So I Bit the Bullet.

So, I finally bit the bullet last night and ordered cloth diapers.  I'm absolutely, positively, and utterly terrified.

Why?  I dunno.  I just am.  It seems cloth diapering isn't the "social norm", which I don't really care that much about.  But I am having lots of reactions to my decision - wrinkled noses, talks about dunking/swishing diapers in the toilet, "Good Luck" (with maybe a skeptical expression), blah blah.  Kris supports me, and that's really what matters at this point...  (Although, I'm not sure if he knows what he's agreeing to.) :)  Anyway.  But it's just something I felt like I wanted to pursue.  It's cheaper in the long run, yes.  It's good for the environment, yes.  But I'm not really someone who is super environmental friendly, I recycle what I can, but I am far from being a crunchy mama.

But, more and more I looked into it, cloth diapering was something I wanted to try.  If I really hate it, well, so be it.  I know I tried it.  Also, all the chemicals that are in the disposable diapers didn't really appeal to me.  I tried to research it a little, and most of the info are on cloth diapering sites...  I want to go find a resource that is unbiased, but here's what I did find in the meantime:

MALE INFERTILITY Disposable diapers could be the cause of the sharp rise in male infertility over the past 25 years. It is thought that disposable diapers heat up boys testicles to such a degree that it stop them from developing normal.

SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, which is linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome and can therefore no longer be used in tampons, is the super absorbent gel in disposable diapers. You can find the little "gel balls" on the skin of your baby's bottom. It is interesting to note that employees in factories manufacturing sodium polyacrylate suffer from female organ problems, slow healing wounds, fatigue and weight loss.

TBT (TRIBULYTIN) In May 2000 Greenpeace found TBT in Pampers® Baby Dry in Germany. TBT is one of the most toxic substances ever made. It harms the immune system and impairs the hormonal system. There is speculation that it could cause boys to become sterile.

DIOXIN Traces of the carcinogen Dioxin have been found in disposable diapers. Dioxin causes liver disease, immune system suppression and genetic damage. It is a byproduct of bleaching with chlorine gas and is banned in most countries. Unfortunately, the USA still allows it.

ASTHMA In 1998 a study showed that childhood respiratory problems, including asthma, might be linked to inhaling the mixture of chemicals emitted from disposable diapers.

UTI INFECTIONS IN BABY GIRLS also seem on the rise with an increased use of disposable diapers.

BABIES POORLY DEVELOPED OUTER SKIN LAYER ABSORBS ABOUT 48 CHEMICALS if you use disposable diapers & wipes and standard baby products. This can be greatly reduced by using cloth diapers and natural baby products. (Note:  This, I don't have a hard time believing.  Your skin is the largest organ on your body, it absorbs EVERYTHING, even as an adult.  So anything that is in the diaper, the baby absorbs as well.)

Anyway, so I thought I'd try cloth diapering, so I bought a newborn stash last night.  My stash looks like this:

12 x GMP (Green Mountain Prefolds) - size Newborn
12 x GMP - size Small
12 x Kissaluv Fitteds - size 0
5 x Thirsties Fitteds - size xs
3 x Prorap Cover - size Newborn
5 x Thirsties Duo - size 1
2 x Diaper Pail Liner
2 x Snappies

(Excellent resource:  www.jilliansdrawers.com)

I'm sure I'll eventually add to it, or if I hate it... <shrug> I'll sell them.  Cloth diapers, especially the Kissaluvs have great resale value, apparently.  So I have options.  And I do have some disposable ('sposies, as I've come to learn) diapers as a backup, that we received for our wedding shower.

Oh, and I'll be doing the dry pail method.  So no soaking diapers, no dunking, no swishing.  Really.

So, there it is. :)  I'm terrified.  But change is always terrifying.  Heck, this BABY is terrifying.  I am relieved that my mom will be here a couple of months to help me out!!  AND, even the nay sayers have to admit - how CUTE are these??

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Next stop:  baby carriers.  Mobys, Hotslings, Mei Tais, ring slings, padded slings, Ergos, Baby Bjorns, Oh My!