This is an age old question that many Mothers ask themselves when they are expecting a baby - why should I use cloth diapers when there are so many disposable choices out there already? Well, there are three answers that I like to give when people ask this question.
The first answer is that cloth diapers are good for baby and good for the environment. Have you done any research as to what goes into the manufacture of disposable diapers? Harsh chemicals in the bleaching process called dioxins are known cancer causing agents and the gel-like substance (sodium polyacrylate) which is used to absorb the urine, was removed from tampon use over 20 years ago due to its link to Toxic Shock Syndrome. These items are routinely being used to manufacture diapers that are in direct contact with babies' most sensitive areas.
Disposable diapers do not easily break down in our landfills and if the solid waste is not removed before the diaper is thrown away, there is the potential for raw human waste to be leaking from these improperly disposed diapers. There is also no concrete timeline as to how long it will actually take for a disposable diaper to break down - some estimates are anywhere from 200 years+!
Today's modern cloth diapers are obviously reusable, obviously washable and can actually help prevent diaper rash. The materials used in their manufacture are vastly different from the diapers of old making them comfortable, durable, stylish and environmentally friendly. Material like microfleece, hemp, bamboo and laminated polyester are just some of the components used today.
The second reason I tell people as to why they should use cloth diapers is that it's very simple to do. A baby generates a lot of laundry without considering washing diapers. Since Moms and Dads are in the routine of doing laundry anyway, 1 to 3 extra loads in the course of a week will not add that much more work. They require regular washing and drying, can be line dried, and need no special detergent. There are some detergents that should not be used so as not to coat the diapers with detergent residue. Keep diaper cremes and ointments off the interior of the diaper, no fabric softener, and no bleach. No running to the store at midnight because you are out of diapers. If you know you are starting to run low, just throw in a load to wash and dry, and you're all set once again.
I lost a family member to cancer recently and started to do research various products that we as a family use. I have always used cloth diapers on my children with great success and ease and this instance of losing someone so close to me made me research some products further just to see what we could potentially eliminate from our lives that may cause harm down the road. I used to use disposable diapers overnight for my children because at the time I couldn't find a cloth diaper that would last overnight. I discovered the new cloth diapers and am proud to say that my youngest child who is still in diapers, is now in cloth 24/7! With Mommy's Touch and Happy Heiny's diapers and inserts, you can cloth diaper your baby round the clock with great success. This will give you great peace of mind knowing you are putting baby in something safe and healthy while still doing your part to preserve the environment.
The third reason to use cloth diapers is that you will save money in the long run - yes, the initial up front cost will be anywhere from $550 to $1000, depending on what system and the number of diapers and inserts purchased. However, disposables cost anywhere from $2300 to $3500 for each child you have. Most cloth diapers, if carefully cared for, can last for more than one child. Even if you would want to buy new ones for each baby, you could sell your diapers privately, or on websites such as diaperswappers.com and get anywhere from 50-70% of your original cost back. Who doesn't want extra money in their pocket these days?
These are just some of the basics as to why to choose cloth diapers for your baby. Today's cloth diapers come in a rainbow of solid colors and cool, funky prints. That not only makes them practical, but cute, fun and stylish! Material like hemp and bamboo make them very "green" and more durable than plain cotton. I think there are so many great reasons to choose cloth diapers and I am very pleased to be able to share these awesome products with my clients.
I am a Mother of three children so trust me when I say "been there, done that" when it comes to diapering more than one baby and how to cope with the work. I have had more than one child in diapers at a time so I can provide insight on that as well. I'm all for making things easy when you have little people around. This is why I began Baby Luv Boutique - to share my knowledge with other Moms and families and to be able to offer awesome products to help balance all the baby basics - diapering, bathing and putting baby to sleep. This post has touched on the diapering side and I hope our experience with cloth will provide inspiration to others that it can be done and done so that it is fun. I hope that you will give cloth diapers a second look and an honest try - you won't regret it!
