Note from the author: This is a quick beginner's guide to most of the major decisions that you would need to make about cloth diapering. This article is a bit lengthy and you may want to print it out so you can circle, scribble, and highlight anything of particular interest to you. To print out just this article and no others, click on the title of this article to bring it up in it's own window. You can print from there.
When most people picture cloth diapering, they envision scrap-like cloth wrapped around a baby's bottom and covered with a plastic cover. Hopefully the baby won't pee while you're holding them....
Today, cloth diapering has taken on a completely new look and has a wide variety of choices to fit various different lifestyles. I can honestly say, as someone who has tried to do the research for herself, the world of cloth diapering can be very intimidating and confusing when entering it alone. So I will be striving to give a short explanation of what the different varieties are, the pros and cons of cloth diapering, and what some experienced cloth diapering moms have to say.
Why cloth diapers?
More and more ladies are making the move to cloth diapering. Why on earth would they do that? Disposables have become a trademark of modern parenting. When I asked a few CDing (cloth diapering) moms, here's what they had to say:
Economical
We've all heard that diapers are expensive. Many people do not realize just how expensive they really are and how inexpensive they CAN be!
This website details the cost of using disposable diapers versus cloth diapers over the first 30 months of a child's life (2 years, 6 months). They used Huggies Supreme as the baseline for the disposable diaper's cost and prefolds and wraps with some accessories for the cloth diapering baseline cost. The bottom line?
Disposable diapers and wipes cost about $2,530 for the first 30 months for each child.
Cloth diapers and cloth wipes cost as little as $778.05 for the first 30 months. These cloth diapers can also be reused from child to child, so it would not necessarily be a recurring cost. The CD cost also includes the energy usage from washing and drying the diapers and the detergent cost.
You can also use
this website to find out what the cost difference would be for you if you were to choose a different type of diaper (instead of the prefolds).
And a final note on the economical advantages: If you keep your diapers in good condition, you can resell them when you're done and recoup some of the cost.
Just like that, a family with two children can save over $4,000 in child-rearing costs.
Environmental
There has been a great deal of debate among cloth diaper and disposable diaper proponents as to which diapers are actually more environmentally friendly. Here is the meat of both arguments:
Disposable diaper proponents argue that cloth diapers damage the environment by using energy and water resources to continuously wash and dry the diapers. Resources are also used in producing the diapers, though in the long run, it is less because fewer diapers need to be produced since they are reusable.
Cloth diaper proponents argue that disposables use water and electricity to be produced, plus the mass amounts of wood used as diaper fillers and thus uses more resources over and over again. They also argue that water is a renewable or 'cleanable' resource, since it can be sanitized, filtered, and used again, as is currently done with waste water treatment plants and thus should not be considered in the final damage done to the environment. The final argument is that no disposable diaper is biodegradable in a landfill, even if it is marketed as a 'biodegradable diaper'. Therefore thousands upon thousands of disposable diapers will remain in landfills and produce methane, a toxic gas.
Here are some studies done on the environmental effects of cloth and disposable diapers:
Health
Diaper rash is a very common childhood ailment. It seems virtually unavoidable. But studies have shown that using cloth diapers can reduce the instances of diaper rash for most children (
The British Journal of General Practice, August 1997). Many children fare better when in an all-natural cloth diaper, as opposed to a disposable diaper. Some cloth diapers are still harsh enough to cause a bad reaction (some children have reactions to micro-fleece liners, etc), but substances like organic cotton have shown to be mild enough for almost every child in cloth diapers (though I'm sure that there are children that are allergic to cotton that could not use these).
What are the different types of cloth diapers?
There are four major types of cloth diapers. Prefolds or flats, fitteds, pockets, and AIO (All-In-Ones). These go by many descriptions and alternative names and we will try to cover as much as we can in a concise manner. You will need between 24 - 36 diapers and should plan on doing laundry once every 2 - 3 days. Here we go!
Prefolds/Flats
AKA: Chinese prefolds, Indian prefolds, flats, prefolds
What you need to know: You will also need a waterproof wrap or cover and either pins or snappis.
Advantages: These are the most inexpensive form of cloth diapers. They also dry very quickly. These are probably the best option if you plan on line drying your diapers. They can also be used as burp rags, extra inserts, doublers, or liners. Very versatile.
Disadvantages: You may need to learn how to fold or tie these. If your child goes to daycare, you will probably have to supply them with a more daycare-friendly diaper like a pocket or AIO.
