Cloth Diapering: A Year in Review

My baby girl is now 18 months old and we've been cloth diapering since day 1. We've come a long way since that fateful day in July 2011. I love my diapers, I've learned to love diaper laundry. I love how cute my daughter's butt is compared to other baby's plain disposables. When we started I was committed to playing the field, not buying into one style 100%.

That worked great for us. Every baby has a different shape and grows at different rates. I found that at those awkward growth stages, we stuck to prefolds and covers. When she filled out in the thighs we had great success with one size pockets. Now that she's about 22 lbs I find we lean towards fitted AIOs.

eBay, Craigslist, and Consignment

Buying on Ebay, at diaper consignment sales, and off Craigslist offered us the best prices. Locally, my favorite diaper store Top To Bottom Baby have a bi-annual diaper consignment sale called Fluff Again, they've even expanded into Kansas City. Not only could I cycle through the dud diapers and make some of my money back, but I got the chance to find fully prepped diapers I knew I liked. As long as you're willing to take the gamble, Ebay is awesome (and addictive).  I know there's a lot of debate about the cheap Chinese pockets you can get on Ebay. They are knock-offs and hurt the American market. yackety shmakety- I bought about 10 of them and we STILL use about 5 of them regularly. They didn't fit right way, and they aren't the kind of diaper I'd use if we were going to be out. But they are great at home, day time diapers.  On several of the other more 'respectable' brand name diapers I've purchased on Ebay, I've more than made my money back in resale.
         The key is responsible shipping. DON'T GUESS! Weigh your diapers and price accordingly.

Craigslist has also been a cornucopia of goodness. I got 10 Kissaluvs size 2 and 9 Kissaluvs doublers for $50. Most of them had never even been used, not even prepped.

Personal Favorites!

hands down, I love my Swaddlebees Simplex 2.0 fitted diapers. I've had 4 and currently have 2. They're a bit pricey for my budget, but totally worth it. Side Snap diapers are the bees knees, seriously. They are trimmer, and you can size the waist and thighs differently.  Some pants don't fit exactly right with the fluffy butts, but side snap diapers tend to fit in there a bit better.

Almost Graduated

I am taking 7 minutes away from writing my research paper to do a little blog post. I need to keep writing, but if I have to think about railroad passenger cars for one more second my head may burst.

That's right, Railroad Passenger Cars .   Not just any old cars. I'm talking about ALL mother fucking passenger cars. Coach, Sleeper, Dining, Observation. You name it, I've got 6 paragraphs on it.  Pullman, Wagner, leaf spring, berth- All keywords I wish I could forget.

You know the funny thing? This is not my first research paper. It's not my first 25 page paper. But it is the first time I've been forced to write on a topic so dull and dreary that I actually despise history.

Side note- as of 6PM this evening I'll be finished with my college education. Only took 10 years. Not bad for a mother, wife, and outstanding full time employee.
(dammit, only 4 minutes to type all that)