Getting Started With Cloth Diapers...If you are considering using cloth diapers, it is important to know why choosing cloth is better for your baby. According to studies, 78% of babies that are diapered with disposables have diaper rash, compared to 7% of babies that are cloth-diapered. Cloth diapers are just better for your baby because cotton fabric "naturally breathes". Disposable diapers, which are made of paper and plastic, don't have the air circulation benefits that cotton fabric does. In addition, disposable diapers contain chemicals that have been linked to impotency and asthma.
When it comes to considering the environmental benefits of using cloth diapers, cloth is just a better choice for many reasons! Currently, over 5 million tons of untreated solid waste are going into landfills every year. Most of this waste is coming from disposable diapers. The directions for disposable diapers instruct that the solid wastes get put into the toilet and flushed away before the diaper gets put into the garbage. Instead, most parents simply wrap the waste up in the diaper, put it into the trash, and the diaper goes off to the landfill. It is estimated that there are almost 100 intestinal viruses out there - many of them coming from this solid waste that is buried with all the disposable diapers. When it rains, the contaminates leak into local groundwater sources. In addition to groundwater becoming contaminated, insects and other animals that feed at the landfills aid in transporting and spreading these viruses around.
It is estimated that it takes disposables diapers over 200 years to decompose. In order for decomposition to occur, the item must be in contact with the elements - that means rain, snow, air, and sunlight. When garbage is buried in a landfill, the diapers are encapsulated and not exposed to the elements that will break them down properly.
On the other hand, when the solid wastes from cloth diapers are shaken off into the toilet and flushed, it goes through a sewage treatment center. This ensures that we are not contaminating our earth or each.
So, now that you've made the decision to use cloth diapers on your baby, Here comes the fun part! You now know that cloth is better in so many respects, so which products do you choose? Well, there are so many quality cloth diapers out there that it's hard to make a decision! However, it is so much fun to "test" different products. Many of the moms I know who use cloth diapers rave about how they "love cloth diapering." However, I have yet to hear one mother using disposables say the same thing! There are basically three different components of cloth diapering: prefolds, diaper covers and all in ones.
Pre-folds are the square, flat diapers that you fold before putting on the baby. There are a variety of layers and materials available from cotton, terry, flannel, or even hemp. Pre-fold diapers have no outer waterproof layer to hold wetness in so they need to be used with diaper covers or wraps.
Contoured diapers are cut and sewn to resemble an hourglass shape. They are made of the same materials that pre-fold diapers are made of. The only difference is the shape; some parents like using these "contoured" or "shaped" diapers better than the square shaped diapers because there is less bulk between the baby's legs. Contoured diapers also need to be used with diaper covers or wraps.
Fitted Diapers wrap around and cover baby's entire bottom. Fitted diapers are used just like disposables. You simply place the diaper under the baby, bring the front up to the baby's tummy, and either Velcro%uFFFD or snap the diaper closed. Most fitted diapers don't have no outer waterproof layer to hold wetness in so they need to be used with diaper covers or wraps.
How many will I need? Plan on using 10-12 per day for newborns, 6-8 per day for older babies.
Diaper covers are used with prefolds, contoured and fitted diapers. First you fold the prefold diaper and then place it on the diaper cover. Then you bring the diaper and cover under the baby (just like using a disposable). Diaper covers usually have Aplix or Velcro closures, or snaps to fasten them around the baby.
Diaper wraps may also be made as "pull-ons", meaning that instead of using Velcro or snaps to fasten, you just pull up over baby like a pair of pants. Many mom's prefer to use fleece or woolen wraps at nighttime because they are effective in preventing leaks and diaper blowouts. They really cut down on having to change baby's bedding during the wee hours of the night. You can rinse your diaper wraps after using and hang them to dry so you can use them again. They dry quickly - plan to wash these with your diapers every 2-3 days.
How many diaper covers will I need? Plan on using at least 6 diaper wraps per day, 8-10 make life a lot easier!
All-In-Ones are probably the most convenient cloth diaper on the market today. If you like the ease and convenience that disposables offer but are afraid of what the transition to cloth has in store for you, perhaps you should try using these first. All-In-One diapers have layers of absorbent cotton sewn inside and have a nice waterproof, protective layer that prevents wetness from leaking onto the outside of the diaper. You simply just put it on the baby and off you go!
