In the years since I created PinStripes and PolkaDots, three excuses have topped the list for why people don't want to cloth diaper. In a series of articles, I will address each of these issues for the benefit of the true, cloth-diapering researcher who is still maybe a bit skeptical.

I realize that everybody in the world will not begin cloth diapering tomorrow. We all make lifestyle choices based on the information we have available to us. My response to these comments is not meant to be deriding but rather to shed light in the darkness and show that there are two-sides to the same story.

Now lets look at the comment, "I don't think I could switch now, my child will be potty training soon"

This is often said by the parents of children who are nearly two. Making the choice now is more cost effective than ever. The average child at around age two will be using 6-7 diapers a day. Seriously, a parent can cloth diaper for the time period up to potty training at the cost of one month of disposable diapering.

Cloth diapering will also allow the child to become aware of peeing and may actually speed up the start of real potty training.

Using cloth training supplies also makes good economical sense. Pull-on style disposable diapers cost about $.40 each. Again, you can purchase cloth training pants for the cost of about one months worth of disposable training pants.

Once your child has actually reached the diaper-less stage you either can sell your diapering products and recoup nearly 50% of your original cost or you can save them and be ready to use with your next child. In fact, many parents with older toddlers choose a one-size diaper so that the next baby can use the diapers right from the beginning.

No matter when you start, choosing modern reusable cloth diapers make sense economically.