Why use Cloth?
Cloth diapers are economical
Cloth diapering can be far more economical than disposables. It’s all about the choices you make. There are a variety of cloth diapers out there starting as low as a few dollars each. Keep things simple and practical and you will save thousands over disposables.
The most economical choice by far is the prefold and cover combo. Prefolds are inexpensive yet durable and can last through several children. Many covers can be wiped out and dried between uses eliminating the need to buy a cover for every single diaper.
There is also the one-size diaper. Several manufacturers now make a one-size diaper. The one-size diaper is an economical choice because your baby can wear the same diaper from birth to potty-learning. Purchase 24-36 of these diapers and you are done buying diapers for your baby. The initial cost may be high but you will save money in the long run. These diapers can also last through several children.
Even if you choose to buy sized diapers you will still save money over disposables. These can also be used on multiple children as well.
Cloth diapers are convenient
Yes, cloth diapers ARE convenient. With Velcro and snaps they are just as easy as disposables to put on and take off. If you purchase the recommended 24-36 diaper per child you will be doing laundry every 2-3 days. The process is simple. Start by putting the soiled diapers into the diaper pail. If you use cloth wipes cloth diapering becomes even more simple because you just throw the cloth wipes into the pail along with the diaper and no worries about a separate trash can for the disposable wipes. On wash day, remove the liner from the pail and turn it inside out over the washer. All the diapers fall in and you put the liner on top to be washed as well (a second liner is recommend to use while one is in the wash). After washing, the diapers can be dried in the dryer or line dried. Simple
Cloth diapers are good for the environment
There have been many cloth vs. disposable debates lately. Keep in mind that these articles assume an extremely high wash temperature, assume diapers are only dried in the dryer, and assume all cotton cloth diapers are bleached, when in fact many aren’t and the ones that are bleached are whitened without chlorine bleach. Finally, they can’t control or predict how many children you choose to use your diapers on and that many parents buy used diapers that have seen many families. Many washers today are very efficient with water usage and washing twice a week can be compared to less than that needed daily to flush a toilet for a single person. Below are some ways to make your cloth diapering experience more environmentally friendly:
Wash a minimum of at least every 2 days, preferably every 3 days
Line dry, if possible
Use an environmentally friendly detergent
Reuse diapers on multiple children if they are in good condition
Repair shot elastic and non-sticking Velcro
Use diapers made of natural, renewable material
Cloth diapers do not have any harmful chemicals
Disposable diapers contain sodium polyacrylate, a fine white powder that instantly turns liquid into those little gel balls you find in soiled disposable diapers. The polymer was banned from use in tampons after it was linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Traces of dioxin have been found in disposable diapers manufactured with a chlorinated bleaching process. Dioxin is a known carcinogen. It resides in the fatty tissues where it may stay for months or years.
Cloth diapers are cute and fun
With all of the colors and patterns out there who can resist!
