Fact: There are no public assistance programs in the United States that provide or subsidize diapers for low income families.

Fact: It can cost as much as 100$ or more a month to diaper a baby adequately with disposable diapers.

Fact:  Some families cannot take their children to daycare when funds are low because they don’t have enough diapers to provide.

Fact:  Some families go longer between changes to stretch their diapers and their money.  Fewer have also reused disposable diapers by drying them out or scraping out the solid waste.

Diapers are a necessity for the majority of parents in the modern world.  Aid agencies can often help families in need with food, clothing, and housing but diapers aren’t part of the package.  Larger cities do have diaper banks and there are many rescue missions and food banks that do what they can but what about the families without access to these services?

Over the years a few foundations have cropped up to provide or lend cloth diapers to qualified families.  Many are locally based and only serve the families around them, and others are national.

This is just a look at a few organizations I am aware of.

Thanks to these and the other similar organizations, a respectable number of babies are in cloth diapers and a weight has been lifted off of their parents’ shoulders.  Running a diaper bank is no easy task so these women should be applauded for their volunteer work.

If you would like to see a diaper bank that I missed added to this list please leave a comment or contact me.  

It was only 3.5 years ago but to me it feels like ages.  I was browsing the message boards and websites dedicated to cloth diapers for information.  I was pregnant and set on using them for my first child.  I found out that a store existed nearby, Jillian’s Drawers, and decided to drag my hubby to touch and feel them.  The internet shouted at me that bumGenius 3.0‘s were the IT brand.  Best rated, Best performance, Best bang for the buck.  They were One Size fits most, easy on and off like a disposable with velcro closures, and economical compared to the cost of disposables.  I was sold.

Teddy in Waiting

I’ll never forget that visit to Jillian’s Drawers.  Never underestimate the importance of seeing a cloth diaper in person.  I chose to purchase a few bumGenius 3.0′s and a couple of Happy Heiny’s.  I took them home and played with them.  I adjusted a bumGenius 3.0 to the smallest rise setting and put it on a teddy bear that sat in the nursery.

I was really proud of that stash of diapers I compiled over my pregnancy, which had 24+ infant prefolds, 12+ preemie prefolds, XS Thirsties covers, 2 Happy Heiny’s, a couple of crummy WAHM diapers that didn’t work at all, and a small treasure of bumGenius 3.0′s in various colors.  I also bought 6 white BG 3.0 seconds from someone locally that were new. In time I added more diapers but those were in my stash before Fletcher was born.

Since that time 3.5 years ago I have tried at least 150 cloth diapers in every size, style, color, print, and closure imaginable.  Many I purchased and many more were sent to be reviewed.  Throughout it all I have kept a large portion of my original stash.

Sitting in my cloth diaper baskets still remain 6 white bumGenius 3.0′s that were converted to snaps 2+ years ago after the velcro gave out (see them here in a video of my stash).  I finally gave up on my first batch of purchased bumGenius Organic AIO‘s (now known as the Elemental) but those lasted me 2.5 years.

Most of you would rightly assume that I never have to buy cloth

Fletcher at 4.5 weeks

diapers.  I don’t.  If I chose to I would have 200+ cloth diapers, probably more.  Instead, I keep my stash at a manageable size.  And it is mostly made up of bumGenius 4.0′s and my old 3.0′s.  I’m not calling them the best diaper ever made, or the prettiest.  They do work great and I like the colors and prints, but there are certainly other diapers that work as well and that have nice colors too.

They just hold a special place in my world as the first cloth diaper I purchased, used, and loved.  I am somewhat of a collector at this point.  Despite having more diapers than I need I just HAD to purchase one of each new color and an Albert print.

I love a lot of other brands but the simplicity, quality, customer service and ethics, and the colors always keep me coming back to buy more.  I also find having many of the same brand is helpful for babysitters and dads.  At least they can learn to use one system reliably and master it, and not have to learn 50+ different diapers.

When I am asked about cloth diapers and prompted to give only one brand to try I usually say bumGenius.  They can be found in most diaper stores and are even in some big box stores online.

