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| Imagine brand pocket diaper |
When I had my first daughter over 8 years ago, the only diapering option I thought existed were Huggies or Pampers. My husband and I spent an unthinkable amount of money over the following years on disposable diapers and wipes. During my third pregnancy, thanks to third-trimester insomnia, I was shopping online and found a website selling cloth diapers. But these weren’t the kind with pins and crunchy plastic underwear – they were in a league of their own.
After using disposable diapers on our first two children, I had the urge to step out into unchartered territory and try out this cloth-diapering thing. I like challenges, and from what I could tell, this decision had the potential to save me a lot of cash. I probably have an unhealthy obsession with getting the best deal, so that was honestly the number one factor in choosing to try them.
I didn’t know any other parents who were using them so I was on my own trying to navigate the best options for us. There were so many different kinds, from old fashioned pre-fold diapers, to fancy all-in-one diapers that go on and off just like a disposables. Coming from a history of disposable, the latter seemed the safest place for me to start. I placed my first order online since there were no stores in the area that sold them. They sat in the nursery for about a month before I rounded up enough courage to try one out. We had just run out of our gifted stash of disposables, so it was as good a time as any. I put it on and waited nervously for what would happen when it was time to be changed. Turns out, I shouldn’t have been worried at all. It was incredibly easy and I haven’t second guessed my decision once.
Benefits of cloth diapering
With my new-found knowledge of cloth diapering, I had to share what I was doing with other moms. It wasn’t a hard sell. Most were feeling the pinch of the current economy, and the fact that they could save a few thousand dollars just by doing a little extra laundry was reason enough to try them out. Anyone who has used disposables knows the amount of money that goes into purchasing them – money that ultimately goes (literally) into the garbage. The price of a purchasing a cloth diaper can range from about $1 for a basic prefold diaper to upwards of $30-40 for boutique brands. You can really spend as little or as much as you wish. Which leads to another benefit…
By reusing diapers, you are not only saving money, but also helping the environment. Each year, billions upon billions of disposable diapers are thrown into landfills. It is unknown exactly how long it takes for one to decompose, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates 450 years. Besides the solid waste that amounts to mountains, the chemicals that are used in creating them are quite harsh and even toxic. According to the EPA, Dioxin, the chemical used in bleaching the wood pulp contained in disposable diapers, is considered a carcinogen.
Besides the fact that having your child exposed to a cancer-causing agent is scary, disposables can contribute to diaper rashes. Cloth is more breathable and is free of chemical agents when washed properly. This means less irritation and discomfort for babies’ bottoms.
Types of cloth diapers
As I mentioned before, there are MANY options for modern-day cloth diapering. Depending on your preference, budget or even fashion taste, you would be surprised by the choices diaper manufacturers offer. Here a few of the most popular out there:
Flats and Prefolds– Flats are the most basic, multi-purpose diaper you can buy. This is literally what your grandma used. It is made of a one-ply fabric (usually cotton) and can be folded to fit most babies from birth to potty-training.
Most folks that have children are familiar with prefold diapers. They make excellent burp cloths. You can purchase inexpensive ones at Wal-Mart or Target. The pricier Chinese or Indian prefolds are thicker and come in an array of sizes. Both flats and prefolds can be fastened with pins, or what is now the most common option: a Snappi. Snappis are made of a stretchable material and are T-shaped with “teeth” on each end. The teeth hook into the diaper fabric on each side and in the crotch area, holding the diaper together.
Both flats and prefolds require a waterproof cover. From the basic pull-on style to wraps that go on like a disposable, there are styles to fit babies of every size and shape. They can be found in many fabrics such as polyurethane laminate (PUL), fleece and even wool.
Fitted Diapers – Made of absorbent materials such as cotton, bamboo and hemp, fitted diapers are just as their name implies – fitted. They are easy to put on because they don’t require any folding. They typically fasten with Velcro or snaps, although some can be fastened with pins or a Snappi. Fitted diapers also require a waterproof cover.
All-in-One Diapers (AIO) – AIOs are much like fitted diapers in the way they are fastened, however they have what is essentially a built-in cover. The inside is made of an absorbent material and the outside is waterproof. The ease of use that AIOs offer is the most like disposables, but instead of throwing the used diaper in the garbage you throw it in the diaper pail!
Pocket Diapers
Pocket diapers are similar to AIOs, but they have a feature that allows for customization. They go on the baby the same way, but they have a handy “pocket” that allow you to stuff with absorbent inserts of your choosing based on your preference or your baby’s need. Microfiber is most often used because of its trimness and ability to hold a lot of fluid, but other popular options are bamboo, hemp and cotton.
I started off switching to cloth to save money but the reasons I stuck with it has evolved over time. I’m happy to use something more safe and natural on my babies and the environment. I know it’s not for every family, but hopefully your eyes are more open to the new generation of cloth diapering.
This is a solicitation: I have LOVED Imagine prefolds for years and am actually now an Independent Imagine Baby Products Advocate. So if you want to buy some, visit www.imaginebabyproducts.com/shanacamara :)
