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Class Schedule February 19th from 12-1
Boonslick Regional Library
102 East Jackson Street
There are many reasons a family might choose to cloth diaper. Here is an overview of some of these reasons: It is more Economical A baby goes through about eight to twelve diapers per day. This easily translates into between 5000 and 9000 diapers before they are potty trained. At a cost of $0.30 per diaper, that adds up to approximately $1500-$2700. The initial investment in cloth diapers is greater than the investment required for disposables, but is significantly less. A particularly frugal family could cloth diaper for less than $200, although the average amount spent is closer to $500. Once the cost of cleaning, whether using a diaper service or laundering yourself is factored in, there is still a significant savings. If you reuse the diapers for a second child the savings are increased dramatically. Also diapers can be resold (or donated) once the baby has outgrown them or the need decreases.
It is more Comfortable Cloth diapers take the comfort of the baby into consideration. When choosing this method, the most common fabrics against baby’s skin are micro-fleece, flannel and cotton. The fabrics are chosen to wick moisture away from baby’s skin. Disposable diapers do this as well, but they use chemicals to do this. Often these chemicals form beads or crystals that can leak out of the diaper and stick to baby’s skin. The disposable diaper is made from plastic and chemicals. Which would you prefer against your own skin for 24 hours a day for 2-3 years?
It is Healthier Many disposable diapers contain sodium polyacrylate to absorb the liquid and turn it into gel. This gel is relatively new and there is a lack of information on the long term effects. Some of the short term effects are pretty scary. It has been linked to toxic shock syndrome. It can leach the moisture from the baby’s skin. Rashes can also occur. One of the most frightening side effect is that disposable diapers containing this gel are suspected of exacerbating and even causing asthma. The bleaching used in disposable diapers can produce dioxin, the most toxic carcinogen.
This is the general rule of thumb. However, there are many factors that need to be considered. If you live in a area that is suffering from a drought choosing to launder diapers is not the best choice. Instead consider a biodegradable diaper, or a diaper with biodegradable, disposable liners such as the g-diaper. If you use regular disposables they would generate approximately two to three tons of non-biodegradable waste. Also comparing the waste generated by manufacturing several thousand disposable diapers versus a few dozen cloth diapers and the benefits become clear. Even within the choice of cloth diapering, there are ways to reduce the amount of energy used. For instance hanging diapers on a clothes line to dry instead of using the drier will save energy!
Toddlers in cloth diapers can feel when they are wet. There are special disposable diapers on the market that are designed to change the sensation (usually with a change in perceived temperature) when the diaper becomes wet. These added chemicals are unnecessary with cloth diapers, because the child can simply feel the sensation of being wet. A chemically laden diaper, designed to absorb moisture so the diaper does not feel wet, discourages the child from learning and understanding what their body is doing.
There are also many reasons why a family may decide that cloth diapering might not work for them. Most of these reasons are common misconceptions. Here is an overview of some of them.
It is more Work Cloth diapering can be considered more labor intensive when you are laundering diapers yourself. Many parents are turned off of the idea of cloth diapering when they find out that they have to scrape the solid waste into the toilet. This is only the case for well formed, solid poops. Keeping a spatula on the back of the toilet for these occasions is not a big hassle and possibly adds an extra 20 second to the length of time it takes to change the baby on these occasions. (they also make diaper sprayers for this) But the big reason why this should not effect the decision is simple: This is also required when using disposables! If you check the label of your disposable diapers it will contain a warning like this one:
IMPORTANT: When disposing
of soiled diaper, empty contents into toilet. Do not flush
diaper. Please do not litter.
Consider that you’ll have two less bags of garbage to haul to the curb each week. You’ll never have to make that late night trip to the grocery store to find diapers. An extra load of laundry every two days is hardly too much work. Especially when compared to getting dressed, getting the baby dressed, and making a run to the store for disposables.
It requires more Changes
It is the same waste coming from the baby. Many families that have made the switch from disposables to cloth actually find that the cloth smells less. There is a distinct diaper smell that is a combination of both waste and chemicals. This smell does not occur with cloth. An airtight diaper pail will keep odors at bay no matter which method you choose.