PS: If you must know where ALL of those free cloth diapers go that I receive, I send my review diapers to Giving Diapers, Giving Hope, an organization helping families start cloth diapering who otherwise could not afford to.  Every few months I send a giant box of diapers their way.  As a new way to help them get more diapers and make my life easier I have started requiring two diapers for review, one to test and one to film.  Now I can send DOUBLE the diapers their way!!!  

BottomBumpers AIO

BottomBumpers AIO

Rumparooz One Size

All diapers together

Mothering Magazine Article

Rockin' Green Sample

Letter to Ellen and DVD of videos

Shake Weight for Babies and Wiggly Giggler

All together

I added a few other odds and ends, including some photographs of babies wearing the embroidered “Ellen” diapers and washing instructions from Kelly’s Closet.  In case you are wondering, the Rumparooz, Fuzzibunz, and Bottombumpers diapers were sent free of charge for the package. I paid out of pocket for the Zany Zebra (Which I wasn’t even supposed to get but there was a mixup so I felt obligated to pay, long story, and why I have 2 cupcake diapers for Ellen’s niece, Eva) and the embroidery on the covers which were used for the video shoot.  The covers themselves were donated by Kelly’s Closet (5 of them).  Kim from Rockin’ Green gave me the sample but she had no idea it would end up in the package.  I bought the Wiggly Gigglers (in case you are wondering, I made a Shake Weight for Babies video to send to Ellen for laughs)

As suggested by the title, this is my last effort for Operation Fluffy.  I have put a lot of time, effort, and money into the operation.  If this doesn’t work, nothing will.  This package is literally being handed to Ellen Degeneres by someone in her staff.  Let’s just say I have a friend, who has a friend, who has a friend that works at the show.  ’Nuff said.

I want to thank everyone who has been involved in Operation Fluffy. It has been a fun ride!  A special thanks to the generous companies who sent in items for the video and the package! And a thank you to Jillian’s Drawers who allowed me to invade their community room to film the video (which is being edited still, it will be in the package.) A VERY special thank you to the moms and dads who brought their babies to be filmed in the video!  I can’t wait to share it with you all.  If these adorable diapers don’t convince her how cool cloth is, nothing will.

All of us are lucky.  We are raising our children in a time where we have choices. Upmteen million bazillion choices. We can find wonderful products that not only make child rearing easier, but that are for the most part, good for baby and planet.

Of course one of these products is the modern cloth diaper.  I had tons of choices while pregnant.  I looked at them all and made decisions that were compatible with my family and lifestyle.  I chose bumGenius, Thirsties, chinese prefolds, Blueberry, G Diapers, and some WAHM diapers.  These were brands I researched and that already had a loyal following.

Now my son is 1.5 years old and I have seen the cloth diaper industry grow immensely in that time.  In fact, I have seen new brands hit the scene, some of which have EXPLODED! The innovations within the last 2 years are astounding.  I don’t even know if it is possible to keep up the pace that was set.

Once upon a time there was a little brand that popped up on Twitter.  This brand started chatting on the Monday night chats and caught my eye because it looked like an awesome and unique diaper.  The genius of it was that instead of a pocket, there was a sleeve.  This allowed the insert to agitate out. Genius!   The diaper hadn’t been released yet.  That diaper was Smartipants. Now Smartipants is a popular diaper brand with lots of fans and has even been seen on TV.

I fondly remember tweeting with Kim from Rockin’ Green when she was Kim from GADbaby.com who had a yet to be released new cloth diaper detergent.  Now, Rockin’ Green is sold in over 200 stores and can be found in 5 countries!!! I even remember when Kim was announcing that she picked up her first retailer!  Rockin’ Green has quickly become a phenomenon with cloth diaper parents.  The Facebook page is hoppin’ with people posting photos and videos, and there is even a fan video! It is like the Cult of Rockin’ Green. A large part of her success (besides the great product) is the genius of her logos/ website/ and marketing.  The fact that “Rockin’ a Soak” became a cloth diaper term overnight is a testament to the genius behind the brand.  (And FYI, you should really join their Facebook page because I hear she is planning some cool things for her anniversary.)

