Green Cloth Diapers Better Than Disposable

Did you know that 250,000 trees are felled annually to make disposable diapers? If you're a parent you probably have some idea of the amount of waste that disposable diapers create. But did you know that, according to the Green Guide, 3.5 million tons of diapers end up in landfills annually? You can imagine the impact that that has over time. Not to mention the waste that accompanies these disposable diapers which ends up in the groundwater near these landfills. Yuck.

If the amount of waste produced by disposable diapers disturbs you, consider switching to cloth diapers. If you're thinking of the fit and safety pin problems that went along with your mother's old cloth diapers, then its time you took another look at today's green cloth diapers. Even though 95% of households still use disposable diapers, many companies are responding to the needs of the growing numbers of green parents that want a more environmentally friendly option.

Today's cloth diapers come with Velcro closures, making them just as easy to use as disposable diapers. And there's no more need to worry about leakage. Most reusable cloth diapers are now composed of two layers: an absorbent cotton or hemp liner and a waterproof cover that is tailored to snugly fit your babies bottom.

While your average Wal-mart doesn't carry cloth diapers that shouldn't stop you in the internet age. Companies like Green Mountain Diapers, Nicki's Diapers, Cotton Babies and Sweet Cheeks Diapers (they also offer cloth menstrual and post-partum pads) are some of the best brands of cloth diapers on the market.

If you are still hesitant, consider the cost benefit of switching to cloth diapers. The average household spends around $3000 annually on disposable diapers. While the cost of cloth diapers can vary drastically depending on whether you buy sets of all-in-one diapers or packs of liners with a few covers or throw in a few swim diapers. But a lifetime supply of cloth diapers generally costs around $300 and can be re-used when more little ones come along. That's several thousand dollars worth of savings! And thats without mentioning the added savings on gas for trips to the store, and the cost of disposable wipes (most cloth diaper sites also offer reasonably priced cloth options).

Cloth diapers are also more beneficial to your baby. Unlike the artificial material of disposable diapers, cotton diapers breathe. This cuts down on the temperature inside the diaper making diaper rash less likely. Also, parents tend to change cloth diapers more frequently. Disposable diapers are more absorbent meaning the baby can wet itself several times before the diaper shows signs of being full. This may sound like a benefit but leaving a moist diaper on too long can lead to diaper rash. Furthermore, it can make toilet training more difficult because your toddler may not always feel when he or she is wet.