Cloth Diapers or Disposables?
 cloth diapers When having a baby, there are so many choices that you have to make and it can be overwhelming.
Cloth diapers
might not even be something you've ever considered, or thought about before. But should you?
Why would anyone choose cloth diapers?
There are several reasons a couple would choose to cloth diaper their baby.
1.)Disposable diapers are made with bleach and harsh chemicals which are not healthy for the baby. The diapers contain traces of Dioxin (cancer causing chemical), Tributyl-tin, and sodium polyacrylate. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, hormone problems and bacteria growth. The diapers have also been found to raise the scrotum temperature in boys to such a high temperature that it may cause fertility issues, as the testicles are unable to form properly.
2.)Financially it makes more sense.
Disposable diapers are so expensive. Especially if you have several children in diapers or pull-ups. For around $200-$300 you can build your stash of cloth...meanwhile that same amount of money may stretch only a few months with disposables.
3.)Environmentally they are the best option. Besides what it does to the landfills, the process to make them is harmful to the environment as well.
Prefolds
– nice and inexpensive. These are cloths that are folded and put inside waterproof covers.
All in ones (AIO) – so easy and so cute! These are what they are called, all in one diapers. You do not need an insert or cloth for these, you simply put the diaper on the baby. They are more expensive then prefolds but nice to have when you are in a hurry and in the middle of the night. Pockets - these diapers have fleece lining but also a pocket inside that you can stuff with a prefold or another cloth.
Flats – old fashion kind. The ones our mothers used to fold and pin. Cloth Diaper CareCD's must be washed, obviously. BUT, unlike your regular laundry, you cannot use regular laundry detergent, or dryer sheets or fabric softener. And NEVER ever use bleach. There are several detergents that we would recommend you use for C.D's. But before you try any of them, be sure to check with the company you are purchasing the diapers from to be sure it is safe to use. * Mountain Green Free and Clear * Arm & Hammer Essentials Free (avoid scents) * Bio-O-Kleen (liquid detergent) * Charlie's Soap * Planet * Rockin Green * Sun & Earth
Washing Tips Dry all in ones inside out Sun bleaching is wonderful and works really quickly. If you notice spots/stains on your diapers, then sit them in the sun while wet to dry. This should do the trick. Sometimes detergent can build up. If this happens you need to rinse your C.D's really well and do 5-6 washes in a row without detergent to get them de-funked. |
