More cloth options (How easy is cloth?)

People seem to be more interested in making more environmental choices these days. And as a parent of a young one nappies (diapers) can be a great place to start. This isn't the main reason I decided to convert to cloth but it does make me think.
It is a choice and I am so glad I found about modern cloth. Please refer to my other articles for more info on what exactly is modern cloth. But I wanted to talk about how easy is modern cloth. Why is it easy?

• Dry pailing. (no soaking, no chemicals, no water waste)
  
• No smell bins to empty
• No running out and running to the shop
• Cheaper in the long run
• Less other washing as there are less leaks
• You can use fitted nappies so no  pins.
• Baby is so comfy in cloth and is lovely to cuddle.

Why do I use cloth?
When I had my first child, I thought of disposables as a back up. Something I would use when going out. But after 3 weeks of soaking terry flats and struggling with a newborn I sadly moved to using disposables full time. Last year when my third child was 8 months I found out about soakers, and being an avid knitter I knitted a couple. From there I found out they were meant to go over cloth nappies (though over disposables isn't a bad idea with the way some disposables can leak at night). I thought I should give fitted cloth a go. And now my bub is in full time cloth at 14 months. I haven't used a disposable in so long. The benefits have been great.

I also wanted to talk about covers. To me this is more important than the nappy itself. Wool is the most effective cover. But you can also get PUL (a laminate waterproof breathable cover) or use fleece. If you can sew you can make your own fitted nappies and covers.

If you want to use cloth to save money, I recommend using terry flats available at most baby stores and departments. And if you or someone you know can knit wool soakers are the best. I know this from experience. I have tried many styles of nappies and covers and in my opinion flats and fitteds with wool covers work best. Other nappies (pockets and All in Ones)  are great for convenience but I like the effectiveness of wool over  fitted cloth.

So what is a soaker? It is a handknitted wool cover. These were used way before the inventof plastic pilchers. Wool is amazing. It breathes and is natural so perfect for baby. When lanolised it is also waterproof. It can hold about 35% of its own weight in moisture (hence the name 'soaker') It insulates so great in Winter and Summer. I have had people say to me,"Love your baby's pants. It will keep him warm" If its a 40 degree (celcius) day its not to keep him warm! I have found if I take a nappy off on a warm day and he has had a soaker over the top his nappy area will be cool. I will say it again -wool is amazing.

I have found that my bub doesn't need any other pants as he wears wool all the time now. Longies in Winter and soakers and shorties in Summer.
And to be honest he doesn't need all that I have knitted for him. He could get away with 2 or 3 covers. And some days he wears just the nappy and a tee. I like him to have a cover though when sleeping, napping and in the car.

I hope this article helps those who are wondering how cloth has changed (or maybe how it has become easier). We really are spoilt for choice. It is hard though because people just don't realise they have that choice. Modern cloth is very easy. I know, I am lazy and don't want more work!