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Top 10 Reasons To Use Cloth Diapers!

1. Cloth diapers have come a long way, baby!! Chances are you wouldn’t even recognize them today. Cloth diapers have evolved to such an extent over the last ten years that many rival disposables any day. In fact, if you were to put an All-In-One cloth diaper next to a disposable, you would find very little difference in bulk, size and function.

2. Cloth diapers are more economical! Disposable diapers become very expensive when you consider a 2-3 year diapering period. They can only be used once and are then tossed away. They can not be used for a second (or more) child. You can cloth diaper one baby for 3 years for as little as $400!! That’s a savings of $2500 (considering the average family spends $2800-3000 in disposable diapers over 3 years) for one child. Now, how much would you save if you had 2 or 3 more babies? Yes folks, that could mean a savings of almost $8000!! By the way, that initial $400 you spend on cloth diapers? Due to their excellent resale value, you may be able to get as much as half of the money spent on cloth diapers back on an auction site. Try doing that with your used disposables!

3. Babies are healthier in cloth diapers! Disposable diapers contain many chemicals, poisons (TBT tributyl tin), dioxins (which are highly carcinogenic) and even perfumes and dyes that are all harmful to your baby and lead to diaper rash. The majority of babies in cloth tend to have less diaper rash as cloth diapers are more breathable and have none of the harmful chemicals or bleaches found in disposables. The gel that is used in disposables to absorb and hold in moisture is known as Sodium Polyacrylate. This substance has been found in the urinary tract of babies and may cause severe diaper rash, chemical burns, and bleeding in the perineum and scrotal tissue. Sodium Polyacrylate was removed from tampons because of its link to Toxic Shock Syndrome!! There are also many studies that have been done to show a direct link between using disposable diapers and childhood asthma as well as an increase in infertility in boys. Considering we have alternatives that are so easy to use today, why take the risk?

4. Cloth diapers are more reliable and less messy than disposables! Yes, we are talking about leaks! With a correctly fitted cloth diaper the majority of moms experience less leaking than you get with using disposables. New, modern cloth diapers and covers are so customizable that you have the ability to get a perfect fit on your baby each and every time. Think you will have too much washing to do using cloth? I guarantee it’s no more (maybe even less!) than with disposables. It's a little known secret that the “blow-outs” that occur from leaky solids are actually contained better in cloth. Disposable diapers have a slippery surface to them which causes a "slip and slide" effect with messy, leaky solids. It's not pretty! The textured fabric that cloth diapers are constructed of provides the perfect surface for leaky messes to cling to.

5. Cloth is more comfortable! Would you like to wear paper underwear all day? Why would you think your baby thinks any differently? Soft cotton next to a babies tender skin is much more comfortable than paper and plastic. Babies also tend to be changed more frequently in cloth diapers, as opposed to single use disposable diapers, because moms are aware of when baby is actually wet. Just because a disposable “feels” dry, does not mean a baby is not sitting in urine. It just happens to be dry, crystallized urine! And, with the new microfleece fabric used as liners in cloth diapers today, your baby will not have wetness against their skin. The liquid is wicked away to the cotton diaper underneath, keeping baby feeling dry.

6. Cloth diapering is quick and EASY! Yes, we said easy! The concept of convenience is a marketing ploy that disposable manufacturers use. They don't what you to know how easy cloth diapering really can be! With new, modern cloth diapers and the many innovative accessories available today, cloth diapering is easy. And it takes no more time to change your baby and run a load of laundry than it does to change your baby, get baby dressed to go out, put baby in a jacket or snowsuit, fasten baby in car seat, get stroller out of car, take baby out of car seat, fasten baby into stroller, go into the mall, weave through the aisle to get to the disposable aisle...wait a minute? This seems like way more work to me!

7. Cloth Diapering is Fun! With all the choices in diapers, fabrics, fun prints and colors to choose from and that fact that we can do away with pins, diapering is actually fun! Setting up your cloth diapering layette is just as much fun (maybe more so!) as picking out bedding and blankets. The majority of moms that are cloth diapering love to talk about cloth diapers and how much they enjoy using them. They love to show them off! I don’t know anyone who feels this way about disposables.

8. Babies look adorable in cloth diapers! Cloth diapers are a modern baby's fashion statement! And modern moms love to shop for cloth diapers. Have you ever noticed how professional photographers use cloth diapers on their baby models? Cloth just looks better on babies. There are so many choices in cloth diapers today. With all the styles and colors, babies look adorable in cloth! Show your little one off in a soft, comfy, adorable cloth diaper!

9. Potty learning is easier! It is a little known fact that cloth diapered children potty learn earlier and with less effort on the part of the parent. Again, cloth diapers are saving our families time! As children are actually aware of the sensation of urinating, the average child that is cloth diapered typically potty learns faster than their disposable diapered friends.

10. Cloth diapers are better for the environment! Okay, we just had to throw this in! But you know it’s true!! The average baby will go through 6,000 – 10,000 disposable diapers before potty learning. That is a lot of diapers that end up in our landfills. Cloth diapers are less taxing on the environment even when taking the amount of water and energy used to make and wash them.

