An Inexpensive Way to Take the Plunge into Cloth Diapering : Econobums

While cloth diapering is definitely less expensive in the long run (most families save $1,000-$2,500 for just one child), the upfront cost can scare people silly when it comes to deciding to cloth diaper.  In fact, one of the main reasons some decide not to do it is the up-front investment and fear that they will not want to stick with it.

Maybe you are this boat.  Or maybe you have a friend that is interested in cloth diapering, but is still unsure.

Well… there is an option that is even less expensive and gives you a chance to "try out" cloth diapering before you fully commit.  That option is Econobum!

 Econobum has a one size option that fits 8-35 pounds that includes a cover and three cotton prefolds. The price is right in that you get three diaper changes for less than the cost of one cloth diaper!

They also have a newborn starter kit that comes with a wet bag, three covers, six organic cotton flats, six stay dry liners, a detergent sample and some simple instructions.  It is also a super inexpensive option!

The other great thing about Econobum (and all the Cotton Baby products) is if you don't like them, up to 30 days after your purchase you can return them!  So you can try them out without risk :).

Have you been just waiting to take the plunge? Have you needed to supplement your stash without spending a lot? Do you need newborn diapers on a budget? Econobum might just be the way to go!

About the author…

I am Stasia- wife, mom, blogger over at Our Life on a Budget, part-time preschool teacher and local cloth diaper consultant.

Cloth Diapers and the Non-Cloth-Diapering Care Giver

I remember it still.  The first time I dropped my little one in the church nursery in cloth diapers.

I nervously (and probably very quickly) said "My daughter wears cloth diapers.  They are really easy I promise."
My unsureness probably made them unsure about the situation as well.

Then again, my daughter started a Mother's Day Out program.
Cautiously I asked, "She cloth diapers, is that okay?"

But as I have gotten more confident in my cloth diapering, so have my responses to church nurseries, daycares, baby-sitters, grandparents and the like.

So how do you introduce cloth diapers to the Non-cloth Diapering Caregiver?
Here are some quick tips…

Be confident

Your confidence in cloth diapering is key.  My nervousness in introducing cloth the first two times did not help.  This might sound harsh, but I don't even ask any more.  When signing up for our daughter's childcare this year, I just simply stated we cloth diaper, then at open house showed them how it worked.  When I go the church nursery I tell them that she cloth diapers and give them a quick tutorial.

Show the easy, cutest diaper first

eLeMeNO-Pee has some awesome all-in-one options.  I also recommend using a velcro closure for a first showing to a caregiver- snaps can be really intimdating. Showing them a all-in-one velcro diaper and commenting about "how it is as easy as a disposable"  usually is a good start.  This is a gateway that gets them open and comfortable.  I have found in the past as they get more comfortable they are, the more open they are to other things.  For example after using velcro for a while our caregiver was completely open to snaps.

Know your rights

You have rights.  Seriously, this is your baby and you get to make these kind of choices.  This site has some great information listed by state about your rights.  Even if you are in a "restricted" place, you could most likely get an exemption from the doctor for something like sensitive skin.

Be Prepared

Diapers, wipes, wet bag- all prepped and ready to go. Make this easy on them, so they have a positive experience cloth diapering!

Work with them

Maybe they prefer you use liners.  Maybe disposable wipes would make it easier on them.  Be willing and open to work with them!

Don't pack another option

If you pack disposables, they will use them… I almost guarantee it.  If you want your child using cloth, pack cloth and they will learn to use it.

The great thing about exposing our caregivers to cloth is that it makes a dent in making cloth mainstream.  One care giver last year even said that she grew to like it so much that she planned on cloth diapering her own children!

Did these things ring true for you? Do you have any other suggestions? 

About the author…
I am Stasia- wife, mom, blogger over at Our Life on a Budget, part-time preschool teacher and local cloth diaper consultant.