Convincing DH

SaltandVinegar · October 2014

Just wanted to see if anyone had any tips to help get DH on board with CD. He has agreed to give it a shot (he's not exactly thrilled though). MIL and many others are still trying to convince us that this is a horrible idea and we will give up within a couple of weeks. Because of this I have become more determined than ever to make this work and not give up

I've got a good list of what I plan to buy thanks to so many of you who have helped with my stash questions. I've also followed all of the washing routine posts and have a good idea of what to do there. I am a little worried because we have an older washer so I hope it holds up. Is there anything else you can recommend that helped get your DH on board and stay on board once LO is born?

freezorburn · October 2014

Older washers are great for CDs. Better at agitating than many of the newer HEs, IMO.

The cost can be persuasive for many people. Google "cloth diaper calculator" and you'll find several. You might be able to input the type of stash you are planning vs. the cost of what brand of disposable you would otherwise use.

But at the end of the day, you have your own reasons for wanting to CD. Whether it's for health reasons, environment, cost, or what have you, communicate to YH that those reasons are important to you, and stick to your guns.

bumpuser9353653 · October 2014

Cost is what tipped the scales for my DH. It started with LO having really sensitive skin and reacting badly to the disposables, but the cost breakdown finally convinced him.

We got aplix AI2s to start because they had less of a learning curve for him.

And I agree, ignore the naysayers. Your LO will have less leaks and a healthier bum. And you get to buy all the cute fluff :-)

Baby-Boo · October 2014

I told my husband I wanted to cloth diaper and he was seriously grossed out by the idea. However, his mom had cloth diapered him so she was all for it. I also went on YouTube and found videos (funny ones like mama naturals videos) that explained the process. After many weeks of discussing cost and the options, we decided on prefolds and covers (allowing him to help me make the choice of what kind of diapers we would use was really helpful). We used disposables for the first few weeks (baby was in NICU) and switched after. After a few days, DH was a fan. He saw that we had had leaks and blow-outs with disposables and none with cloth. Also, disposables stink! Our open CD pail doesn't smell at all. He is a believer and tells me all the time how much he prefers the cloth. Cost is a factor, but not the driving force of our choice.

Unknown · October 2014

This content has been removed.

Rrrrrachel · October 2014

Disposables really do smell so bad. Using cloth is just much more pleasant all the way around. And washing them is not that big of a deal.

countrycotton · October 2014

What they said. I would add, realistically how many diapers is DH going to change? My DH let me do whatever I wanted knowing that I would be doing at least 95% of all diaper changes, so what I wanted mattered more.

sasq09 · October 2014

My dh was totally against it when I first said I wanted to use cloth (before baby was here) I convinced him to let me try by promising I would do all the cloth work and he could use disposables if he tried and hated it. So that's how it started. Then he had to run out and buy diapers and though he'd been arguing with me that cloth wouldn't save as much money as people said, he saw how much sposies cost and had a change of heart. I bought pockets because he wont go near prefolds, and I do all the laundry, but he's fully on board now, which is good because we realized she gets horrible rashes from disposables. But it was buying that first pack that really made him see how expensive they are.

SaltandVinegar · October 2014

Thanks Everyone. I'm hoping it goes smoothly. Cost is the only reason he has even agreed to try it (and I promised to be in charge of laundry). I will be doing most of the newborn work but once LO goes to daycare I think we will end up splitting the rest of the changes about 50/50 (that's how I am envisioning this at least!) I am hoping he learns to love them eventually.

So happy to hear that my old washer should work too. We were in Home Depot last night and I saw all of the newer HE washers but don't want to spend the money on a new washer when ours is still holding up!

JEPES1348 · October 2014

AFwifelife said:

KATE732 said:

Thanks Everyone. I'm hoping it goes smoothly. Cost is the only reason he has even agreed to try it (and I promised to be in charge of laundry). I will be doing most of the newborn work but once LO goes to daycare I think we will end up splitting the rest of the changes about 50/50 (that's how I am envisioning this at least!) I am hoping he learns to love them eventually.