Cost: Prefolds start at as little as $1 per diaper depending on the size and type. Usually sold in sets of 12.
Flats are a single layer of diaper that you will need to fold a few times into a triangular shape before putting on a baby.
Prefold diapers already have layers built into them and thus do not need as much folding.
Picture Example:This is an example of prefold diapers. This image was taken from
http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com./ This is a picture of Cloth-eez prefolds. The example on the right of the picture is of a prefold before it has been 'pre-washed' (part of the process of how you prepare prefolds to be used). The example on the left is what a prefold looks like when it is been prepped and ready to use (you only need to 'prep' them once). Flats would be similar to the example on the right but larger.
Fitteds/Contours
AKA: Contours/Fitteds
What you need to know: You will also need a waterproof wrap or cover. You do not have to have pins or snappis.
Advantages: No pins or snappis needed. They are also convenient for line drying.
Disadvantages: These can get pricey. See cost below. Add into that the cost for wraps. But they are still less costly than disposable diapers over time.
Contours are like prefolds but shaped like a diaper. There are no fasteners. You simply put down the diaper, put the baby on it just like any disposable diaper, fold up the bottom portion between the legs, and either use pins/snappis, or just put a cover over top.
Fitteds are much like disposables in that you fold it up the same and then fasten it in place with velcro (applix) or sewn on snaps.
Picture Example:
This is an example of a Bum Genius bamboo fitted diaper. This is a popular choice for fitted diapers. You put this on just like a disposable diaper but would also put a cover over top.
Pockets
AKA: AI2 (All-In-Two's)
What you need to know: When you purchase a pocket diaper, it should come with the main diaper, an insert, and possibly a doubler.
Advantages: You can use one or two inserts to make the diaper as absorbable as necessary. Some babies will go more during the night and require the extra padding. These dry faster than AIO because they are in separate parts. These are good to use when leaving your child at daycare, with a babysitter, or a church nursery because you can leave the inserts in and it will be easy for the caregivers to change the diaper.
Disadvantages: Cost. Also, these are more time consuming to line dry.
Picture Example:
This first picture is an example of a Bum Genius pocket diaper insert. This is what you put into the diaper to absorb the fluid.
This second picture is an example of a Bum Genius fitted diaper. In the back of the diaper, there is a pocket that you can put the insert into.
AIO
AKA: All-in-ones, AIO
What you need to know: This is a one-stop-shop. You buy this, and no other parts are needed to make it complete.
Advantages: This is the simplest cloth diaper to use. No folding, pinning, or stuffing required. This would also be good to leave with a caregiver and requires very little explanation of how to use it.
Disadvantages: These diapers take the longest to dry because it is all in one piece. They are also very costly.
Picture example: This is a picture of a Bum Genius AIO diaper with snaps. It works just the same as a disposable diaper but it has snaps and you wash it instead of throwing it out. This is also a particularly popular model.
Where can I buy them?
Recommended stores:
- Etsy - This website is for various vendors to sell their items. The link I've provided is specifically for handmade cloth diapers. Most vendors on here will be ladies handmaking these to help support their families.
- Green Mountain Diapers - This website is run by a Christian woman. She even presents the gospel on her site. The quality of products sold here and the customer service of this site has received positive feedback time and time again. It continually comes back as a number one favorite.
- Cotton Babies - This is also a Christian site. They actually provide diaper grants for missionaries to provide free cloth diapers to those spreading the gospel in other countries. I've also heard lots of good things about this site.
Keep checking back, as this section will be continuously updated with the best known online cloth diaper stores.
Accessories and Extras?
Yes! There are accessories! Be cautioned, as we all know how much women like accessories and options! Ha ha. Some of these accessories are necessities but most are optional.
Wraps/Covers - necessity for prefolds/flats or fitteds/contours
You will need a total of about 4 - 6 wraps or covers total. These come in various colors and sizes. They also have one-size covers that can fit a baby from about 8 pounds up until potty-training. They can range from about $15 up to $40 or more depending on the type you get.
Snappis and Pins - necessity for prefolds/flats, optional for contours, not needed for fitteds
You will either need to purchase snappis or pins. You will not have to have both, but it is suggested to try both to see what you are most comfortable with. Here is an illustration of a snappi in action. It's the best way to understand what it is. These run just a few dollars for a pack of them and you only need 3 - 5.
