Wee Ones by JaJoC

Eco Mommy


I finally grew an eco-mommy brain.  This terms stands for both being environemtally conscious and economically concisous.  So I don't mind admiting that it was only after doing the math that I realized I could spend 75% less on diapers if I switched from disposable to cloth.


Images of poppy pails and stinky laundry rooms clouded my mind as I imgagined my new life as an eco-mommy.  Those who know me, know that I abhore germs and even worse I hate having to touch them.   All my frommies (mommy friends) encouraged me - to forget about it.  Their faces showed their displeasure with the tree hugging path I was on.  I pressed on nonetheless.


Diaper Genie (As in Genius)


So here I am 1 month and 10 days into using cloth diapers.  Naturally, I now consider myself an expert.    I decided to use the cloth diapers on my 2.5 year old (at night), my potty-training 22 month old (also during sleeps) and my 40 day old newborn.  It doesn't take a genius to do the math!  I spent an average of $60.00 on diapers per month for 2 children.   That is 1500.00 dollars for 2 years worth of diapers.   It doesn't take a genius to realize that cloth is the way to go.


Choosing a Cloth Diaper Company


Remember the whole purpose behind switching to cloth was to save money.  I compared prices amongst cloth diaper companies and discovered Wee Ones. I went to her home office and was introduced to the world of cloth diapers.  I was proud that I was supporting another SAHM with this purchase.  I also like the idea of using a local company.  Here is the info that she passed on:


1. You don't have to use the wet pail method.  You can get "wet bags"  that store the diapers for up to 2 days.  You should buy two of these so you have an extra while the other is being washed.


2. If you do laundry every day you don't have to buy as many diapers.


3.  You will use 1/4 of the soap you would normally use to wash your diapers.  (I learned this the hard way.  If you use too much soap in your wash, the soap gets trapped between the layers of fabric and gives out a horrid smell.)


4.  You should air dry the covers to prolong their life.


The Cheer(ful) Bit:


1. The diapers come in a multitude of colours and designs.  You can buy one size and organic diapers but they are more expensive.


2. The diapers are easy to clean.


3. The diapers have enough snaps to adjust to a baby's or toddlers changing waist line.


3.  The price is made lower by ordering some of the diapers from the Wee Ones' online outlet store. I was able to buy 8 small diapers, 12 medium diapers, 8 large diapers, 18 covers, and 2 wet bags for about $400.00 dollars! This purchase will take me from infancy to potty training.  That could save me almost $1100.00 over 2 years for 2 children!


The Tear(ful) Bit:
1.  When you are using the cloth diapers on an older baby or toddler you do have to deal with  a little bit more of a mess.  The poop should be placed in the toilet and the cloth inserts rinsed.


2. If you plan on ordering the amount of diapers I orderd you will need to be committed to doing laundry every day.  This isn't a problem for me because I do live with 7 other people.  We are ALWAYS doing laundry.


3.  The diapers need to be washed in hot water and will need an extra rinse.  It isn't a bad idea to put them through a rinse after they have been washed.  The extra rinse is need to make sure all the soap residue is out of your diapers.