So happy to hear that my old washer should work too. We were in Home Depot last night and I saw all of the newer HE washers but don't want to spend the money on a new washer when ours is still holding up!

I know every family is different and everything but I wouldn't count on anything. I SAH with DS and even when DH comes home from work, I'm still the one doing the majority of the diaper changes.

I work full time and still end up doing most of the changes when we're both home. However, DH is the master poop sprayer, so he does that while I change her.

ABColeslaw · October 2014

A lot of people have side eyed us and judged us for cloth diapering. It is hard when your H is already on the fence and then has other people whispering in his ear that it is a bad idea. I would start with cost. But honestly, then jump right into your reasoning. I find that passion behind the argument can be just as persuasive.

I don't cloth diaper to save money. I just don't. I mean its nice. But that isn't why I do it, so if I had to convince someone based on that argument, I don't think I'm be convincing enough. If that makes sense.

Kelly11235 · October 2014

I got my hubby on board by saying I'd change all the poopy diapers.

He'll change them too now, but he likes using the disposable liners to help make poo cleanup easier. We also always have a few disposables around in case he doesn't want to use cloth or for when we go on long road trips and don't want to take a huge amount of cloth diapers with us..

BethanyAnn27 · October 2014

Cost will help get your DH on board! For me, I added up the cost of creating our newborn and infant stash (prefolds and covers) plus the cost of doing laundry every other day at a laundry mat (the more expensive option...we have been able to use the community washers at our apartment which saves us even more) and compared that to the cost of disposables. Even with the start up costs and the expensive laundry option vs the average cost of disposables, we ended up saving over $600 in the first year.

My DH was convinced with that, but still skeptical about the washing routine and actually dealing with the cloth. Once our DD was born, we used disposables while she was still passing meconium (basically, for about 24 hours after we got home). During that time, we changed her clothes 5 times and her cradle sheet twice because of leaks/blow outs. Once we changed over to the cloth diapers (and figured out how to properly use the covers) we have had NO leaking issues. Our wash cycle is a warm or cold water rinse, hot wash with 2T. of powdered tide + a rinse cycle, and a warm dry cycle. We wash every other day. Easy

We are actually doing less laundry now because DD isn't leaking all over her clothes now like she was with disposables. My DH was convinced that cloth was the way to go after seeing how much better they contained the mess and how easy the laundry way.

The above, plus the environmental benefits of using cloth vs disposables was more than enough for my DH. I hope that it will help your DH see the benefits of cloth as well. GL, and CD is totally worth it!

SaltandVinegar · October 2014

Thanks so much everyone! I've got until March to get this figured out so I've ordered a few things - - my CD journey has begun

I'll continue to stalk the board for new tips and advice.

PipSqueak0313 · October 2014

My dh agreed to try them after calculating how long we would have to use the cd to break even with the cost of using disposables.....which actually isn't very long. After a couple changes with cloth he was having me promise not to make him use disposable ones very often since he was having a hard time with the sposies tearing on him while putting, or rather attempting to put them on. The cloth was just sturdier and easier for him to handle. On the other hand, when I try to talk to him about the cd - unless it's something relevant to him caring for ds while I'm gone, he just rolls his eyes and tells me I'm the diaper expert do what I think I need to do.

DanandVan · October 2014

We used disposables with 2 out of 3 kids. We were idiots! Soooo many leaks and blow outs. So many boxes of crappy Target diapers purchased. We started with disposables for baby #3 but she had horrible diaper rashes that wouldn't go away. We switched to cloth, and the leaks/blowouts disappeared, along with the rashes, and we saved goo-gobs of money.

