Cloth diapers. The very words send fear through many a parents' heart - but a lot of what you think you know about cloth diapers is probably not true. Old-fashioned rubber pants, fiddling with diaper pins and leaky rectangles of cloth are usually what people have in mind when they think about cloth diapers. Oh, how the world of diapering has changed!
Of course, many of these myths about about cloth are perpetuated by the disposable diaper industry - after all, protecting their share of this billion dollar market is important to them. According to the Real Diaper Association, 18 billion disposable diapers are used in the US every year. At an average cost of 25 cents each, that is a lot of money and a lot of landfill space.
Here are some common myths about using "real diapers:"
* They leak! Any diaper that is not changed often enough will leak. However, modern diaper covers and pocket diapers (a diaper that holds an absorbent insert in a special pocket opening) make leaks a rare occurrence. In fact, most moms tell me that after switching to cloth they see far fewer leaks and "blowouts" than with disposables. Elastic is a good thing!
* They are hard to clean! Well, I spend about 30 seconds cleaning a dirty diaper since I use either a flushable diaper liner or a diaper sprayer attached to the toilet to rinse off any mess. Wet diapers go straight in the diaper pail until wash day. Modern fabrics are much easier to clean than the rubber pants of old!
* They are hard to wash! It takes me about 6 minutes, three times a week, to dump a load of diapers into the wash and run a cold rinse. I then run a hot wash and a cold rinse again. Ta da! Clean diapers. I never even have to touch them between the diaper pail and time to put them in the dryer. Thanks to the cool, new-fangled invention of the washing machine, washing diapers is a cinch!
* All that water, electricity and soap will cost as much as disposables! Seriously, this argument is weak at best. I use a special biodegradable, additive free detergent and it STILL only costs me 10 cents per load. Running three wash and dry cycles a week just does not make a noticeable dent in our electric bill. If you are really worried about it, try using a high efficiency machine and line drying your diapers.
* You can't use them away from home. I use a simple zippered wet bag to keep used cloth diapers in our diaper bag until we get home. It's like camping, you simply pack out what you pack in. Now that my baby is on solids most of the time, I use a flushable liner when we go out. With a flushable liner, I can dump any mess in the toilet and I only have to deal with wet dipes when we get home.
See, cloth diapers are so much easier than you have probably been lead to believe! You can get started with cloth for a small investment to see if you like them and start saving your family money every week. I'll warn you though, a lot of parents are soon addicted to finding the cutest diapers for their babies!
Julie R. Holland is an attachment parenting author and owner of One Lucky Mama cloth diapers. Subscribe to the free One Lucky Mama newsletter for cloth diaper savings and more great articles like this one. Visit http://www.littlefornow.com for lots of great tips for getting started with cloth diapers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Julie_R._Holland/65269
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3101577
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Monday, May 2, 2016
Cloth Diapering - The Incomparable Benefits
Making the decision to cloth diaper can be a daunting one, but the benefits certainly outweigh the minor drawbacks. I never thought I'd be a cloth diapering mom until I gathered a wealth of knowledge on the advantages. Initially, cloth diapering was a deterrent as family and friend alike tried to talk me out of it, convinced that even if I tried it, I wouldn't last long. I made the decision to put my baby in cloth, and a year later, I'm loving it. It's one of the best decisions I've made for my baby and our budget.
Choosing the type of diaper was the most difficult part as a soon-to-be new mother. There are prefolds, fitted diapers, covers, one-size diapers, pocket diapers and all-in-ones (AIO's). Where to begin? Fortunately, I had the time to research and read tons of product reviews and chose the solution that was rated most highly by other parents. However, you need to choose a diaper based on your needs.
I knew I needed a diaper that was versatile and easy to use, so I chose a one-size cloth diaper. It was the most most user-friendly not only for me, but also for the friends, family members and potential daycare providers that could take over without being confused by the cloth diapering process. After all, my goal was to keep my baby in cloth 100% of the time. If my cloth diaper system was confusing for others, it would have been more difficult to be successful.
Cloth diapering has been a satisfying experience for both of us this past year. It's been a little messy at times since baby has begun solids and I had to use a diaper sprayer to clean out the mess before throwing the diaper into the washer, but the benefits we've both had from this experience have been tremendous. Now that I'm a full-time stay-at-home mom, I've found that using the prefolds with covers have made washing preparation even easier than my beloved pocket diapers.
There have, of course, been several occasions where my baby has been in disposables and my experience with them always confirms my devotion to cloth. Sure, disposables are less bulky than the cloth, but there are so many cloth diapers that are slimmer and incredibly simpler than the old-fashioned pin and cover cloth diaper that is well-known.
Not only have my cloth diapers contained blow-outs better, they've kept baby drier overnight (the disposables have always leaked for me even though I've tried various brands), and they've kept diaper rash at bay. Also, they're much more economical. The average family can save approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per child using cloth. As an added bonus, cloth diapers are environmentally-friendly and free from potentially harmful chemicals found in so many disposable diapers.
I highly recommend cloth diapering to any caregiver. It's been such a breeze and I enjoy knowing that my baby is happy, we're doing something sustainable for the environment, and to top it all of, we're saving money.
Stephanie shares additional tips, resources, and writings on a variety of interesting topics. Visit Variety is the Spice of Life for information on a sprinkling of informative topics you'll want to read!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stephanie_Bill/493057
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3370867
Choosing the type of diaper was the most difficult part as a soon-to-be new mother. There are prefolds, fitted diapers, covers, one-size diapers, pocket diapers and all-in-ones (AIO's). Where to begin? Fortunately, I had the time to research and read tons of product reviews and chose the solution that was rated most highly by other parents. However, you need to choose a diaper based on your needs.
I knew I needed a diaper that was versatile and easy to use, so I chose a one-size cloth diaper. It was the most most user-friendly not only for me, but also for the friends, family members and potential daycare providers that could take over without being confused by the cloth diapering process. After all, my goal was to keep my baby in cloth 100% of the time. If my cloth diaper system was confusing for others, it would have been more difficult to be successful.
Cloth diapering has been a satisfying experience for both of us this past year. It's been a little messy at times since baby has begun solids and I had to use a diaper sprayer to clean out the mess before throwing the diaper into the washer, but the benefits we've both had from this experience have been tremendous. Now that I'm a full-time stay-at-home mom, I've found that using the prefolds with covers have made washing preparation even easier than my beloved pocket diapers.
There have, of course, been several occasions where my baby has been in disposables and my experience with them always confirms my devotion to cloth. Sure, disposables are less bulky than the cloth, but there are so many cloth diapers that are slimmer and incredibly simpler than the old-fashioned pin and cover cloth diaper that is well-known.
Not only have my cloth diapers contained blow-outs better, they've kept baby drier overnight (the disposables have always leaked for me even though I've tried various brands), and they've kept diaper rash at bay. Also, they're much more economical. The average family can save approximately $1,500 to $2,000 per child using cloth. As an added bonus, cloth diapers are environmentally-friendly and free from potentially harmful chemicals found in so many disposable diapers.
I highly recommend cloth diapering to any caregiver. It's been such a breeze and I enjoy knowing that my baby is happy, we're doing something sustainable for the environment, and to top it all of, we're saving money.
Stephanie shares additional tips, resources, and writings on a variety of interesting topics. Visit Variety is the Spice of Life for information on a sprinkling of informative topics you'll want to read!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stephanie_Bill/493057
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3370867
Cloth Diapers - Flat and Pre-Fold Diapers
Cloth diapers can be confusing. Gone are the days when the only diapers on the market were white terry squares. These days, there's a proliferation of different types, shapes, sizes, colours and systems. And with more and more diapers coming on to the market every year, it can all seem a bit bewildering.
So here is an introduction to the basic kinds of cloth diaper you will find today.
This first article looks at
Flat diapers
Pre-fold diapers
The next article will look other types on the market. Remember that you don't have to stick to one brand. Mix and match your diaper stash to get the right combination of cloth diapers for you, your baby, and your family's lifestyle.
1. Flat diapers.
These, basically, are the old-fashioned terry squares (though you can get them in different colours these days). You fold it, then fasten it snugly around your baby. There are many different ways to fold a flat diaper, from a simple triangle to what can only be described as diaper-origami. For newborn babies, you can also use a square of muslin folded in the same way, which cuts out the bulkiness. The diaper is the absorbent part, so you need to use a separate waterproof wrap over the top.
Flat diapers are the cheapest you can get. It might be worth stocking up on these, which will save you a considerable amount of money compared to the more expensive cloth diapers, so that you can afford better waterproof wraps.
And don't be fooled by the fact that flat diapers are so cheap. Once you get the hang of how you use them, they can work as well as (if not better than) any other kind of premium cloth diaper. Practise different folds until you work out which you like best, and you can tweak, tighten and tuck the diaper so that it moulds your baby's unique shape absolutely perfectly.
Parents who start off using shaped diapers for their first baby often end up 'graduating' to flat diapers for subsequent babies, because they've realised how versatile and reliable they are. Once you're an expert at folding and fitting a flat diaper, they'll withstand any amount of wriggling. Nothing will escape from the diaper - not even the baby!
The other advantage of flat diapers is that they dry so fast. Because they unfold into a single layer of cloth, they will usually dry in a matter of hours. Other, thicker, shaped diapers, with several layers of cloth, take longer.
You need something to secure the diaper in place. In the past, this used to be safety pins. These days, you can get clever little stretchy devices with tiny 'teeth' that hook into the fabric and do the same job.
The only real disadvantage of flat diapers is that they can be a bit bulkier than some of the more expensive brands. Shops tend to sell baby clothes to go over disposable diapers, not cloth ones. But if you dress your baby in stretchy clothes, though, this shouldn't be a problem. So it's worth having a stash of these, even if you only use them at home.
2. Pre-fold diapers.
These are pretty much like flat diapers, except that they consist of a couple of layers of absorbent material, with a pre-stitched 'fold' line. Think of a three-fold leaflet - that's how you fold a pre-fold diaper, to make what is basically a rectangular wad of cloth. The waterproof wrap holds this in place. The only real advantage of this diaper over the flat terry squares is simply that you don't have to mess about with any folding.
Pre-folds work well with smaller, less mobile babies. You may find, though, that as your baby starts crawling around, pre-fold diapers might start to slip out of place.
Some parents swear by pre-folds as a perfectly workable compromise between cost and convenience. They're still pretty cheap, but you don't have to mess about learning any folding. So, if you really, really, really can't stand the idea of folding a diaper, but you still want to keep your costs down, consider pre-folds.
But do yourself a favour - just have a few tries with a standard flat diaper as well, just in case you change mind. Who knows? You might find (as many parents have before you) that you enjoy the art of folding diapers - and even become something of an expert.
If you enjoyed reading this article by Tamsin Constable, a professional, BBC-trained writer, and you would like free tips on how to improve your own writing, please feel free to mosey along to Tamsin's blog at http://www.tamsinconstable.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tamsin_Constable/515092
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3537647
So here is an introduction to the basic kinds of cloth diaper you will find today.
This first article looks at
Flat diapers
Pre-fold diapers
The next article will look other types on the market. Remember that you don't have to stick to one brand. Mix and match your diaper stash to get the right combination of cloth diapers for you, your baby, and your family's lifestyle.
1. Flat diapers.
These, basically, are the old-fashioned terry squares (though you can get them in different colours these days). You fold it, then fasten it snugly around your baby. There are many different ways to fold a flat diaper, from a simple triangle to what can only be described as diaper-origami. For newborn babies, you can also use a square of muslin folded in the same way, which cuts out the bulkiness. The diaper is the absorbent part, so you need to use a separate waterproof wrap over the top.
Flat diapers are the cheapest you can get. It might be worth stocking up on these, which will save you a considerable amount of money compared to the more expensive cloth diapers, so that you can afford better waterproof wraps.
And don't be fooled by the fact that flat diapers are so cheap. Once you get the hang of how you use them, they can work as well as (if not better than) any other kind of premium cloth diaper. Practise different folds until you work out which you like best, and you can tweak, tighten and tuck the diaper so that it moulds your baby's unique shape absolutely perfectly.
Parents who start off using shaped diapers for their first baby often end up 'graduating' to flat diapers for subsequent babies, because they've realised how versatile and reliable they are. Once you're an expert at folding and fitting a flat diaper, they'll withstand any amount of wriggling. Nothing will escape from the diaper - not even the baby!
The other advantage of flat diapers is that they dry so fast. Because they unfold into a single layer of cloth, they will usually dry in a matter of hours. Other, thicker, shaped diapers, with several layers of cloth, take longer.
You need something to secure the diaper in place. In the past, this used to be safety pins. These days, you can get clever little stretchy devices with tiny 'teeth' that hook into the fabric and do the same job.
The only real disadvantage of flat diapers is that they can be a bit bulkier than some of the more expensive brands. Shops tend to sell baby clothes to go over disposable diapers, not cloth ones. But if you dress your baby in stretchy clothes, though, this shouldn't be a problem. So it's worth having a stash of these, even if you only use them at home.
2. Pre-fold diapers.
These are pretty much like flat diapers, except that they consist of a couple of layers of absorbent material, with a pre-stitched 'fold' line. Think of a three-fold leaflet - that's how you fold a pre-fold diaper, to make what is basically a rectangular wad of cloth. The waterproof wrap holds this in place. The only real advantage of this diaper over the flat terry squares is simply that you don't have to mess about with any folding.
Pre-folds work well with smaller, less mobile babies. You may find, though, that as your baby starts crawling around, pre-fold diapers might start to slip out of place.
Some parents swear by pre-folds as a perfectly workable compromise between cost and convenience. They're still pretty cheap, but you don't have to mess about learning any folding. So, if you really, really, really can't stand the idea of folding a diaper, but you still want to keep your costs down, consider pre-folds.
