Taking a step back in time

Its been 3 months now since I have converted to reusable nappies.

And I don't think I would go back... actually wish I had done it sooner...

Sure,  there is more work involved, but once your in rhythm with this.. it is easier than you think.  I actually find that my whites get washed more often, just because I have to wash nappies everyday.

As my mum said, "its lovely to see a line full of white nappies blowing in the breeze".... I have to admit it I love it too!

Pros:

• Money saver ( one pack of terry towelling cost me $49nz, two Snappies, two overnight nappy boosters, and handknitted soakers ) Not only am I saving on buying nappies, but I am saving in on our rubbish bags ( 4 bucks a council bag here! yikes )
• Natural cloth bums - just something nice about natural fibres close to the skin
• Helping reduce landfill - I know, an obvious one, but definately one of the reasons I chose cloth nappies.
• Washing is more regular - This may not be great for everyone, but I have found this to be a great motivator to keep the washing pile down, I have found the bottom of my washing basket quite alot, and my woolens are washed within a couple of days rather then piling up ( if only there was a motivator for the rest of the house work )

Cons:

•  More Washing - Have to be honest here, not everyone would find this a pro
• Regular Changing - Although this can be a pro, I'll be the first to admit of leaving my child in disposable diapers for too long
• Regular clothing generally doesn't fit - big bulky diapers, don't fit under many modern day clothing, lucky I can sew!
• Get used to getting close and personal with poo - you can't avoid it, no wrapping it up in a diaper and throwing it away! But really it is just a earlier introduction, because once toilet training happens, many accidents occur in underwear.
• Bulky diapers = Big butt - yes this is cute, but unless you know that a child is wearing cloth diapers, I have found people tend to mention how large your child is.... my lil miss has a big scrumptious belly, rolls on her legs, a sway in her back + a cloth diaper, it makes her look much more bulkier than she really is.... this is obviously a personal opinion, and one that I have a issue with ( one that I need to get over, but just being honest )

I'm sure there are other pros/cons, but these are the ones that stand out to me.  There are great resources out there if you would like to make the change.  I am a mum of four, and although I briefly did the cloth diaper nappy stint with my first child,  it took me a couple more kids to give it a try again! So glad I did....

A couple of helpful links

• http://www.thenappylady.co.uk/public/articledetails.aspx?id=140 for loads of folds, and they are shown via youtube.  I am using the gaynor fold for girls
• www.thenappynetwork.org.nz  lots of information, and forums with lots of information ie: how to lanolise your soakers.

By making this choice, I have been able to put my knitting skills to good use, and use up some of my stash. 

I knitted these vanilla soakers by Kelly Brooker on Ravelry.

Great pattern and seamless, which I love.

Along with all this nappy business, I have kept to part of my new years resolution with baking more, which has helped reduce the food bill.  With only a $150 dollars a week to spend on food, a weekly menu to stick to has not only helped day to day routine but also reduced the food bills..... add foraging to the mix and my vege garden ( love you courgettes ) and it has become a personal challenge to end up with change from my $150, last week I spent $70 yippee!

Above Clockwise: Foraged Plums ( yum jam ), Busy People Bread by Annabel Langbein, Homemade Tortilla ( so cheap to make and much better than store bought,  Chickpea salad with pizza ( dough made with crusty flat bread recipe, another of Annabels )

I still buy at least three 3lt bottles of milk a week, and one 1kg block of cheese, plus a load of butter when on special. 

But to counteract this, I have reduced the amount of meat we eat ( even mince is expensive here 12.95 a kg for crap mince ), and increased pulses, veges in our diet, plus it is possible my kids are getting sick of rice :)

The biggest help to achieve this, has been planning ahead of time, and not being caught out at the last minute, too often a trip to the four square ends up being $30 or more when we are caught short.

I guess all I am doing is taking a leaf out of my Mums/Nanas book, and although it is hard work, it is rewarding ... so bring it on!