To cloth, or not to cloth diaper?

That is a question isn't it? One that seems daunting, but when thinking about weather or not to use cloth diapers the costs might need to be considered along with the time and the hassle.

We'll start with hassle. Believe it or not, not very many stores carry cloth diapers and even less still, they carry good absorbent type that'll actually do the job and less still if you don't want chemicals to touch you baby's skin. Not to mention the fact that you have to clean them yourselves! (Note: you're supposed to clean the disposable as well, but no one does. At the very least, the big stuff)

The initial cost for 2 dozen Indian pre-folds (there are Chinese pre-folds as well) and 4 covers and a couple all-in-one's was around $200. Then, there is the type of detergent you have to use. It's not just anything you have at home already or you want them to smell like, it has to be non-scented as it can cause some rashes. To add on you have to also change them when they are wet...

GASP! Your child can't walk around with a 10lbs diaper to strengthen their legs? No. The younger kids you can get away with 2 tinkles, but as they get bigger so does their ability to urinate and I don't have to tell you!

With all these negatives is it worth it? The diaper leaks, the constant changing, the soaking the dirty diapers in water, the wet clothes, both you and baby, and the expensive , are they worth the hassle?

Lets look at disposable

They are quick and convenient.  You don't have to clean them and you baby doesn't have a giant bottom because of the cloth and unlike the cloth you don't have to wash them.

But, like the cloth you still get leaks, there are "guaranteed not to leak" markings on the box and yet they still leak. Worst still this was the expensive brand and yet they still leak. You go through multiple brands to find the one that is going to fit and just when you finally discover it, your baby grows and you get to start all over again.

The cost is low, but when you take in the costs of having the proper brand and size and you have to buy 2 to 3 boxes every month at $30 a box, it adds up quickly.Not to mention that if you decide, "Oh, I'll buy in bulk. That'll out smart them!" the baby decides he/she wants to out grow them and then they leak because of that as well!

We have used both and have found that at night,  the disposable work for us as well as when out, but at home the cloth win it. It's not that much of a hassle when they are wet, just change them, and I'm home. If I need more I just have to wash them. We use the covers no matter where we go (not to mention this has saved us from being covered when a diaper EXPLOSION occurs). This formula works for us, what works for you? Do you do some kind of combination or are you a hardcore "clother" with a "stash"?

I will be sharing my experience with baby sign language and what did and didn't work. Hope you check it out.