But do yourself a favour - just have a few tries with a standard flat diaper as well, just in case you change mind. Who knows? You might find (as many parents have before you) that you enjoy the art of folding diapers - and even become something of an expert.
If you enjoyed reading this article by Tamsin Constable, a professional, BBC-trained writer, and you would like free tips on how to improve your own writing, please feel free to mosey along to Tamsin's blog at http://www.tamsinconstable.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tamsin_Constable/515092
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3537647
Sunday, May 1, 2016
One-Size Cloth Diapers - Everything You Need to Know
One of the most popular things that people looking into using cloth on their kids want to know are the pros and cons of sized diapers (small, med, large) versus a one size diaper. The idea of only having to buy one set of diapers is not only ideal from a convenience standpoint but certainly from a financial standpoint. Lots of parents think that they can purchase a certain number of one-size diapers and then recycling them through 2-3 or more kids - which may not be realistic. This seems like a perfect plan before thinking about some of the factors that are worth considering.
There are several factors that influence that life of a cloth diaper. The most important thing would be the washing routine. If you read the directions for washing on most cloth diapers, they say something similar to - wash on hot with a mild, additive free detergent, follow up with a cold rinse and then either tumble dry low or hang to dry (some people like to do an initial cold rinse to help with stains as well). Also, depending on your lifestyle and the size of your diaper stash, it may not always be feasible to hang your diapers to dry each and every time - line drying will greatly increase the life of your diapers. Even if you plan on line drying, also plan on having to use the dryer every once in awhile when you are in a rush! The last factor is the actual number of diapers you have, which directly influences the number of times you have to wash your diapers per week which in turn will influence how long they last. For example - a dozen one size diapers that are washed every 1.5-2 days for 2 years are going to wear out twice as fast than if you had 2 dozen diapers and washed just twice a week (on average that is the difference between 100 and 200 trips through the washer per year.)
The next thing to consider is the actual diapering needs of infants v. toddlers. As seasoned parents can attest to, the older the child, generally, the less diaper changes needed. In those early infant weeks and months, when babe is likely needing changing all the time, you will certainly go through twice as many diapers than say a 10-12 month old child. The need to change so often starts spacing out substantially as the child gets older - especially when solids are introduced. We generally recommend 2-3 dozen diapers for a newborn (or more if you don't like to wash as often), this would be way more than one would necessarily need for an older child - this certainly lends itself to thinking that it might make the most sense to have a separate nb/sm stash of 2-3 dozen diapers and then moving up to a smaller stash of medium diapers or one-size diapers when the babe grows out of the smaller collection. This also would allow families of multiple, different aged children to cycle through the sizes - especially if you plan on having several children and using cloth on all of them. The wear on one set of one size diapers through 2 or more children is going to be quite substantial and you could be disappointed when they begin to wear out earlier than you had hoped. Although you will most likely get quite a bit of wear out of a one size diaper, it may not be feasible to expect any piece of cloth to withstand being washed every other day for upwards of 2 years.
Another thing to consider is the resale value. There is a good market for well taken care of, but used cloth diapers - so if you do end up with more in a particular size than you need or if they still have some life in them once your own kids are done with them, you quite possibly could recoup some of your investment.
If you do choose to have a stash consisting mainly of one size diapers, you want to make sure that it is large enough that you only wash a couple times a week and really properly care for them to extend their life. Our recommendation is that if you know you want to have 2 or more children, sized diapers may be your better choice atleast for some of your stash - 2-3 dozen newborn or small, 1-2 dozen mediums and some kiddies don't even need large as they potty train before they grow out of the mediums. If you are having your children close together, having 6-12 one size diapers added to the mix might be good for outings and to streamline a little bit and make the diaper bag easier to tote around! It's important to make sure your expectations for any wear product is realistic and want to make sure that everyone finds the type of diaper that will suit their family.
The author is Katie Ham and she is an expert on clothdiapering and natural family living. She writes for Maine Cloth Diaper Company out of Damariscotta, Maine which is a small boutique both off and online that specializes in baby and toddler items including cloth diapers, cloth diaper supplies, clothes, safe toys, safe feeding items, nursing bras and covers, baby carriers and more. Both Katie and Maine Cloth Diaper's mission is to spread the word about cloth diapers and how how easy and healthy they are for both the environment and your child.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Katie_C_Ham/544306
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3679289
Cloth Diapering Systems and What Each Type is Good For - What Cloth Diaper Should I Buy?
Cloth diapers might seem like a step back in time but in reality we need to become more conscious of our environment and this is one step parents can take to start the process and ensure our next generations have a place left to move forward.
There are several different options when it comes to cloth diapers. There is the pocket cloth diaper, the all-in-one, the one size fits all and the two part pre folds. They all have some strong environmental advantages but some types make more sense in practicality, convenience, and cost.
Pocket cloth diapers are designed for ease of use. The cloth diaper is stuffed inside a pocket before hand and put onto the child quickly. This form is quick, easy, and convenient. The downside to this is that once the diaper is soiled the whole thing is soiled as well. The cloth diaper cannot just be removed from the pocket and stuffed with another because the cover is wet. Not to mention that you will need a lot of diapers to keep up with the baby's wetting cycle which in turn will cost more money. So this isn't really the best idea unless you have lots of money to spend.
Next is the all in one cloth diaper which is both diaper and wrap in one. This is much like the pocket design except there is no pocket to stuff as the diaper comes pre stuffed. Similar to the pocket diaper these are easy to use in the sense that they go on very quick. The down side is once this diaper is soiled it is soiled and it will need a full wash and dry before it is usable again. In turn this creates a lot of wear and tear which means you will need to own a lot of diapers and in turn spend more money.
The one size fits all style cloth diapers are designed to be the the one and only cloth diaper you will need. They can come in all in one or pocket style and have a great amount of adjust-ability to fit children from newborn to toddler. The downside to this style of diaper is that no matter what the manufacturer says there is simply no way one size can fit all. The amount of liquid a newborn produces is clearly different than that of a toddler.
The final and most superior diapering system on the market is the two-part pre-fold type of system made popular by Real Nappies. With Real Nappies the cloth diaper is separate from the cover. This way the diaper cover is unaffected by soiling and only the inside cloth needs to be replaced. This translates not only into less washing but also less supplies to carry around. Also this system has different size covers and diapers for each stage of your child's growth. This way you have a perfect fit from new born to toddler. Also the wear is spread over four different sizes so that one set of Nappies can be used for on two separate children of different ages at the same time. Over all the the diaper system made popular by Real Nappies cloth diapers seems to be the best overall option when it comes to price, practicality, and environmental impact.
Francis Frost is the owner of Module Marketing. Module is based in Auckland New Zealand. Frost has a 10 week old baby and is an advocate of the Merino Kids Baby Sleep Bag. For more information on Merino sleep sacks in the USA go to Babysleepbags.com and for more information or to purchase in the rest of the world go to Babysleepbags.co.uk [http://www.babysleepbags.co.uk].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Francis_Frost/413936
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3613048
There are several different options when it comes to cloth diapers. There is the pocket cloth diaper, the all-in-one, the one size fits all and the two part pre folds. They all have some strong environmental advantages but some types make more sense in practicality, convenience, and cost.
Pocket cloth diapers are designed for ease of use. The cloth diaper is stuffed inside a pocket before hand and put onto the child quickly. This form is quick, easy, and convenient. The downside to this is that once the diaper is soiled the whole thing is soiled as well. The cloth diaper cannot just be removed from the pocket and stuffed with another because the cover is wet. Not to mention that you will need a lot of diapers to keep up with the baby's wetting cycle which in turn will cost more money. So this isn't really the best idea unless you have lots of money to spend.
Next is the all in one cloth diaper which is both diaper and wrap in one. This is much like the pocket design except there is no pocket to stuff as the diaper comes pre stuffed. Similar to the pocket diaper these are easy to use in the sense that they go on very quick. The down side is once this diaper is soiled it is soiled and it will need a full wash and dry before it is usable again. In turn this creates a lot of wear and tear which means you will need to own a lot of diapers and in turn spend more money.
The one size fits all style cloth diapers are designed to be the the one and only cloth diaper you will need. They can come in all in one or pocket style and have a great amount of adjust-ability to fit children from newborn to toddler. The downside to this style of diaper is that no matter what the manufacturer says there is simply no way one size can fit all. The amount of liquid a newborn produces is clearly different than that of a toddler.
The final and most superior diapering system on the market is the two-part pre-fold type of system made popular by Real Nappies. With Real Nappies the cloth diaper is separate from the cover. This way the diaper cover is unaffected by soiling and only the inside cloth needs to be replaced. This translates not only into less washing but also less supplies to carry around. Also this system has different size covers and diapers for each stage of your child's growth. This way you have a perfect fit from new born to toddler. Also the wear is spread over four different sizes so that one set of Nappies can be used for on two separate children of different ages at the same time. Over all the the diaper system made popular by Real Nappies cloth diapers seems to be the best overall option when it comes to price, practicality, and environmental impact.
Francis Frost is the owner of Module Marketing. Module is based in Auckland New Zealand. Frost has a 10 week old baby and is an advocate of the Merino Kids Baby Sleep Bag. For more information on Merino sleep sacks in the USA go to Babysleepbags.com and for more information or to purchase in the rest of the world go to Babysleepbags.co.uk [http://www.babysleepbags.co.uk].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Francis_Frost/413936
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3613048
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Cloth Diapering Basics
The decision to cloth diaper can be a daunting one. Where does one start?
Since most of us have had little to no experience with them, we aren't familiar with how they work. Most of us know where to buy disposable diapers and can figure out how to put them on a baby, but what about cloth? I have to admit: I researched cloth diapers for probably six months before I took the plunge and really got serious about using them. I graduated from a research-based university seven years ago, and it's amazing to me how the skills I learned are now being used to figure out the intricacies of diapers. Who would have thought, right?
My goal for the rest of you is to give you a one-stop place to find everything you need to get started cloth diapering...without the months of research I had to do! First, a little background to set the stage.
Why Cloth Diaper?
I hear this question a zillion times. In fact, my baby's neurologist asked this very question in an incredulous tone. "Are you doing it for green reasons," he inquired. "Yes, and a few other reasons as well," I answered. There are a few of them, actually.
1. Money
The bottom line is that you're going to save literally thousands of dollars (on just one kid) cloth diapering. The savings is really that profound.
Now, if you go on to have more kids, you can use the cloth diapering "stash" you already have and save even more money. Do you see how great the money-saving aspect is? Moving onwards.
2. Environment
Regardless of your views on things like global warming and environmental issues, I think we can all agree that a healthy, clean, safe environment is in the best interest of us all. The environmental impact of disposable diapers is disturbing, and yet it is relatively unknown by most unsuspecting consumers.
Here are the basic arguments:
Cloth: laundering requires the use of water and detergent which can have an impact on the environment. It also requires energy (hot water) for washing.
Disposables: uses tons of resources to make. Sits in landfills for hundreds of years, breeding nasty things. Costs a lot of money. Cuts down trees. Uses chemicals and potentially toxic ingredients that may be bad for the baby's skin in the long-run.
How to make sure your cloth diapering leaves a minimal environmental footprint? Use biodegradable, earth-friendly detergent, and dry diapers on a clothes line (sunshine is better for getting stains out anyway).
3. Gentler on Sensitive Skin
Many families use cloth diapers simply because their children had allergic reactions to disposable diapers.
Common Objections to Cloth Diapering
1. It's too messy. Let's be real. When you have a baby, dealing with poop becomes as normal to you as breathing, walking, talking... But the good news is that breast milk poop is water-soluble, so you simply have to throw the poopy diapers in the wash and that's it. Yes, that's really it. Many people have difficulty wrapping their minds around this one.
Toddler poop or anything other than breast milk poop will need to be dunked (like in a toilet), but that shouldn't be too difficult. They sell sprayers that can be attached to your toilet to make it super simple. If you have a diaper service, this objection obviously won't be a problem at all. I also want to add that the only "blow-out" I've had so far was with a disposable.
2. It's too hard
I put a cloth diaper on my preemie in two seconds flat. If you don't want to fold a diaper and hassle with a pin or snappi, you can use all-in-ones that are as easy as using a disposable. We'll talk about all of these in a bit.
3. It's too expensive to start
You can start with just what you need; that's what I did! I got enough to diaper my newborn and slowly built my stash. Also, you can join cloth diapering groups online and buy second-hand diapers. This is an excellent way to build your stash cheaply.
If you're able to sew, you can also make your own cloth diapers. There are many options. I'll give you some nifty links later on.
Different Types of Cloth Diapers
Prefolds: flat and require a cover and a snappi or clothes pin. It requires folding, but is the easiest to dry.
All-in-Ones: just like a disposable diaper, only it's reusable! These are the easiest and most "daddy friendly." They don't require using a prefold and a cover. Just put it on and there you go!
One-Size: There are one-size covers and one-size all-in-ones. This simply refers to the fact that this type of diaper will grow with your baby, making it the economical choice for your cloth diapering experience.
Pocket: can be "stuffed" with extra padding to make it more absorbent.
Diaper Cover: Waterproof cover you put over a cloth diaper or a prefold to prevent leakage.
Cloth Diaper: easy to put on (usually with snaps or Velcro), but requires a cover.
How to Get Started:
Frugal Budget (to start):
If you don't want to spend too much, here's what I recommend:
- Newborn prefolds. I use about 10 a day. I'd plan for 15 a day to be safe. Figure out how often you want to do laundry (usually people will do it about every 2-3 days) to determine how many you will buy. You will have to buy bigger sized prefolds once your baby weighs 15lbs or more.
- Diaper covers. I like to rotate about 5-8. They can be wiped down easily. You might not even need that many. To save money, invest in a one-size diaper cover. You can use these as your baby grows, saving money. I like Thirsties Duo Cover Wraps. They come in two sizes: Size One: 6-18 lbs (3-8 kg) 0-9 months, and Size Two: 18-40 lbs (8-18 kg) 9-36+ months. I personally have had good experiences. In fact, I put a size one on my 5 lb preemie and it worked well! They offer snaps or velcro closure. Also, there are a few color options. Colors are vibrant and cute.
