Cloth Diapering 101
| Did you know that cloth diapering was the only option until the 1960s, when disposable diapers were introduced and started gaining in popularity? But today, there are literally thousands of diapering products from which to choose. More families are returning to cloth diapering for financial, health, and environmental benefits.
FINANCIAL According to The Dollar Stretcher (www.stretcher.com), families can save $1,000–$2,000 over a three-year period when using cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers.
HEALTH There are health benefits related to the use of cloth diapers. Disposable diapers may contain dioxin and sodium polyacrylate, two substances which are believed to be harmful ; many cloth diapers are organic and free of chemicals. The health benefits of using cloth diapers are clear.
ENVIRONMENT Studies estimate it takes anywhere from 250 to 500 years for a single disposable diaper to decompose. And with the great cloth diapering products available today, using cloth is as convenient as disposables and better for your baby, pocketbook and environment.
Cloth diapers actually work Modern cloth diapers fit your baby well and are easy to use. Some people still prefer using folded cloth diapers with pins but there are many modern cloth diapers that are form fitted and as easy to use as disposable (no folding or pinning required). There are even one-sized cloth diapers available – they grow with your baby and save you money!
Washing cloth diapers is not hard work New products such as diaper sprayers have made washing cloth diapers easy in your own machine - simply wash the diapers for a normal or extended cycle and use the pre-wash setting, and dry on normal heat.
You can still use cloth diapers in a child care facility Most child care facilities are willing to use cloth diapers. The key is communication - be sure to ask them what you can do to make it easy for everyone. Few child care providers will resist using All-In-One cloth diapers because they are as easy to use as disposables.
There is a cloth substitute for disposable wipes Tiny Tush offers washable wipes. It’s best to use plain warm water without any additives, but there are recipes available to make your own wipes using distilled water, mild baby shampoo and olive oil.
You can easily use cloth diapers away from home Just like with disposables, as long as you pack your needed diaper supplies into a diaper bag, you will be fine. (It’s helpful to have your diapers folded and ready to be used.) |