Cloth Diapering, for a better world

Many parents never consider cloth diapers. Disposables just seem like the most convenient way to go and therefore little to no thought is given to the alternative. I truly believe that if every new parent gave cloth a try the majority would never again go back to using disposable diapers.
When people think of cloth diapers they probably automatically think of rubber gloves and toilet dunking. This is because that is how our mothers and grandmothers used them. Nowadays people have disposable diapers that they can easily just toss in the trash can. What most people don’t know is disposables aren’t as perfect as they seem.
I bet no one ever told you those disposable diapers you put on your newborn baby were dangerous. Sodium polyacrylate is a substance that was banned from tampons for causing toxic shock syndrome. I bet no one ever told you that same chemical is still being used in your baby’s diapers today. Sodium polyacrylate has also been linked to increase the risk of asthma when inhaled, cause possible infertility in males, and has been found in the urinary tract of some babies. Carcinogenic dioxin is another chemical that can be found in disposable diapers caused by the bleaching process. If you look up carcinogenic in the dictionary you’ll find “any substance or agent that tends to produce a cancer.” If you look up dioxin in the dictionary you’ll find “a general name for a family of chlorinated hydrocarbons… . A by-product of pesticide manufacture: a toxic compound that is carcinogenic and teratogenic in certain animals. ” Finally teratogenic means “a drug or other substance capable of interfering with the development of a fetus, causing birth defects.” This means not only is a chemical that causes toxic shock syndrome, asthma, and infertility in your children’s diapers there is a chemical that causes not only cancer but has the capability to cause birth defects to a fetus. If you ask me it almost sounds like disposable diapers should have the same warning labels as cigarettes and alcohol.
Aside from the cancer causing agents in your children’s diapers, how about all the money you’re flushing down the toilet? It has been estimated that you will change your baby six thousand to nine thousand times before he or she is even potty trained. It is also estimated that you will save $800 to $1600 on diapers if you switch to cloth. As expensive as some cloth diapers are, you still will save a bundle. If you’re planning on having any other children reusing the cloth diapers will increase your savings even more. So that’s saving $3200, $4800, or more! The savings don’t stop there. We’re forgetting something here. Wipes! If you switch to cloth wipes as well add an extra $300 to $400 to your savings for each child.
What about the environmental reasons to switch to cloth diapers? We all live on one planet. Our Earth might seem very large but let’s think about everything we have on our planet. People, water, animals, water, plants, water, buildings, water. Most of our planet is water. That doesn’t make much room for us. With all the people in the world our landfill space is insufficient. Eighteen billion disposable diapers are thrown away each year in the US alone . It is estimated that the decomposition rate for a diaper is five hundred years and that’s only if it can be exposed to air, sun, and rain. Air, sun, and rain are not available in a landfill. If you’ll look on a package of disposable diapers it states that all solid waste is meant to be sent down the toilet, not the landfill. Oh but wait! We must remember that putting human feces in the garbage is also illegal. (US Code Title 42 Chapter 82). Each year over 100 intestinal virus including Hepatitis B and polio make their way into landfills due to five million tons of untreated solid waste. Varmints at landfills pick up these viruses and spread disease.
Another wonderful benefit of cloth diapers is that they simply use less water and energy in the long run than the manufacturing of disposables. For every one cloth diaper, 167 disposables are manufactured. The water and energy used to manufacture just one disposable is equal to one load of laundry which can hold several dozen diapers. Line drying will help you save even more energy. Line drying will also help on cutting down your utility bill. As you can see, not only are cloth diapers healthier for your baby, with the environmental issues of disposables cloth diapers are better for the world and all its people. Hopefully you’ll think twice before you run down to the store to buy a package of disposables. It might help your child, and your pocket book.
When most people think about cloth diapers ... flats, pins and plastic pants come to mind. Gone are the days of bleach filled wet pails, diaper ducks and leaky covers. Today there is a huge market of various types of cloth diapers and its easier then ever to use them on your baby.
There are numerous types of cloth diapers from fitted to all-in-ones, pre-folds to pocket diapers. Also, there are plenty of different covers and inserts and doublers and liners. Confused yet? I will explain.

Flats or are the diapers your grandma probably used. They are large square or rectangle shaped think one-ply material. Most are cotton some birds-eye while others are made of flannel. Flats are the cheapest option, around $1 apiece but have to be folded to fit your baby and are usually not absorbent enough to be used alone. Common folds are the origami and kite folds. Flats must be fastened with pins or a snappi and require a diaper cover to contain leaks.