- Snappis to hold together the prefold. I have 5, but personally I think I could have gotten away with 2.
Big Budget:
If you're in the position to spend more money on your cloth diapers, or perhaps you just want to added convenience of the more expensive diapers, here's your plan:
- Bumgenius one-size. They're all you need. They also come in a few color options.
How To Clean Diapers
Option #1: Use a diaper service (will require you to use prefolds)
Option #2: Wash them yourself
In short, you want to do a cold rinse, then a hot one.
Don't use detergents that are scented.
To save money, line-dry the diapers outside. The sun is great for getting stains out too.
If your baby is breastfed, you can throw the entire diaper into the washer without dunking them. Breast milk poop is water-soluble.
Recommended soap includes Charlie's Soap, Allen's Naturally, Mountain Green Free and Clear, Planet, and others.
Storing Dirty Diapers
1) At home: if you have a diaper service, they'll provide you with a trash can. Otherwise, the best method is to get a trash can with a cover. Line it with a bag. If you're worried about smell, put a little baking soda at the bottom of the trashcan. Otherwise, you shouldn't really have any problems.
2) On the go: wetbags are designed to hold dirty cloth diapers. They are washable and very convenient.
Using Ointments:
Ointments cannot have direct contact with your cloth diapers, as it will affect he diaper's absorbency. You can place a strip of fleece in the diaper to avoid this problem. These can be purchased or made.
To make them, simply cut strips that will fit inside the diaper. It's that simple!
Other Cloth Diapering Goodies
Inserts: used with pockets for extra absorbency
Diaper Liners: biodegradable lining that makes cloth diapering that much easier
Biosoft Flushable Diaper Liners - Large 12×7.5 Inch Sheets
Cloth Wipes: you'll go through disposable wipes so fast. If you're going to be doing laundry anyway, why not use cloth wipes and save money? All you need to do is moisten them with water. It's that easy!
Cloth Diaper Sprayer: This attaches to your toilet and allows you to spray down dirty diapers (when your baby starts eating solids, or if your baby takes formula). Super easy.
Making Your Own Cloth Diapers (the cheapest way to cloth diaper)
If you're brave, you can make your own cloth diapers. Many patterns can be made with recycled materials in your own home.
I hope this will help you get started. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me and I will do my best to help! Sometimes it's nice just to have someone encourage you and relate to your experience.
For more information, check out the cloth diapering tabs on [http://www.preparingforthebaby.com].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tess_Moran/603105
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How to Wash and Maintain Modern Cloth Diaper
Cloth diapers are an environmentally friendly and economical alternative to disposable diapers. Regardless of the individual or household's skill level on laundry task, modern cloth diapers are always easier to care for than you might expect. It is as simple as doing one or two extra laundry in a day. Normally, you have to wash the dirty cloth diapers every 2-3 days. Waiting longer will eventually cause diaper stink to set in and you need extra work and effort to wash out everything. For machine washing, you should not wash too many diapers in one go, as washing machine can handle about two dozen of diapers in average to ensure a good cleaning result.
It is noteworthy to address that certain new cloth diapers and its inserts shall be washed and tumble dried before the very first usage. This is to remove the chemical finish coated on top, which purposely applied to please consumers with a sensible feeling of "new fabric". Upon removing this water-repellent finish, typically up to three complete wash/dry cycles, the ability of diaper absorption should be improving substantially.
Before placing the dirty diapers in the pail, solids have to be cleaned off as much as possible and flushed away in the toilet. There is a great trend to place disposable liners inside the cloth diapers in making this easier. You may put dirty diapers in a half-filled diaper pail. It is always a good practice to unfold the diapers to facilitate a complete cleaning. If you are washing cloth diapers frequently, you can put them in a dry pail. However, it is always reminded to keep the diaper pail out of the reach of your children, especially for wet pail which filled with water and detergent. Cloth Diapers can be soaked with a mixture of water and 1/4 cup of additive free detergent. Presoaking of diapers helps a lot to loosen stains before the actual wash cycle. Half cup of baking soda can also be added into the presoak cycle, as it will neutralize the alkalinity of urine while whitening the diapers.
When you are almost ready to wash them, excess liquid shall be drained off prior to washing process. For machine washing, you may simply use the programmed spin cycle to help you to remove the soaking solution.It is highly recommended to place cloth diapers into the zipped laundry bag. All diapers (especially for Hook-and-Loop or Velcro closure) have to be fastened completely on their fold back tabs. This is to prevent deformation of diapers' edge and chaining of stuck diapers during the spinning process.
For machine washed cloth diapers, they should always be started with a cold rinse cycle with detergent. Detergents containing scented additives, softeners or bleach shall be avoided at all time. Heavily scented detergents, with artificial fragrances usually made from petroleum, will irritate your baby's skin and eye. They do not degrade in the environment upon draining off from your home and may have toxic effects on natural habitats. Fabric softeners are used to prevent static cling and make fabric softer. Through the formation of thin chemical layer, they will prevent the buildup of static electricity and improving the stain resistance and minimize cloth wrinkles. However, this sheet-form waxy layer will cause cloth diapers to repel water instead of absorbing liquid, and also deteriorate the quality of water-proof laminate on diaper covers. Alternatively, baking soda and some eco-friendly softeners which are hypoallergenic can be used to create similar softening effect.
Once the cold wash cycle is completed, 2 warm rinse cycles will be carried out to rinse out any residue left in the diapers. The residue can lead to repelling of liquid, skin rashes and irritation, stinky diapers and color fading for fabric. They are either caused by unidentified additives such as brighteners, enzymes, fabric softeners, natural extracts like citrus or grape seed, soaps and stain guards. They might be beneficial to normal clothes, but unfavorable for cloth diapers.
Brighteners are tiny particles that stick to the surface of diapers in making them brighter by absorbing invisible ultraviolet light and re-emitting it as white light. Optically, this UV enhancer makes your diapers brighter by commanding blue tones to hide away brown and yellow tones. But the chemical residues would consequently cause skin irritation or allergies to your baby. Enzymes are originally added into the detergent to break down any organic stains like oil, blood or grass. However, they are also attacking organic compounds that are lingering on baby's skin in the presence of moisture, like urine or feces. They will eventually cause painful blistering, sores and rashes depending on the skin sensitivity of your baby. On the other hand, pure soaps, even being labeled as natural choice, will also leave a residue by the formation of soap scum on your diapers and covers. This oily scum will conversely weaken the functional effect of both diaper and its cover, i.e. making diapers repel moisture and making diaper covers absorb water. Stain guards are normally protecting fabric fiber with a layer of impermeable coat to prevent stains. While repelling stains, it also repel wetness and bring adverse effect on the required absorbency of cloth diapers.
After cloth diapers are rinsed, it is advisable for you to smell your diapers prior to drying process. If they smell stinky, you ought to use additional detergent at an optimum level. If they smell more like the added detergent, then you have to do another thorough rinse to get rid of the residue. Meanwhile, stubborn stain has to be visually inspected before drying the diapers. Those stains can still be removed easily if they are detected prior to drying process. Most cloth diapers can be dried under hot mode (high heat) in the dryer or line-dried under direct sunlight. Sunshine is indeed a powerful stain remover in keeping the cloth diapers white and smelling fresh.
In fact, a thorough drying process is crucial for cloth diapers as the addictive free detergent can only cleaned but not disinfect diapers. Without the addition of chlorine bleach, hydrogen peroxide or iodine which is harsh on the clothes and baby's skin, the bacteria and viruses cannot be disinfected during the washing process of diapers. For diaper covers, they can actually be air-dried or dried at low mode in the dryer. Excessive heat exposure may affect their waterproofing performance and associated wear resistance. You may always refer to the washing instructions of diaper covers from respective manufacturers.
By Ding
http://www.FamilyDiaperBag.com
Ding is the founder of FamilyDiaperBag.com, the comprehensive online shopping mall for top quality diaper bags, cloth diapers, natural remedies and baby products for family outing and household requirements. His website also offers wide range of ebooks, magazines and articles for your informative readings.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/CK_Ding/742090
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Friday, April 29, 2016
Cloth Diapers Vs Disposable Diapers - This Might Surprise You
Reusable diapers or cloth diapers as they are commonly known have obviously been around a lot longer than disposable diapers. There is no doubt that disposables may seem to be more convenient for the busy family, but this is not necessarily the case.
When looking at the pros and cons of cloth diapers vs. disposable diapers, it is important to understand that today's cloth diapers are nothing like the reusable diapers of past generations. Modern cloth diapers are not only extremely cute; they are actually designed to help ensure that they are every bit as convenient as the throw-a-ways. In fact, in some ways, they may be even more convenient than disposables.
The biggest issue most people have with using cloth diapers is the laundering issue. Well, to be honest, very few of us today are still washing clothes by hand or using a wringer washer. Almost everyone I know has the convenience of modern washers/dryers in their home. This makes washing diapers almost effortless.
There are many different ways to deal with dirty diapers, but the process most people use seems to go something like this: Half fill a diaper pail with warm water and add a little Borax or other deodorizing/cleansing agent. After each diaper change, soiled diapers get rinsed off in the toilet... and yes, there is even a handy little bidet gadget that makes this job VERY easy. In fact, most people don't realize this, but if you read the package for disposable diapers they also list this important step BEFORE throwing the diaper in the trash. Disposing of human waste in the trash or landfill is not allowed. So, this is something that should be done regardless of which type of diaper you choose.
At this point the only additional work we've done is filling a diaper pail. Whether we throw the diaper in the pail or trash is really inconsequential. Now the biggest factor is what to do with that pail full of wet diapers. It's really quite simple; dump the entire bucket including water, diapers, and liners into the washing machine. Put the machine on spin to drain off the excess water, and then run the diapers through a hot wash. You've done a load of laundry; that wasn't so difficult was it? You don't even have to touch the diapers! Toss them in the dryer and they come out wonderfully fluffy, soft and snuggly.
Now look at that soft cloth diaper and look at one of those hard, crinkly, plastic coated diapers and decide which one you would rather sleep in. Not only do cloth diapers feel softer, they do not have all the chemicals and other irritants of disposables and they allow baby's bottom to breathe freer because it isn't wrapped in plastic. This means fewer diaper rashes; in fact, diaper rashes are rare with babies who use cloth diapers.
Disposable diapers may on the surface seem to be the ultimate in convenience, but some basics of diapering are needed regardless of which path you choose to take. When you go out, you need to bring a diaper bag which will include various diapering essentials, wipes, diapers, lotions, etc. When you use cloth diapers, you need these same items, plus a convenient mess-free way to bring the soiled diaper back home for laundering. This is really not that big of a deal. There are many very cute "wet bags" which make ideal moisture-proof, odor-proof bags for this purpose. It might be an extra step, but so is running to the store to purchase another bag of disposables.
One last thing that needs to be factored in is the cost. No matter how we look at it, the cost of diapers translates to a given number of hours you need to work to earn that amount of money. It's definitely a trade off and some people choose to use a mixture of both methods. Cloth diapers for use at home, or on the weekends, or maybe just for bedtime and then disposables for daycare, on the go, travelling or busy weeknights. Choose the diapering solution that works best for your family, but understand that cloth diapering may not be as difficult as you once thought.
Come see all the wonderful options available for cloth diapers [http://clothdiapersreview.com/] and how easy it can be. Today's reusable diapers are so cute, they are literally high-end boutique items! Give your baby the nice, soft, cuddly feel of cloth diapers and you will both be happier for it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/D_Hofman/689195
Cloth Diapers - Different Kinds of Cloth Diapers
Imagine a tiny toddler trying to walk wearing a diaper!! How cute the baby looks, right? A new born baby or even a toddler needs care especially when it comes to the potty and urine. It should be comfortable and this is what all the parents strive to do when they use diapers for their babies. This clothing absorbs water and moisture quickly and makes the toddler feel nice and comfortable.
Initially only cotton diapers were used but in the present times there are advanced diapers which are available in the market. These days' parents use a combination of both the cloth as well as disposable diapers. While at home during the day the cloth diapers can be used while in the night or any outside location, the disposable diapers prove much more useful. This is in fact a perfect balance so that there is no need to use one kind of clothing all the time.
Cloth diapers are made from pure 100% cotton, Chinese cotton, bleached cotton, flannel or a cotton blend. Whatever the fabric is, it should stand the test of continuous and consistent soiling, washing and drying. It should also be absorbent enough and at the same time should be soft on your baby's sensitive skin.
There have been many changes in the shapes and sizes of this piece of clothing over all these years. Earlier people used non-breathable rubber pants and pins. The introduction of cloth diapers has brought about a revolution in baby care. It made diapering easy, effective and quite inexpensive.
Cloth diapers are more popular because they are environmental friendly. There is a lesser chance of the baby getting rashes due to the cotton material and the porous feature it has. As compared to the disposable diapers it is quite inexpensive. The most important feature is that this kind of diaper is reusable; you can wash it and use it again and again. The diaper soaks up the water completely and leaves your baby dry and comfortable. There are different types of cloth diapers available in the market.
Flat cloth diapers, as the name suggests, are simply a square or rectangular piece of material that can be folded to any size to fit around your newborn, baby or toddler. They don't have any fasteners so either pins or diaper fastener can be used, or for that matter a diaper cover will help keep it in place. These can be the most difficult of cloth diaper types but at the same time they are the most economical. These diapers have a multi-purpose functional utility as they can also be used as inserts, wipes, burp pads, change pads and any time you may need a cloth around.
