To Dispose or Re-use? That is the Question.
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Today’s cloth diapers are just as easy to use as disposables, but are so much better for baby, your budget and the environment. |
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Cloth vs Disposable Diapers – Reasons to Choose Cloth
All parents want to do what is best for their child, but many might not be aware of the short and long-term consequences of their choice when they’re in the middle of the cloth vs. disposable debate. When you also consider the benefits to families, community, and the world at large it’s easy to see why cloth diapers win the cloth vs disposable debate.
| Cloth vs. Disposables – Cloth is Comfortable |  |
Many parents get so caught up with budgetary and environmental concerns that they forget to consider comfort when they’re debating cloth vs. disposable diapers. We believe comfort is one of the most important reasons to choose cloth diapers! Cloth diapers are made from cushy, breathable fabrics like velour, microfleece, and cotton knits that surround your little one with softness. Many cloth diapers also have moisture-wicking inner fabrics to provide a stay-dry feeling on baby’s bottom. Have you noticed what disposable diaper commercials advertise? “Cloth-like” outer layers – they know that cloth is most comfortable too!
Cloth vs. Disposables – Cloth is Economical
Disposal diapers are the biggest “hidden” cost on a family’s budget. Overall, using cloth diapers is more economical than disposables. Although setting up a cloth diaper stash is a big investment at first, you will save money in the long run because cloth diapers will last for years. Not only do cloth diapers last, they get better with age because the more you wash them the more absorbent they become. Depending on the cloth diapering system you choose, you can save from $500-$2000 from birth to potty learning by choosing to use cloth instead of disposable diapers. The Cost of Cloth Diapers by Diaper Decisions compares the cost of cloth diaper systems vs. the cost of disposable diapers. In addition, cloth diapering items can be saved for future children – try that with disposables!
Cloth vs. Disposables – Cloth is Healthful
The fabrics used in cloth diapers allow for increased airflow inside the diaper which helps prevent diaper rash and keeps baby cooler. Before the invention of the disposable diaper in the 1960s, diaper rash in babies under 4 months was almost unheard of. Once parents were purchasing disposable diapers with all the accompanying chemical content, babies were changed less frequently, causing more diaper rash, and babies are suffering more skin allergies and irritations. Disposable diapers contain chemicals, paper, plastic, and have been reported to cause allergic reactions among other serious health problems. Cloth diapers are a more natural choice and are available in organic fabrics that are either untreated, or minimally treated with chemicals. Children’s Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC) HealtheHouse has more information about the health implications of cloth vs disposable diapers.
| Cloth vs. Disposables – Cloth is Environmentally Responsible |  |
Disposable diapers leave a trail of waste and pollution from manufacture to disposal. Disposable diaper packaging instructs parents to dump solid waste into the toilet and flush it away, but most parents aren’t aware of that. In addition, cloth diapering products can be used until their diapering life is over then made into rags, and will eventually decompose and return to the earth.
Cloth vs. Disposables – Cloth is Simple
Many parents debating cloth vs disposable diapers think that cloth diapers are too much work. This is not true – modern cloth diapers are very easy to use and to care for! Most types of cloth diapers have elasticized legs, waists and adjustable closures so they work just like disposable diapers. But unlike disposables, cloth diapers are available in a variety of fabrics to fit your child’s needs and your preferences.
Cloth vs. Disposables – Reasons to Use Disposables
There are some occasions where families choose to use disposable diapers. In the grand scheme of things, using a disposable diaper occasionally isn’t the end of the world. Consider Disposables for:
· Disaster: Families who have prepared a Disaster Preparation Kit often pack disposable diapers and wipes instead of cloth. Although they can’t be reused, in the case of a disaster there may not be water or electricity for washing cloth diapers.
· Emergency: The cloth vs disposable debate is probably the furthest thing from the mind of families facing a premature birth, serious illness, severe accident, or other emergency.