And then there are the many online and brick and mortar stores that have opened or expanded.  It seems like yesterday Growin’ Green Bums was set to open their online store.  Now Marissa has lots of local and online clients.  In fact, she is going to open up her own retail store in Northwest Florida. She has turned her passion into a growing business.

Last but not least is Jillian’s Drawers.  This online and brick and mortar store was already well known.  But they moved from what can only be described as a closet, to a gigantic store in the heart of downtown Ithaca. I feel so lucky to live so (relatively) close to this amazing store that is doing so much for their local community.  Brick and Mortar stores are such resources for their communities.  If there were more, I can only imagine there would be more cloth diapering parents.  The ability to touch and feel a cloth diaper is more powerful than videos or text could ever be.

I am so proud of these companies and women who are making their own dreams come true, and providing solutions for our everyday lives.  I have such admiration for people who have an idea for a product or business and get it done.  By the time my children are out of diapers cloth diapers are going to be even bigger and better!

If you listened to me last Sunday on the Cloth Diapers Rock radio show from The Feminist Breeder then you know part of what is coming up for #operationfluffy.  If you didn’t listen, you should anyway just to hear Gina and I blab about cloth diapers etc.

June 8 I will be filming an awesome video of babies dancing in embroidered cloth diaper covers (donated by Kelly’s Closet!) with the phrase “Cloth. Dance. Ellen.” on the butt.  The diapers are being embroidered by Bottombumpers.  Mandi from Jillian’s Drawers is letting me invade her community room which is housed in her brand new store in Ithaca, NY.  I will be filming the babies there.  Where am I getting all of these babies?  I have asked some local residents in Ithaca to let me borrow their children.  My own son will be dancing as well!

I have something even more awesome for the video planned that is sure to make Ellen smile.  It involves a Shake Weight and babies.  You will have to wait and see if I can pull that off!

Once the video is finished I am sending it to her along with some custom embroidered diapers.  She is getting a Bottombumpers AIO with “Cloth. Dance. Ellen.” on the butt and her niece, Eva, is getting her own custom diaper with an appliqued cupcake and her name on the back.  I will also be including a few other brands of diapers in the box to show her how amazing modern cloth diapers are.

I am really excited about what is coming up.  Even if we don’t get the diapers or the video on her show, rest assured it will get some traffic on YouTube.  And any exposure for cloth diapers is great!

Image: Nature's Child

Talking to other parents in real life or online, the response I often hear is “I want to cloth diaper but….”  fill in the blank.  There are obvious hurtles to beginning cloth diapering.  This is an attempt to dispel some of those potential road blocks.

… I don’t want to prick my baby with pins.”

Although some parents still use (and love) pins, modern cloth diapers fasten in a variety of ways.  Velcro, snaps, ties, plastic “s” hooks, and an alternative to the pin, a snappi.

… I don’t want my baby to get too hot in plastic pants.”

The waterproof material for cloth diapers is far from vinyl or plastic!  Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) is a breathable yet impermeable waterproof barrier used for diaper covers.  This material is also used to Pocket diapers, All in Ones, and various other modern cloth diapers.  In addition, Fleece is an alternative for babies with sensitive skin.  Fleece is waterproof and can be worn as a diaper cover, or used to make pocket diapers.  Wool is another option.  Although expensive and intimidating, it is am amazing solution to keep your baby dry overnight.  The lanolin in wool (along with an extra lanolizing process at home) makes it waterproof.

… I don’t want to deal with the mess.”

Fact: all babies and toddlers are messy.  Saying you don’t want to use cloth diapers because it is “messy” is laughable since every day you are faced with chunky spit up, poop explosions (which usually do not happen in cloth btw), drool, and messy food fights.  The only difference between cloth and disposables is that you dump the solid waste in the toilet.  This can be done a number of ways, including shaking, scraping with toilet paper, and using a handy diaper sprayer.  Your hands don’t need to touch poop!