Pre-folds are rectangular cloth diapers that have several layers sewn together. Usually an absorbent insert is also sewn in at the middle section. Generally pre-folded diapers are made from 4-ply cotton which is of the best quality and has a higher absorbent capacity. These kinds of diapers are more useful because they can be easily fitted around your baby for a snug fit. These can also be fastened with pins or fasteners. You have to use a diaper cover for this kind of clothing.
Fitted Cloth Diapers are as the name suggests designed to fit around your baby or toddler. They don't require any folding. Instead they have snaps or Velcro to fasten it. These kinds of nappies make for convenient use as they make changing them an easy task. Most of the brands have elastic at the waist and around the legs so that no mess can pour down.
Pocket Cloth Diapers come with an inside pocket where you can insert padding, has a waterproof outer layer and closures. These are very easy to use. The diaper cover is sewn to the inner layer and hence helps in absorbing the moisture quickly.
All-in-One Diapers are the perfect solution to your child's nappy problems. The name says it all and indeed they have every feature that the parent's expect for their tiny tot. These diapers have an inner absorbent core, waterproof cover, front closure and an extremely snug fit around the legs and waist. They don't need to folded, pinned, stuffed or wrapped. Given all these wonderful features, they are also expensive as compared to others.
Thus, there are multiple choices when it comes to baby nappies and it is entirely up to the parents to decide as to what type of diaper would be suitable for their child.
For more information on Cloth Diaper Reviews [http://www.babyshowerclub.com/] and Different Kinds of Cloth Diapers [http://www.babyshowerclub.com/diapers-and-diaper-services.html] please visit our website.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sapna_Kale/719208
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Cloth Diapers and Child Care - Can They Get Along?
Choosing a child care program can be difficult for parents. Many parents feel guilt over leaving their child in the care of others, and worry about the quality of care their child will receive. Added to this dilemma, parents may worry that their chosen child care program will not accept cloth diapers, or will use them reluctantly.
Being faced with a parent who wants to use cloth diapers can be intimidating for child care providers. They may worry that the diapers will be hard to use or will leak constantly. They may not know what to do with soiled cloth diapers, and be reluctant to approach parents with their concerns.
Children's Health is the Main Concern
Parents choose to use cloth diapers for various reasons. Saving money and environmental concerns are popular arguments in the cloth vs disposables debate, but the foremost concern of most cloth diapering parents is their child's health.
Ironically it is the health of children that causes many child care programs to be reluctant to use cloth diapers. Due to the mass marketing campaigns of disposable diaper companies and popular misconceptions, many people feel that cloth diapers are hard to use and unsanitary. However, there is evidence to the contrary. According to a study led by Family and Health Systems Nursing, School of Nursing, Peabody College: "Analysis of the results of comparisons between cloth and paper diapers showed no significant difference in the frequency or the intensity of fecal contamination in child day care centers." Assuming the child care program's diaper-changing procedures are followed, cloth diapering systems can easily be used along with disposable diapers without compromising a sanitary environment.
Diaper Changing Procedure is Most Important
According to the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care, a diaper must be "able to contain urine and stool and minimize fecal contamination of the children, caregivers, environmental surfaces, and objects in the child care setting." Both disposable and cloth diapers meet this standard, although of all the modern cloth diaper systems, the All in One and Pocket styles may be the best choices to fulfill this requirement. In any case, the actual diapering procedure is more vital for the promotion of sanitary conditions than the actual diaper used.
Regulated (licensed or certified) child care programs are required to have diaper changing procedures that fulfill state or county regulations. These regulations are set up to minimize illness, especially those of the small intestine, by promoting healthy and sanitary conditions. Because the vast majority of small intestine illnesses in the child care setting are spread by fecal contamination, proper sanitation procedures are essential to stop the spread of diseases like Hepatitis A, Rotavirus, Giardia, E. Coli, and Shingella. I'm sure we can all agree that we don't want these diseases spread to our children!
Although the regulations covering diaper changes may differ from state to state, a good diaper changing policy will include:
Handwashing of the caregiver both before and after the diaper change
A dedicated space used only for diaper changes with a hard, washable surface and close to a sink that is not used for food preparation
Hygienic disposal of paper diapers or storage of cloth diapers in an inaccessible covered container
Washing and disinfecting the changing surface after every use
Washing the child's hands after the diaper change
In addition, children should always wear clothing over diapers
Some programs also use a disposable barrier like a waterproof pad under the child's bare bottom and require that their staff wear disposable gloves during the diaper changes for added protection against fecal contamination. This is not necessary as long as hands are properly washed and surfaces thoroughly washed and disinfected.
Don't assume that every child care has, or follows, sanitary diaper changing procedures, especially if your child care provider is unregulated. I know of unregulated providers who change diapers on the bed, couch, or floor surrounded by the other children. One that I know of even asks toddlers to throw other children's soiled diapers into the garbage can! Be sure to ask your child care provider what her diaper changing procedures are.
Cloth Diapers and Child Care CAN Get Along Together
Parents who want their child care program to use cloth should familiarize themselves with their state's rules and regulations concerning diapering in child care settings. Contact your local Resource and Referral agency or Department of Health and Family for a copy of your state's child care regulations. Be sure to choose an easy to use system of cloth diapers, and teach your child's provider how to use them. Also remember to show appreciation for the child care provider's willingness to step out of her comfort zone. A simple "Thank you" can go a long way.
Child care providers who are faced with a parent requesting the use of cloth diapers should familiarize themselves with the cloth diaper system presented by the parent. Be sure to ask any questions you have, and share any concerns or difficulties you may experience. Keep an open mind, you may enjoy the bright colors and soft feel of cloth diapers in comparison to the institutional
As stated earlier, the type of diaper used is less important than proper diaper changing procedure. Both cloth and disposable diapers can spread disease to children and child care workers if handled improperly; both cloth and disposable diapers can be convenient and hygienic when handled properly. It's easy to see that cloth diapers and child care do go together!
Amy Nogar is the mother of six who's had her cloth diapered children in child care, and has cared for cloth diapered children in her own child care program. By day she's the child care provider behind Amy & Kids Co. Family Child Care and by night she create boutique cloth diapers for Zany Zebra Designs In her free time she blogs snapshots of a happy crazy life as mother, child care provider and diaper seamstress. It is her hope that you found this article helpful.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Amy_Nogar/22985
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Thursday, April 28, 2016
Why Cloth Diaper?
Cloth diapering seems so... gross, right? Why would anyone WANT to use cloth when we have the modern convenience of disposable diapers?
As it turns out, there are many great reasons to go the more natural route:
1. Cloth is better for your baby. There is less incidence of diaper rash when babies are cloth diapered.
2. Cloth diapered children potty train earlier. On average, babies in cloth train a year earlier due to the ability to know what's going on in the diaper. The chemical crystals in disposables cause a baby to always feel "dry," even when they are not.
3. Healthier bottoms, healthier babies. Disposable diapers have been implicated in a number of undesirable outcomes, including asthma, decreased male fertility, and toxic shock syndrome.
4. Cloth diapering is better for the environment. Every diaper change with cloth means one less disposable packed into our landfills, to sit and drain into the groundwater for MILLIONS of years.
5. Cloth diapering uses less resources. Overall, from manufacture to disposal, cloth diapering is much more eco-friendly, especially if the diapers are line-dried. This does take into account the entire process, from harvesting crops for cotton diapers, cutting down trees for disposables, petroleum-based ingredients in disposables, manufacture, shipment, packaging, and delivery for both, wash cycles for cloth, re-usability, and the end of the life cycle for both. For disposables this is the landfill, where they will sit next to EVERY disposable diaper ever made. Not one of them has biodegraded yet. For cloth, this is likely use throughout multiple children, then recycling the diapers into household rags.
6. Cloth diapering is economical. With the current sharp rise in gas prices, disposable diapers are also going up. Diaper makers have already slightly increased their retail pricing, with more increases projected for the near future. Cotton is already at a high and measures are being taken worldwide to plant more crops to lower prices. This means that cloth diapering becomes even MORE economical than it already is while disposables will be going up, likely permanently.
7. Cloth is convenient. An extra couple of washloads a week don't even compare to the middle-of-the-night drugstore runs to pay even higher prices because you ran out of diapers, or the extra trips in the heat and snow, carting the baby to the store just to pick up more diapers that will be tossed after one use. With a diaper service it is even easier: you toss the soiled diapers directly into a bag and leave it on the porch for them to do the rest!
7. Cloth diapers smell better than disposables. Ask anyone who has experienced both, and they will tell you that there is an extremely unpleasant odor associated with a wet disposable diaper. It's some kind of chemical-y, rotten stink that festers in your trash can until garbage day. Cloth diapers do not stink. Baby pee has no odor, and poo is washed away before there is a chance for a stink to grow. Diaper services provide waterproof, smell-proof wet bags so there is no odor to the diapers as long as the bag is kept sealed until the service pick-up.
8. Cloth diapering is adorable, and even fun! Yes, we said it. There's nothing cuter than a baby in just a diaper, especially when that diaper is made of cotton with a fun print on the cover, instead of a plain plastic sack that droops when it is wet. There are endless possibilities for cover designs and types of cloth diapers, one of which is right for your family.
Ask yourself: which would you rather have next to your baby's delicate bottom; a plastic single-use diaper or a simple, soft, and sustainable square of cotton? Which is really more convenient?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Marie_Reilly/1055562
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6257733
As it turns out, there are many great reasons to go the more natural route:
1. Cloth is better for your baby. There is less incidence of diaper rash when babies are cloth diapered.
2. Cloth diapered children potty train earlier. On average, babies in cloth train a year earlier due to the ability to know what's going on in the diaper. The chemical crystals in disposables cause a baby to always feel "dry," even when they are not.
3. Healthier bottoms, healthier babies. Disposable diapers have been implicated in a number of undesirable outcomes, including asthma, decreased male fertility, and toxic shock syndrome.
4. Cloth diapering is better for the environment. Every diaper change with cloth means one less disposable packed into our landfills, to sit and drain into the groundwater for MILLIONS of years.
5. Cloth diapering uses less resources. Overall, from manufacture to disposal, cloth diapering is much more eco-friendly, especially if the diapers are line-dried. This does take into account the entire process, from harvesting crops for cotton diapers, cutting down trees for disposables, petroleum-based ingredients in disposables, manufacture, shipment, packaging, and delivery for both, wash cycles for cloth, re-usability, and the end of the life cycle for both. For disposables this is the landfill, where they will sit next to EVERY disposable diaper ever made. Not one of them has biodegraded yet. For cloth, this is likely use throughout multiple children, then recycling the diapers into household rags.
6. Cloth diapering is economical. With the current sharp rise in gas prices, disposable diapers are also going up. Diaper makers have already slightly increased their retail pricing, with more increases projected for the near future. Cotton is already at a high and measures are being taken worldwide to plant more crops to lower prices. This means that cloth diapering becomes even MORE economical than it already is while disposables will be going up, likely permanently.
7. Cloth is convenient. An extra couple of washloads a week don't even compare to the middle-of-the-night drugstore runs to pay even higher prices because you ran out of diapers, or the extra trips in the heat and snow, carting the baby to the store just to pick up more diapers that will be tossed after one use. With a diaper service it is even easier: you toss the soiled diapers directly into a bag and leave it on the porch for them to do the rest!
7. Cloth diapers smell better than disposables. Ask anyone who has experienced both, and they will tell you that there is an extremely unpleasant odor associated with a wet disposable diaper. It's some kind of chemical-y, rotten stink that festers in your trash can until garbage day. Cloth diapers do not stink. Baby pee has no odor, and poo is washed away before there is a chance for a stink to grow. Diaper services provide waterproof, smell-proof wet bags so there is no odor to the diapers as long as the bag is kept sealed until the service pick-up.
8. Cloth diapering is adorable, and even fun! Yes, we said it. There's nothing cuter than a baby in just a diaper, especially when that diaper is made of cotton with a fun print on the cover, instead of a plain plastic sack that droops when it is wet. There are endless possibilities for cover designs and types of cloth diapers, one of which is right for your family.
Ask yourself: which would you rather have next to your baby's delicate bottom; a plastic single-use diaper or a simple, soft, and sustainable square of cotton? Which is really more convenient?
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Marie_Reilly/1055562
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6257733
Getting Started With Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are making a bit of a comeback. More and more parents are choosing cloth diapers for a variety of reasons. Some consider the impact disposable diapers have on the environment and others do not want their baby exposed to all the chemicals that are used in disposable diapers. I love them for both of those reasons. The cloth diapers of today are nothing like what our mothers used. They are easy to use, easy to wash, and are virtually leak free! Here are some things you need to know if your considering cloth diapering.
It will require a bit of an investment in the beginning but you will be saving money in the long run since you won't have the weekly expense of buying disposables. You will need at least 2 dozen diapers, 3 or 4 covers, and a diaper pail to put diapers in until you wash them. To help with the initial cost you can look for used diapers on the Internet or craigslist or you could ask for cloth diapers as shower gifts. Another idea is to buy a little at a time over the course of your pregnancy. If you can't afford diapers go on line and look up Miracle Diapers. They are a non-profit organization that help provide diapers to those who can't afford the initial investment.
Some of the terminology associated with cloth diapers are:
AIO All in One Diapers - These diapers are a cloth diaper that does not need any type of cover. You would use this diaper just like a disposable except of course you would wash and re use it. These are very easy to use but tend to cost a bit more and some people do not like the fact that these diapers usually take longer to dry.
Pocket Diapers - Pocket diapers are diapers that have a pocket on the inside that you place an insert in. The great thing about these diapers is that you can make them more or less absorbent depending on your babies age and gender and time of day. So if you have an older baby boy who wets a lot at night time then you can add extra inserts at night to make them more absorbent so that you won't have any leaks. They also dry faster since you can take the inserts out when you launder them.
