Why Use Cloth Diapers?

So you're thinking, "Why should I use cloth diapers?"

Well, I say, lots of reasons. The two biggest concerns when contemplating using cloth are:
 
     1) Can I save money?
     2) How will my decision affect the environment?

Well the answers are:
 
     1) Yes, you can save money.  While the initial start costs are a bit more, in the long run you do save.  Even when you add in the costs of washing & drying you will save a minimum of approximately $1200.00 over a 2-3 year period.  If you are planning to have more than one child, you will not have your initial lay out of money and still have dipes to put on your little one. So more savings!

     2) The environmental impact is positive.  Unfortunately, we've become a society of "throw-it-away" people.  It is time for us all to start to make an effort to leave our world a cleaner, better place for our children to live in.  And although my contribution may be small, I personally believe that every little bit helps.  Billions of disposable diapers are thrown away every year. Although the plastic will break down eventually, it does still leave small pieces of plastic in landfills. 

     Also, most people do not dispose of the solid waste in their baby's diapers before putting them in the trash can.  All that waste ends up at the landfill contaminating our land & water and attracting bugs that transmit and carry diseases.  Of course washing & drying diapers will have an impact on our natural resources.  I feel it is minimal in comparison.  Plus if you line dry when possible you lower this impact & save money!

Some other thoughts:  Disposable diapers are loaded with chemicals.  Sodium polyacrylate is what absorbs the liquid and turns into the gel.  It has been linked to toxic shock syndrome & can cause allergic reactions.  Dioxin, the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals, is a byproduct of bleaching paper that is used in disposables. None of this makes using disposables sound more appealing to me.

I know some of you are wondering about how hard/easy it is to use cloth?  Well, obviously I think it's easy or I wouldn't suggest using them! :-)  The diapering systems I offer are just as easy and convenient as disposables. Kushies have Aplix closures-almost like the tabs on disposables.  Most of the all-in-ones and covers use velcro closures.  The Kissaluvs have snaps. Many of the diapers are already formed so there's no need to fold, or hassle with clips or pins.  If you really want convenience try the all in one style dipes, you don't even need to use a separate cover.  You will get a routine going and before you realize it, you're a pro.  Plus, you won't have to worry about running to the store at 3:00am because you forgot to get more disposables.

What about leaks?  If you are using a quality diaper, not the ones meant to be a wipe up or burp cloth, but Kushies, Kissaluvs, Bumkins, or a Chinese prefold with a cover, you should not have leaks.  If you do, be sure to check that the diaper and cover are the correct size.  Also be sure there are no gaps around the legs.  I do recommend washable liners for extra absorbency.  Try a One-Size dipe with a liner and cover (like the Aristocrat) at night.  You shouldn't have to get up for middle of the night changings and your baby will wake with clothes and sheets dry.

You really can enjoy the whole routine of diapering and never feel like it's a chore.  You'll like the way the dipes feel, so soft and cottony, the way they look on your baby, and even hanging them out on the line in the sunshine.  Also, I believe that cloth diapers make a child more aware of his/her wetness and more in tune with their bodily functions. This may lead to the desire to stay dry and therefore become potty trained sooner.

If you're interested in cloth but not 100% convinced it's for you, buy 1 or 2 sample dipes and take it from there. You can start small and add as you go.  If you have any questions, please email me.

Getting Started With Cloth Diapers