Hybrid vs. Disposable: Diapering a Vacationing Bum

The last few weeks have given me an opportunity for hands-on comparison between disposable diapers and hybrid cloth diapers. My first trip was to my alma mater (College of Wooster) for my five-year reunion; the second was a vacation on Long Beach Island, NJ. Here I'll compare fit, function, convenience, and cost.

This is What Happened...

My reunion crept up on my quickly, and because I failed to plan ahead (one of the more important rules for cloth diapering!), I found myself in a bind. My GroVia BioSoakerbiodegradable inserts, which I last used when Owen was about two months old, were in a box somewhere in Colorado. There wasn't time to get the inserts in the mail by the time this occurred to me. I searched for the inserts in local natural-parenting-friendly stores to no avail. Annoyed with myself, I bought a package of disposable diapers.

Attitude makeover: I decided to embrace my mistake as a chance to compare, to see if I was missing any perks to disposable diapering. I also ordered a pack of 50 GroVia hybrid inserts to prepare for my week at the shore- trying to keep an open mind, but being a realist.

Disposable Reunion Long-Weekend

The disposables I tested were Earth's Best chlorine-free diapers. I paid $12 for a package of 40 size two diapers, for a cost of about 30 cents per diaper. You can find better deals if you order these types of diapers online in bulk.

The first thing I noticed with the disposable diapers was that Owen's clothes looked baggy. With the exception of some jeans, he wears clothing that fits based on his height and weight- I don't put him in pants that are larger than his shirts. Some parents find that cloth diapers are so bulky that larger bottoms are necessary, but my boy has a tiny tush (a wee bum, if you will) so normally his six month clothing fits him from head to toe. The disposables were very trim, and I understood what parent's talk about when they think that cloth is so much bulkier than sposies. I guess it is. That doesn't bother me, though. I guess I have grown used to my son's fluffy bum, and it doesn't seem to bother him either. I guess you can grow used to most things aesthetic.

On the road and living in a dorm room for the weekend, I found it was pretty convenient to drop the diapers in the trash and not give them a second thought. Except I did end up thinking about them, feeling guilty when I realized that I was contributing to huge landfills encroaching on a backyard. Out of sight doesn't always mean out of mind. For me, the convenience wasn't outweighing the environmental impacts.

I noticed that the Earth's Best diapers absorbed tons of urine. I mean, they could have gone on for hours and hours. I change cloth diapers much more frequently, and found myself changing the disposables probably earlier than I had to because I was used to doing so. A poopy diaper met my expectations- no leaking, no blowouts in the legs or up the back. I had no functional issues. My only disappointment was that, after a few days, my son began to get an all-over contact rash. Not all babies will have this problem, but the fact that mine did made me even more pleased that we use cloth.

Hybrid Beach Week

My extended family rents a beach house each year, and I knew I'd have access to a washer and dryer while I was on vacation. To do one or two loads of covers during the week did not seem at all daunting. When I ordered my GroVia inserts, I picked up a few sample-sized packages of Tiny Bubbles detergent. For fifty cents a load, it was affordable and easy to prepare myself for the small amount of laundry I'd need to do. The inserts cost $19.99 for a pack of 50, or about 40 cents per diaper change. Because I already own and regularly use the GroVia shells, I had no additional cost incurred.

The GroVia BioSoakers are incredibly easy to use. An adhesive section at each end of the insert secures it to the GroVia shells, though you could use these inserts in almost any diaper cover imaginable without worry that there will be bunching or slipping. The adhesive does leave a bit of tackiness on the inside mesh layer of the GroVia shell, but the stickiness washes away easily. Once the insert is in place, just fasten the diaper on your baby. GroVia shells are available in velcro or snap versions, and the elastic around the legs and waist has never once left me in a leaky situation! The fit with hybrid inserts is as perfect as your normal cloth diapers. In fact, depending on what is inside your cloth diapers, the BioSoakers may offer a superior trim fit.