Prefold Diapers - Prefold diapers are what people usually think of when they think of cloth diapers. The prefolds that most parents use today though are not the ones you can get at Walmart or Target. If you buy the cloth diapers from there the only thing they will be good for are burp cloths or cleaning cloths. There are Chinese or Indian prefolds and bleached or unbleached. You can buy these on the Internet or at some specialty baby stores. These diapers have to be washed a number of times before they are ready for use. The more you wash them the more absorbent they become. You also need to have a cover over these and also diaper pins or what most moms use nowadays which is a snappi. These diapers are cheaper to buy but you will have to buy them in different sizes. So you will need newborn ones, regular ones, and toddler ones. They are easy to wash and they dry fast.
Covers- Covers are what goes over the diaper to prevent leaks. They are not like the old plastic pants that our moms used. These come in a variety of colors and sizes and usually have snaps or Velcro.
Snappi- is a Y shaped fastener that replace diaper pins to secure the prefold diapers in place.
Here are some of my favorite diapers.
For Newborns:
Swaddlebees covers with unbleached cotton prefolds and a snappi to hold it together. The Swaddlebees covers are very good at containing leaks. I haven't had any blow outs with these covers and just an occasional small leak which is much better than any disposable I have ever used! I love all the different colors that Swaddlebees comes in. We have taken some really cute baby pictures of our baby with her Swaddlbees on. Check them out at http://swaddlebees.com
For 3 months to 2 years:
Mother-ease diapers and covers. I LOVE Mother-ease diapers! They are easy to use, a breeze to wash, dry super fast , and they are so well made you can use them for multiple children. Mother-ease claims you can use their diapers from birth to potty training but I disagree a bit. If you try and use them for a newborn they are way to bulky and once your child reaches 2 they will be too small. So I recommend them from the time your baby is about 3 or 4 months old until age two. You will save money since you won't have to buy different sizes of diapers. You will need to buy covers in sizes small, medium, and large but you only need about 3 or 4 covers in each size. The covers are not bulky at all and yet really hold in wetness. You will be amazed at how well these cloth diapers are at holding everything in. They are much better than any disposable. The covers are not the cutest things on the market but I still would choose their covers over anything else. Check them out at www.motherease.com
2 years to 3 years:
For naps and night time I used Mother-ease XL covers with Indian cotton prefolds.
I hope some of this information on cloth diapering has been helpful to you. I have just scratched the surface but the Internet has a wealth of information on cloth diapering including a bunch of YouTube videos showing you how to put the diapers on your child. So take your time, read reviews, do some research, and then just try it. You may find you love cloth diapering as much as I do!
Sarah has been a mother for the last 20 years and is an advocate of motherhood, breast feeding, home-schooling, and family. It is her hope that she can be an encouragement to other mothers as they strive to raise their children. Sarah has 3 teenagers, 2 elementary aged girls, a toddler, and a newborn baby.
[http://www.themanicmommyblog.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sarah_Holston/380063
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2809302
It will require a bit of an investment in the beginning but you will be saving money in the long run since you won't have the weekly expense of buying disposables. You will need at least 2 dozen diapers, 3 or 4 covers, and a diaper pail to put diapers in until you wash them. To help with the initial cost you can look for used diapers on the Internet or craigslist or you could ask for cloth diapers as shower gifts. Another idea is to buy a little at a time over the course of your pregnancy. If you can't afford diapers go on line and look up Miracle Diapers. They are a non-profit organization that help provide diapers to those who can't afford the initial investment.
Some of the terminology associated with cloth diapers are:
AIO All in One Diapers - These diapers are a cloth diaper that does not need any type of cover. You would use this diaper just like a disposable except of course you would wash and re use it. These are very easy to use but tend to cost a bit more and some people do not like the fact that these diapers usually take longer to dry.
Pocket Diapers - Pocket diapers are diapers that have a pocket on the inside that you place an insert in. The great thing about these diapers is that you can make them more or less absorbent depending on your babies age and gender and time of day. So if you have an older baby boy who wets a lot at night time then you can add extra inserts at night to make them more absorbent so that you won't have any leaks. They also dry faster since you can take the inserts out when you launder them.
Prefold Diapers - Prefold diapers are what people usually think of when they think of cloth diapers. The prefolds that most parents use today though are not the ones you can get at Walmart or Target. If you buy the cloth diapers from there the only thing they will be good for are burp cloths or cleaning cloths. There are Chinese or Indian prefolds and bleached or unbleached. You can buy these on the Internet or at some specialty baby stores. These diapers have to be washed a number of times before they are ready for use. The more you wash them the more absorbent they become. You also need to have a cover over these and also diaper pins or what most moms use nowadays which is a snappi. These diapers are cheaper to buy but you will have to buy them in different sizes. So you will need newborn ones, regular ones, and toddler ones. They are easy to wash and they dry fast.
Covers- Covers are what goes over the diaper to prevent leaks. They are not like the old plastic pants that our moms used. These come in a variety of colors and sizes and usually have snaps or Velcro.
Snappi- is a Y shaped fastener that replace diaper pins to secure the prefold diapers in place.
Here are some of my favorite diapers.
For Newborns:
Swaddlebees covers with unbleached cotton prefolds and a snappi to hold it together. The Swaddlebees covers are very good at containing leaks. I haven't had any blow outs with these covers and just an occasional small leak which is much better than any disposable I have ever used! I love all the different colors that Swaddlebees comes in. We have taken some really cute baby pictures of our baby with her Swaddlbees on. Check them out at http://swaddlebees.com
For 3 months to 2 years:
Mother-ease diapers and covers. I LOVE Mother-ease diapers! They are easy to use, a breeze to wash, dry super fast , and they are so well made you can use them for multiple children. Mother-ease claims you can use their diapers from birth to potty training but I disagree a bit. If you try and use them for a newborn they are way to bulky and once your child reaches 2 they will be too small. So I recommend them from the time your baby is about 3 or 4 months old until age two. You will save money since you won't have to buy different sizes of diapers. You will need to buy covers in sizes small, medium, and large but you only need about 3 or 4 covers in each size. The covers are not bulky at all and yet really hold in wetness. You will be amazed at how well these cloth diapers are at holding everything in. They are much better than any disposable. The covers are not the cutest things on the market but I still would choose their covers over anything else. Check them out at www.motherease.com
2 years to 3 years:
For naps and night time I used Mother-ease XL covers with Indian cotton prefolds.
I hope some of this information on cloth diapering has been helpful to you. I have just scratched the surface but the Internet has a wealth of information on cloth diapering including a bunch of YouTube videos showing you how to put the diapers on your child. So take your time, read reviews, do some research, and then just try it. You may find you love cloth diapering as much as I do!
Sarah has been a mother for the last 20 years and is an advocate of motherhood, breast feeding, home-schooling, and family. It is her hope that she can be an encouragement to other mothers as they strive to raise their children. Sarah has 3 teenagers, 2 elementary aged girls, a toddler, and a newborn baby.
[http://www.themanicmommyblog.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sarah_Holston/380063
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2809302
Cloth Diapering Basics
The decision to cloth diaper can be a daunting one. Where does one start?
Since most of us have had little to no experience with them, we aren't familiar with how they work. Most of us know where to buy disposable diapers and can figure out how to put them on a baby, but what about cloth? I have to admit: I researched cloth diapers for probably six months before I took the plunge and really got serious about using them. I graduated from a research-based university seven years ago, and it's amazing to me how the skills I learned are now being used to figure out the intricacies of diapers. Who would have thought, right?
My goal for the rest of you is to give you a one-stop place to find everything you need to get started cloth diapering...without the months of research I had to do! First, a little background to set the stage.
Why Cloth Diaper?
I hear this question a zillion times. In fact, my baby's neurologist asked this very question in an incredulous tone. "Are you doing it for green reasons," he inquired. "Yes, and a few other reasons as well," I answered. There are a few of them, actually.
1. Money
The bottom line is that you're going to save literally thousands of dollars (on just one kid) cloth diapering. The savings is really that profound.
Now, if you go on to have more kids, you can use the cloth diapering "stash" you already have and save even more money. Do you see how great the money-saving aspect is? Moving onwards.
2. Environment
Regardless of your views on things like global warming and environmental issues, I think we can all agree that a healthy, clean, safe environment is in the best interest of us all. The environmental impact of disposable diapers is disturbing, and yet it is relatively unknown by most unsuspecting consumers.
Here are the basic arguments:
Cloth: laundering requires the use of water and detergent which can have an impact on the environment. It also requires energy (hot water) for washing.
Disposables: uses tons of resources to make. Sits in landfills for hundreds of years, breeding nasty things. Costs a lot of money. Cuts down trees. Uses chemicals and potentially toxic ingredients that may be bad for the baby's skin in the long-run.
How to make sure your cloth diapering leaves a minimal environmental footprint? Use biodegradable, earth-friendly detergent, and dry diapers on a clothes line (sunshine is better for getting stains out anyway).
3. Gentler on Sensitive Skin
Many families use cloth diapers simply because their children had allergic reactions to disposable diapers.
Common Objections to Cloth Diapering
1. It's too messy. Let's be real. When you have a baby, dealing with poop becomes as normal to you as breathing, walking, talking... But the good news is that breast milk poop is water-soluble, so you simply have to throw the poopy diapers in the wash and that's it. Yes, that's really it. Many people have difficulty wrapping their minds around this one.
Toddler poop or anything other than breast milk poop will need to be dunked (like in a toilet), but that shouldn't be too difficult. They sell sprayers that can be attached to your toilet to make it super simple. If you have a diaper service, this objection obviously won't be a problem at all. I also want to add that the only "blow-out" I've had so far was with a disposable.
2. It's too hard
I put a cloth diaper on my preemie in two seconds flat. If you don't want to fold a diaper and hassle with a pin or snappi, you can use all-in-ones that are as easy as using a disposable. We'll talk about all of these in a bit.
3. It's too expensive to start
You can start with just what you need; that's what I did! I got enough to diaper my newborn and slowly built my stash. Also, you can join cloth diapering groups online and buy second-hand diapers. This is an excellent way to build your stash cheaply.
If you're able to sew, you can also make your own cloth diapers. There are many options. I'll give you some nifty links later on.
Different Types of Cloth Diapers
Prefolds: flat and require a cover and a snappi or clothes pin. It requires folding, but is the easiest to dry.
All-in-Ones: just like a disposable diaper, only it's reusable! These are the easiest and most "daddy friendly." They don't require using a prefold and a cover. Just put it on and there you go!
One-Size: There are one-size covers and one-size all-in-ones. This simply refers to the fact that this type of diaper will grow with your baby, making it the economical choice for your cloth diapering experience.
Pocket: can be "stuffed" with extra padding to make it more absorbent.
Diaper Cover: Waterproof cover you put over a cloth diaper or a prefold to prevent leakage.
Cloth Diaper: easy to put on (usually with snaps or Velcro), but requires a cover.
How to Get Started:
Frugal Budget (to start):
If you don't want to spend too much, here's what I recommend:
- Newborn prefolds. I use about 10 a day. I'd plan for 15 a day to be safe. Figure out how often you want to do laundry (usually people will do it about every 2-3 days) to determine how many you will buy. You will have to buy bigger sized prefolds once your baby weighs 15lbs or more.
- Diaper covers. I like to rotate about 5-8. They can be wiped down easily. You might not even need that many. To save money, invest in a one-size diaper cover. You can use these as your baby grows, saving money. I like Thirsties Duo Cover Wraps. They come in two sizes: Size One: 6-18 lbs (3-8 kg) 0-9 months, and Size Two: 18-40 lbs (8-18 kg) 9-36+ months. I personally have had good experiences. In fact, I put a size one on my 5 lb preemie and it worked well! They offer snaps or velcro closure. Also, there are a few color options. Colors are vibrant and cute.
- Snappis to hold together the prefold. I have 5, but personally I think I could have gotten away with 2.
Big Budget:
If you're in the position to spend more money on your cloth diapers, or perhaps you just want to added convenience of the more expensive diapers, here's your plan:
- Bumgenius one-size. They're all you need. They also come in a few color options.
How To Clean Diapers
Option #1: Use a diaper service (will require you to use prefolds)
Option #2: Wash them yourself
In short, you want to do a cold rinse, then a hot one.
Don't use detergents that are scented.
To save money, line-dry the diapers outside. The sun is great for getting stains out too.
If your baby is breastfed, you can throw the entire diaper into the washer without dunking them. Breast milk poop is water-soluble.
Recommended soap includes Charlie's Soap, Allen's Naturally, Mountain Green Free and Clear, Planet, and others.
Storing Dirty Diapers
1) At home: if you have a diaper service, they'll provide you with a trash can. Otherwise, the best method is to get a trash can with a cover. Line it with a bag. If you're worried about smell, put a little baking soda at the bottom of the trashcan. Otherwise, you shouldn't really have any problems.
2) On the go: wetbags are designed to hold dirty cloth diapers. They are washable and very convenient.
Using Ointments:
Ointments cannot have direct contact with your cloth diapers, as it will affect he diaper's absorbency. You can place a strip of fleece in the diaper to avoid this problem. These can be purchased or made.
To make them, simply cut strips that will fit inside the diaper. It's that simple!
Other Cloth Diapering Goodies
Inserts: used with pockets for extra absorbency
Diaper Liners: biodegradable lining that makes cloth diapering that much easier
Biosoft Flushable Diaper Liners - Large 12×7.5 Inch Sheets
Cloth Wipes: you'll go through disposable wipes so fast. If you're going to be doing laundry anyway, why not use cloth wipes and save money? All you need to do is moisten them with water. It's that easy!
Cloth Diaper Sprayer: This attaches to your toilet and allows you to spray down dirty diapers (when your baby starts eating solids, or if your baby takes formula). Super easy.
Making Your Own Cloth Diapers (the cheapest way to cloth diaper)
If you're brave, you can make your own cloth diapers. Many patterns can be made with recycled materials in your own home.