· Hospital Stay: If a family member is in the hospital and life is topsy-turvy it may be easier to use disposables until things calm down and get back to normal. This is especially true if diaper changes will be handled by a variety of people – you wouldn’t want your precious cloth accidentally thrown away!
· Illness: Some families choose to use disposables when their child has nasty poo caused by illness, antibiotics, or when it’s necessary to use diaper cream or a topical medication that isn’t good for cloth diapers.
· Vacation: Even dedicated cloth diapering families sometimes opt to use disposables for long vacations. Although it is possible to wash cloth diapers, there may not be enough time to do it. Camping families may choose disposables over cloth for long trips if water is scarce.
Cloth vs. Disposables – How to get started:
The internet is full of information about cloth diapering. The following a just a few websites to find more information and how to purchase diaper systems.
| Cloth vs. Disposables – You Can Make Your Own Cloth Diapers |  |
Cloth diaper enthusiasts often make their own cloth diapers. There are several websites with free information about how to get started making your own cloth diapers, free patterns and sewing tutorials.
www.zany-zebra.com/free-cloth-diaper-patterns
| General Washing Instructions |  |
Washing cloth diapers is really very simple. Washing is recommended every 2-3 days to prevent stains and odors from setting in. Do not overload the washer – no more then 24 diapers is best. First you can either soak the diapers in cold or do a cold rinse cycle. The cold rinse is done first to prevent stains from setting. Then do a wash on hot, to kill germs. Use 1/4 to 1/2 the recommended amount of detergent and use the longest wash cycle. Finally, you may want to do an extra rinse to be sure all the detergent is rinsed out. Check the water during the final rinse to make sure there are no suds. Then you can either dry them in the dryer or hang them to dry. Do not use fabric softener, bleach, natural detergents, or baby detergents on your diapers.1
New Diapers: Wash them in hot water with regular detergent before using. They will shrink some and fluff up quite a bit after washing. They will get softer and more absorbent with each wash. Dry them in the dryer in between these first washings for the best results. Remember to never use fabric softener.
Diaper Pail Methods: Dry Pail Method. Nothing needs to be used in a dry pail, but pure baking soda (cheapest when purchased in bulk) sprinkled on the bottom of the diaper pail to help deodorize. For exclusively breastfed babies, just remove the dirty diaper and toss it in the diaper pail, no special treatment is necessary. For dirty diapers with solid waste on them, shake the waste off into the toilet. Dunking is usually not necessary as your washing machine can normally take care of whatever can’t be shaken off into the toilet. You can use a Mini Shower or similar diaper
sprayer to spray the waste off, or use a spatula or similar item to scrape it off and into the toilet if you feel it’s necessary. Flushable Biodegradable Diaper Liners help take the mess out of cloth diapers. These liners allow moisture to pass through the diaper but keep solids contained for easy clean-up. When dealing with a messy diaper, simply remove the liner and flush it down the toilet. Then just toss the diaper into the diaper pail until wash day. Wash using the General Washing Instructions above. Wet Pail Method. A wet pail has a soaking solution in the diaper pail such as vinegar or Borax®. Start by filling the diaper pail three-quarters full of water and add (3/4 cup) 175mL vinegar (not chlorine bleach) or Borax® according to box. If using a wet pail, be absolutely certain that the diaper pail lid locks to prevent accidental drowning.
Diaper Covers: Normally covers should be washed on warm and hung to dry. This will make them last the longest. If I get a really messy cover I will sometimes wash it with the diapers. They can also be washed by hand. They do not need to be washed after each use. Most people rotate covers throughout the day. Let one air out and use another one, then go back to the first one on the next diaper change. Of course wash them if they get soiled. Otherwise, you can use them several times before washing.
Detergent: Avoid detergents with bleach, whiteners, brighteners, fabric softeners, baby detergents, natural detergents and soap based products. “Fancy” ingredients may cause irritation and may leave a residue on cloth diapers that effects absorbency. Many store brands are just as good, or better, than name brand detergents and are some of the cheapest detergents you’ll find.
1 Source: http://www.diaperco.com/
