Top 10 reasons to choose cloth
1. Cloth diapers are better for the environment.
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.
2. 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 the convenience of disposables any day.
3. 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 cannot 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 $2,500 (considering the average family spends $2,800-$3,000 in disposable diapers over 3 years) for one child. Now, how much would you save if you had 2 or 3 more babies? Almost $8,000.
4. 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.
5. 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 every time.
6. 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 baby's tender skin is much more comfortable than paper and plastic. Babies also tend to be changed more frequently in cloth diapers because moms are aware of when baby is actually wet.
7. 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 accessories available today, cloth diapering is easy.
8. Cloth diapering is fun.
With all the choices in diapers, fabrics, fun prints and colors to choose from and the 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.
9. 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.
10. 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. 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.
SOURCE: Edited from www.parentingbynature.com
Getting Started
You've made the decision to cloth diaper. Now, where to start? We recommend you experiment with several types of diapers until you find the ones that you and baby like best. There are two basic systems: 1) a prefold with a cover and 2) an all-in-one or pocket diaper. There are lots of options within those basic systems. Here is a quick rundown of the choices:
1) Prefold diaper with cover: These are rectangular shaped diapers that are divided lengthwise in 3 sections. The outer sections usually have a thickness of 4 layers. The middle section can have 6 or 8 layers. This gives prefolds absorbency where it is needed most, in the middle. To use, simply fold and secure with a snappy (a plastic fastener).
Once you have the diaper on, you have several options for covers:
Wool covers: Wool is fire resistant, water resistant and comes from a renewable natural resource: sheep. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight without feeling wet. Wool covers are very economical since they require washing only every 2 weeks unless soiled.
PUL covers: Polyurethane Laminate, known as PUL, is a water resistant fabric used on many diaper covers. Like most fabrics, it comes in different thicknesses, weaves, colors and prints. Some PUL is soft, like that used to make Fuzzi Bunz, while others are a bit stiffer.
Fleece covers: Covers can be made with micro fleece, polar fleece and WindPro fleece. These are all synthetic fabrics whose purpose is to keep baby dry.
2) All-In-One/Pocket Diapers: These are the simplest for those transitioning from disposables. These generally snap or velcro on, but can only be worn once before washing. These diapers are made of absorbent layers of thick cotton or hemp, sewn to a water-resistant material, usually PUL or fleece, that acts as an attached wrap. These are a bit pricey, but easy to use, carry and clean.
WHAT ABOUT WASHING??
If you are not already using cloth diapers, you may be hung up on the washing part. It really is easy to wash your own diapers at home. Each mom has a slightly different method of washing diapers, because she has figured out what works best for her. The general rule of thumb is COLD soak, HOT wash, COLD rinse. Prefolds, all-in-ones and covers can be washed together. Prefolds can go right into the dryer, but hang dry any covers and all-in-ones. Wool covers and pants should be hand-washed and air-dried. You can even purchase a diaper sprayer that attaches to your toilet for the messiest of diapers. It's really no different then washing your clothes. Really!!!