I hope this will help you get started. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me and I will do my best to help! Sometimes it's nice just to have someone encourage you and relate to your experience.
For more information, check out the cloth diapering tabs on [http://www.preparingforthebaby.com].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tess_Moran/603105
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Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Get to the Bottom of Cloth Diapering: The Bare Facts Explained
If you are like many new parents, you are interested in saving money. Diapers is one of those areas where you can save money. More and more people are returning to using cloth diapers. But the ones available now are not the same as those your mother or grandmother used. Concerns for the environment and for fashion has combined to create numerous options for using cloth diapers on your baby.
The basics
So we are all speaking the same language, let's explain some of the terms used in the new world of cloth diapers. There are basically 2 parts to these systems: the diaper and the outer wrap. The diaper itself can be prefolded or not. It can be laid on or inserted into a pocket in the outer wrap. So, you will find the cloth part of the diaper system referred to as prefold, inserts or pocket diapers.
The wrap goes over the cloth part (or the diaper is inserted into it) and is designed to contain leaks. Think of it as the successor of those pastel rubber or plastic pants babies used to wear over diapers. These now close primarily by Velcro (also called loop and hook) or by snaps. The outer cover is reusable and it is hoped that it doesn't have to be changed every time the diaper is changed. This comes down to whether the diaper was just urine, whether the liner was soiled and personal preference.
Some diaper systems offer optional diaper liners. While these are usually offered by certain manufacturers, they can be used with any system and most parents find them worth the cost. These liners are designed to serve 2 purposes, to catch solid waste and to be disposable, usually by flushing. They greatly reduce the mess associated with reusable diapers.
Features
Reusable diapers come in many materials. Most are made of durable cloth but some are even made of hemp or wool. For purposes of this discussion on cheap cloth diapers, we will focus on cotton diapers.
It's the outer wrap where things get interesting. Outer diaper wraps are available in any number of designer prints and colors. But, try to put function before fashion and pay particular attention to how the diaper closes, be sure it is designed to contain leaks and to be comfortable for your baby. Some covers offer a set of snaps, as well as a loop and hook closure. Combined, these make for a custom adjustable and pretty leakproof fit for babies of many sizes.
Considerations
Your first consideration should be whether you are going to be content with the laundering aspect of cloth diapers. Cloth diapers need to have the solids removed, either by use of a liner or by rinsing in the toilet. They must be stored away from other laundry and can't sit too long before washing. Ammonia and all kinds of other bacteria and bad smells with result from dirty cloth diapers that have sat too long without washing.
Consider the size of your baby when choosing a cheap cloth diaper. This is where you might notice a difference. Some cloth diapers are very bulky and a preemie may not be comfortable with a diaper of that size. Some wraps stay snapped better than others and some contain leaks better than others. If you aren't crazy about having to wash solid wastes from diapers, you should consider a cloth diaper system with a disposable liner. Read on to hear our recommendations on cheap cloth diapers.
Traveling with a baby using cloth diapers takes some added planning, but certainly is doable. Bring a waterproof bag to put dirty diapers in and rinse as soon as you can.
So how many diapers will you need?
Well, most estimates are that newborns are changed 12 times a day. You will find that as the baby grows, you will change him/her less often. Since these also have to be laundered, you should factor in that some will be out of service (i.e., in the laundry). It is usually recommended that you stock 3 dozen cloth diapers and at least 6 outer covers. Since this is a big outlay of money, we have some suggestions so keep reading.
Are cloth diapers really better?
The landfills in the US are rapidly becoming full with used disposable diapers. The plastic on disposable diapers is estimated to take hundreds of years to decompose. The human waste associated with them is yet another irony, whereby we don't allow any other human waste to simply be put onto or into the ground, yet disposable diapers are acceptable.
Since cloth diapers are reusable, waste is reduced. However, more water and energy is used to launder them so that must be considered.
If you run out of disposables and have cloth diapers, a diaper change isn't a crisis. At most, you might have to wash a load of clothes, but if the nearest store is closed, your baby can still be dry and clean. Most parents find that to be comforting thought.
Recommendations
If you are starting out, we recommend the Flip diaper system. This has a one-size cover and three choices in absorbent inserts. The cover is a hybrid with snap as well as hook and loop closures that enable a custom individualized fit. This makes for a very flexible cloth diaper system so you can create a diaper that works for you and your baby. And you can try different inserts in this one kit.
Flip diapers are easy to use. You just remove the used diaper insert and replace it with a clean one. The cover is reusable. Since the one-size cover and insert adjusts to fit most babies weighing 7 to 35 pounds, it works for most new parents.
Eventually, you will need to purchase enough so that you don't have to worry about running out or doing laundry every day. Once you do that, you don't have to worry about buying disposable diapers over and over and over...and throwing your money away with the diapers.
Check out this blog for more information on choosing the right cheap cloth diapers [http://cheapclothdiapers.net/flip-diapers] to keep your baby dry and comfortable and your budget happy.
Click here [http://cheapclothdiapers.net/flip-diapers] for great deals on top-rated, parent recommended cheap cloth diapers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sheryl_Wood/105985
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Cloth Diapering Is Gross!
Is Cloth Diapering Gross?
The first time I ever encountered a fellow mom who cloth diapered, my first child was 6 months old. Having experienced my share of diaper blow outs, I couldn't fathom why anyone would want to deal with cotton prefolds, diaper pins and plastic pants. Clothing, in my mind, was too much effort and not nearly enough containment, which to me was just plain gross. Thus, my first daughter remained in her disposable diapers, until she was two, when we switched to the even more expensive pull-ups. When she was potty trained during the day, we still used pull-ups at night until she was at least 3-years old. Looking back, I probably easily spent between $2,000-$3,000 dollars on diapers and wipes, even more if you figure the gas I used driving to the store on emergency diaper runs.
When my second child was born, I was forced to take a closer look at our diapering method. Our family was struck by the sluggish economy like many other hardworking Americans. My husband's company was going bankrupt, and as low man on the totem pole, he was facing a layoff. Thankfully another job opportunity opened up for him, but it was on the other side of the country, and I had to leave my family (built in daycare) and my job behind. We were a two-income family, forced to survive on a single income until I was able to go back to work. Cloth diapers were just one of the many ways I was hoping to save money. I learned that on average diapers cost $0.28 each, and most Americans spend close to $3,000 on diapering by the time their child is fully potty trained. $3,000 is a lot of money to just throw away! Cloth, on the other hand, range from $300-$1300, depending on if you want simple or the Mercedes-Benz of cloth diapers. The more I learned about clothing, the more I was convinced that this was something I could do. All in all, I spent a total of $300 on my diapers, and have bought detergent twice since I began cloth diapering almost 15 months ago. I've been pleasantly surprised by how much money I'm saving and how simple and hygienic it can be. Allow me to elaborate:
Cloth Diapering Has Evolved Over The Years
The leaky plastic pants and diaper pins, they are all gone now! You can still go the route of prefolds and diaper covers if you so choose, but the diaper pins have been replaced by a handy rubber fastener called a snappy, and the plastic pants, now have improved leg gussets and Velcro/snap closures making leaks a lot less likely. Also, there are so many different kinds of absorbent baby diaper inserts that you can hand tailor your diapers to your infant. For instance, if your baby is a soaker, you can add hemp or bamboo to your diapers to increase absorbency. I personally elected to go with the Bum Genius 4.0 pocket diaper with snap closures. I liked it for the following 5 reasons:
1. It is extremely durable, I can pass these diapers on to subsequent children
2. It accommodates babies from 7-35 pounds using a 3x3 snap down that allows you to adjust the diaper to fit your child, meaning this is the only diaper you will ever need.
3. They are easy to wash and care for
4. They are extremely absorbant
5. Pocket diapers have the appearance of a disposable baby diaper, so for someone who is not accustomed to cloth diapers they are very easy to fasten and put on baby.
How Do You Deal With Dunking Cloth Diapers?
Honestly, In almost 15 months of cloth diapering, I have only had to rinse off my diapers 2-3 times ever. Breast milk poop is completely water soluble. Thus, when baby has messy diaper, take the entire diaper, pull the insert out and put it directly in the diaper pail, no dunking. When my daughter started solids, most of the time I could just tip the diaper contents directly to the toilet. If the thought of dunking a nasty diaper grosses you out, you can always purchase a diaper sprayer from Amazon. The sprayer connects directly to your toilet and makes it even simpler to clean off solids. I had horrifying thoughts of doing this, but when it came down to it, it really wasn't that gross, and it sure beat scrubbing baby poop out of a cute outfit that a disposable diaper was unable to contain!
How Do I Wash My Diapers?
Bum Genius has some particular detergents that they recommend. My particular favorite is Rockin Green Bare Naked Baby detergent. It's amazing. I have no stains on my diapers, no lingering odor. They smell great. I simply:
1. Cold wash
2. Hot wash with 2 TBSP of Rockin Green detergent
3. Rinse-Rinse
Dry the inserts, hang the covers. It's easy to do, and even with the extra laundry cycles each week you'll see major savings.
Thus, I, the cloth diaper skeptic has become a major cloth supporter. I no longer fear the unknown, and since converting to cloth, I have never had an up the back uncontained diaper blow out, I have never had poop staining on my clothes, my overall diapering situation and satisfaction has improved. I would definitely encourage anyone to try cloth diapering. If I can do it... you definitely can do it, take it from a busy working mother of two small girls.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy reading:
Cloth Diapering To Save
My name is Jennifer Zielinski, I am an RN specializing wound care and a hardworking mother of two young children. The RN side of me appreciates the fact that with cloth diapers we have seen fewer instances of diaper rash and skin irritation, and early recognition of bladder control and potty-training. Cloth diapering has been an amazing diapering system for our busy family. If you are interested in saving money, preserving the environment, and on leading your young child into early potty training, take the time to learn more about cloth diapering today. To check out more information on cloth diapering, please visit my website:
[http://www.levelonenetwork.com/bloggingqueen/cloth-diapering/]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jennifer_N_Zielinski/1547066
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7622312
The first time I ever encountered a fellow mom who cloth diapered, my first child was 6 months old. Having experienced my share of diaper blow outs, I couldn't fathom why anyone would want to deal with cotton prefolds, diaper pins and plastic pants. Clothing, in my mind, was too much effort and not nearly enough containment, which to me was just plain gross. Thus, my first daughter remained in her disposable diapers, until she was two, when we switched to the even more expensive pull-ups. When she was potty trained during the day, we still used pull-ups at night until she was at least 3-years old. Looking back, I probably easily spent between $2,000-$3,000 dollars on diapers and wipes, even more if you figure the gas I used driving to the store on emergency diaper runs.
When my second child was born, I was forced to take a closer look at our diapering method. Our family was struck by the sluggish economy like many other hardworking Americans. My husband's company was going bankrupt, and as low man on the totem pole, he was facing a layoff. Thankfully another job opportunity opened up for him, but it was on the other side of the country, and I had to leave my family (built in daycare) and my job behind. We were a two-income family, forced to survive on a single income until I was able to go back to work. Cloth diapers were just one of the many ways I was hoping to save money. I learned that on average diapers cost $0.28 each, and most Americans spend close to $3,000 on diapering by the time their child is fully potty trained. $3,000 is a lot of money to just throw away! Cloth, on the other hand, range from $300-$1300, depending on if you want simple or the Mercedes-Benz of cloth diapers. The more I learned about clothing, the more I was convinced that this was something I could do. All in all, I spent a total of $300 on my diapers, and have bought detergent twice since I began cloth diapering almost 15 months ago. I've been pleasantly surprised by how much money I'm saving and how simple and hygienic it can be. Allow me to elaborate:
Cloth Diapering Has Evolved Over The Years
The leaky plastic pants and diaper pins, they are all gone now! You can still go the route of prefolds and diaper covers if you so choose, but the diaper pins have been replaced by a handy rubber fastener called a snappy, and the plastic pants, now have improved leg gussets and Velcro/snap closures making leaks a lot less likely. Also, there are so many different kinds of absorbent baby diaper inserts that you can hand tailor your diapers to your infant. For instance, if your baby is a soaker, you can add hemp or bamboo to your diapers to increase absorbency. I personally elected to go with the Bum Genius 4.0 pocket diaper with snap closures. I liked it for the following 5 reasons:
1. It is extremely durable, I can pass these diapers on to subsequent children
2. It accommodates babies from 7-35 pounds using a 3x3 snap down that allows you to adjust the diaper to fit your child, meaning this is the only diaper you will ever need.
3. They are easy to wash and care for
4. They are extremely absorbant
5. Pocket diapers have the appearance of a disposable baby diaper, so for someone who is not accustomed to cloth diapers they are very easy to fasten and put on baby.
How Do You Deal With Dunking Cloth Diapers?
Honestly, In almost 15 months of cloth diapering, I have only had to rinse off my diapers 2-3 times ever. Breast milk poop is completely water soluble. Thus, when baby has messy diaper, take the entire diaper, pull the insert out and put it directly in the diaper pail, no dunking. When my daughter started solids, most of the time I could just tip the diaper contents directly to the toilet. If the thought of dunking a nasty diaper grosses you out, you can always purchase a diaper sprayer from Amazon. The sprayer connects directly to your toilet and makes it even simpler to clean off solids. I had horrifying thoughts of doing this, but when it came down to it, it really wasn't that gross, and it sure beat scrubbing baby poop out of a cute outfit that a disposable diaper was unable to contain!
How Do I Wash My Diapers?
Bum Genius has some particular detergents that they recommend. My particular favorite is Rockin Green Bare Naked Baby detergent. It's amazing. I have no stains on my diapers, no lingering odor. They smell great. I simply:
1. Cold wash
2. Hot wash with 2 TBSP of Rockin Green detergent
3. Rinse-Rinse
Dry the inserts, hang the covers. It's easy to do, and even with the extra laundry cycles each week you'll see major savings.