There are also some great All-In-One diapers out there. If you are traveling, shopping, or having Grandma over to help with the baby, these are definitely the most convenient option. People are always amazed at how they look and function. They are definitely worth the investment. However, some moms prefer to use these minimally because they are more expensive than using a pre-fold, diaper covers combo. When used every day, the outer protective layer may deteriorate quicker due to washing more often.
How many All-In-One diapers will I need? Plan on using 10-12 per day for newborns, 6-8 per day for older babies.
There are still a few questions to consider when picking which diapering system that will work best for you. You can spend a little money or a lot of money on cloth diapers. We find that most mom's successfully use a combination of at least two to three different methods. The important thing is that you find the system that works best for your lifestyle and your wallet.
You need to ask yourself, "What is the most important factor to me?"
- Is Cost important to me? - then choose Pre-fold or Flat Diapers like our Chinese Prefold or Plushies Brand. You'll need to also get some Bumkin's diaper covers for daytime use and a wool soaker for night-time cover up. Don't forget to get a few extra diaper doublers for the times when you'll need a little extra absorbency!
- Is Convenience important to me? If you want total convenience in your cloth diapering experience, then you'll want to get All-In-One diapers. These come in different sizes (S, M, L, and XL) and you will need to purchase new diapers as your baby grows. You may also want to consider the one-size diapers which are size-adjustable as your child grows, which will eliminate the need to buy different sized diapers completely.
- What if I want both - Convenience AND Economy? Yes...you can have it all! For hassle-free yet economical diapering, choose from any of our Fitted Diapers.
Now, if you are ready to shop, then note the following checklists for everything you need to get started:
1) If you're planning on using the 'prefolds or fitteds with covers' method:
You should plan on washing your diapers at least every other day. The size of Pre-fold diaper you need depends on the size of your baby.
-- Prefolds: 2-3 dozen
-- Diaper covers: 6-8
-- Doublers: 6-12
-- Nighttime Covers: 2-3
-- Optional: 10-20 Citrus Circle pail deodorizers, 2 Waterproof Tote Bags & 2-3 rolls of Flushable Liners
2) If you're planning on using All-In-One's exclusively:
You should plan on washing your diapers every 2-3 days:
-- All-In-One diapers: 2-3 Dozen
-- Nighttime Covers: 2-3 Covers & 2-3 Diapers per night (Kushies Classics work well for nighttime)
-- Optional: 10-20 Citrus Circle pail deodorizers, 2 Waterproof Tote Bags & 2-3 rolls of Flushable Liners
You just might be surprised at how much money you will save by using cloth diapers over disposables! According to some moms, you can save about $1,500.00! Other mothers who use the most convenient cloth diapers (all-in-ones) save around $1,000. You'll save even more by using pre-folds and diaper covers.
On the other hand, let's consider what you have left when you finish using all of those diapers. If you've used disposables, all you have left is a huge stinky mountain of trash. However if you have used cloth diapers, you have diapers that are ready for your next child (which is going to save you even more money) plus all the extra money in your wallet that you saved by not having to purchase disposables every week! Some parents have purchased new appliances with the extra money and some have put it into a college savings account for the baby. Either way, cloth is a great deal all the way around!
There are a few items that we didn't cover in this article that definitely are worth mentioning and definitely worth having on hand.
Doublers are long, wide strips of cotton (or cotton and terry) layers laid on a prefold or inside of an all in one. These are beneficial because they have all of the absorbency of an extra diaper, but not all the bulk. Doublers are generally used for heavier-wetting babies, for traveling long distances, or for nighttime. Usually moms purchase a few for these occasions; they are nice to have on hand.
Diaper Liners are used to eliminate the need to shake off waste in the toilet and to rinse dirty diapers before putting them into the diaper pail. There are reusable cotton liners and there are also flushable, biodegradable liners. The cotton liners are reused again after being washed, and the flushable liners are just flushed down the toilet. However, the disposable liners can be washed and re-used approximately 3-4 times, which makes them a great bargain. These are very convenient products to have on hand.
I hope this information has been helpful to you! If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us directly. Good luck and happy diapering! Remember, your baby will be so thankful for your decision, and so will your pocketbook!