… I don’t have the time to wash diapers!”

Frankly, neither do I!  Or my other clothes.  Washing diapers is something that gets added into your routine.  In total, washing my diapers takes me less than 10 minutes of actual effort.  The washer and dryer do all of the heavy lifting!  And to put away my diapers takes all of 5-10 minutes, including stuffing them.  I much prefer cloth diaper laundry to regular, it is easier, and if I let it sit in the washer or dryer a few hours, it doesn’t matter.  I even like to start washing them late at night and have diapers ready in the morning.  There are also cloth diaper services which will wash diapers for you.

… it sounds way harder than disposables.

What seems hard in the beginning just takes a little research or attendance at a local cloth diaper workshop.  Changing the diapers isn’t hard, it is picking one.  It is true that there are way more varieties of cloth diapers than disposables.  I won’t go into the ins and outs here, but to learn all about the different types I highly suggest Mothering Magazine and their recent article on Cloth Diapering.  Once you have an idea of what will work best for your family, you just need to find them.  Buying used can save you alot of money, especially if you are still wavering in your commitment.  Not to mention, when you are done with your own diapers you can resell them.  Cloth diapers hold their value very well, and you can sell yours and recoup 50-90% of your investment in most cases!  Try selling your disposables back to Target.  Yeah….  didn’t think so!

… I am afraid I will try and not like it.  So why waste my money?”

There are some fabulous trials out there for people who want to dip their toes in the water.  My favorite is Jillian’s Drawers “Try Cloth for Ten Dollars.”  You are sent a few of the most popular one size diapers to try.  You can buy them if you decide you love them, or send them back.   If you decide to send them back you are only out 10.00.

… I heard they smell.”

Ok, sometimes the stank might build up.  Imagine what is going into those diapers.  Yep.  Not pretty.  That is why finding a detergent that works for you is very important.  Washing cloth diapers might take some getting used to.  Then when you find your routine hopefully the smell will never build up or return.

… I am afraid they will leak more than a disposable.”

Disposables use super absorbent polymer (SAP) gel, which can hold a ridiculous amount of liquid.  It is too good to be true.  That gel is also toxic and if exposed to skin or ingested can have terrible results.  I have heard of two dogs that died from eating a disposable diaper.  Cloth diapers rely on a variety of materials to absorb wetness: cotton, bamboo, hemp, microfiber, microterry, and ZORB. These all vary in how much they can hold.  Hemp and ZORB are the most absorbent, but I have had success with them all.  The main point is, they hold urine.  Depending on how often your baby pees and how much, you might change more than a disposable.  If you are having leaks, it could be due to a washing problem.  I have an entire post dedicated to leak troubleshooting.

… “I can’t afford it.”

It is true that even the most expensive cloth diapers will save you money in the long run.  Long run being the key word.  Disposables are a constant expense that is spread out equally over the years your baby wears them.  Cloth diapers cost as little as 100 up to about 500-1,000 for a complete stash.  Buying used can save money as well.  Or, keep your eyes peeled for great sales.  Kelly’s Closet always has a great sale going on!  Or, enter cloth diaper giveaways on blogs like mine.

… No one I know uses them.  I am afraid of how people will react.”

No one I knew in real life used cloth diapers either, when I started.  But a few people ended up converting just after seeing my diapers and talking with me about how easy it can be.  You can be your baby’s advocate.  If people tell you cloth diapers are bad for your baby, explain that in fact, they are better because they have no chemicals in them.  If they laugh and say something about how long that will last, be the bigger person and do as you wish.  Use them for however long you like.  As long as your baby is happy and you are happy, who cares?  Be a trendsetter!  I guarantee you will have the numbers of moms using cloth rise.  We multiply!  Oh, and don’t be surprised if you are treated like a hero if you are caught changing your baby into a cloth diaper in public.  An ego booster for sure!  Plus, there is a huge online community of support in the form of message boards, blogs, websites, and Twitter.  These are great for getting your questions answered if you have a problem.

