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Cloth diapering questions...
I'm considering switching to cloth diapering and have a few questions:
1) Is it totally and completely rude to clean cloth diapers in a shared laundry space? I live in an apartment building and have in-building laundry, but not in-unit. When a neighbor in a previous building did this I was pretty upset, but I'm thinking as long as they're thoroughly bleached and I run an empty hot water and bleach cycle afterwards it's not that big a deal.
2) What is the real cost of cloth diapering? How much are the diapers themselves? The detergent? I pay $3.50 per load for laundry, plus would have to add another $1.25 for an empty cycle on the washer. Would it make financial sense (admittedly this is the main reason I'm considering switching)?
3) Would I need to buy various sizes? DD2 is already in a size 4 diaper. Would I need to buy sizes 4, 5 and 6?
4) Might converting to cloth encourage DD1 to potty train more quickly because cloth diapers are less absorbent than disposables?
Re: Cloth diapering questions...
Best sound ever: baby's heartbeat! (Heard @ 10w1d)
Thanks for answering. Prices in our building are lower than in public laundromats actually. And we have the same large dryers as a public laundromat.
I wasn't aware there were alternate types of bleach, so that's good to know. I'll look into the other forms.
I'm thinking that if diapers can be dried on high that would cut costs. I dry all my clothes on low to avoid shrinkage, but I guess diapers could be dried on high.
Glad to get some answers. Much to think about. Thanks again!
Well, that's good -- close by and cheaper. All the apts i've lived in have inefficient washers and dryers. The towel trick is a great one; i recommend it if you haven't tried it.
I'm not sure if you post here often, but the board is much more active on weekdays, so you'll probably hear more then. You might also repost on the ecofriendly family board.
Best sound ever: baby's heartbeat! (Heard @ 10w1d)
I noticed that you're in NYC. I recommend heading to Metro Minis on Park Ave and 75th. They will be able to tell you everything you need to know and give you a ton of advice! It's really a fantastic store, too!
Another option you can look into is a service. Here's a list. A service will probably cost you $20-30/month, but will be cheaper then buying CDs and cleaning them considering what it costs you per load. Plus then you don't have to worry about the washing machine issue at all!
1) I don't think so - You can always pre-treat them - keep them in a wet solution (take them off, put them in the solution) of water and detergent). Or you can do the dry method - I've heard the dry method is actually better for most folks though. Either way, I wouldn't be offended by it, but that's just me. Keep in mind, depending on the type you use, you may not be able to bleach and some require extra cycles on top of it though.
2) It's going to depend on what you use. The diapers will initially seem expensive if you get the more convenient types - prefolds with snaps can run up to $30 or so per diaper, then you may need inserts and such depending on the type most convenient for you. You may need different detergent in many cases, but it shouldn't be more expensive. I've seen some ladies say they require multiple cycles though, so I'd imagine your per-load cost would increase significantly, and you'd be doing more laundry unless you bought a lot of diapers.
3) Again, depends on the type you buy. In some cases, yes. In the case of Bum Genius 3.0's, they have multiple snaps and are considered one size.
4) Absolutely. With sposies, so much is absorbed children may not realize they've went. With cloth diapers, they'll know they went as they aren't as absorbant. However, until you adjust, you'll likely experience leakages/explosions when the diapers are overfull.
If you post on the bump's eco friendly family board, they can probably give you a ton more information.
If you are considering it, my suggestion is to see if any maternity shops near you offer trial packages. For instance near me, there's a store that for $195 allows you to try for 4 weeks a package that has 10 different types/styles of diapers. At the end of the 4 weeks, you return it for a $95 credit towards the style(s) you like.
There are also other hybrid type options such as g-diapers where there are inserts that are flushable/disposible (although they are kind of pricey and probably wouldn't save you money).
here are a couple sites I've found that might provide some extra insight:
http://www.cottontailsdiapers.com/
http://www.theclothdiaperreport.com/
I second the rec for metro minis. I actually just took their cloth diapering 101 class (free!!) this saturday. A couple things:
1) you really shouldn't be using bleach when laundering cloth diapers - its a very strong chemical and from my understanding can irritate the baby. You're going to want to use as EF detergent as possible. they recommended charlie's soap or allen's soap (i think that's the name) there's also thirstie's super wash. If you are using communal washers/dryers what you should be more concerned about is the detergents (with all their dyes and chemicals) that other people are using that are still in the washers. This can greatly affect the quality and life of cloth diapers
2) Take the cloth diaper 101 class - it will give you the best idea for the different prices and options
3) The idea that cloth diapers will make your DD potty trained quicker because cloth diapers are less absorbent is wrong. Conventional diapers have a 'stay dry' layer which prevents baby from feeling any wetness after they have soiled their diaper. Cloth Diapers can actually be much more absorbent and leak proof depending on your options used.
I also kind of agree that using the cloth diaper service in nyc might be the better option for you even though you have access to public washer/dryers. We were signed up for a diaper service until we were able to invest in an apartment sized washer/dryer all-in-one. Now I plan to just do it on my own at home. good luck and let me know if you have other questions! I'm new to cloth diapering, but have been doing lots of research on it!!
1) Is it totally and completely rude to clean cloth diapers in a shared laundry space? I live in an apartment building and have in-building laundry, but not in-unit. When a neighbor in a previous building did this I was pretty upset, but I'm thinking as long as they're thoroughly bleached and I run an empty hot water and bleach cycle afterwards it's not that big a deal.
If they were pre-washed I would be okay with it but then that creates a bigger environmental impact if that is a concern of yours. You shouldn't use bleach on CD's. You need to use a EF detergent.
2) What is the real cost of cloth diapering? How much are the diapers themselves? The detergent? I pay $3.50 per load for laundry, plus would have to add another $1.25 for an empty cycle on the washer. Would it make financial sense (admittedly this is the main reason I'm considering switching)?
You are going to have the cost of the diapers (vary depending on what you get), covers (if they are required), inserts (if they are required) and the laundering.
I would recommend that you don't use a dryer but rather hang them to dry when you get home. It will save you money and is better for the environment.
3) Would I need to buy various sizes? DD2 is already in a size 4 diaper. Would I need to buy sizes 4, 5 and 6?
Most likely depending on what kind you get.
If you use communal laundry, maybe you should consider the eco-friendly hybrid diaper, called GDiapers.
http://www.gdiapers.com/
we've used them with both of our kids and just love them.
I am the 99%.