So, I decided to switch to cloth, but as my stash of disposable diapers gets smaller and smaller there is a feeling growing larger and larger in my stomach. I have the jitters, but why am I nervous about using cloth diapers? Oh, I am not getting cold feet, but I am a little terrified of making the switch. I don't intend to back out of my decision. When I purchased them I knew there would be a learning curve as we all adjusted to the new way of doing things around here. Now with my supply of disposables nearly gone, I will have to make the switch to cloth diapers by the end of next week ready or not.
I know a lot of people out there use cloth diapers, that this is nothing new. In fact, disposable diapers have only been an option for a few decades. Cloth diapers have been the way to pamper baby's bottom for so long they make dinosaurs look young. Besides, in the last decade cloth diapers have evolved right along with our cell phones. They are so much easier and less messy than before. I don't have to worry about folding the cloth wrong or putting the diaper pin through baby's skin like our parents and grandparents had to. Now cloth diapers are cool and colorful and less bulky with adjustable Velcro fasteners. Besides, there are dozens of options. So what am I afraid of?
Out with the Old! In with the New!
I am afraid because this is not just a temporary experiment to see if cloth diapers are going to work for my lifestyle. This is an entire lifestyle change. You see, it isn't just cloth diapers. I am replacing all the disposable items in our home with reusable resources. I am replacing everything from paper towels to tampons with a reusable alternative. I am changing the way we live our lives and the products we spend our money on.I bought cloth diapers, and I will be using cloth wipes as well. I am restricting my family to paper napkins only for birthdays and large gatherings. For our day to day needs we are now using cloth napkins. No more paper plates and plastic forks and spoons. No more paper towels. Now we will be using hand towels and dish cloths. I am stocking up on handkerchiefs and leaving no stone un-turned as we switch to reusable resources. I even used my first menstrual cup this week, and surprisingly I am already adjusting with ease to the changes.
Money Pits or Investments?
We are no longer pouring money into the pit of non-consumable groceries, instead we are investing our money into reusable resources that will save us money and stress in the long run.
When the prices for tampons go up, it won't effect my monthly budget at all because I am already making the switch to the menstrual cup and sea sponge tampons and cloth liners and pads. When the price of disposable diapers goes up my stress level won't spike because I already have all the diapers I will need for the rest of forever no matter how many kids I have. Inflation won't get under my skin as much as it used to before, because I am Murphy-proofing my life.
I am making the switch now to reusable items where possible so when the time comes that disposable commodities are no longer affordable (or no longer even available), I will already be accustomed to this lifestyle. I will already be comfortable and my stress level will not need to soar along with the price of non-consumable products because I will have already gone through those adjustments during times of low economic stress. What about you? Do you need a "diaper change"?
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| Picture taken from http://gadbaby.com/blog/ |
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