Why should I use Cloth Diapers?

There are tons of reasons why more and more parents are choosing to use cloth diapers. The simplest answer to this question is they are way LESS money, they are better for your baby (come on … admit it you don’t wear paper underwear!) and they are better for the planet. The answer you’ll get from nearly every cloth diapeirng mom, “it’s fun!” Now you don’t here that about paper diapers very often do you? For an great essay on one mom’s choice to use cloth diapers read, ‘The Diaper Drama’.

Do Cloth Diapers Stink?

NO! Cloth diapers don’t stink any worse than paper diapers! If your cloth diapers are smelling after they have been washed, you’ll need to assess your current diaper laundering routine. The most common reason for odors with cloth diapers detergent build up. Proper cleansing is essential to avoid detergent build-up  and odor issues.

A few factors that can influence how clean your cloth diapers are getting; these include:

• water type,
• water temperature,
• type of detergent,
• type of washing machine.

If you experience problems, usually a small change to your laundering routine will solve the issues.

I am Worried about Washing Cloth Diapers!

Isn’t the extra laundry going to be a lot more work? No, it’s not going to be a LOT more work, it’s going to be a BIT more work.

You will do about 1 extra load of laundry every 2-3 days. How? First, you’ll empty the  diaper pail into the washing machine, add a the detergent, and turn the dial? Don’t forget you’ll have to move your cloth diapers from the washer to the dryer in about 30 minutes. When dry, just put them in a nice basket and keep them handy beside the change area (no folding required!). This whole process shouldn’t take more than 5-10 minutes of your *actual* time (every 2-3 days!). Your very capable washer and dryer took care of the rest.

This may vary slightly based on the number of cloth diapers you have, and therefore, the number of washes you have to do. Most families can plan on approximately 20 minutes per week.  EASY and probably less time consuming than a trip to the store to get the paper versions. Don’t forget the time you’ll SAVE not hauling your paper diapers out to the curb for garbage pick up.

I think the 20 minutes each week to use cloth diapers is a great trade-off for baby, your wallet and the environment.

Wet Diapers sound pretty easy, but POOPY Diapers Scare Me!

This article really should be titled, “What to do about POOP?”

The only extra steps involved in using cloth diapers vs. paper diapers is in the washing of the cloth diapers. If it’s a WET diaper, just put the cloth diaper in a diaper pail or diaper bag. Done – easy peasy (it’s really much easier than those crazy diaper cocooning contraptions!) For a POOPY diaper just shake the solids into the toilet (quick and easy – no need to dunk, swirl or scrub!) and put the diaper in the diaper pail.  That wasn’t all that bad was it?

Are you aware that when you use paper diapers you are supposed to dispose of the POOP in the toilet so that the waste can be properly treated? NO kidding – human feces is NOT supposed to end up in our landfills!

Here’s the proof:

Why?

1975 The EPA warns that rainwater washing through dumps may carry viruses–which can live in compacted solid waste for up to two weeks–into underground streams, and from there into public and private water supplies. Improved sanitation during this century has made rare the diseases associated with direct contact with raw sewage: hepatitis A, shigella. salmonellosis, amebiasis, and typhoid. However, the University of Oregon Survival Center notes that outbreaks of shigella, salmonellosis and hepatitis A are now more common in hospitals and daycare centers. The World Health Organization has called for an end to the inclusion of urine and fecal matter in solid waste. (taken from: Mothering,  Jan-Feb, 2003  by Laura Schmitt)

If you are a paper diaper user, read the print on any package of paper diapers. I know that most people don’t (or won’t!) do this, however, if you do flush the POOP down the toilet after change and before putting a paper diaper in the garbage, you are using the same steps involved with changing a cloth diaper.

I know what you are thinking, not all POOP can be dumped! Many newborn babies (and older) and/or breastfed babies are notorious for having runny POOPS.  Regardless you have to clean/wipe your baby, it doesn’t matter whether they are in paper or cloth diapers. If you are cloth diapering a baby with messy POOPS, there is an extra step with cloth diapers –> either remove your disposable diaper liner and flush down the toilet  or, take that messy diaper to the toilet and SPRAY! A diaper sprayer is easy to use, inexpensive and it’s kind of FUN!

There is no need to dunk, scrape or swish a diaper in the toilet or touch ANY POOP. You’ll hold your diaper by a clean corner over the toilet and spray it clean (it really works!), then just put it into the diaper pail that you’ve placed conveniently beside the toilet. EASY!

Using Cloth Diapers sounds GROSS, is it?

Just let me say this, “NO, it’s not gross!”

This is probably the leading reason parents DON’T give cloth diapers a try. I think that most people are probably worried about the cleanliness of using and carrying for cloth diapers. Messy clean-ups, stinky diapers and wet diaper pails are the images invoked when cloth diapers are mentioned. I’d like to put an end to the false impressions once and for all.

Firstly, CHANGING cloth diapers is just like changing a paper diaper. The aim here is to remove the soiled diaper, clean the bottom and make sure baby has a nice clean diaper. This part all stays the same regardless of whether you are using cloth or paper. Now with paper you dispose of the diaper (it’s just as easy to toss in a diaper pail!) Poop is poop, smelly is smelly — a diaper change is a diaper change! The difference comes when the change is over … the cloth diapers will need washing. The paper make their was to the garbage and then to the land fill to sit for up to 500 years before they are reclaimed by the planet (that’s a really long time!).

Washing cloth diapers isn’t the big deal you think it is! Trust me - your modern washing machines are designed to handle a few messy diapers. I promise you, you won’t have to *touch* a thing!

These are not your Grandma’s (or even your Mother’s) Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers have come a long way! Yes, the flat square flannel diapers still exist and you can still do some diaper origami, pin them up and cover with rubber pants, but you don’t have to. Using state of the art fabrics and innovative design, cloth diapers have become modern and easier to use.

Cloth diaper manufacturers and both off and online cloth diaper shops offer a HUGE selection of cloth diaper and cover styles.  The selection is so large many people find it a daunting task to select the perfect system for their families needs. Don’t worry, there are many cloth diaper advocates available to assist you in finding the perfect system for you and your baby.

Want an organic diaper that snaps on and off as easy as a disposable? Try the Bamboozle (Bamboo Terry Diaper). The Bamboozle is a fitted diaper that is so fantastically soft and beautiful you will fall in love with the gorgeous, silky fabric. It truly is irresistible! It’s trim fitting style means it fits nicely under most cloth diaper covers.

Is your baby a heavy wetter? Do you need to be able to adjust the absorbency of your diaper? Then you may want to choose a stuffable diaper like the BumGenius! 2.0.

Are you on a tight budget, but want a high quality cloth diaper that can be worn under any cloth diaper cover and wash up easily? Start with the best seller –> prefolds, made of 100% heavyweight cotton twill and available in unbleached/natural and white. They can easily be secured to baby using a durable and inexpensive “work horse” diaper cover – the Super Whisper Wrap.

Truly the choices are endless! We recommend explaining you and your babies needs to a cloth diaper expert and let them help you find the system for you.

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