Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Even more about solids...

....Just when you think I have nothing more to say about solids, here we go.

We cloth diaper. For the past six months, it's been a breeze. Take diaper off baby. Throw in trash can lined with waterproof bag. Extra load of laundry every three days. Repeat.

Anyways, anyone else who cloth diapers (or anyone with a baby, period) knows that diapers change when you start baby on solids. Big time. Gone are the spoiled-milk-smelling, relatively benign BMs. Welcome stinky, sticky messes that are not dissolved in the wash.

We knew this was going to happen. We planned ahead. We considered paper liners. This didn't fly with me because I really don't need to remember to buy one more thing. Plus, I don't like waste. That's why I cloth diaper in the first place (well, partly why).

We also looked at diaper sprayers, both DITY and the fancy ones from diapering stores. The problem? I can see my children housing down the bathroom. Who needs a hose connected to their toilet? (I wouldn't put it past Brett to spray me with it, either).

Our solution: an extra shower head. In our guest bathroom, the shower is right next to the toilet. We made a trip to Lowe's and bought a 7-ft shower hose (yes, you need one that long), a splitter for the existing shower head with a bracket and control knob, and a small, powerful shower head. Oh, and don't forget the Teflon tape (we did and had to go back for it!)

Install the shower splitter, bracket, and head according to package directions. When it's time to hose the diaper, lift the toilet lid and seat, turn on the shower water, and stretch hose to the toilet. Then press the toggle on the shower head and voila! You're good to go.

Pros:
- It's cheap. We spent about $30 for everything.
- I'd rather have an extra shower head (handy for washing the dogs, etc.) than a hose connected to my toilet.
- Easier to install than other options.
- You can regulate the temperature easily.
- You can hang it up on the bracket when you're done, and it's out of the way.
- Easy to remove and put in our next house!

3 comments:

Ida Mae said...

brillant!!

Beth said...

That is a really great idea! We would probably need about a 20 foot cord for that though...our shower is on the opposite side of the bathroom from the toilet. I love the liners though, and since they're biodegradable I don't mind. Reducing waste is the whole reason why I cloth diaper, but I guess I'm willing to give in at some point.

Oh, and the first 2-3 weeks of solids were the worst. There was weird transition poop. It got easier after that.

Kacie said...

That's really cool! I like the multi-purpose of it all.

We have a diaper sprayer. I think it's pretty handy. You'll be happy to know that you won't need to use it for a whole lot longer.

Eventually, she'll eat enough solids that it'll shake and plop into the potty, leaving only a small skid :)