BioSoakers easily match or exceed the amount of liquid trapped by a disposable diaper. They are wide enough to trap almost any mess, sparing your shells for same-day reuse. I took eight shells on my six-day vacation and I didn't have to do laundry until the very last evening at the beach. Only one poop-related event put a shell out of commission until laundry day; after all other such events the shells were mercifully spared by the excellent coverage of the BioSoaker. As for the insert, you can flush the contents, compost them, or toss them in the garbage. Straight to the garbage is not really ideal from an environmental standpoint, but personally I'd prefer to throw away something that I know has the ability to decompose in my lifetime- instead of something that has an unknown rate of decomposition.

My only complaint about the GroVia BioSoakers is that they can be difficult to find in a pinch. Unless you live in an area with a brick-and-mortar cloth diaper store, and they happen to be a GroVia retailer, you are probably out of luck. Costco has started to offer GroVia hybrid diapering packages, though as with most things at Costco you'll have to be prepared to pay a large amount of money for a huge number of BioSoakers. (If you're considering hybrid diapering full-time, Costco might be the way to go!) Planning ahead to have enough hybrid inserts on hand is essential to the success of this option.

In the End

You might already have guessed that I'm sticking with my cloth diapers. Once you get started, it is easy to keep things going. For the occasional travel situation I'm happy that there are options that allow me freedom on the road. It is absolutely possible to travel and use exclusively cloth inserts- personally, this is where I have decided I'd like to take the easier route. The two convenient perks of using a disposable option are that you have less laundry to carry around and fewer loads to run. Between the "earth-friendly" disposables and hybrid cloth, I preferred hybrid cloth. What can I say? I'm a creature of habit.

Bac-Out: I'm On Board!

I'm guessing that most people today have a list of things they know they could change to live a "greener" lifestyle. Some changes could be very easy; others would require a mindset makeover or some personal sacrifice. With green living being a huge trend, it can be difficult to see past all of the media hype to the core issues of the "going green" movement.

For me the desire to live more naturally began well before this cultural movement. Understanding how the choices of millions of consumers can negatively or positively impact the environment is important to me, and it informs many of the lifestyle changes I embrace on behalf of my family. I do not see the desire to be environmentally aware as anything more than the conviction that we are all stewards of the planet, and the legacy we leave behind to our children is vitally important.

Enter Bi-O-Kleen, makers of toxin-free household cleaning products. Bi-O-Kleen products consist of natural ingredients, enzymes, and botanicals. They are without fumes, ammonia, harsh chemical toxins, optical brighteners, and many other nasty components of nearly all mainstream cleaning solutions. The Bi-O-Kleen website does a wonderful job of explaining the many toxic hazards lurking in modern household cleaners.

My reason for brining this up does have to do with cloth diapers- stinky cloth diapers, to be specific. I discovered Bi-O-Kleen when I tried Bac-Out, their laundry wonder product. Bac-Out has many possible uses, but where it really shines for me is in my cloth diaper pre-soak. I was beginning to battle stink issues, even with natural fiber diapers. I was getting tired of my diapers smelling faintly (or in some cases, not-so-subtly) of urine. I put approximately 3 teaspoons of Bac-Out in a large pre-wash load of diapers and was completely amazed with the results. This stuff gets my diapers looking and smelling so clean, with absolutely no harsh chemicals- a boon because if I used bleach, I'd have to run many rinse cycles to wash out the chemicals, and that would be a huge waste of water and money. The Bac-Out Stain and Odor Eliminator leaves my diapers smelling brand-new after every single wash. As a bonus, I've noticed that the laundry room smells faintly of citrus after I clean my diapers. (The scent of this stuff is to die for, evoking a walk amongst orange and lemon trees.)

It is so concentrated that the bottle will not be used up too quickly- I'd estimate that mine will last three months or longer. I don't know for certain yet, because at two months my supply is still going strong! To me, the clean smell and look of my diapers is completely worth the extra cost. A little extra spent on diaper care should result in additional longevity- meaning that for my next child, I'll only buy new diapers if I can't resist a cute print.

