Chronicle of the announced end of washable diapers

When I was pregnant with my first son, Félix, one of the first things I did was to learn about cloth diapers. There was no way I was going to throw a few thousand diapers into the environment… but it’s true that I had some apprehensions. Were the diapers difficult to use? Did they work well? Would I have to change my washing machine?

After some research, my partner and I decided to buy a pack of 24 all-in-one diapers, found (new!) on Kijiji. We were particularly lucky, both because the purchase cost was reduced (about $425 for the diapers, a bag and laundry detergent), but especially because the BumGenius fit my two children perfectly.

When baby Marc was born, Felix had just been potty trained. We didn't have time to put the diapers away before they were back in service. In total, we spent a little over four years and countless washes with these faithful fabric combinations.

Now two years old, Marc is starting to use the potty, and by summer, I hope, we will say goodbye to cloth diapers. For bedtime, since we had not managed to find the perfect cloth diaper for nighttime, the children wore disposables.

My verdict?

• All-in-one diapers are as easy to use as disposable diapers. Even my mother was convinced!
• They do this from birth (or almost) until about three years old.
• Doing laundry is easy, and it takes less energy than walking to buy disposable diapers.
• I don't feel bad about changing a diaper when there's a number two who's just coming out with his pants pulled up, since I don't throw it away.
• Aesthetically, I find washable diapers prettier and more colorful than disposable ones.
• Used often, the purchase cost is quickly amortized… especially if they are for more than one child!

But there are still some downsides:

• Cloth diapers are (in my experience) less absorbent than disposable ones. That's why my kids don't wear them on long trips or at night.
• Not all daycares accept washable diapers.
• Sometimes you have to scrape poop when it overflows!
• You need a washing machine (or pay for a cleaning service).

In short, despite some inconveniences, I have not regretted once having chosen washable diapers. What are your favorites?

Photo credit: OMAÏKI