Cloth Wipes - a necessity unless you plan on buying disposable wipes
You can make these on your own or you can purchase them for a dollar or so a wipe. They come in a variety of sizes and fabrics such as cotton, flannel, or bamboo. Plan for those diaper changes where you'll need almost a handful and buy 30 - 40 wipes.
Wet or Dry Bag, Wet or Dry Pail - a necessity, but don't feel the need to buy it from a cloth diaper store
You will hear the words wet bag, dry bag, wet pail, and dry pail used interchangeably.
Basically, the bag is a bag that you can put soiled diapers into when you are out and about, or you can leave with a daycare to put the soiled diaper into. It is a waterproof bag. If you buy it from a cloth diaper store, you can spend $10 - $30 easily. Alternatively, you can use a big zip-loc bag.
The pail, similarly, is the pail that you put the dirty diapers into. Essentially, a trash can with a reusable liner. Many of the liners are made so you can put them in the wash with the diapers easily. Some of the pails sold in the online stores have nifty extras like carbon filters to keep the odor level to a minimum. On a budget? You can buy a kitchen trash can from the Dollar Store and use regular trash bags until you can get a liner. Be prepared to use one trash bag every 2 - 3 days though unless you plan on rinsing it out when you do laundry.
Diaper Sprayer - not a necessity, but definitely a big help
These nifty little contraptions cost about $40 - $50 a piece and hook up directly to your toilet. They can come with an automatic shut-off switch so if a little one grabs it and squeezes the trigger, it won't spray.
These are used to spray some of the debris off the diaper into the toilet to prep for laundry.
See a picture here. Or, to save some money, build your own!
Options Galore!
Most cloth diapers share similar options. This is a quick review of what the options are when purchasing, and what their advantages/disadvantages may be.
Waterproofing Options
PUL (Polyurethane laminated) fabric - This is a compound that people coat a fabric with to make it waterproof. It is considered by some to be toxic, but many cloth diaper companies put the PUL layer in the middle of the diaper so it never touches your baby's skin.
Wool - Yes, wool will keep your baby from soaking you or anyone or anything else. It is also breathable and can be worn on hot summer days and still keep the baby cooler than they would be in disposables. Not to mention wool is naturally anti-bacterial! Check out The Diaper Hyena for more information about wool.
Snaps vs. Applix (velcro)
For fitteds, pockets, and AIO's, you typically have the option of having either applix or snaps to close the diaper with.
Snaps - The good thing about snaps is that they will last a very long time and not wear out. The bad thing about snaps is that you will have to snap every little snap with a potentially squirmy baby underneath!
Applix - The positive side about applix is that it's very easy to attach, much like a disposable diaper. You just have to hold that squirmy baby down for 5 seconds while you fasten the two tabs. The down side? Applix wears out and will need replaced at some point. It will most likely not last through more than one child, and some don't even make it that long! Also, once baby gets a firm grip and a little strength, they'll be able to pull applix diapers right off!
Materials for the diaper
Diapers and inserts can be made from a myriad of materials. Cotton, flannel, microfleece, polyester, hemp, bamboo, and the list goes on and on.
Cotton, flannel, hemp, and bamboo are considered the least irritating and breathable fabrics. Polyester, microfleece, and other synthetic fabrics tend to be a bit harsher. Also, some moms find that microfleece diapers tend to build up a stench sometimes that can be difficult to get rid of.
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That, in a very large nutshell, is the basics of cloth diapering.
Take a deep breath now. Exhale.
It's a lot to take in and think about. The first step to switching to cloth is deciding what your budget would be. Then go back to the beginning and pick your options, one by one. Use the calculator provided in the section about 'Economical' reasons for cloth diapering to help you figure out what you can afford. You can do it! Look for support groups in your area or on parenting websites if you need help. Pray for wisdom in the matter and absolutely make sure you talk to your hubby about it.
Later, we will be following up with cloth diapering success stories, information on different and suggested methods on washing the diapers, how to remove stains, and more.
i had two children go through diapering years with disposables. now i'm on my third child and she is using cloth diapers, and the middle child is in potty-training wearing training pants during the day and bum genius 3.0 at night. the change was somewhat hard to make, but now it seems like i had done it all along. it was time to stop a habit of "convienence" and now it isn't hard at all to maintain a schedule of cleaning everything. the toddler and baby look very cute in cloth diapers~ a bonus!
ReplyDeleteWow. Very nicely done!
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