…I don’t want my baby to be wet or uncomfortable.”

Would you want to wear paper underwear?  Your baby probably doesn’t either.  Cloth diapers are available with liners that wick away moisture, like suedecloth and microfleece.  Unfortunately, a small percentage of babies have an allergy to one or both of those materials, but this is rare.  Other parents prefer organic fibers to touch their baby like cotton and super soft bamboo.  My son does not show a preference for any material, but I like stay dry diapers for nights at least.

… I have multiple children in diapers.”

That is all the more reason to use cloth diapers!  Imagine spending less than 1,000 to diaper 1, 2, 3 kids or more!  And never running out of diapers and having to run to the store last minute, lugging 2 babies inside.  Using one size diapers give you some flexibility to change the sizes to fit two different babies.  And you can still wash with the same frequency, just larger loads.  Easy as pie.

… my baby is in daycare, so I can’t.”

This is a tough one.  Unfortunately, many daycares do not allow cloth diapers.  Those that do often want you to have easy to use diapers with velcro that are all one piece.  These are the more expensive diapers as well.  Simply showing how to use a modern cloth diaper may change their mind, as well as providing your own wet bag for the dirty diapers.  You may also want to let the care provider leave any solid waste in the diaper for you to dump out later.  The Real Diaper Association has a tip sheet for daycares and cloth.  Even if your daycare won’t use them, there is no rule stating it is all or nothing.  Use cloth when you can.

…my husband/ SO doesn’t want to.”

Husbands can be the hardest ones to convince.  Mine was very skeptical at first.  I showed him how much money we would save, and explained the benefits to our baby and the planet.  You can also let them know that not having bags of stinking diapers to take out means less garbage duty for him.  Show him a modern diaper and how easy it is to change.  He may just need a visual.  Or, do it anyway.  He will come around!

…won’t it make my baby’s clothes not fit?”

There are some very trim cloth diapers out there.  And even some of the fluffier ones have little impact on my own son’s pant size.  If you are worried their butt will be so big you have to move up to the next size, which will be too long, I doubt it, but anything is possible.

… my baby is too old.”

Late bloomers need not worry.  It is never too late to start.  By starting late you avoid newborn cloth diapering, and can skip to a one size diaper or a size Medium or Large right away.  Most children are in Mediums the longest, and some never even wear a large.  And if you plan on having more children the diapers you buy will still get plenty of miles.

… how will I travel?”

Very sneakily!  I have snuck my cloth diapers onto flights by stuffing my carseat and carseat bag (which check for free!) with a bag of cloth diapers.  Don’t want to travel with cloth diapers?  No one is holding a gun to your head.  I typically do, but there have been times I couldn’t.  I wouldn’t hate disposables so much if they were used in situations like traveling only.  In fact, that is why they were invented!  To allow mothers to leave the house with ease.  Back then the diapers were larger and harder to travel with too.

… I don’t own a washer and dryer.”

Ouch.  That is important.  You could find a cloth diaper service in your area, which will deliver fresh diapers to your door and pick up the dirty ones.  This costs about the same or slightly less than buying disposables.  It is possible to hand wash or use a laundromat, but it is understandably more difficult.

… I have terrible memories of cloth diapers as a kid.”

Believe it or not I have seen this excuse quite a few times.  Since the old cloth diapers were heavy fabric rectangles, relied on pins, and used plastic covers, many people have bad memories.  Not to mention, they recall their mothers washing them or bleaching the crap out of them, which left a noxious odor and lingering sense memory.  Even when I say they have changed and people no longer use wet pails (for the most part) the bad taste in their mouth is hard to overcome.  If this is you, I assure you that washing and changing cloth diapers is nothing like the old days.  And no scrubbing or dunking and swishing diapers in the toilet.  There are more modern methods.

… I actually don’t want to!”

Well then, why are you here?  But seriously, no one is making you.  I do want to see more parents using cloth, but it just isn’t meant for everyone.  As long as your baby is happy and safe, that is all that matters.  But if you change your mind, you know where to find me!

