Ok, so here's the situation:
We are temporarily living in my in-laws basement. I love them, and we get along great, most of the time. However, I have been talking about cloth diapering my baby for months. I finally decide that I am going to, invest the money in it. And out of nowhere, FIL and MIL say they don't want me to use cloth diapers. The idea of putting poo in the washer grosses them out. Ok, I get that! I will hand wash, or go to a laundry mat a couple times a week. My MIL says: "well, maybe this summer, but right now our house is running in a semi chaos, and I just don't think it's gonna work for us." They never change baby man's dipes... It's all me! Maybe I'm just being ridiculous... but who are they to tell me I can't choose a healthier option for, our baby, environment, and our wallet? I mean really? Your gonna tell me what I can and can't put on my baby's butt?
Re: Cloth diapers and In-laws
I can see their point. Either you use their washer, or you leave poopy cloths around for days at a time until you go to a laundry mat. I'm guessing either idea grosses them out.
It's tough, but since it is their home, and they're not just weighing in on what you should or should not do in your own home, I think they've got the right to say what they're thinking, and I'm thinking you should respect it. What does your DH think?
Twice a week is not every other day.
I'd get the diapers and not say a word. If you're the one changing diapers, they wouldn't notice for a while anyway. Just get a sprayer for the toilet to get most of the poo off, store them properly, and go to the laundry mat.
FWIW, I had some clothes that were so bad, they went straight in the trash.
Brandi has a good idea as well. Ask them to let you do it for a week or two. You never know it may even convert them I loved CDing but I had to do this for DH's benefit.
Just be prepared for them to say no and understand that since this is a temporary living arrangment you will have the freedom to do it soon enough
Isn't that a big investment?
She says she is ready to invest in CDing and they are ready to go. If thats true and the living arrangment is in fact temp. then no not really. she would simply be starting her supply. and she could even use it as an oppurtunity to figure out which CDing system works best for her family.
They do have trials for cheap through Jullians drawers.
But there can be a learning curve. I'd hate to fail and have them say no.
Have you asked their concern about it being stored airtight and not in their washer?
I live in my ILs basement and we CD. They don't notice unless I'm actually doing the laundry and the machine is in use. My MIL was hesitant at first, because she does change the boys. But she thinks the "new" cloth diapers are super cool.
I would try to have a quiet conversation and tell them your specific plans for addressing their concerns.
This. Properly stored, frequently washed CDs don't smell nearly as bad as a diaper pail of dirty disposables. If you're not using their washer I really don't think they should have any kind of say in it, even if you're in their house. There are going to be dirty diapers around one way or another, what does it matter what they are made of?
I would bring it up again though at some point, explain that most poop goes in the toilet where it belongs. Offer to wipe down the washer with a mild bleach solution after using it, and chip in extra for the water bill, if they would allow you to use the washer. Otherwise, stick with the laundry mat til you can get your own place.
I'm sorry your family isn't supportive, that sucks.
People who don't cloth diaper are often way off base about what it actually entails.
The diapers go into a pail that is lined with an antibacterial, anti-smell liner. All poop is disposed of into the toilet, where poop goes. If they don't want residuals in their washer, I can see that. Many worse things go into washers, so it's stupid, but it's their prerogative. But if you're the one doing all the diapering and laundering at the laundromat then I don't believe they have a say in whether you choose to CD, whether you live with them or not.
Sounds to me like they're just looking for one reason or another to deter you from CDing. I'm sure if you find a way around their current excuses they'll simply find new ones.
// I love you too. //
You've said you'll go to the laundromat. So once you take out THEIR washer out of the equation, I'm not sure what this has to do w/ your ILs at all. Why is this something to be discussed any further?
Use CDs. Don't talk to them about it. Go to the laundromat. I'll bet you it will take some time before they clue in that you've switched. And when they do clue in, they'll see that it's NO IMPACT on them what-so-ever.
I really don't get how this decision, at this point, has anything to do w/ them at all.
~Benjamin Franklin
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10
Yeah, if they think they have a problem with CDs stinking up the place, they have a surprise in store with stinky sposies in the trash can. I can understand they don't want you to use their washer (well, no, I don't understand that, but I'd let it be), but if you're willing to go to the laundromat I don't see what the problem is. But, do you really want to spend 2 hours at the laundromat every 2 days? That would suck.
bfp#4 3/19/2014 edd 12/1/2014 please let this be the one!
beta @ 5w0d = 12,026! u/s 4/22/14 @ 8w1d it's twins!
We use a diaper service. Most of the people on the CD board will tell you it's not worth it, but to us, it is.
We get prefolds from the service, a diaper pail, deodorizer disc, and pail liner. We pay $78/month and also buy maybe one package per month of disposables for overnights/travel. So we maybe spent $88/month on diapers total. I don't know how much disposables cost per month full time, but I think we're about even. Add in the benefits of cloth and I think we're ahead.
ETA: We put the diapers outside one pickup day and come home to a bag full of fresh diapers that night.
If you're willing to go to a laundromat, though, I don't see how it's any of their business.
I second this! If you aren't using their washer, this doesn't affect their house and shouldn't be their business.
She's already said she is willing to go to the laundromat. If that's the case, it's not thier business.
Did you already buy the diapers? If so, use them and go to the laundromat. They really cant' tell you what to do with your baby and your money.
If not, I'd probably just use disposables for the time being.