Prefold diapers are rectangles of cotton or flannel that are smaller and have more layers than flats. They still require folding but not as much. They can be found in 2x3x2, 2x4x2, 4x6x4 and 4x8x4 ply thickness, the middle having the most layers for absorbency. There are several sizes available from preemie, infant, regular, premiums and toddler to fit your growing baby. Cost is around $1-3 each depending on size and type of fabric. Cost is even more if you desire organic cotton or hemp diapers. Popular folds are the newspaper, angel-wing, bikini twist and simply tri-folding in a wrap style cover. Sound confusing? It’s easy to get the hang of the different folds and figure out which one works best for your baby. Here is a link to show some various ways to use prefold diapers: Diaper folding
Prefolds are easy and economical but like other cloth diapers should be ordered online from a store that sells good quality brands such as Chinese or Indian prefolds. Gerber diapers found in local brick and mortar stores do not come close in comparision as far as softness and absorbency.

Contour diapers are hour-glass shaped diapers that you can fasten or lay in a wrap-style water-proof cover. They are shaped to fit your baby and require no extra folding. Cost is between $2-4+ per diaper depending on brand and materials used.

Fitted diapers are one-step up because they don’t require the use of a snappi or diaper pin and have elastic on the legs and back to fit your baby. These diapers have the best fit on most children as they are designed and made with either Velcro (aplix or touchtape) or snap closure. They have several layers of absorbency and materials range from cotton to flannel to sherpa to velour and recently some are even made with ultra-soft bamboo. A huge variety of types, prints and designs of fitted cloth diapers are available today. Fitted diapers do require a cover in order to keep wetness in. Prices range from $6 - 20+ each depending on brand and fabric.

All-in-ones (AIOS) are just as the name makes them sound; all parts in one piece. They have an absorbent inner and water-proof outer thus no cover is needed. With easy closure such as Velcro or snaps these are as simple to use as disposables and are a favorite among dads, grandparents and babysitters. The downfall is that they are usually the most pricey at $14-25 each and take much longer to dry.

All-in-twos are a lot like all in ones, yet the soaker (part that soaks up wetness) is not sewn in, yet snaps or velcros in. These diapers have all the benifits as AIOS, yet cut the drying time down. These diapers how-ever are also very pricey and range anywhere from $14-35 each!!

Pocket diapers are a recent invention and consist of a water-proof outer and a stay dry inner such as fleece or suede cloth. The two parts are sewn together leaving an opening or pocket to stuff an absorbent insert in. Inserts can be cotton, hemp, micro-fiber or pre-fold diapers to name a few. You can customize what you put in the pocket diaper depending on how much wetness needs to be absorbed. Many parents use one insert for daytime and two for overnight. Pockets are also more expensive at $15-18 and some include inserts while others require a separate purchase for them. Pockets are super quick to dry since the insert is removed prior to washing. They also keep your baby’s skin dry because the fleece inner wicks moisture into the diaper.

One-size diapers are designed to be used from birth to potty training. Depending on your baby they may work well or they may have an off fit at times. They come in different styles, pockets, fitted or all-in-ones. Fabrics vary as well as closure type.

The above are several types of diapers available today; if it still seems confusing a great resource of diaper reviews can be found at www.diaperpin.com. There you will find advice and reviews on Fuzzi Bunz, Happy Heiny’s, Rump-a-rooz, Very Baby, Swaddlebees, Kushies, Kissaluvs, BumGenius and many more brands of popular cloth diapers so you can decide which system to use.

Covers come in a variety of styles and materials. PUL is the most popular and easiest to care for. PUL stands for poly-urethane-laminate and goes over fitted or prefold diapers. PUL diaper covers can generally be used a few times before washing unless they get soiled. Fleece diaper covers are soft and breathable but require washing after each use. Nylon is similar to PUL but generally thinner and not always as leak proof. Wool diaper covers are natural and also breathable providing great protection from leaks. Wool is the most expensive though and requires special care such as hand washing and lanolizing but a benefit is that you can air dry them and reuse many times before washing

There are also accessories to cloth diapers you may need or find helpful. Snappi’s are a recent invention that takes the place of pins. A snappi is a stretchy plastic t-shaped object that has teeth on each end to adhere to the fabric. It secures the prefold, flat, or contour diaper to keep it snug on baby and avoid leaks. Pins are still used today however many parent’s prefer Dritz pins over Gerber ones found in local stores and I recommend ordering them online if you decide to give pin’s a try.
Inserts are used for pocket diapers and come in many fabrics and sizes. Doublers are used to add absorbency to any type of diaper and are cotton, hemp or other material. Liners are used to help with clean-up of soiled diapers. Some are disposable and other’s washable. You can also easily make your own liners out of fleece and this will keep your baby feeling dry. Fleece doesn’t require any sewing so you can just cut up rectangles to fit your diapers. A diaper sprayer is something purchased that hooks onto your toilet and is used to spray off soiled diapers. Cost is around $35+ but many parents are happy they invested in this. Wet bags are waterproof liners for diaper pails or smaller ones to fit in your diaper bag to take on outings. Cloth wipes are easy to use and make and since you are already washing diapers anyway throwing a few in the wash at the same time is not a big deal. They can be made from flannel, sherpa, hemp or other material. Size depends on what you prefer; common measurements are 5x5 or 8x8.

There is a lot to learn about cloth diapering, I hope this gave you somewhere to start. You may need to spend a week or so just reading reviews, talking to other cloth diapering parents and analyzing what will work for your family.

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