On diapers and department stores

Everyone is doing it. Should we? Non-disposable cloth diapers are trendy. The are eco-friendly, you'll save tons of money, and make it makes you look hip and cool, so this century. The good ones make your baby's bottom feel good as well.

(Sidenote: wikipedia definition of diaper: "an absorbent garment worn by individuals who are incapable of controlling their bladder or bowel movements, or are unable or unwilling to use a toilet". Glad I know that exactly now.)

It turns out the question is a hairy one. Actually, the cloth diapers can be pretty expensive, at least the luxury ones can cost $600 (or something) for a good set. And there are some (disputed, yes) studies that say that the environmental effect over the whole life cycle is actually pretty equal when you compare disposables and cloth diapers. Go figure.

I think best approach is to try small way with a mixed approach and then go bigger with the clothe ones if we are up to the task of keeping them cleaned. The baby might use 10000 of diapers over the first years, so it is a lot of money.

Holidays were good time for shopping. We succeeded in the first furniture buy for the baby: a cabinet / armoire / closet for the clothes and stuff. After visiting 12 stores, on a whim we stepped in to the most expensive department store in White Plains, and accidentally found a very good deal on good looking cabinets. Who would imagine Bloomingdale's having better deal than a discount furniture store? Go figure again.

Final note: just had a chat with a friend here. There is at least five babies expected for (male) colleagues here within ~a month next spring. There must be something in the water in the Nokia office. At least the 2nd floor.