Why Fitteds are My Perfect Fit

I have a new love in my life.

(Starbucks cake pops? Tina Fey's "Bossypants"? Special Agent Seeley Booth? Yes, yes, and yes.)

Alright, seriously: fitted diapers.

I know I mentioned fitteds and covers in passing when I wrote an overview of diaper varieties. Since that initial, information-driven entry, I've had the pleasure of testing a couple different fitted diapers with a handful of cover options. What I've discovered is a versatile diapering choice that fulfills my major diaper wishes.

I have in my possession some Thirsties fitted diapers and BumGeinus bamboo fitted diapers. Here's the rub: everything I have is old. I bought the Thirsties used from another mom- and they arrived in superb condition, I should add. I found the BumGeinus bamboo fitteds on the Cotton Babies clearance page a few months ago. The closest options being sold now are choices like Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted Diaper and Kissaluvs Fitted Coth Diapers. The fitteds in my stash are all sized, so when Owen grows out of them I'll have to pick out some new fitted diapers to take for a spin. For those of you just now shopping, you have the chance to choose from many one-size fitted options such as the Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted I mentioned above. For those partial to adorable prints, try Kiwi Pie One Size Bamboo Fitted Diapers.

So what's the big deal? My positive review rests on the following features: trim fit, comfortable fabric choices, absorbency, and flexibility.

Trim fit is an aspect of diapering that may become more important as your child grows. I know that when Owen was very small, I was mostly concerned with getting any diaper to fit without gaps around the legs and waist. I dressed him in loose clothing and blankets, and didn't fuss with pants and baby jeans, so if he had a huge fluffy behind it wasn't any problem. Now that he is growing (oh how fast he's growing!), I sometimes want to dress him in cute overalls and the like. If a diaper is too bulky, he loses mobility, and that does not make him very happy. I love the fact that the fitted diapers I'm using lay just right on him, and velcro easily to achieve a perfect fit. Because there are no inserts laying inside, nothing can bunch up and cause bulky butt bubble. He never seems restricted and I can always get him in his cutest little summertime threads.

Fabric choices for fitted diapers are similar to those available in all other varieties of cloth diaper. I especially love the soft feeling of bamboo fitteds. Natural fabrics are less likely to cause any irritation, so bamboo fitteds are a wonderful option for babies with a tendency to develop rashes. Thirsties fitteds rely on the wicking capabilities of microfiber inside the diaper, and soft microfleece on the outside. The result is a diaper in which your baby will not feel irritation from wetness.

Because the entire fitted diaper is build to absorb wetness, the entire surface area of the diaper can also allow the wetness to evaporate. This makes fitteds a wonderful option for daytime naps, or even for overnight use if your baby isn't a "super-soaker." (You may find them to be too saturated for your liking if used overnight.)

I consider fitteds to be the most flexible diaper option in my stash. I can use a fitted diaper alone, sans cover, if we're just hanging out at home. I can feel immediately when my little guy is getting wet- but I notice the wetness long before it is a problem for him to be without a waterproof cover. When we go out, I can snap a cover on over the fitted to keep his clothing dry. The fitted will easily contain all contents (if you know what I mean) and the cover can be wiped down and immediately reused. As a bonus, fitteds and covers make diapering a bit easier with a squirmy baby. For example, Owen has started to realize that he can undo the velcro on some of his diapers. The catch here is that velcro is easier to put on a squirming baby because it is more quickly fastened. I can top a velcro fitted with a snap cover and voila! I'm the diaper change winner! I get the best of both worlds- easy fastening of the inner layer and impregnable outer shell.

In the interest of full disclosure, I'll mention the few things I don't love about fitted diapers. First, they can take a long time to dry. Second, and this is based solely on reviews from other moms because it has not yet been my experience- apparently they can be somewhat bulky on some babies. I assume this depends on the diaper type, size, and how compatible it is with your baby. Lastly, fitted diapers can be a bit expensive- though as with any diaper variety, there will be options in many price ranges.