My husband was nervous about cloth, but quickly came around. Good luck to you! I remember seeing a photo of what 2 years of disposables look like (mountain of dirty diapers) next to what 2 years of cd looks like (small pile of adorable, neatly folded cloth diapers). That was way before we switched, but the image stuck with me - Google something like that to show your dh?

SaltandVinegar · October 2014

@DanandVan - I will do that! I didn't see that exact picture but I watched a documentary years ago (I think it was the Human Footprint from National geographic) that outlined how much waste was created and diapers was definitely included. I had a friend that mentioned CD and thinking back to that video is what initially motivated me to look into it. The cost savings doesn't hurt either though!

Unknown · October 2014

This content has been removed.

WeLiveInMaine · October 2014

I think if you do a little research and show him the numbers about how much you can save it might be more convincing than less tangible benefits. You can save over 2k easy.

tjkdlhb · October 2014

I miss my old washer.

sigh

cue tjletters going off to a corner singing "those were the days"

tjkdlhb · October 2014

We started using both cloth and some gifted disposables.

Now we only use cloth because they work better than disposables.

And it's nice to be able to diaper baby number two for the cost of a little replacement elastic and some detergent.

ETA: Every one of the naysayers have eaten their words since and swear that if cloth was like it is now when they had babies in diapers, that they would have chosen cloth.

Mandmeesh · October 2014

Just do what @AggieMom0809‌ did...have a husband that does no diaper changes ever. That way you get to do whatever you want

oh wait. Already married?

Money savings was a huge thing here. The savings really is amazing. Even if you buy all the diapers.

Also, screw all the naysayers. It's not a big deal to use cloth.

brownmouse · October 2014

Find one of those disposable diaper calculators that tells you how many of each size you go through for one kid. Then get average prices on diapers, and add up how much those would be by week, month and year. Show these numbers to DH, and be prepared to catch him when he has a nervous breakdown and passes out. Then bask in the glory that is the onboard DH.

ETA: https://www.diaperpin.com/calculator/calculator.asp

Kelly11235 · October 2014

theultimatesak said:

1 yr of disposables v. 1-3 years of cloth

Uh-huh....cause that's really the size of our diaper stashes lol.

AggieMom0809 · October 2014

Mandmeesh said:

Just do what @AggieMom0809‌ did...have a husband that does no diaper changes ever. That way you get to do whatever you want oh wait. Already married? Money savings was a huge thing here. The savings really is amazing. Even if you buy all the diapers. Also, screw all the naysayers. It's not a big deal to use cloth.

I get the sarcasm, but it works.

I've had so many people tell me cloth was a bad idea with my oldest and that I wouldn't stick with it. Well I didn't, but that was only because I didn't want to buy the next size. I wasn't passionate about it at the time and only ended up using cloth since my mother bought me the prefolds and covers and I felt obligated to use them. OSs were around, but expensive and rare. Now almost everything is OS (aside from the nb). Hopefully I can stick to it this time around considering how big my stash is already.

Into+the+Kitty · October 2014

AggieMom0809 said:

Mandmeesh said:

Just do what @AggieMom0809‌ did...have a husband that does no diaper changes ever. That way you get to do whatever you want oh wait. Already married? Money savings was a huge thing here. The savings really is amazing. Even if you buy all the diapers. Also, screw all the naysayers. It's not a big deal to use cloth.

I get the sarcasm, but it works.

I've had so many people tell me cloth was a bad idea with my oldest and that I wouldn't stick with it. Well I didn't, but that was only because I didn't want to buy the next size. I wasn't passionate about it at the time and only ended up using cloth since my mother bought me the prefolds and covers and I felt obligated to use them. OSs were around, but expensive and rare. Now almost everything is OS (aside from the nb). Hopefully I can stick to it this time around considering how big my stash is already.

I dunno. I, for one, am kind of hoping you don't.

