Alright, let's be honest - diapers stink! It doesn't matter if you use cloth or disposable, IT'S POOP!! 

That being said, I"ve heard people say that cloth diapers stink more than disposables do and that is simply not true.  In my experience, used disposable diapers actually have more of an odor to them than cloth do. 

Like disposables, if cloth diapers are put into a diaper pail with a tight-fitting lid, odor should not be a problem.  I have read about some people using a wet pail for cloth diapering, which means the diapers are soaking in stagnant, dirty water and yes, I would think that would stink.  However, that is not necessary.   The dry pail method of cloth diapering is what we, and everyone I know, use.  This involves using a waterproof pail liner in your diaper pail, tossing the used diapers in the pail liner and when it's time to wash, throwing all of it (pail liner, diapers, liners, wet bags, etc.) into the washing machine.   

Cloth diapers that are washed in the proper detergent and rinsed well should not stink! If yours do, try stripping them (run them through a couple hot washess) or using vinegar in your wash cycle (if you have soft water).

I often hear people talking about how expensive cloth diapering is and every time I hear this, I'm astonished.  CLOTH DIAPERING IS NOT EXPENSIVE!!  In fact, saving money is a prime reason that many people decide to use cloth. 

There is definately a bigger initial investment with cloth diapers because you need to buy a good number of them right off the bat.  However, in the long run, you will save! 

Disposable diapers will cost anywhere from $1800-$2400 (depending on brand and how early you toilet train).  Cloth diapers also range in price.  You can spend anywhere from $450 (for prefolds and covers) to $1200 (if you use all-in-one diapers and buy approx. 22 of each size).  Looking at those numbers, there is definately a savings. 

This does not even bring into account the fact that cloth diapers will last for multiple children. 
Also, when you're done with them, cloth diapers are easily sold on Kijiji or Craigslist. 

If the initial cost is too much for you, consider suggesting cloth diapers as gifts at your baby shower or when your baby is born.  You can also register with Lovable Little Tree huggers here to make sure others are getting you the styles and colours you want.

Another myth busted - cloth diapering is definately not expensive.  In reality, cloth diapering will save you money!

I've done a few trade shows over the last few months and have had many discussions with people about cloth diapering.  Some people are so excited to see that cloth is becoming more popular and that it is easier than ever to cloth diaper.  Others are skeptical and are willing to discuss their questions, which I appreciate.  These people are often going by things they have heard about cloth diapering, or assumptions that they themselves are making.  I have come to realize that there are many false ideas out there about cloth diapering and what it entails.  These conversations have inspired me to do a blog series this week...Myth Busters: Cloth Diaper Edition! 

Myth #1: It's just so much work!
This is a very common complaint about cloth diapering.  I often hear things like, "Wow, I can't believe you have the time for that!" Thanks for the credit, but it's really not much work at all.

Whether you use cloth or disposable, you have to change diapers and wipe bums.  With disposable, you throw the diapers in the garbage, with cloth you throw them in a diaper pail.   Yes, you do need to dump the poop in the toilet (although, when a baby is solely breastfeeding, you don't even need to do that!), but really how much extra work is that?  Then there's the washing (more on that later in the week).  Many people state that this is too just too difficult.  Yes, it is a of bit extra work, but really, what is another load or two a week?  The washing machine takes care of all the dirty work, anyways.  All you're doing is throwing them in the washing machine and then switching them over to the clothes line or dryer.  At least you're not running out late at night because you're out of disposables! 

There are also many products that make cloth diapering even easier.  Pail liners are great because you can just dump the diapers into the washing machine and throw the bag right in with them.  Wet bags make dealing with dirty diapers easy when you're not at home and close to your diaper pail.  One of my hubby's favorites, flushable liners make dealing with poop even easier because you can just pick up the liner and throw it all into the toilet. 

Cloth diapering is really not much work at all!  Like many things, once it's a part of your routine, you really don't even notice or consider it work at all. 

Check back tomorrow for the truth about another cloth diapering myth!