Overall, I am glad that I added a few fitteds to my stash. I highly suggest giving them a try!

If you share the fitteds love, tell me which kind is your favorite- or just vote in the poll on my sidebar.

I had a plan!

I had it all mapped out. Somewhere amid my belongings, there is a stack of no less than 15 sheets of notepad paper. Those pages represent a significant chunk of time spent on planning and researching my next eight-or-so entries. Living out of suitcases has not been kind to me (examples: missing iPod and address book), and now that I have a few precious moments to write, I find myself without plans. Until I locate the aforementioned "blog plot," I'm going to wing this thing. At least I'll be writing something. Hopefully I'll be able to bring you useful information, and you'll continue to stick with me through this upheaval. Hey, maybe you'll even feel moved to pass this blog on to a friend with an open mind. It's just a suggestion from a woman flying by the seat of her pants!

I'm Not Gone- Just Packing

Happy St. Patrick's Day, a bit late!

I can hardly believe that March is nearly over, and my sweet little boy will be five months old this week! As time flies by, I come ever closer to a looming task- completing a trans-Atlantic move. I hope you will continue to visit despite intermittent posting breaks over the next few weeks. We have to pack up and relocate to the states again, and while I'm thrilled, I'm also overwhelmed. I'm sure that anyone who has ever moved understands!

So please, don't stop visiting! I will write as often as I can, and once we get somewhat settled across the pond I will get back to posting in full force. Thanks for understanding, and as always, thanks for reading! I love working on this project and getting feedback from readers that I've helped, even in a small way, is awesome.

Repurposing Prefolds

I have to say honestly that I'm not a huge fan of prefolds and covers. They work wonderfully for lots of moms, but Owen always seems grouchy when he wears them. They are too bulky for my taste, but we used them for a while because I bought them and wanted to give them a fair chance. I purchased a few in newborn size and a few smalls as well. My short and compact boy has outgrown both sizes, so I've been exploring ways to use the prefolds now that they're not fitting so well on his bum. Of course I could sell them or swap them, but I chose instead to repurpose them in my own home.

First off, they can be tri-folded and laid in any cover. This still produces a thick diaper, but in a pinch (read: if my laundry is still drying) they are useful! Sometimes I'll layer a fleece booster (I use GroVia's) so that the little guy can't feel the wetness so readily. He seems much happier that way.

Of course the thickness and softness of prefolds lends itself easily to burpcloths. The only drawback here is that mine are rather small and when my son spits up, he goes for gold. Still, they will soak up any mess that they miss initially because they are so absorbent.

My mom used to use her prefolds and flats as dust rags- in fact, there are still a few lingering around her house. With a little bit of dusting spray they will pick up debris from furniture and leave things spotless and shining. They don't scratch anything and since they can be washed, I don't worry about throwing out items like paper towels or Swiffer inserts.

Lastly, I have been using our prefolds as a play mat for my son. I lay them out on the rug and I let him play without a diaper for about 10-15 minutes. This gives him a chance to move around freely, and gives his skin time to air dry. I don't have to worry about the rug getting dirty because the prefolds are thick enough to keep things clean and dry underneath. As an added bonus, he loves rolling around on the soft, quilted texture. If I could sew, I might consider stitching them together to make a large play blanket!

How do you repurpose your prefolds or flats when they are too small for diapering use?

Cloth Wipe Solution: Storage

I should mention a change in the way I store and apply wipe solution. The new container is much better! I picked up a basic spray bottle, and it holds twice as much liquid as my peri bottle did! (Basically, I now double my solution recipe.) If you use a spray bottle, just gently shake it right before you spray the cloth wipe. I haven't had any problems with the nozzle clogging, and it smells like the mixture is coming out evenly. This new system actually conserves the solution because it sprays so evenly and doesn't saturate the wipe unless I continue to spray. I highly recommend a spray bottle over a peri bottle!