Into+the+Kitty · October 2014

Mapleme said:

Into+the+Kitty said:

AggieMom0809 said:

Mandmeesh said:

Just do what @AggieMom0809‌ did...have a husband that does no diaper changes ever. That way you get to do whatever you want oh wait. Already married? Money savings was a huge thing here. The savings really is amazing. Even if you buy all the diapers. Also, screw all the naysayers. It's not a big deal to use cloth.

I get the sarcasm, but it works.

I've had so many people tell me cloth was a bad idea with my oldest and that I wouldn't stick with it. Well I didn't, but that was only because I didn't want to buy the next size. I wasn't passionate about it at the time and only ended up using cloth since my mother bought me the prefolds and covers and I felt obligated to use them. OSs were around, but expensive and rare. Now almost everything is OS (aside from the nb). Hopefully I can stick to it this time around considering how big my stash is already.

I dunno. I, for one, am kind of hoping you don't.

It's people like you that cause other people to stop CDing.

AggieMom0809 · October 2014

Mapleme said:

Into+the+Kitty said:

AggieMom0809 said:

Mandmeesh said:

Just do what @AggieMom0809‌ did...have a husband that does no diaper changes ever. That way you get to do whatever you want oh wait. Already married? Money savings was a huge thing here. The savings really is amazing. Even if you buy all the diapers. Also, screw all the naysayers. It's not a big deal to use cloth.

I get the sarcasm, but it works.

I've had so many people tell me cloth was a bad idea with my oldest and that I wouldn't stick with it. Well I didn't, but that was only because I didn't want to buy the next size. I wasn't passionate about it at the time and only ended up using cloth since my mother bought me the prefolds and covers and I felt obligated to use them. OSs were around, but expensive and rare. Now almost everything is OS (aside from the nb). Hopefully I can stick to it this time around considering how big my stash is already.

I dunno. I, for one, am kind of hoping you don't.

It's people like you that cause other people to stop CDing.

People like me or kitty?

Nvywife · October 2014

I love reading all the threads that kitty is on.

myeumyeu · November 2014

I'm pregnant with my first, so have little hands on experience. I convinced DH with cost, environment, and a promise to be flexible and use disposable if we're really busy or out or family is watching the kid. I think he felt better knowing it would never get too difficult.

I'm betting that it will be easier than he fears once we get started and get experienced.

Vanopynen · November 2014

Im in the same boat Dhs was and still is soo against it, he doesnt want to play in poop, my mother in law is "discussed" by it and has asked when she watches the baby can she use disposables. To that I say nope! But for the husband I tried every tactic, he kept saying no its gross, I said I wanna try so then I just bought a few here and there that were a great deal or got a few passed down from friends! bc I want to try it and if he doesnt thats fine but when I change her *which will be the majority of the time* I will use cloth. He has come along to now say he will help me change a pee diaper when she gets here but not poop, ill take it im pretty sure I would be doing poop duty in either type of diapers, now he just rolles his eyes when I buy cloth

tjkdlhb · November 2014

Vanopynen said:

Im in the same boat Dhs was and still is soo against it, he doesnt want to play in poop, my mother in law is "discussed" by it and has asked when she watches the baby can she use disposables. To that I say nope! But for the husband I tried every tactic, he kept saying no its gross, I said I wanna try so then I just bought a few here and there that were a great deal or got a few passed down from friends! bc I want to try it and if he doesnt thats fine but when I change her *which will be the majority of the time* I will use cloth. He has come along to now say he will help me change a pee diaper when she gets here but not poop, ill take it im pretty sure I would be doing poop duty in either type of diapers, now he just rolles his eyes when I buy cloth

Wanna know what's gross?!?

https://www.google.ca/search?q=great+pacific+garbage+patch&client=firefox-a&hs=j8l&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=nts&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=3cNWVO7tDsOfyATB0ILQDw&ved=0CDAQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=631

A large part of it is disposable diapers... which get eaten by fish. Then we eat fish. Yummy.

Want a personalized experience?

Convincing DH

Re: Convincing DH

Choose Another Board

Search Boards