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The average baby goes through 6,000 to 8,000 single-use diapers before he's potty-trained.
Notice I didn't call them disposable, because there is nothing disposable about them, but, still,
every single one of the 18 billion to 23 billion diapers sold annually ends up in a landfill—all too
near you and your family—for upwards of 500 years, according to some studies. Five hundred
years of leaching.
Whoa.
Now let's talk about this: Most traditional disposable diapers release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, cyanide, mercury, methane, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, lead and dipentene, aka harmful chemicals linked to everything from cancer to respiratory problems to fertility issues later in life (especially for boys). And, please, do not even think of going near the white diapers that are bleached with chlorine and have trace amounts of dioxin, a highly, highly (did we say highly?) carcinogenic chemical.
So here you are: all organic with your Whole Foods foods, sipping from your Klean Kanteen, sans a pest control service, using only organic weed killer (even though it really doesn't work well), adamantly BPA-free, vigilantly recycling, diligently converting to LEDs, etc., but still using conventional diapers. Oh, and by you, I mean me. It's just that last step that I'm a little hesitant, nervous, confused (insert word here) to make.
I want to be cloth-minded. I really, really do, but why, oh why, can't I pull the trigger on this clear and obvious decision?
Here, some of my favorite women of the cloth shoot the, eh, poop, on why cloth is the only way to diaper, now and forever.
Name: Hillary Mizia
Site: www.monkeyhugz.com
I love cloth diapers because: Anytime I can reuse something, I know it's for the best. Cloth diapers save money, are better for baby and are hella cute.
Did you use cloth diapers for your own kids? Yes!
I really want all moms to know: Cloth diapers really do save you money, especially if you have more than one child.
Advice for the cloth diaper-wary: Poop is poop, no matter where your baby leaves it. It's got to be dealt with, so why not do it in a way that saves money and lessens your impact on the environment?
| My favorite cloth diaper line is: Play All Day Organic Hemp Fleece Fitteds |  |
Name: Carynia Van Buren
Site: www.babybunz.com
I love cloth diapers because: Nothing compares to the soft and cozy feel of natural cloth diapers next to baby’s bottom! I love that they’re easy and economical to use, chemical-free, and healthier for both baby and the planet.
Did you use cloth diapers for your own kids? Yes, we loved using cloth diapers and breathable diaper covers on our son, and he never had any problems with skin irritations or diaper rash.
I really want all moms to know: Consider baby’s comfort and long-term health when choosing what kind of diapers to use. Think about it: A dioxin-tainted paper diaper filled with super-absorbent chemical gels and covered with an occlusive plastic outer shell is not exactly the friendliest environment for a baby bottom, especially since diapers are worn almost continuously for the first two years of a baby’s life. Cloth diapering is a better choice for a multitude of reasons, and cloth-diapered babies are less prone to diaper rash and also toilet-train more quickly!
Advice for the cloth diaper-wary: It’s easy to become overwhelmed and not know where to start or how to switch to cloth diapers. Know that most cloth-diapering moms and cloth diaper sellers are passionate about cloth diapering and willing to provide guidance or make product suggestions based on your individual situation and needs. Just ask a cloth-diapering friend or contact a store like ours that specializes in cloth diapering. We’re always happy to help!
| My favorite cloth diaper line is: We loved using Snugglebottoms fitted cloth diapers, Nikky Diaper Covers and Bummis. |
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Name: Sara Phelan
Site: www.pureandsimplebaby.com
I love cloth diapers because: They're better for the environment, better for babies and their little bums, and better for the pocketbook.
Did you use cloth diapers for your own kids? Absolutely!
I really want all moms to know: Cloth diapers are really very simple once you get the hang of them. Just imagine never having to run frantically to the store ever again because you're running low on diapers.
Advice for the cloth diaper-wary: The hardest part is which system to use, and that's what we're here to help educate you on. After that it's a piece of cake.
| My favorite cloth diaper line is: FuzziBunz has been my top pick for many years, and recently I'm also lovin’ on some Gro Baby. |  |
Name: Kendra Morford
Site: www.healthybabyboutique.com (plus two brick-and-mortar stores in Kansas)
I love cloth diapers because: Of many reasons. 1) They are much more healthy for kiddos; 2) They save cash-strapped families tons of money; 3) Less landfill waste and carbon footprint; 4) Kiddos potty-train much earlier, as evidenced with my two boys, who potty-trained before the age of 2; 5) They are cute and comfortable.
Did you use cloth diapers for your own kids? Yes, we used a variety of brands and I test out all diapers for several months before they reach the sales floor. That way we can be sure and sell only the best. They must be affordable, durable, leak-resistant and fit well.
I really want all moms to know: They are not like the old-fashioned diapers with pins and rubber pull-up pants! They have evolved and are easy to use, have snap and Velcro closures, and have advanced waterproof fabrics that breathe. They are so cute and comfortable! And if you use flushable liners, clean-up is a breeze—just flush the poop and wash pee diapers! It is that easy!
Advice for the cloth diaper-wary: Find a retailer that is experienced in cloth diapers and truly offers a selection! If possible, see them in person rather than buying them online, or at least buy from a store that offers ongoing advice and support! That way you aren't alone and some of the diapering mistakes can be avoided.
| My favorite cloth diaper line is: Well, tough question because I truly believe that it is like a car—different people have different wants and needs. I guess if I had to go with just one: Gro Baby. Gro Baby diapers offer a very well-made, affordable, one-size hybrid system with both cloth and biodegradable disposable inserts, and they have some of the cutest prints on the market! |
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Name: Bayla Berkowitz
Site: www.softandcozybaby.com
I love cloth diapers because: They're SOOO soft and cozy, they save you a ton of money, they’re better for the environment and baby's’ health, and they’re so cute!
Did you use cloth diapers for your own kids? Of course!
I really want all moms to know: How easy they are to wash and care for and that you can save an average of $1,500 per child using cloth! There is also a ton of support out there from moms just like you!
Advice for the cloth diaper-wary: It is really beneficial to come to a workshop to learn about cloth and see and touch them in person. It is scary to shop online but much simpler when someone helps guide you through the choices. Washing them is really simple—just throw them in the machine! The poop factor is negligible! And you really don’t have to even worry about that until your baby starts on solids.
| My favorite cloth diaper line is: Thirsties! |  |
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