Cloth diapering has come a long way from the days when mothers had to master origami and the art of not pricking their baby with a safety pin. Many cloth diapers options are as easy to use as disposables. All-in-ones are exactly like a disposable in design and ease of use!
A well fitting cloth diaper does not leak. If there are leaking issues it is simply because the diaper does not fit properly and needs to be adjusted. Information gernerously provided by Kathy
How many diapers should I have? I highly recommend at the very least 12 diapers 15 would be better. I personally think 20 is a good amount to have that gives you 10 per day and you can do a wash load every other day. I would recommend at least 2 of those be night diapers (extra soaker layers). More than 20 is even better because there will be less wear on the diapers.
How do I store my diapers? I prefer the dry pail method because you don’t have to worry about little ones knocking it over and have a stinky wet mess anywhere. I use a regular 13 gallon flip top (with the pedal to push with your foot) garbage can with a (pul) wetbag as the liner. A drop or two of tee tree oil in the pail usually takes care of any scents coming out of the diaper pail.
How do I wash my diapers? I recommend running them through cold water first and then through a warm/cold cycle if you plan on using your dryer to dry them. If you’ll be line drying use a hot cycle after the cold rinse. Do NOT use any kind of fabric softener or it will break down the diaper fabric making it leak, certain laundry soaps will also do this.
How do you get poo stains out? Yes you can! When diapers have been washed (and dried if using your dryer) just lay/hang them out in the sun and it will bleach the stains right out! Neat isn’t it? Be careful not to leave colored prefolds/inserts out for too long or the sun may bleach out their color!
What detergents are okay for my diapers?
Glossary AIO - All In One - These diapers include the water resistant layer, the absorbency layers and the liner (the comfortable layer that sits against baby’s skin) all in one piece. They take longer to dry than pocket diapers, but are comparable in ease of use to disposables. AI2 - All In Two - These diapers usually have a snap/velcro in absorbant layer Cover - There are several types of diaper covers. PUL (polyeurethane laminated) is a water resistant fabric that is frequently used for covers. Then you've got your wool covers which are knitted, often into shorts, pants or skirties (with shorts attatched) Diaper Service - A service which takes care of washing cloth diapers. These services often only deal with prefolds, but some regions have services that will take in other types. Diaper Service Quality (DSQ) - These are the higher end prefolds. They are the only type of prefolds I would recommend using for cloth diapering. Doubler - A doubler is similar to a liner, it goes between the baby and the diaper to protect the diaper from getting soiled and to add extra absorbency. They are great for night-time use. Fitted - A fitted diaper is similar to the all in one, the major difference is that fitter diapers need to use a diaper cover to prevent leaks. They do not have a water proof layer built in. Often for newborns who pee frequently but not in great quantity it is possible to get away with not having a cover for these. But venture forth without a cover at your own risk! Liner - The liner is the piece that goes against baby’s skin. This can be part of the diaper itself, as in AIO or pocket diapers or can be a separate piece. Flushable and biodegradable liners are available to protect the diaper from getting poo on it making clean up even easier. One size - One size diapers are designed to be adjustable as baby grows. Instead of having to replace a set of diapers once the baby outgrows that size, a simple adjustment, often a snap or velcro, allows for more room. Most of these diapers include three to four adjustments which will take the diaper from the newborn size all the way to toddler size. Pocket Diaper - Pocket diapers are a two piece system, also known as All In Twos. They are made from a layer of fabric that touches baby’s skin, often fleece or flannel, and a water proof layer. An absorbent layer is then stuffed into the pocket created by these two layers. The absorbency can be tailored to the needs by adding a more or less absorbent insert. Prefold - Prefolds are a flat, rectangular shaped diaper, divided into 3 sections. They are usually combined with a pin or a Snappi to secure them and often a diaper cover as well. When purchasing prefolds they are labeled in the form 4-6-4. This indicates how many layers each of the sections is made from. Prefolds can also be used as doublers. Soaker - Soakers can be made out of lots of different absorbent fabrics, most commonly they are microfiber. Snappi - The snappi has replaced pins. You use them on prefolds, flats and even some fitteds. There are plastic teeth under the tabs that grips the diaper.
If you have any questions not covered here please feel free to contact us
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