Since I posted the link to the birth story of little Nella Cordelia here,
it has truly touched many hearts.
As a follow up,
here's the account of that beautiful night from the perspective of Kelle's dad (Nella's grandpapa) in two parts:
I'm hoping that passing on this story will touch the hearts of others to see life in a different light,
to appreciate what you have,
and to learn how to truly love.
Choices, choices, choices.
Life is all about making choices, isn't it?
Now that we're expecting this baby, there are even more choices we have to make.
Important ones, because we are making them on behalf of another person who has no say over what choices we make on his behalf.
So naturally, alot of research goes into these choices.
Choice #1: Singaporean or Australian
Choice #2: To circumcise or not to circumcise
Choice #3: Baby Xander's chinese name
Choice #4: Breastfeed or formula feed
Choice #5: Cloth nappies or disposables
Choice #6: Natural birth or assisted birth
etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc...
Tough, isn't it?
Today I was focusing on Choice #5, the cloth vs disposables debate.
If I want convenience for me and husband, then disposables win hands-down.
If I want cost-effectiveness, then cloth wins.
If I want best for baby, then cloth wins.
If I want environmentally-friendly, then there's an argument for both, but to me, cloth wins.
So my conclusion is that we'll go for cloth nappies.
Perhaps disposables will be used part-time for times when we are traveling,
or when someone else is babysitting,
or for those first weeks after he comes home and we're trying to get used to a new life and routine with him, while trying to get enough rest at the same time.
*shrugs*
Now, when I say cloth nappies, you think about those really old-school ones that we used to use when we were babies right?
You know those square muslin cloths that you need to fold correctly?
Those that you struggle to put onto a wriggly baby, trying to secure it with a safety pin whilst trying desperately not to prick baby?
Those that don't seem to stay up securely on an active baby and whatever poo-xplosions and pee-xplosions that happen will land everywhere else but in the nappy itself?
Well, those days are over my friend.
Today, they are known as MCNs, or modern cloth nappies.
They cost a whole lot more than those square flat muslin cloths that you have to pre-fold,
but they still are a gazillion times cheaper than disposable diapers like Pampers or Huggies.
Husband and I had a look, and my research confirmed it - that EACH disposable diaper costs 50 cents (good stuff so there's no leakage and rash),
which means you could work your way through $5 worth of diapers a day, especially during those newborn days when baby will pee and/or poop up to 10-12 times a day.
And I think having gone through the newborn stage with my brother especially, I don't doubt that.
From birth to toilet training at about 2.5 years of age,
baby will go through about 6500 disposable diapers,
which works out to be around $3000.
And we know the bigger the baby gets, the bigger the sizes, and the bigger the price tags.
If I choose to use cloth nappies for the baby boy,
here's what I can get:
All-In-Ones: these basically are just like disposable diapers, with ultra-absorbent inner layer made of natural fabric, and waterproof outer layer to keep clothes dry. And they come in all sorts of wonderful colours and designs! With the elastic waist and leg bands, no leaking and perfect fit, unlike to old-school stuff :) They can all be washed and tumble-dried, and all we would need is a few for perhaps the night, or outings. One size fits most from newborn to toddlers... cool!
All-In-Twos: these are pretty much similar to the all-in-ones, but just that the inner absorbent layer is snapped on and can be changed without changing the outer waterproof layer. Easier to wash, easier to dry, and cheaper! Also good for over night, outings, travelling and babysitters :)
Fitted nappies + waterproof cover: these would probably make up the bulk of the cloth nappy system I'll wanna use. Basically its a fitted absorbent nappy that is easy to fasten and adjust, plus a fitted waterproof nappy cover. Obviously all you need to do is change the inner one, and reuse the outer one for the whole day before washing it. The absorbent fitted nappies are made of either bamboo or hemp, both super absorbent, natural and some of the most renewable resources on our Planet Earth :)
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| Bamboo |
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| Hemp |
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| How it works... |
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| Pretty coloured waterproof covers |
It's amazing how far cloth nappies have come from those old-school days huh?
I love these, because they are not only cost-effective, functional, good for baby and environment, they are gorgeous and will make my baby look so darn cute and colourful!
I'm sure they are a million times more comfy for baby too...
I mean, think about it. You don't like disposable underwear cos they are the most uncomfortable creations on earth right? Same for baby I'm sure :)
To set myself up with a complete full-time cloth nappy system, I'll need approximately:
2 to 4 all-in-ones
4 to 8 all-in-twos
30 fitted nappies
8 waterproof nappy covers
Total cost: about $700-$900
Oh and not to mention that I can still use the folded old-school cloth nappies that my mummy has already bought, and combine it with the waterproof cover ;)
But it still sounds like a whole lot of money eh?
Well, it is...
But it's an investment.
Because baby will be able to wear them for at least 2 years,
and subsequent babies (no.2 is in the planning remember?) can too!
I guess this will be where the rest of our tax return will go to.
(all products from http://www.babybeehinds.com.au/store/pc/Home-d40.htm)
Yes I do know that this means laundry.
A lot of laundry.
But I am also prepared for it... after all, who prepares to welcome a new pooping, peeing, puking, crying little person without preparing for more laundry loads right?
And if I'm gonna be the full-time stay-at-home-mum that we are planning on,
laundry will just be part of my day.
And it'll be an extra load every 2 days... in the grand scheme of things, no biggie.
For the little one, it will be worth it.
I don't want crazy harmful chemicals affecting my precious little bundle of love...
did you know that disposable nappies contain small amounts of dioxin (or something like that), which is one of the most lethal carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemical often used in household products?
Plus if I'm not gonna be earning my fair share of an income,
the least I can do is make some economical choices to save money wherever I can.
And yes I know some of the comments that will come from some people,
especially my parents perhaps.
That I'm lazy and I'm gonna give up on it because I can't be bothered anymore after a while.
Well, I don't wanna hear any non-constructive comments or criticism.
I believe the choice has been made,
but I am flexible enough to leave my options open because I know situations can change at any point in time.
This concludes my argument for the day :)
Now I just need to convince husband,
and figure out the best combination of products to start with.
Oh and wait for money to roll in so I can actually order.
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