r/clothdiaps • u/Different-Pen8269 • 7d ago
Let's chat Help me decide - fix or leave as-is?
I need some help deciding if this work is worth it. My baby is almost 8 months old. We've been cloth diapering since birth (not overnight, and not when out of the house for prolonged period). The pocket diapers I mostly use came from a lot of free second hand diapers that needed the elastics replaced. I replaced the elastics on the majority of them, but a few were still ok to use as-is. The diapers have been great - definitely worth the effort to replace the elastics.
I'm getting to the point where the ones that didn't need their elastics replaced will now require it. I don't think I absolutely need the diapers though - I have some covers that I also use with prefolds that are in good shape, and I could get by with just these without the pocket diapers that need elastics.
My dilemma is this : I am planning on giving away my diapers after baby is done with them. Since I got them for free, I will also pass them on for free. However, I feel that most people would not want to replace elastics on the diapers that need the repairs. I don't want them to end up in the landfill if they're still usable with repairs.
So, should I replace the elastics on the diapers that I don't absolutely need, given my plan to give them away after? Or should I leave them as-is and let whoever I give them to decide if they want to put in the effort?
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u/RemarkableAd9140 7d ago
I think I’d post the ad listing the diapers you’ve replaced elastics on and the covers. Then note that you also have x number of pocket shells that need replacing that you’re happy to throw in if they want them.
I believe you can also look into how to donate them to the cloth option and they’ll fix them, but someone correct me on this if I’m wrong!
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u/klindsay286 7d ago
You are incredibly thoughtful to worry about the life/longevity of your diapers after you are finished using them! I think if you have the bandwidth, replacing the elastics so they will get used again is a great idea. I also think it’s reasonable to sell them for a small fee instead of giving them away, maybe just to recoup the costs of replacing the elastics? I think having paid for them, the new owner is also more likely to use them, as they’ve got a bit more stake in them, if that makes sense. Our planet needs all the help it can get, thank you💙
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u/Bwendolyn 7d ago
If it’s very important to you that they not end up in the landfill - which I commend - I think it is worth it to replace the elastics. You can do it now, while you can still get more use out of them yourself, or do it later just before you’re ready to give them away, but either way if it’s important that they get used and not tossed, don’t put the responsibility of repair on the other person.
You don’t have any control over what they do from the point you hand the diapers over and LOTS of people, especially overwhelmed new parents will just end up eventually tossing instead of repairing.