Cloth Diapers Vs. Disposable Diapers
Dirty diapers become a large part of your life as a new parent. You probably never thought the aftermath of lunch from another person would be such a significant part of your life. When thinking of your beautiful child, you most likely have some thoughts on what kind of diapers you want to use. If you are like any other person, brands like Pampers and Huggies, probably come into mind, but have you ever considered using cloth diapers instead of disposable? There are many reasons why cloth diapers are very beneficial opposed to disposable.
Today more and more people are concerned with their pocketbooks. Money is tight; diapers are expensive. For a quality pack of disposable diapers, you would be spending around 20.00 for a pack of 60. Newborns use about ten diapers a day. Monthly you would be spending about 100.00 for the first three months, which initially equals 300.00.
When using cloth diapers you have the benefit of washing the soiled material to re-use again. For the basic cloth diaper, your cost is about 15.00 for a pack of 12, and about 15.00 for a nice cover, which doesn’t have to be washed often. To start off you only need about three-dozen diapers and about two covers. This would cost you around 75.00. Keep in mind that the older your baby gets, the less diapers you will use.
Besides the fact that you would save money, consider the impact you would have on the environment. Since about 80% of diapering is done by disposable, about 18 billion diapers are used a year. That’s 18 billion diapers in the landfills. It takes about 250-500 years for one diaper to decompose. That is a lot of waste, and a lot of time to rid of it.
You care so much for your tiny ones skin, so how about the health of a cloth diaper versus the health of a disposable. Disposable diapers contain an extremely pollutant chemical called “dioxin”, this chemical is caused by a paper bleaching process, and has been linked to causing Cancer. It is banned in many countries, but not in the United States. Disposable diapers also contain “tributyl-tin,” which is another toxic pollutant that has caused hormonal changes in humans. There are many other harmful pollutants in these diapers. If most people knew of these things, they wouldn’t want to put the fibers up to their child’s skin. Cloth diapers are as simple as a cotton shirt on your back. The fibers are soft, pure, and gentle.
Most people would oppose cloth diapers because of the work that comes with them. There are many options when cloth diapering your baby. We have moved passed your typical plastic panties, and sharp pins. Here is a list of the different types of diaper options:
· Prefold Cloth Diapers- your basic and cheapest form of cloth diapering. These diapers are a flat piece of cloth in which you fold, use a Snappi to keep together, and a cover to protect from leaks. (A Snappi is the alternative to diaper pins, much easier and safer to use)
· Fitted Cloth Diapers- the next level of the cloth diaper. These are like the prefold, but are sewn in the shape of a diaper and usually have snaps or Velcro to fasten together. These still need a cover to prevent leakage.
· All in One Cloth Diapers- these include a liner, and a waterproof cover all sewn together. Many companies such as Bumgenius and Kushies make these. These look just like a disposable, but they’re washable!
· Pocket Cloth Diapers-These are like All in One diapers yet they contain a pocket that you can stuff with more liners, and doublers, for extra absorbency. Swaddlebees makes an All in One, one size pocket diaper to grow with your baby!
Using cloth diapers is cheaper, more earth friendly and more baby friendly. Cloth diapers are a lot easier than most people know, and there are many options in doing so. Choosing cloth diapers is one small step to a larger change. Your choice can change the Earth, the economy, and your family.