Thus, I, the cloth diaper skeptic has become a major cloth supporter. I no longer fear the unknown, and since converting to cloth, I have never had an up the back uncontained diaper blow out, I have never had poop staining on my clothes, my overall diapering situation and satisfaction has improved. I would definitely encourage anyone to try cloth diapering. If I can do it... you definitely can do it, take it from a busy working mother of two small girls.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy reading:
Cloth Diapering To Save
My name is Jennifer Zielinski, I am an RN specializing wound care and a hardworking mother of two young children. The RN side of me appreciates the fact that with cloth diapers we have seen fewer instances of diaper rash and skin irritation, and early recognition of bladder control and potty-training. Cloth diapering has been an amazing diapering system for our busy family. If you are interested in saving money, preserving the environment, and on leading your young child into early potty training, take the time to learn more about cloth diapering today. To check out more information on cloth diapering, please visit my website:
[http://www.levelonenetwork.com/bloggingqueen/cloth-diapering/]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jennifer_N_Zielinski/1547066
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7622312
Five Types of Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers aren't like they used to be. The days of safety pins, plastic pants, and leaks are gone. Today's cloth diapers are engineered to be as effortless to use as disposables. Flushable liners, hook and loop closures and high-tech textiles provide more comfortable and dependable diapers which are easy to use. Easy-to-use features along with the eco-friendly nature of cloth can certainly make them the right choice for parents, regardless of their earnings. Through the years, there's been a heightened interest in cloth diapers as a result of the many benefits they offer.
There are five major kinds of cloth diapers, with varying degrees of simplicity and price. The objective of this post is to simply break down the different cloth diaper styles and investigate the main advantages of each kind.
All in Ones
Using an all-in-one cloth diaper, or AIO, is much easier than using any other types of cloth-diapering techniques, given that there is a single piece. There is nothing to fold and there's nothing to include or remove. It usually has a fast and easy fastening method, like hook-and-loop or Velcro, of course, it's machine washable.
AIO diapers are a one piece diaper that include a number of absorbent layers (generally two, in some cases hourglass shaped) that have been sewn inside of an outer waterproof cover. They are practical for convenient changes, are widely used by lots of modern young families as the main portion of their diapering method, and along with a supplementary diaper booster inside can perform effectively over night. Major disadvantages of AIO diapers may include longer drying times (some brands) and also the "one wear, one wash" process which is used. Main advantages of AIO diapers are the sheer simplicity of the design, the sleek fit (of some brands), and that they are an excellent overall solution which can be in virtually any situation.
All-in-ones are definitely the simplest to operate for those who are not familiar with cloth diapering. Since the diaper and the cover are stitched to one another, they can be as simple to use as a disposable. This makes these diapers an outstanding method to use at a babysitter's or grandparent's house. Nobody will become scared of the fold/tuck/pin/cover procedure for various other cloth diaper designs.
Hybrid
Sometimes called an All In Two (or AI2) cloth diaper, Hybrid diapers are designed as a system to make it relatively easy for parents to diaper their babies naturally. Hybrid diapers include a shell (or diaper cover) into which you insert a variety of absorbency layers. The Hybrid style took its name because the absorbency layers used may be either cloth or disposable, chosen dependent upon the location. For instance, you may choose to implement cloth absorbency when in the home, but use a disposable or flushable liner when going to day care or traveling. Hybrid systems can come in a sized approach (meaning further expenses when your baby gets bigger) or in a one-size alternative (which grows along with your baby).
Key disadvantages of Hybrid diapers is that they can appear to be complicated (however, with very little experience, this concern typically disappears).
Key advantages of Hybrid diapers are the level of flexibility that they introduce to cloth diapering, the ability to change how many absorbency layers (less for day, more for night) and the fact that some brands are purposefully designed to enable multiple wearings of outer shells between washes.
Pocket
A pocket diaper comes up with an external watertight layer made from polyurethane laminate (PUL) which is attached to a cloth part which goes next to the skin, and you'll find a gap left in the back between the two. You'll see the pocket in the photograph.
You put an absorbent fabric insert inside that opening. Once the diaper is changed, you remove the insert to wash toss the insert and diaper both into the laundry together. A lot of styles include their unique inserts, but you can use prefolds or find more inserts. The complete diaper fastens with either Velcro or snaps. We use these at night, too, and they're quite absorbent.
This method is straightforward and convenient. If your baby is a wiggler, you can easily put the inserts into the diapers earlier and change the baby fairly quickly. It is additionally very simple for babysitters and grandparents. Since you take the insert out of the diaper before you launder it, it gets quite clean and dries more quickly than all in ones.
Regrettably, they can be more expensive, somewhat more expensive than other cloth diapers. Additionally, they don't ordinarily have natural fibers in the cloth that contacts the baby's sensitive tush. Usually the cloth is a polyester microfiber that wicks mositure from the skin. It is possible to find natural fiber pocket diapers, but they're tougher to locate.
Fitted
Fitted diapers, commonly referred to as Fitteds, are ingenious cloth diapers which combine simplicity of use and freedom. Fitted diapers bear resemblance to the size and shape of disposable diapers. The selection of super absorbing and breathable cloth from which to choose these are hands-down one of the best cloth diapering possibilities to suit your little one's unique requirements.
Fitted diapers are diapers that contain numerous layers of absorbent cloth, have back and leg elastic, and fasten on baby with snaps or hook and loop closures. Fitted diapers do NOT have a water resistant outer surface, and therefore will need some sort of waterproof cover. Fitted diapers are hourglass shaped and do not involve folding. Most fitted diapers are sized and therefore call for that you must purchase larger sizes as your baby gets bigger. However, some brand names (including the Kiwi Pie one-size pima cotton fitted diaper) have introduced one-size fitted diapers that use snaps on the front rise of the diapers to enable them to grow along with your child.
Although fitted diapers are not water-proof and do require the use of a diaper cover, herein lies undoubtedly one of their strengths! You select: wool, fleece, or PUL covers; some parents even opt to go coverless (generally when indoors or when trying to eliminate a diaper rash).
Prefold
Prefold cloth diapers are the cloth diapers our mothers and/or grandmothers used. For everybody who is with limited funds, prefolds are an economical cloth diapering method, although perhaps not as effortless as a few of the other choices. Prefolds are rectangular and flat. They require that you fold them into a preferred shape, and after that fasten on the infant and put a cover on top. Covers could be basic and traditional as wool pull-ons, or as scientifically advanced as water-resistant and quick-dry diaper shells. Flats need little storage space and can even be washed by hand if laundry facilities are inaccessible. Flats tend to be just one single layer of fabric that usually can be folded to create more absorbency and dry out quickly. Disadvantages of prefolds are that you'll need to acquire larger sizes as your baby grows, they might be bulky, and require a fastener and cover. Merits of prefolds are that they are usually very versatile, quite easy to dry and clean, and tend to be low-cost.
Stephanie is a stay at home mom to four kids who has been keeping them in cloth diapers for seven years now.
Read more of her cloth diaper articles at Cloth Diaper Help
You can also find her on Twitter
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stephanie_Collins/1919606
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8545559
There are five major kinds of cloth diapers, with varying degrees of simplicity and price. The objective of this post is to simply break down the different cloth diaper styles and investigate the main advantages of each kind.
All in Ones
Using an all-in-one cloth diaper, or AIO, is much easier than using any other types of cloth-diapering techniques, given that there is a single piece. There is nothing to fold and there's nothing to include or remove. It usually has a fast and easy fastening method, like hook-and-loop or Velcro, of course, it's machine washable.
AIO diapers are a one piece diaper that include a number of absorbent layers (generally two, in some cases hourglass shaped) that have been sewn inside of an outer waterproof cover. They are practical for convenient changes, are widely used by lots of modern young families as the main portion of their diapering method, and along with a supplementary diaper booster inside can perform effectively over night. Major disadvantages of AIO diapers may include longer drying times (some brands) and also the "one wear, one wash" process which is used. Main advantages of AIO diapers are the sheer simplicity of the design, the sleek fit (of some brands), and that they are an excellent overall solution which can be in virtually any situation.
All-in-ones are definitely the simplest to operate for those who are not familiar with cloth diapering. Since the diaper and the cover are stitched to one another, they can be as simple to use as a disposable. This makes these diapers an outstanding method to use at a babysitter's or grandparent's house. Nobody will become scared of the fold/tuck/pin/cover procedure for various other cloth diaper designs.
Hybrid
Sometimes called an All In Two (or AI2) cloth diaper, Hybrid diapers are designed as a system to make it relatively easy for parents to diaper their babies naturally. Hybrid diapers include a shell (or diaper cover) into which you insert a variety of absorbency layers. The Hybrid style took its name because the absorbency layers used may be either cloth or disposable, chosen dependent upon the location. For instance, you may choose to implement cloth absorbency when in the home, but use a disposable or flushable liner when going to day care or traveling. Hybrid systems can come in a sized approach (meaning further expenses when your baby gets bigger) or in a one-size alternative (which grows along with your baby).
Key disadvantages of Hybrid diapers is that they can appear to be complicated (however, with very little experience, this concern typically disappears).
Key advantages of Hybrid diapers are the level of flexibility that they introduce to cloth diapering, the ability to change how many absorbency layers (less for day, more for night) and the fact that some brands are purposefully designed to enable multiple wearings of outer shells between washes.
A pocket diaper comes up with an external watertight layer made from polyurethane laminate (PUL) which is attached to a cloth part which goes next to the skin, and you'll find a gap left in the back between the two. You'll see the pocket in the photograph.
You put an absorbent fabric insert inside that opening. Once the diaper is changed, you remove the insert to wash toss the insert and diaper both into the laundry together. A lot of styles include their unique inserts, but you can use prefolds or find more inserts. The complete diaper fastens with either Velcro or snaps. We use these at night, too, and they're quite absorbent.
This method is straightforward and convenient. If your baby is a wiggler, you can easily put the inserts into the diapers earlier and change the baby fairly quickly. It is additionally very simple for babysitters and grandparents. Since you take the insert out of the diaper before you launder it, it gets quite clean and dries more quickly than all in ones.
Regrettably, they can be more expensive, somewhat more expensive than other cloth diapers. Additionally, they don't ordinarily have natural fibers in the cloth that contacts the baby's sensitive tush. Usually the cloth is a polyester microfiber that wicks mositure from the skin. It is possible to find natural fiber pocket diapers, but they're tougher to locate.
Fitted
Fitted diapers, commonly referred to as Fitteds, are ingenious cloth diapers which combine simplicity of use and freedom. Fitted diapers bear resemblance to the size and shape of disposable diapers. The selection of super absorbing and breathable cloth from which to choose these are hands-down one of the best cloth diapering possibilities to suit your little one's unique requirements.
Fitted diapers are diapers that contain numerous layers of absorbent cloth, have back and leg elastic, and fasten on baby with snaps or hook and loop closures. Fitted diapers do NOT have a water resistant outer surface, and therefore will need some sort of waterproof cover. Fitted diapers are hourglass shaped and do not involve folding. Most fitted diapers are sized and therefore call for that you must purchase larger sizes as your baby gets bigger. However, some brand names (including the Kiwi Pie one-size pima cotton fitted diaper) have introduced one-size fitted diapers that use snaps on the front rise of the diapers to enable them to grow along with your child.
Although fitted diapers are not water-proof and do require the use of a diaper cover, herein lies undoubtedly one of their strengths! You select: wool, fleece, or PUL covers; some parents even opt to go coverless (generally when indoors or when trying to eliminate a diaper rash).
Prefold
Prefold cloth diapers are the cloth diapers our mothers and/or grandmothers used. For everybody who is with limited funds, prefolds are an economical cloth diapering method, although perhaps not as effortless as a few of the other choices. Prefolds are rectangular and flat. They require that you fold them into a preferred shape, and after that fasten on the infant and put a cover on top. Covers could be basic and traditional as wool pull-ons, or as scientifically advanced as water-resistant and quick-dry diaper shells. Flats need little storage space and can even be washed by hand if laundry facilities are inaccessible. Flats tend to be just one single layer of fabric that usually can be folded to create more absorbency and dry out quickly. Disadvantages of prefolds are that you'll need to acquire larger sizes as your baby grows, they might be bulky, and require a fastener and cover. Merits of prefolds are that they are usually very versatile, quite easy to dry and clean, and tend to be low-cost.
Stephanie is a stay at home mom to four kids who has been keeping them in cloth diapers for seven years now.
Read more of her cloth diaper articles at Cloth Diaper Help
You can also find her on Twitter
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Stephanie_Collins/1919606
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8545559
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Top 3 Benefits of Using Cloth Diapers on Your Baby
The Benefits of Cloth Diapers
The cloth diaper has evolved over the last few decades. There have been many changes in the cloth diaper that have made them just as easy to use and practical as a disposable diaper. Using cloth on your baby has great benefits compared to using more modern disposable diapers.
1. Physical Benefits
One of the benefits of CDing is they are healthier for your baby. Disposable diapers manufactured today are made with chemicals and materials that have been linked to different physical problems such as asthma. Cloth also reduce the risk of diaper rash because there is a lack of proper air flow in disposable diapers and babies stay in wet disposable diapers longer than they would cotton diapers. It has also been shown that some children will have allergic reactions to disposable diapers due to the chemicals used to mask odor.
2. Environmental Benefits
The environment also benefits from the use of cloth diaper. This is because a CD is going to be reused. The average lifespan of a quality CD is approximately 80 - 100 washes.
Did you know that an estimated 10,00 tons of disposable diapers enter landfills each day! A disposable diaper can take almost 500 years to decompose. Talk about taking up a lot of space! Did you also know the over 80% of American households use disposable diapers. Another benefit of cloth baby diapers is they can be saved for the next child, even be resold, or just used as rags after their lifespan has run out.
