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’.

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.