Why cloth diapers?

09/27/2011

This is an age-old question many parents ask themselves when expecting a baby. Why should I use cloth diapers when there are so many easy disposable choices available? There are three reasons we like people to consider who ask us this question.The first reason is that cloth diapers are a healthy choice for baby and the environment. Cloth diapers are free of harmful chemicals. Trace amounts of harsh chemicals may be left behind in disposable products after the manufacturing and bleaching process. One particular chemical, called dioxin, is a known cancer-causing agent. Sodium polyacrylate, which gives disposable diapers absorbent properties, has been known to cause allergic and skin reactions in some children. The quick, easy disposable option comes with an environmental price. Disposable diapers don’t easily break down in our landfills. If solid waste is not removed before the diaper is thrown away, there is the potential for raw human waste to leak from these improperly disposed diapers. There is no concrete timeline as to how long it will take for a disposable diaper to break down – some estimates are 200+ years! Even newer brands that state they are “earth friendly” require optimal landfill conditions to properly decompose. Today’s cloth diapers are reusable, washable and can actually reduce the incidence of diaper rash. Materials used in their manufacture are vastly different from the diapers of old making them comfortable, durable, and stylish. Materials like microfleece, hemp, bamboo and laminated polyester are just some of the components used in cloth diapers today. The second reason we tell people why they should consider cloth diapers is that they’re very simple to use. A baby generates additional laundry without considering washing diapers. Since parents are in the routine of doing laundry, one to three extra loads in the course of a week will not add that much work. They require regular washing and drying, but line drying will save energy. With cloth diapers there is no running to the store at midnight because you are suddenly out of diapers. If you know you are starting to run low, just put in a load to wash and dry, and you’re all set to go again. Many families tell us they’re surprised at how easy cloth diapers are to work with. Those who convert from disposables wish they would have done so much sooner. The third reason to use cloth diapers is that you’ll save money. The initial upfront cost will be higher but won’t break the bank. You can purchase complete cloth diaper systems from $300 to $1,000, depending on what system you choose and the number of diapers purchased. Disposables, however, cost from $1,800 to $3,500 for each child. Most cloth diapers, if properly cared for, can last for more than one child. There is a potential cost savings of $1,500 to $2,500 per child. Who doesn’t want extra money in their pocket?

We enjoy educating parents about modern cloth diapers, how they compare to disposables, what is needed to start and how to care for them. It’s all about choosing an option that will work best for your individual family based on what you want in a diaper.

These are just some of the basics to consider as to why to choose cloth diapers for your baby. Today’s cloth diapers come in a rainbow of colors and cool, funky prints. This not only makes them practical, but cute, fun and stylish! Materials like hemp, organic cotton and bamboo make them very “green.” There are so many great reasons to choose cloth diapers – we think the question really is “When do we start?”

Shari Hinz is the owner and founder of Baby Luv Boutique®, an online retail boutique specializing in baby and infant products including modern cloth diapers and accessories. For more information on cloth diapers or to attend a cloth diaper workshop, please contact Shari at 306-682-5746, toll free at 1-866-231-5135, via email or visit Baby Luv Boutique online.