Ok, so my motivation for trying G diapers was first and foremost, to save money. Contrary to popular belief that G diapers are more expensive, here is how it really breaks down. A pack of 34 size 4 Pampers diapers (my preferred brand) costs about $12. A pack of 30 refills of g diapers (size M) is $15. So yeah they're a few bucks more and there is an upfront investment. The starter kit is $28 and brings 2 g pants and 3 plastic liners. I recommend having at least 4 g pants and 8 plastic liners (just in case)but I've gotten by with 3..handwashing when needed). The reason this will end up saving me money though is because I plan on using cloth inserts at home, and only using disposable (flushable) inserts while out and about and at her first diaper change right when she wakes up, because after her morning bottle she always has a poop, and I would rather flush the poop than have it on cloth. (we'll see if that works)ok so here are my notes
Fit & leaks. The fit is awesome! My favorite part of the whole deal. The diapers seem more comfortable for my baby and they look great on. With my daughter for some reason we've had major fit issues with both Huggies, Pampers and Seventh Generation. The bigger sizes are too big around her waist and go up too high and the size that seems appropriate causes major leaks and blowouts. I've had so so many leaks and blowouts with her using pampers and huggies, that I've honestly considered writing letters and demanding refunds. I'll spare you the gross details, but a few weeks ago she was literally in a diaper naked at the doctors office because of the mess she made all over her clothes (and I stopped carrying extra clothes long ago). The first g diaper though did have a major leak, the whole thing was wet but it was completely my fault since the diaper was on for way too long. Poor baby. She was in the car seat and I just didn't notice. I would've had a leak with a pampers brand in this case too.
Flushable & Water usage issues: They are completely flushable. I wont even consider composting them. I'm not that devoted to this cause yet. Sorry. But they are so much better for the environment even if you just throw them away. And for those who think flushing ends up costing you more money and wasting more water...I say, if your kid were potty trained they'd be flushing. If this is an issue just throw them away. Also, with how many accidents my daughter was having we were changing her clothes several times a day, which created a lot more laundry. It balances out.
Helpful Tips.
Changing: Have another gpant ready with liner and insert before removing the current diaper. Since you will not be wrapping it up like a burrito. It's best to just take off the whole thing. I find that I'm able to use just 2 or 3 g pants throughout the day and I haven't had poop on the liner yet so I've been able to reuse those for a few diaper changes..I like to change the inner liner each time it gets pee on it, but you could just wipe the thing too.
Cloth diapering. I have a small garbabe pail in the bathroom, the kind with the foot pedal and tight seal, I've just been putting the soiled cloth diaper in the pail. At night I soak them in the sink with a bit of baking soda and lightly hand wash in the sink. I hang them over the shower thing and stick them in the dirty laundry right when I wake up for a second wash. I'm probably creating more work, and this may be too many steps for some but I'm very sensitive to smells and I don't want to let the soiled diapers sit for too long. If this becomes something I dread, i will use strictly flushable inserts period since the price is not that different.
At night, I've been putting a cloth diaper and a flushable insert. It's a bit bulky but she doesn's seem to mind. So far she wakes up feeling more dry, less stinky ( I hate the way diapers smell when they're really full in the morning.) and NO LEAKS!
So in conclusion
The bad: More steps, Initial investment, my husband hates the whole thing so I have to change all the diapers now, and you have to deal with poop a little more (as oppossed to just wrapping it all up in a disposable.
The Good: I'm saving money (this is huge!). Better fit (I can't even tell you...). More comfort (so I feel like a better parent). They look adorable! Enviromentally friendly! NO MORE insane blowouts and leaks (the wide waistband alone helps with this). Did I mention they look ADORABLE!
Hope this helps. It's really not as involved as it sounds. I'm very mindful of time and efficiency and I promise this has only added a few extra minutes of work a day for me and I calculated I saved about 10 disposables in a 24 hour period, and since time is money, this is the biggest time saver of all.
added bonuses. When I run out of disposables, I don't have to run to the store I can just slip a cloth in the g diaper. The only place to buy them is the cutest store ever in South Tampa--I love going there and looking at all the beautiful bugaboo strollers, amazing high chairs, and adorable toys. This store Seedlings, also has a story time every Friday,and organic cooking classes for baby food.
Oh and the best part of this post....I found a link for a tutorial on making a cloth diaper pocket much like the $3 a piece bum genius and . This is basically a pocket to slip a cloth diaper in. Check it out here.
I will keep everyone updated, as things can always change. ◦
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