Thoughts on Having two in cloth

This post about having two children in cloth diapers (or trainers) at the same time is brought to you by Smart Bottoms, and I received product for review purposes. 

For the past year, I have had two children in cloth. A YEAR!?

For the first six months, it was MOSTLY cloth diapers for both boys. I was trying to potty train our oldest, but it wasn’t working out, so he was still in diapers the majority of the time.

About six months ago, BAM! Our oldest son decided it would be all potty, all the time (while awake!). So we were cloth trainers in the day and cloth diapers at night. And even though now I feel safe letting him wear big-boy underwear when he’s awake, he still wears a trainer for naps and long trips, and a cloth diaper for overnight. We’re just not totally done yet!

So what’s it like having two in cloth diapers? (for over a YEAR!?).

Well, yes, it’s a LOT of laundry! Those six months when they were both in diapers (newborns around 10-12 a day!) I staggered a bit under the loads of laundry that had to be done every day or every other! (And huge thank-yous to hubby who just kept the laundry churning through so many times when I was too tired!).

The good part? As the baby grew and fit into the one-size diapers, and my oldest stayed dry more and more, the laundry decreased. And… I could use the same diapers for both boys (did I? not totally, just because I have plenty to go around, but I COULD and DID from time to time). And, because you’re already an expert at cloth diapering one baby, honestly adding another to the mix isn’t that big of a deal (except the laundry! LOL!).

The best part was throwing just 2 one-size diapers in my diaper bag and knowing I could use either one on either kid. (Versus packing separate diapers for each boy). Awesome.

When you’re diapering TWO children at once, you tend to reach for your favorite diapers over and over… because it’s just easier. Me? I’m growing more and more fond of all-in-ones, despite their higher price! And because more of them are offered as one-size diapers.

I discovered an old favorite that became a NEW favorite! Smart Bottoms – remember I hosted a virtual cloth diaper party with the founder/owner Christy years (years!?) ago? Well… I loved how their diapers use organic cotton inner fabric and the fit was great. But I admit the all-in-one took awhile to air dry because it had sewn in layers, and you had to buy it in different sizes, so cost was a factor.

But now… the Smart Bottoms Smart One 3.0 is upgraded to a one-size diaper, with a fold out insert (attached) that dries quickly (oh, and you CAN put these in your dryer but force of habit, I rarely do).

The insert and inner organic cotton fabric is even softer than ever and has not pilled, despite many washings.

There’s four rise and four waist settings, so it fits birth to potty (love it!). And the wide elastics give comfort to baby’s chunky thighs and waist!

And… lest big brother (or sister as your case may be) be left out… Smart Bottoms has a new cloth training pant, the Lil Trainer! So my boys can both be in cloth in the same comfy, quality brand!

The Lil Trainer isn’t completely waterproof but there is a hidden layer of PUL in the “wet zone” and a snap-in insert. So it will handle an accident no problem. If it’s just a small accident, you can just change inserts (buy additional inserts in packs of 2). The same soft organic cotton makes up this trainer, and it’s so nice and squishy! As your child becomes more independent, remove the insert for a trimmer pant.

I love the slip-on design of the Lil Trainer, although I do wish the rise was about a half inch higher. Maybe my son has a long hip area but he always shows a little “crack” when he’s wearing these! He’s 34 pounds and wearing size large. There’s also a size small, so if you have an early trainer or are EC-ing, I’d recommend these!

The Smart Bottoms Smart One 3.0 diaper retails for $23.00, and the Lil Trainer for $18.00. Smart Bottoms also carries a full range of cloth diapering products from inserts, to covers and prefolds, wetbags, and more! And all 100% made in the USA!

And oh my, did you see their latest summer release? Denim fabric cloth diapers!? Must have! And the “Royal Baby” diaper, “George” in a deep blue with red snaps? Too cute!

Have you experienced two in cloth? 

WIN IT: Smart Bottoms is giving TWO readers a prize. One reader wins a Smart One 3.0 diaper and another wins a Lil Trainer pant! ARV $23 and $18. Enter in the Rafflecopter form below!
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Thanks to Smart Bottoms for sending products for review and offering a reader giveaway! All opinions are 100% my own.