Welcome Diapers Etc and Jillian’s Drawers as new sponsors of DDL.  Their advertising dollars make DDL possible.  I am in the process of looking for a new video editing software, which is possible thanks to them!

Jillian’s Drawers has been mentioned a few times here simply because I like to shop there!  It is located in Ithaca NY, just an hour or so away from me.  Besides their brick and mortar store, Jillian’s Drawers runs an online store.  They carry many cloth diaper brands including the Bum Genius, Kissaluvs, Planet Wise wet bags, etc.  They also have lots of carriers to choose from, breast feeding products, toys (like Haba!), and the Stokke and Svan highchairs!  Jillian’s also runs a very famous cloth diaper trial where you can try the best known brands for 10$!

Diapers Etc is an online store with an emphasis on cloth diapers and natural baby products.  Brands of cloth diapers they carry include Bumkins, Bum Genius, Thirsties, Fuzzibunz, and Baby Kicks.  They also carry BPA free cups and bottles, eco-friendly baby clothes, cloth diaper accessories, and organic bath and bedding!  I think these BPA Free Nuby spoons look like a perfect size for my son’s tiny mouth, and they are soft!  They also happen to be a best seller at Diapers Etc. 

Diapers Etc also has a great cloth diapers buying guide! 

You can get free shipping for orders over 75$!  Diapers Etc is going to be sponsoring a giveaway soon for a Rumparooz G2, so keep your eyes peeled for that!

Thank you both (and my other wonderful sponsors!) for helping make DDL possible and for spreading the cloth diaper love!!!

Today was yet another trip to Ithaca, NY.  Yes, Ithaca is “gorges”  hah hah.  Now that that is out of your system I will continue. If you aren’t aware, Ithaca is a very “green” city.  I love the fact that when I go there I am almost soggy compared to the general public.  It gives me something to strive for!

My mission today was to pick up my Ergo backpack attachment for my Ergo Carrier.  Since I am flying to Charlotte next week alone I am determined to lighten my load.  Instead of carrying my son in the ergo and having to carry a diaper bag I just solved my problem!

Somehow I timed it perfectly.  There was a nasty thunderstorm this morning, so we waited for it to pass.  I picked up my friend and her daughter and by the time we made it to Ithaca it was drizzly.  We both wore our babies, she used a backpack carrier and I put Fletcher in the Didy wrap I am borrowing from Woowoomama.  I used the front facing carry and it was great.  I am getting the hang of using a wrap and starting to enjoy it.

Our first stop was Mama Goose.  This is a consignment store, but it also sells handmade items from locals.  I was excited to see ES baby diapers there in the store.  They are made by a mom who is local to me.  She is quite talented and I love her diapers.  In fact, my son is wearing a cover she made right now.

ES baby at Mama Goose

Next stop was Jillian’s Drawers!!!!!  I can’t get enough of this store.  I picked up my backpack and talked to a few of the employees.  One of them joins in on the Twitter chats on monday nights about #clothdiapers.  It was nice to put a face to the name.  My friend bought 5 diapers and a pack of soakers.  She found a fantastic deal on BG Organic AIO‘s which were used and in great shape.  They were pink so I was not interested!  Then she got on the Gro Baby wagon.  She purchased a shell in Blackberry along with a pack of two soakers.  So in essence she got 7 diapers!!!  I had willpower and only got what I came for.  On our way out I saw the International Breastfeeding symbol on the door.  I was pretty excited about seeing one in person.  Of course, I will breastfeed wherever I please, but I am happy to support any business that is pro-breastfeeding.  

Our last stop was at the usual eatery.  Amazingly the babies both behaved.  No tantrums.  I had to nurse Fletcher at the end when he got a bit fussy but it was cake.  While inside, the bottom of the sky dropped and it started pouring.  Somehow our timing was once again impeccable.  By the time we were finished the rain had become a light drizzle.  

So, I am back home where I am on the extreme end of crunchy.