Many of you might know that I use cloth diapers. I absolutely love them, and Hunter's little bum is always adorable with all the different colors of diapers that I have. If any of you out there have considered cloth diapers I highly recommend it. It has saved us a ton of money, and will continue to do so with every other kid that we have. Below are some reasons why cloth diapers are great. These ideas are a collaboration from several of my favorite cloth diapering websites listed at the bottom. (My thoughts are in italics and the information from the websites in regular font). Any questions about cloth diapering feel free to email me.
Cost of Cloth Diapering (from the Uncommon Bottom)
If you haven't already noticed, babies are expensive. Currently name brand disposable diapers cost near $0.20 per diaper. With an average number of 8 diaper changes per day, and an estimated 3 years of diaper changes equaling 1095 days, this amounts to a total of $1,752.00 spent on disposable diapers for one child. That's a lot of money, and store brands aren't much cheaper.
The good news is that reusable diapers cost much less. The cost being anywhere from $300-$1200 for those three years depending on the brand of diaper you choose and how many diapers you decide to purchase.
I personally bought two sets of cloth diapers. First I bought some Kissaluvs, (Kissa’s fitted diaper size 0), to use when Hunter was an newborn. He outgrew those by the time he was two months and then I bought some Fuzzibunz, perfect fit diapers which will fit him until he is potty trained. Overall I spent about $450 on my cloth diapers and will be able to use them for the next couple kids. I also made my own cloth wipes for about $20 but that is a whole other post.
There are also different types of cloth diapers: prefolds, all in ones, fitted and pocket. Whichever kind you use all depends on what works for you. Some of the brands I am familiar with are: Fuzzibunz, Kissaluvs, Bummis, Thirsties, Mother-ease, bumGenius and that is only the beginning. I choose mine because I found great deals on each. I bought my Kissaluvs used and my Fuzzibunz new. Cloth diapers get more absorbment the more they are washed so buying used is a great deal. Many moms only use the diapers for a short time before they give up and then sell them at a fraction of the cost.
Comfort for the Bum
Reusable diapers also provide a level of comfort to your child that a disposable diaper can't achieve.
We can't ask a baby whether they prefer reusable or disposable, but which underwear would you choose for yourself, plastic or cotton?
According to the Journal of Pediatrics, 54 % of one-month old babies using disposable diapers had rashes, 16 % having severe rashes. A study done by a disposable diaper manufacturing company shows that the incidence of diaper rash increased from 7.1% to 61% with the increased use of throwaway disposable diapers.
Why choose Cloth? (from Jillian’s Drawers)
Cloth diapers are easy to care for
Perhaps cloth diapers were hard to care for at one time. But modern cloth diapers are so easy - with inventions like the Mini-shower and flushable inserts, the rewards are worth the little bit of extra work!
Cloth diapers leak less than disposables
Modern cloth diapers actually leak less than disposables! Did you know that many moms switch to cloth diapers because they were fed up with disposables leaking? Yes, it's true!
Cloth diapers minimize diaper rash
The rate of diaper rash has increased from 7% to over 78% since 1955, comparable with the increased rate of disposable diaper use. The chemicals, ultra-absorbent gels, and the formation of ammonia associated with disposables are the culprit. We have met many moms who finally switched to cloth diapers specifically to help their baby's bottom heal. Of course, they never turned back!
Cloth diapers are so soft against your baby's skin
Your baby's skin is so delicate. What could feel better for your baby than soft cotton or fleece? What would you rather have against your skin every hour of every day for two or more years? Cloth, of course!
Cloth diapers can save thousands of dollars
Depending on which cloth diaper system you decide to use, you can save approximately $500 - $1,000 per child. If you decide to use cloth diapers for more than one child, you can save thousands of dollars!
Modern cloth diapers don't require pins
Gone are the days of sticking you or your baby with a pin! Yikes, who would want that? Modern cloth diapers use snaps, Velcro, or a wonderful new invention created by a dad: a Snappi!
Babies that use cloth diapers potty train sooner
You can count on your baby potty training earlier with cloth diapers! Babies generally become more aware of their wet diapers, prompting them to potty train earlier. Average is about 1.5 years old.
Cloth diapers are better for babies
Disposable diapers contain dioxin, a carcinogen listed by the EPA as the most toxic of cancer causing chemicals. They also contain Sodium Polyacrylate, a chemical that was banned from tampons in 1985 due to its link to Toxic Shock Syndrome. Researchers have found that the scrotal skin temperatures of baby boys were significantly higher when they wore disposable diapers than when they wore cloth. The researchers concluded that prolonged use of disposable diapers as infants was an "important factor" contributing to the decline of sperm production among adult males. Finally, asthma has been linked to gases emitted by disposable diapers.
Cloth diapers are better for the environment
27.4 billion disposable diapers fill up our landfills every year. This makes them the third largest single consumer item in landfills. Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to manufacture disposables for one baby EACH YEAR.
If you would just like to try cloth before you commit the investment, Jillian’s Drawers has a program for only $10 that lets you do that.
Favorite Cloth Diapering Websites
· http://www.uncommonbottom.com
· http://www.thecentsableshoppin.com (Yes she does cloth)
· http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/newtocloth
