Cloth Diapering on Vacation

I promised you guys that when I got home I would tell you all about using cloth diapers while I was on vacation. So, for this tackle it Tuesday post I figured I would let you know exactly how it went and what my thoughts are for the big up coming trip.

I wish I had thought to take pictures of my suitcase and my diaper bag but... I forgot. So, here's the way I packed. I packed one carry on suitcase full of all my diapers and their accessories. I packed 35 diapers (way more than I needed for the few days we would be gone but I was thinking ahead. That is the amount that I plan to take to Ethiopia). I included 10 liners in case she got a rash. I packed her diaper cream, cloth wipes, her two swim diapers (which I apparently had no idea how they were supposed to work - oops!), the detergent we use and our big wet bag. Additionally, my diaper bag was packed with 8 diapers - one more then I figured I would need for the time we were traveling. I was very pleased that it all fit in the one carry on bag - AND I even fit my lap top in that bag. Score!!

So, I admit it was pretty easy to use cloth diapers this time around because we stayed with family and I was able to use their washing machine. I had to fit it in as we were really busy but still - fairly easy. I had to put them in the dryer (something I NEVER do at home) but I figured it could not be that bad for them. I had enough that I really only HAD to do the laundry once, but I did do it a second time before I left - I did not want to travel with dirty diapers (YUCK!!!).

Now, I may have mentioned before that Hubby and I have decided that we will definitely be taking and using cloth diapers on the trip to Ethiopia. I will be taking the same amount with me. 35 diapers in the suitcase and I actually think I will be taking 10 - 12 in the diaper bag - the amount that I will need on the way back from Ethiopia. I figure that will require me to do laundry every three days.

Now the big decision comes. Do we hand wash the diapers (with gloves of course) or do we allow the laundry service to wash the diapers (assuming they will). I am really up in the air about that. I am guessing that will cost us about $30 - but they will probably get cleaner that way. I am considering bringing my less favorite diapers with me and letting the laundry service wash them. But either way I have to admit that this was way easier to tackle then I ever would have guessed.

Edit: I think I got it. After letting it run through my mind all night long I figured it out. I am going to buy flushable liners for the trip. Then I will just hand wash them while we are there. Because one of my biggest worries is that the diapers will be hard to clean by hand and I do not want them to stain. So, if I buy flushable liners I will not have to worry about scrapping them off or anything like that. Yes, that is what I will do. :)