efficiency, convenience and waste. After much research and lots of deliberation, I chose the cloth diaper route for the financial savings, waste savings ... and, well, truth be told, I think they're cuter and appreciate their nod to the way things were done before our world of on-demand convenience.

Yet it's a new day for cloth diapers. There are a wide variety of styles (old-fashioned fold/pin, all-in-one, one-size-fits-all), brands, designs, and pricing (from bare bones inexpensive to fashionable high-end models). BumGenius 3.0 diapers are about $18 each, which is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive. They are made by Cotton Babies and are one-size-fits-all, adjustable diapers. Each diaper comes with a newborn insert (thinner and only fits the smallest setting) and a heavier adjustable insert. They come in an assortment of pastel and bright colors.

As for my personal experience: We had leakage from the start, which I initially chalked up to my baby girl's rather tiny backside. However, after a few more leaky attempts over the next several weeks, I finally discovered the error was mine in not taking better care to either a) change them more frequently or b) double up on the absorbent inserts. After learning how to better use the diapers, I have yet to experience a leak or blow-out (knock on wood!).

For overnight (or extended outtings, etc), I use two inserts, and I have no issue with leaks. Plus, unlike some cloth diapers, BumGenious 3.0 diapers actually wick away moisture like disposables, so babies are not uncomfortable, and their bottoms are kept dry (which also prevents diaper rash, something else I have not encountered at all with these diapers).

Laundering them is a breeze: one wash cycle on cold, one on hot and tumble dry on medium. They do recommend certain detergents (free of perfumes, dyes, etc). We use All Free & Clear without issue, however a friend of mine encountered diaper rash and was advised by the company to use their recommended detergent. We wind up doing a load of diapers and cloth wipes about every other or every third day. And they wash up great - with the waterproof outer lining, the outside stays free of unsightly stains.

As for convenience and ease--changing a BumGenius 3.0 diaper is no different than changing a disposable. The Velcro tab design gives you the same ease and efficiency. When outside the home, a wet bag (or even a plastic bag suffices) will store up to three dirty diapers and can be tossed in the wash as well.

My one and only complaint: the additional padding (as compared to a disposable) means that some pants (e.g. denim, khaki styles) are sadly just too tight. Going up a size in pants likely solves that problem, however.

Final verdict: I absolutely love my BumGenius 3.0 diapers! It's great to know we have no real waste (other than my daughter's, of course!) and are saving a bundle.

Still a skeptic? Try one and see for yourself, risk-free. Cotton Babies offers a money-back guarantee on the BumGenius 3.0 diapers (use one within two weeks of purchase and if you're not happy, send them back for a full refund).

Where to Buy
Direct from manufacturer (they also sell seconds at a discount): www.cottonbabies.com
For a list of retailers, visit www.bumgenius.com/retailers.php.

Note: I purchased an 18-pack set (not available from the manufacturer) through EuphoriaBaby.com and also received 6 Bigger Weeds (additional inserts for super absorbency) free. Their current special offer is even better! Click here for details.

Additional sites I like:
EuphoriaBaby.com
Cotton Babies
BumGenius.com

One Step Further ... A DIY, Homemade Wipes Solution

You can purchase cloth wipes from the same makers as cloth diapers, however I made mine myself and love them. I simply bought some flannel fabric in fun prints, cut them down to an 8x8 square, and stitched the edges to keep them from fraying. As for wipe solution, I boil 2 cups of water with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of baby bath soap (I use Aveeno). I usually make a double batch (lasts several weeks) and fill a small spritzer, keeping the rest in a glass jar. I spray the wipe before cleaning my daughter's backside, and typically only need one wipe per diaper change.

For additional wipe solution recipes, click here.