Why Cloth Diapers Are Making a Comeback

Cloth diapers are making a comeback. If you do a quick internet search for "cloth diapers," the number of websites selling cloth diapers, advocating cloth diapering, and discussing cloth diapers is astounding. What is even more astounding is the variety of cloth diapers available. Like other moms, I have found cloth diapering to be, well, addicting.

Cloth diapers are sold by a number of brands. Bumgenius, Fuzzi Bunz, Kissaluvs, and other branded cloth diapers make up the bulk of the diapering world. However, work at home moms who design and sew their own diapers have a niche in the industry as well. These work at home moms (self-titled "wahmies") have a solid foothold in the cottage industry.

For those unfamiliar with the cloth diapering world, an all-in-one diaper may be the easiest diaper to put on a child and the most like a disposable. One type of all-in-one diaper is the Bumgenius all-in-one. Bumgenius all-in-one diapers are have a waterproof outside, a soft interior next to baby's skin, and an absorbent core. The diaper is worn just like a disposable. After use, any solids are shaken into the toilet and the diaper is washed in the washing machine.

Fuzzi Bunz and Bumgenius 3.0 are both pocket diapers. All pocket diapers have a waterproof outer layer, a soft inner layer next to baby's skin, and a pocket that can be stuffed with any kind of absorbent material. The Bumgenius 3.0 is the newest version of this favorite in the diaper industry, which is now available at diaper.com - a traditional disposable diaper outlet. The Bumgenius 3.0 is marketed as fitting newborns, infants, and toddlers alike due to its remarkable design.

In addition to the all-in-one diaper and the pocket diaper, which are both much like disposable diapers in design, cloth diaper users can also purchase fitted diapers. Fitted diapers are made of soft, absorbent cloth layers. They are made to be worn with a diaper cover, which can be made of fleece, wool, nylon, or PUL (a laminated waterproof fabric). Fitted diapers are my current favorites because they are so easy to put on and to wash. The diaper covers can also be re-used several times before washing is needed, as long as they still smell clean and are not soiled by solids. Contours and prefolds can also be used with a diaper cover, and are perhaps the most cost-effective methods of cloth diapering.

The variety of cloth diapers has no doubt led to some of the current fascination with the products. Other parents are attracted to the reusability of the cloth diapers and the potential cost savings of diapering two, three, or four children with the same set of cloth diapers. Used cloth diapers can also be resold for nearly as much as their purchase price so long as they are still in fairly good condition.

Cloth diapers also seem more comfortable for my baby. My youngest child wears cloth diapers on the weekends, and we are trying out a variety of brands (both name brands and some wahmie made diapers). The cloth diapers are extremely soft compared to the paper or disposable counterparts, especially when they are made with all natural materials. So far we have experience minimal leaking, but we have also experienced leaks with disposable diapers during the same time period.

What cannot be explained is what attracts people to some brands of cloth diapers to the extent that they become collector's items. I have seen some cloth diapers sell at auction for more than $150.00. It is not unusual to find diapers, particularly the bamboo velour fitted diapers sold by goodmama on hyena cart, to regularly sell for $75.00. Even used goodmama diapers will sell for approximately $35.00, their original purchase price if bought for retail price from the goodmama store.

Regardless of the reasons people choose to use cloth diapers, the cloth diaper phenomenon appears to be blossoming. I am having fun picking out new brands and trying different wahmie-made diapers, and the necessary laundering has not been too much of a burden. I guess you could call me a cloth diapering addict.

Sources:

Bumgenius.com, "Elegant Simplicity," http://www.bumgenius.com/.

FuzziBunz.com, "Why Choose Fuzzi Bunz," http://www.fuzzibunz.com/why_choose_fuzzibunz.php.