Switch to Cloth Diapers
Benefits & Tips for an Easy Transition Away from Disposable Diapers
Mar 24, 2008
Can cloth diapers be as easy to use as disposables? You may be surprised to discover that the answer is yes. Cloth diapers can be intimidating, but it is possible to switch from disposables to cloth and even learn to love them.
Reasons to Switch to Cloth Diapers
The environmental impact of disposable diapers is huge. According to the Real Diaper Association’s estimate, 27.4 billion disposable diapers are used each year in the United States. Disposable diapers are the third largest consumer product in landfills.
One baby goes through about 8 -14 diapers a day. That translates to roughly 70 diapers a week and 3,650 diapers a year. On average, disposable diapers cost 25.5 cents per diaper. This means that over the course of two years, a family can spend almost $2,000 on diapers for one child.
Benefits of Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are softer on a baby’s skin. Many people believe this means there is less of a chance of diaper rash. This may be because cloth diapers tend to get changed more frequently. Disposable diapers are designed to hold moisture away from the skin, so the baby is less aware when he is wet, resulting in less frequent changes.
Cloth diapers reduce the family’s weekly garbage significantly. That results in a smaller environmental impact and a lower cost for trash disposal.
Though there is an initial investment with cloth diapers, they are cheaper over the long term. Bummis Cotton Diapering Kit contains 24 cotton pre-fold diapers and 4 waterproof diaper wraps. At $110 per kit, these are an easy transition for beginning cloth diaper users. Fill in with some inexpensive Gerber pre-folds to have enough cloth diapers to last for three to four days in between loads of laundry.
A waterproof diaper cover fitted over a cotton pre-fold keeps the baby’s clothes clean and dry more efficiently than disposable diapers. Disposable diapers have a tendency to leak out the top of the back or a leg hole, resulting in frequent clothing changes.
Cloth Diapering Tips
- Ease into cloth diaper use to make a smooth transition. Make a commitment to use cloth diapers one day a week. Build up to two days and so on.
- Until you have more practice with cloth, continue to use disposables when you are out of the house. Then there is no need to carry a wet bag for soiled diapers.
- Stick to one type of diaper for trips in the car. Cloth diapers are bulkier than disposables. Switching from one to the other will mean you have to readjust the car seat straps each time you travel.
- Because of the extra bulk of cloth diapers, look for clothing that is larger in the rear. Consider buying clothes in the next larger size to get a good fit.
- Use a diaper liner once solids are introduced. A breastfed baby’s bowel movements are easy to clean, but when solids are introduced, cleaning becomes more difficult. A diaper liner will make clean up easy.
- Strip diapers regularly. Cloth diapers will eventually have detergent residue and become less absorbent. Strip once every six to eight weeks or more often if needed. Stripping involves running the diapers through a hot wash cycle three or four times with vinegar instead of detergent.
Even hard core disposable diaper users can make a smooth transition to cloth diapers and benefit the environment at the same time.
Source:
Real Diaper Association website, Diaper Facts
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