Why Cloth Diapering Made Me A Better Mother

Why cloth diapering made me feel like a better mother

I know what you're thinking, oh here goes another mom on her high horse thinking she's better than everyone else because she used cloth diapers.  That's actually not the point I'm trying to make so please keep reading.

As moms we are all responsible for our own children and the choices we make in parenting and caring for them.  For some of us it's homeschooling that makes us feel proud, dedicated and like we're going the extra mile for their sake.  For others it might be the act of breastfeeding, making babyfood from scratch or keeping an immaculate home.

I personally was not a natural born cook or housekeeper.  I suck at organization, cleaning and I am the least talented or creative chef I know.  If it weren't for my husband my kids would probably eat some form of pasta with meat sauce at every meal.

I breastfed, so I can pat myself on the back for that, however while I felt it was the best choice for my babies it was also the route that took the least amount of work on my part.  I never had to buy formula, clean bottles, sterilize nipples or wake up for late night feedings.  Breastfeeding allowed me sleep in later than I probably should have, nurse on demand while laying on the couch watching my favorite shows and popping my breast in their mouth every time they fussed was a quick and easy solution for every whine.

Cloth diapering on the other hand, took a lot of work on my part.  I'm not saying that to scare you off from it, I'm saying that in my life the act of keeping the cloth diapers organized, clean and odor-free and available for continued use took a lot of effort on my part and made me proud.  Dirty diapers can not sit in the pail for too long or they'll grow mold, similarly they can't sit in the washer without being immediately dried or they'll develop an odor.  Some require prepping, folding and stuffing and making sure I had enough for outings and overnight took planning.

My last minute tendencies just wouldn't cut it, if you need diapers and they aren't clean, well then you're simply out of luck.  Cloth diapering taught me a lot about what it meant and felt like to make a choice that wasn't just based on what was the most convenient.

I can't deny that grabbing a disposable, slapping it on the baby and then tossing it in the garbage when you are done is easy but I can say without a doubt, that cloth diapering made me personally feel like a better mother.  Something that seemed like a lot of work initially, turned into a lifestyle choice I actually enjoyed putting work into.  Knowing that I could diaper my babies without constant trips to the store for disposables must be similar to what it feels like to grow and provide your family with their own food, I felt grounded, independent, accomplished and appreciative.

As mothers I think it's important to do what makes you feel best.  Cloth diapering made me feel like a better mom, what makes you feel like one?