Cloth Diapering Today - Part 1

Many parents never consider cloth diapers. Disposables just seem like the most convenient way to go and therefore little to no thought is given to the alternative. I truly believe that if every new parent gave cloth a try the majority would never again go back to using disposable diapers.

Cloth diapering has changed for the better in the last decade. You now have a large variety of options to easily and economically cloth diaper your baby. Please see my second article in this series for the many different types of diapers on the market today and the pro's and con's go to each system. Flats, pins and rubber pants have evolved into fitted, all-in-ones, and fleece covers to name just a few.

Why should you choose cloth over disposables? Here's some ideas to get you thinking about it.

The environment is probably one of the most obvious reasons to use cloth. Disposable diapers do not biodegrade. On average 2.7 tons of waste is left behind per child and forever fills our dumps. There is also energy consumed and waste produced from manufacturing this one-use disposable product. Another thing to realize is that human waste belongs in our sewer system, not our soil yet parents who use disposables simply toss the diaper and its contents into the trash. We may not see the effects of over filled landfills in our lifetime however we need to think about the impact it will have on our grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Compare all that to a couple dozen cotton diapers and the better choice becomes obvious.

Another known advantage to using cloth diapers is that it's cheaper. A huge cost the first 3 yrs of life revolves around disposable diapers and wipes. That amount averages about $2,000 per child. You can spend as little as $150 and cloth diaper your child from birth to toileting. The average water/electricity bill goes up a dollar or two a month for washing costs. Cloth diapers can also be used for multiple children or resold when you no longer need them, can't say the same about the alternative. The cost comparison is significant. Put the extra money away in savings or a college fund for your children.

Cloth diapers are healthier for your precious baby. Mainstream disposable diapers contain a polyacrylate gel allowing them to absorb large amounts of wetness, thus pulling moisture from your baby's skin. Adequate testing has not been done and no one really knows the long term effect of the chemical used in disposable diapers. The gel additive is fairly new to the world of diapering so we can assume that babies today are guinea pigs without voluntary consent. Polyacrylate gel is suspected as worsening asthma symptoms and has even been thought of as one cause of it as well. There are also debates and theories among some who believe fertility issues in both males and females could very well be attributed to disposable diapers used daily as an infant. Disposable diapers are bleached material, so they contain harmful dioxins which touch your baby's genital area 24 hrs a day. While it's true that non-organic bleached cotton cloth diapers also contain dioxins, it is no longer present after the first few pre-washes done before the diapers are ever worn. One-time use disposable diapers never rid this harmful chemical. Disposable diapers often contain other additives such as fragrances which can lead to painful diaper rashes and irritate eczema and other skin problems.

Cloth diapers are simply more comfortable for your baby. Comparing disposables to cloth is like wearing paper underwear instead of cotton. Babies spend the first 2-3 years constantly wearing a diaper sot it's safe to assume they would prefer to have a soft comfortable cotton or another stretchy material over rough, itchy paper/plastic. Today's cloth diapers can also be much more absorbent than paper diapers so your baby won't wake up in the morning with soaked, clammy pajamas. Cloth also provides more padding for little ones learning to pull-up and walk. Most times babies fall to their bottom so an added comfort measure is the additional thickness in that area.

Potty training, also called toilet-learning, generally happens quicker and easier with cloth diapered children. They are much more aware of this bodily function since they have the added benefit of feeling when the wet. Disposables have a stay dry lining which makes it more confusing when beginning toilet learning. Cloth diapered babies may also strongly prefer to be dry (who wouldn't?) which means being changed promptly, which is a good thing for a variety of reasons.

Cloth diapers are cute and more fun to use then disposable diapers. From a rainbow of color choices to adorable prints, changing your baby's diaper is more exciting this way. Cloth diapered babies look much cuter than those wearing paper diapers in my opinion. Many moms enjoy buying things for their children and cloth diapers are no exception. It's fun to pick from the variety of designs and fabrics of today's cloth diapers.

A not so obvious benefit of cloth diapering is convenience. That might sound odd but you always have diapers available for your baby. When they are dirty you simply throw them in the washer and wait for them to be done. Much easier then late night trips to the store to purchase more. And it seems like while you're there buying diapers and wipes you end up picking up some other stuff you don't necessarily need, thus spending even more money.

Now that you are aware of some of the many reasons to use cloth diapers pleas see my other articles about the different types and how many to buy. You'll also find helpful information about caring for and washing your cloth diapers. I say, at least give cloth a try, you don't know what you're missing until you give it a shot.