Why Flats and Handwashing?

As I am sure you are aware, I am going to be taking part in DirtyDiaperLaundry's Flats and Handwashing Challenge that will be taking place from May 23-30. If you are unfamiliar with this Challenge, let me give a brief background on it. Moms across the internet are going to be taking a challenge, as set up by Kim Rosas over at DDL, to use nothing but flat diapers with covers and handwashing them. We are using flats because they are very very cheap (can even be receiving blankets) and they dry super fast. Why handwashing? Well, that is because we want to show moms who do not have washers and dryers, that cloth diapers are still an option. You can learn more in depth information in Kim's post that is linked above.

Now, why am I joining in this challenge?
Well, for one, I want to be a part of a group of moms that wants to show people that just because you need to use a laundromat for your clothes, you don't have to use disposables. I have heard many moms say that they don't think they can use cloth diapers because they do not have ready access to a washer and dryer. Yes, hand washing may take a little more effort, but it is a LOT less money.
Part of me may be doing this to show myself and I can use cloth full time and that I can also use flats. I can hand-wash my diapers (making it easier to take cloth on camping trips) and it will help me to be a more effective advocate for cloth. I am challenging myself with this. I have wanted to use cloth full time with Baby C, but have always gone back to using a few disposables here and there for one reason or another.
This is also a way for me to see how my grandmother diapered her four children. my grandmother used cloth on all of her kids and she could have gone the "easy" route with disposables with her last. My youngest aunt is only three years older than me and that was the time of disposable diapers. She always used flat diapers (granted that is like all they had) and she doesn't really see why not to use them. Well, I want to see her world, even if only for a brief moment.

Until next time... Happy Diapering!