After having read in a book (Green Babies, Sage Moms by Lynda Fassa) that it can take up to 500 years for a single disposable diaper to decompose in a landfill my mind was made up - we had to make the switch to cloth diapers. Besides being eco-conscious, it seemed to make sense from an economic standpoint as well, especially considering that Baby Sister will most likely still
be in diapers a year from now. Not to mention the fact that I'd just as soon not have chlorine and other chemicals next to my Baby's soft,
sweet skin 24 hours a day. When I first delved into the idea and started doing research I was amazed at all of the options - all-in-one cloth diapers, fitted cloth diapers, one-size fitted cloth diapers, contour cloth diapers, pocket diapers and prefolds which are the original cloth diaper. It was enough to make my head spin. I finally decided on one-size fitted cloth diapers (which can be adjusted to fit newborn through potty-training toddler) made of organic cotton and the corresponding leak protection of diaper covers (a necessity unless you use the all-in-one cloth diapers which have the leak proof cover built in). It has been nearly two weeks since we started using them and on the very first day I immediately gained a new found appreciation for the absorbancy and convenience of my beloved Pampers Swaddlers. I made it through three cloth diapers and two outfits before I reverted back to the disposables and was thoroughly discouraged with the performance of the cloth. But by the following morning, my determination was fresh (as was the reminder of our initial investment in the cloth) and we gave it another go. Since then I've learned that the leak situation can be easily remedied by more frequent changing and proper placement of the diaper cover, on that first day I don't think I took much care in making sure that the diaper did not peek out of the leg holes or top of the diaper cover. Now I'd venture to say that our transition has been, for the most part, pretty smooth and that disposables are all but a distant memory...except for when we use them on the go because really, who wants to carry urine-soaked diapers around or clean poopy ones out in a public toilet?! And as much as I love those Swaddlers, I have to admit that our cloth ones are so much softer and I can only imagine, much cozier next to Baby Sister's skin. Not to mention that the extra bulk of the cloth gives her the most adorable puffy bum and probably puts an extra pound or two on her in appearance (Ha, we'll fatten her up yet, by whatever means possible!). The first time J saw Baby Sister in a cloth diaper he commented that it looked like a baby toga. And as another added bonus, the diaper covers come in no less than 14 fun colors...at least the kind we've chosen to use. Today cloth diapers, tomorrow solar panels, composting and a smart car!!
After having read in a book (Green Babies, Sage Moms by Lynda Fassa) that it can take up to 500 years for a single disposable diaper to decompose in a landfill my mind was made up - we had to make the switch to cloth diapers. Besides being eco-conscious, it seemed to make sense from an economic standpoint as well, especially considering that Baby Sister will most likely still
be in diapers a year from now. Not to mention the fact that I'd just as soon not have chlorine and other chemicals next to my Baby's soft,
sweet skin 24 hours a day. When I first delved into the idea and started doing research I was amazed at all of the options - all-in-one cloth diapers, fitted cloth diapers, one-size fitted cloth diapers, contour cloth diapers, pocket diapers and prefolds which are the original cloth diaper. It was enough to make my head spin. I finally decided on one-size fitted cloth diapers (which can be adjusted to fit newborn through potty-training toddler) made of organic cotton and the corresponding leak protection of diaper covers (a necessity unless you use the all-in-one cloth diapers which have the leak proof cover built in). It has been nearly two weeks since we started using them and on the very first day I immediately gained a new found appreciation for the absorbancy and convenience of my beloved Pampers Swaddlers. I made it through three cloth diapers and two outfits before I reverted back to the disposables and was thoroughly discouraged with the performance of the cloth. But by the following morning, my determination was fresh (as was the reminder of our initial investment in the cloth) and we gave it another go. Since then I've learned that the leak situation can be easily remedied by more frequent changing and proper placement of the diaper cover, on that first day I don't think I took much care in making sure that the diaper did not peek out of the leg holes or top of the diaper cover. Now I'd venture to say that our transition has been, for the most part, pretty smooth and that disposables are all but a distant memory...except for when we use them on the go because really, who wants to carry urine-soaked diapers around or clean poopy ones out in a public toilet?! And as much as I love those Swaddlers, I have to admit that our cloth ones are so much softer and I can only imagine, much cozier next to Baby Sister's skin. Not to mention that the extra bulk of the cloth gives her the most adorable puffy bum and probably puts an extra pound or two on her in appearance (Ha, we'll fatten her up yet, by whatever means possible!). The first time J saw Baby Sister in a cloth diaper he commented that it looked like a baby toga. And as another added bonus, the diaper covers come in no less than 14 fun colors...at least the kind we've chosen to use. Today cloth diapers, tomorrow solar panels, composting and a smart car!!
1 comment:
YAY!!!!!!!
I cloth diapered both of our kids and loved it. Mothering.com has a great diapering board.
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