3. Cost Benefits
Overall cost is another one of the benefits of cloth baby diapers. Cloth baby diapers are expensive initially, but in the long run save you a lot of money. The average child goes through 8,000 diaper changes before being potty-trained; at 25 cents a diaper, that adds up to $2,000. So the money you invest in cloth saves you quite a bit in the long run, particularly if you plan on using cloth for two or more children.
Studies have been done comparing all the costs associated with using a cloth diaper like: diaper cost, energy costs, etc. With all these factors taking into consideration, cloth is still an economical way to cover your babies bottom.
Are you beginning to think that cloth diapers are the best choice for your baby, find the trendiest baby diapers at http://trendybabydiapers.com Not only will you be doing a GREAT thing for your baby but you will also be doing a great the for the environment and your more importantly your wallet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jennifer_Stolic/156365
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1735729
The cloth diaper has evolved over the last few decades. There have been many changes in the cloth diaper that have made them just as easy to use and practical as a disposable diaper. Using cloth on your baby has great benefits compared to using more modern disposable diapers.
1. Physical Benefits
One of the benefits of CDing is they are healthier for your baby. Disposable diapers manufactured today are made with chemicals and materials that have been linked to different physical problems such as asthma. Cloth also reduce the risk of diaper rash because there is a lack of proper air flow in disposable diapers and babies stay in wet disposable diapers longer than they would cotton diapers. It has also been shown that some children will have allergic reactions to disposable diapers due to the chemicals used to mask odor.
2. Environmental Benefits
The environment also benefits from the use of cloth diaper. This is because a CD is going to be reused. The average lifespan of a quality CD is approximately 80 - 100 washes.
Did you know that an estimated 10,00 tons of disposable diapers enter landfills each day! A disposable diaper can take almost 500 years to decompose. Talk about taking up a lot of space! Did you also know the over 80% of American households use disposable diapers. Another benefit of cloth baby diapers is they can be saved for the next child, even be resold, or just used as rags after their lifespan has run out.
3. Cost Benefits
Overall cost is another one of the benefits of cloth baby diapers. Cloth baby diapers are expensive initially, but in the long run save you a lot of money. The average child goes through 8,000 diaper changes before being potty-trained; at 25 cents a diaper, that adds up to $2,000. So the money you invest in cloth saves you quite a bit in the long run, particularly if you plan on using cloth for two or more children.
Studies have been done comparing all the costs associated with using a cloth diaper like: diaper cost, energy costs, etc. With all these factors taking into consideration, cloth is still an economical way to cover your babies bottom.
Are you beginning to think that cloth diapers are the best choice for your baby, find the trendiest baby diapers at http://trendybabydiapers.com Not only will you be doing a GREAT thing for your baby but you will also be doing a great the for the environment and your more importantly your wallet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jennifer_Stolic/156365
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1735729
Cloth Diapering 101
Newcomer cloth diaper moms have one hundred and one questions. My partner and I had about a gazillion when we went the cloth diapering way:
'How do I fold this big handkerchief thingy (flat diaper) and make it fit on the baby's bum?'
'What's this other smaller handkerchief thingy (liner) and does it go over or under? What does it do anyway?'
'How do I stick this safety pin into the diaper without sticking it into the baby (Yikes!)? Why is it called a safety pin anyway, it does not look safe to me.'
Believe me when I say we were both more clueless than a snowman in the Sahara desert.
But to keep it short and sweet (although diapers and sweet do not belong in the same sentence), today I will answer ten of the most commonly asked questions in our Cloth Diapering 101 class.
1. How Many Diapers Do I Need?
The number of diapers you need primarily depends on the age and weight of your baby. Newborns go through more diapers than toddlers. With a newborn, you will need a minimum two dozen diapers, but as few as one dozen will be sufficient for a toddler. Other factors that will come into play are whether your baby is a heavy wetter, the absorbency of your diapers, and the materials from which your diapers are made.
2. How Do I Strip My Cloth Diapers?
Stripping is one of those necessary evils of being a cloth diaper mom. Hate it or love it, you MUST do it every now and again. A detailed guide on how to strip cloth diapers is available here. When stripping, keep in mind that you should NOT add any detergent to your diapers, as this beats the purpose - you want to get traces of detergent out. When stripping, you should also know whether you have hard or soft water as this determines what you can add to your load (stain remover, baking soda, vinegar, etc.) and how effective it will be.
3. Which Are the Best Cloth Diaper Brands?
There is no 'best' just what works well for you and your baby. When choosing diaper brands, consider size, absorbency, washing, lifetime of the diaper and your budget. If you are just starting out, you can buy a few of each brand and then buy more of what works best for you. Some popular diaper brands are: Osocozy, BumGenius, Kawaii and Rumparoos.
4. How Do I Choose My Cloth Diaper Detergent?
If a detergent is indicated to be safe for your baby's clothes, it is not necessarily safe for his or her diapers. Choose a very gentle, natural cloth diaper detergent that is free of any additives. If your baby gets a rash and you suspect it is because of your detergent, change it. You should also try using less detergent when washing your cloth diapers.
5. Is it Advisable to Use Cloth Diapers through the Night?
Yes it is! You may worry that since cloth diapers wet faster, your little one may not sleep comfortably all night because of leaks. With newborns, you will need to change the diaper three or four times which is okay because it will probably correspond with his or her feeds too. For older babies who sleep through the night, add a doubler under the diaper and you and your baby get a restful, dry night. You can also choose more absorbent diaper brands (like one with a suede or fleece booster and a wool cover) to guarantee a dryer night for your baby.
6. What are the Differences between Flats and Prefolds?
The most basic diaper is the flat; it is the big white handkerchief-like thingamy your parents probably used. You fold it into a triangular shape, fit the baby's bum into the center of this triangle, gather the 'points' of the triangle at the baby's front and then pin it into place (with safety pins) at the baby's hips. A prefold is just like flat, but eliminates the folding stage because this has already been done for you and sewn in place so that it does not unfold. The primary advantage of prefolds over flats is that prefolds have more layers at the center where absorbency is needed the most to keep your baby dry.
7. What are the Differences Between All-in-Ones and All-in-Twos?
An 'all-in' diaper combines the diaper itself and the waterproof cover so that you do not have to put them on the baby separately. The diaper and the cover come sewn together and you just have to snap it or Velcro it in place on the baby's waist. All-in-ones have the inner absorbent cloth and the outer waterproof cover and that's it. All-in-twos are fashioned such that you can remove the inner absorbent cloth from the outer waterproof cover. Its advantage is that you can re-use the waterproof cover with a fresh diaper and it makes for easier laundering.
8. What are the Differences Between Inserts and Doublers?
Inserts are used with pocket diapers for extra absorbency. Pocket diapers are basically like all-in-twos but with an allowance beneath the inner absorbent layer and the outer waterproof material where you can add another layer of cloth (the insert) so your baby can go drier for longer. Doublers are thick, rectangular cloth pads that are also added for absorbency and used with the traditional flats or with prefolds. They are fixed between the diaper and the waterproof diaper cover.
9. How Do I Wash My Cloth Diapers?
Wash your diapers every two to three days. In between washes, keep your diapers in a diaper pail and add a sprinkle of baking soda into the dirty diaper pail to keep away the stunk. The standard diaper wash is: one cold wash, one hot wash with your cloth diaper detergent, and then a cold and warm rinse. You can add an extra rinse if you still see bubbles in the wash.
10. How Do I Stop/Control Diaper Rash?
If your baby has never, ever had a diaper rash, I salute you; you are officially the Best Mom in the universe. Also, would you please let me in on the secret? Now, to the rest of us ordinary moms, to limit the probability of your baby getting diaper rush, you can take these preventive steps:
Change your baby as soon as they get wet. This does not mean that you can feel or see the wetness on may start crying or fidgeting when they are wet. Check every two hours for newborns, and at least every four hours for older babies.
Use alcohol-free wipes as they may cause irritation on baby's skin. Choose baby-friendly wipes or use cloth wipes instead.
Dry baby's skin well before putting on a diaper. Humidity encourages bacteria and formation of rash/yeast infections.
Use a cream or ointment on baby's skin with every diaper change. Plain petroleum jelly or zinc oxide work well. Your cream of choice should be mild and baby-friendly.
Clean diapers very thoroughly and make sure to rinse out all detergent with every wash. Left over detergent can irritate baby's skin.
Get more information on cloth diapers and lots of reviews on Thebestclothdiapersguide.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lilian_Gray/2026610
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8916866
'How do I fold this big handkerchief thingy (flat diaper) and make it fit on the baby's bum?'
'What's this other smaller handkerchief thingy (liner) and does it go over or under? What does it do anyway?'
'How do I stick this safety pin into the diaper without sticking it into the baby (Yikes!)? Why is it called a safety pin anyway, it does not look safe to me.'
Believe me when I say we were both more clueless than a snowman in the Sahara desert.
But to keep it short and sweet (although diapers and sweet do not belong in the same sentence), today I will answer ten of the most commonly asked questions in our Cloth Diapering 101 class.
1. How Many Diapers Do I Need?
The number of diapers you need primarily depends on the age and weight of your baby. Newborns go through more diapers than toddlers. With a newborn, you will need a minimum two dozen diapers, but as few as one dozen will be sufficient for a toddler. Other factors that will come into play are whether your baby is a heavy wetter, the absorbency of your diapers, and the materials from which your diapers are made.
2. How Do I Strip My Cloth Diapers?
Stripping is one of those necessary evils of being a cloth diaper mom. Hate it or love it, you MUST do it every now and again. A detailed guide on how to strip cloth diapers is available here. When stripping, keep in mind that you should NOT add any detergent to your diapers, as this beats the purpose - you want to get traces of detergent out. When stripping, you should also know whether you have hard or soft water as this determines what you can add to your load (stain remover, baking soda, vinegar, etc.) and how effective it will be.
3. Which Are the Best Cloth Diaper Brands?
There is no 'best' just what works well for you and your baby. When choosing diaper brands, consider size, absorbency, washing, lifetime of the diaper and your budget. If you are just starting out, you can buy a few of each brand and then buy more of what works best for you. Some popular diaper brands are: Osocozy, BumGenius, Kawaii and Rumparoos.
4. How Do I Choose My Cloth Diaper Detergent?
If a detergent is indicated to be safe for your baby's clothes, it is not necessarily safe for his or her diapers. Choose a very gentle, natural cloth diaper detergent that is free of any additives. If your baby gets a rash and you suspect it is because of your detergent, change it. You should also try using less detergent when washing your cloth diapers.
5. Is it Advisable to Use Cloth Diapers through the Night?
Yes it is! You may worry that since cloth diapers wet faster, your little one may not sleep comfortably all night because of leaks. With newborns, you will need to change the diaper three or four times which is okay because it will probably correspond with his or her feeds too. For older babies who sleep through the night, add a doubler under the diaper and you and your baby get a restful, dry night. You can also choose more absorbent diaper brands (like one with a suede or fleece booster and a wool cover) to guarantee a dryer night for your baby.
6. What are the Differences between Flats and Prefolds?
The most basic diaper is the flat; it is the big white handkerchief-like thingamy your parents probably used. You fold it into a triangular shape, fit the baby's bum into the center of this triangle, gather the 'points' of the triangle at the baby's front and then pin it into place (with safety pins) at the baby's hips. A prefold is just like flat, but eliminates the folding stage because this has already been done for you and sewn in place so that it does not unfold. The primary advantage of prefolds over flats is that prefolds have more layers at the center where absorbency is needed the most to keep your baby dry.
7. What are the Differences Between All-in-Ones and All-in-Twos?
An 'all-in' diaper combines the diaper itself and the waterproof cover so that you do not have to put them on the baby separately. The diaper and the cover come sewn together and you just have to snap it or Velcro it in place on the baby's waist. All-in-ones have the inner absorbent cloth and the outer waterproof cover and that's it. All-in-twos are fashioned such that you can remove the inner absorbent cloth from the outer waterproof cover. Its advantage is that you can re-use the waterproof cover with a fresh diaper and it makes for easier laundering.
8. What are the Differences Between Inserts and Doublers?
Inserts are used with pocket diapers for extra absorbency. Pocket diapers are basically like all-in-twos but with an allowance beneath the inner absorbent layer and the outer waterproof material where you can add another layer of cloth (the insert) so your baby can go drier for longer. Doublers are thick, rectangular cloth pads that are also added for absorbency and used with the traditional flats or with prefolds. They are fixed between the diaper and the waterproof diaper cover.
9. How Do I Wash My Cloth Diapers?
Wash your diapers every two to three days. In between washes, keep your diapers in a diaper pail and add a sprinkle of baking soda into the dirty diaper pail to keep away the stunk. The standard diaper wash is: one cold wash, one hot wash with your cloth diaper detergent, and then a cold and warm rinse. You can add an extra rinse if you still see bubbles in the wash.
10. How Do I Stop/Control Diaper Rash?
If your baby has never, ever had a diaper rash, I salute you; you are officially the Best Mom in the universe. Also, would you please let me in on the secret? Now, to the rest of us ordinary moms, to limit the probability of your baby getting diaper rush, you can take these preventive steps:
Change your baby as soon as they get wet. This does not mean that you can feel or see the wetness on may start crying or fidgeting when they are wet. Check every two hours for newborns, and at least every four hours for older babies.
Use alcohol-free wipes as they may cause irritation on baby's skin. Choose baby-friendly wipes or use cloth wipes instead.
Dry baby's skin well before putting on a diaper. Humidity encourages bacteria and formation of rash/yeast infections.
Use a cream or ointment on baby's skin with every diaper change. Plain petroleum jelly or zinc oxide work well. Your cream of choice should be mild and baby-friendly.
Clean diapers very thoroughly and make sure to rinse out all detergent with every wash. Left over detergent can irritate baby's skin.
Get more information on cloth diapers and lots of reviews on Thebestclothdiapersguide.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lilian_Gray/2026610
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