By Dana:
If you haven’t heard, there has been a huge comeback in the use of cloth diapers. This news is music to my ears! I remember my mom telling me that using a disposable diaper was a big deal back in the day. They were used infrequently and saved only for long road trips. Through the years, disposables have become the norm until recently.
I was an eco-conscious individual prior to parenthood but I stepped it up another notch when I found out I was pregnant. I wanted to use cloth diapers and it worked out really well for us. Therefore, I have always encouraged my friends to give it a shot. I would insist, “it’s not as bad as you think!” The most common reason they didn’t want to try was usually cleanup or they couldn’t handle another load of laundry. I totally get that and I never pushed it on anyone. Although, I did try to reinforce that the days of “dunking” diapers were over. There are some cool products that make cleanup a whiz! Jen can attest to my mini shower that attaches to the toilet:-)
Needless to say, I am a big fan of cloth diapers. They are great for your baby’s little behind and they are even better for the environment. Now, I used a variety of cloth diapers for my boys to see what the “best” out there was. It really just depends on the person and their preference. Some are more convenient, some more economical. At the time, there was only one diaper service in the area out of Greensboro. I had read also that a lot of the diaper services used bleach and harsh chemicals to clean/launder the diapers. So I decided to launder them myself at home using my choice detergent. Well ladies, you have hit the jackpot for cloth diapering! Say hello to Healthy Bottoms!
Catalina Maas with Healthy Bottoms Diaper Service has a fabulous diaper service up and running here in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. I don’t even know where to start….. She has done a superb job on the website which if full of information. She uses Charlie’s Soap, local and diodegradable, and what I use at home to clean my diapers. Healthy Bottoms is just as easy as using a disposable. You change your baby’s diaper, throw it in the diaper pail and they pick up/drop off diapers weekly. So your worries of extra loads of laundry have vanished. They even come out for a free consultation to discuss how it works and answer any of your questions. She is available on cell phone as well. Now that is customer service! She has instructions for folding diapers, accessories and even information on potty training. Healthy Bottoms carries the adorable Bumkins diaper covers. Catalina also carries the one item that changed my life. The Imse Vimse flushable liners. I feel they are a must-have with cloth diapering to make life easier. The liner allows the fluids to soak through to the diaper but absorbs solids. Then you just peel off the liner from the diaper and flush away. Scary, that I would get so excited about something like this but I am telling you…..brilliant. She also carries Angel Baby products. The Angel Baby Bottom Balm rocks!
Now some may wonder about the cost of a diaper service. I think there is a misconception that it is pricey. Not the case at all, this is so affordable! You actually save money by using this diaper service. Catalina has a cost comparison available on the website so you can see for yourself. You can even use Healthy Bottoms as a gift registry. Now that is one baby shower gift that will be used and appreciated! Healthy Bottoms is giving away to one lucky Smarty the following: 4 weeks of diaper service, 3 free Prorap Diaper Covers, 1 free Imse Vimse Diaper Insert, 2 free Snappi Fasteners, and 1 free 16.9oz Charlie’s Soap Laundry Liquid, a total value of $130. Click here to register!
This is a perfect opportunity to do the best for your baby and the environment. Did you know that it takes anywhere from 300-500 years for a disposable diaper to decompose? Take one look at the information listed on Healthy Bottoms site and you will want to make the switch immediately! Hats off to Healthy Bottoms for a job well done. I am planning to order the training pants from Catalina as soon as I am finished here. This is a “Smarty” buy for naptime and nighttime.
Thanks for reading and stay Smarty green!
4 comments
What about for twins? I want everything to be as simple as possible…Is cloth going to add work?
I used/use them for my twin boys. If you are using a diaper service like Healthy Bottoms then it doesn’t really add any work at all. I don’t see it as any extra work unless you were laundering it yourself at home. It becomes part of the routine. You feel really good about the choice you have made and you can even save money, especially with twins.
I had twins almost 24 years ago and used cloth diapers. Only used the disposable when we were out; as they were much more convenient. It can be done, just as easily and doesn’t pollute the environment. My twins were born on Earth Day and I and they take that very seriously and do what we can.
I use cloth now on my second child, and couldn’t be happier. I launder at home for two reasons: I can use my own cloth (I use Bum Genius All-in-Ones, which you can’t use with a diaper service), and I don’t have to buy so many diapers because I can do laundry more often than once/week.I completely agree that cloth diapering is MUCH easier than I thought it would be. My boys’ skin couldn’t be healthier and every time I change a diaper now, I’m saving money- cha-CHING!I HIGHLY recommend trying cloth, I am so happy I did.