Why should I go to cloth diapers?
Reusable diapers are an economical and environmental approach to diapering. Research shows that you can save a lot of money, especially if you are planning to have more than one child. Initially the upfront cost can seem high, but if you calculate it out, you will save thousands. According to Mothering magazine, the average child goes through 8,000 diaper changes before being potty-trained. If you estimate the average disposable diaper costs around 25 cents, then you will have spent around $2000. Here’s an analysis of the cost breakdown:
8000 diaper changes per child x $.25 per diaper = $2000
Cloth Diapers: $13 per cloth diaper x 24 diapers = $312
Covers: $13 per cover x 12 = $156
Total for diapers and covers for the next 8000 diaper changes = $467
That’s a savings of over $1500. If you have more than one child, that’s a savings of $3000 or more.
What are the environmental impacts of cloth diapers versus traditional disposable diapers?
1. Disposable diapers use 2x as much water as cotton diapers.
2. Disposable diapers use 3x as much energy as cotton diapers.
3. Disposable diapers generate 60x more solid waste than cotton diapers.
4. Disposable diapers use 20x as much raw materials as cotton diapers
5. 1 billion trees per year are destroyed to make disposable diapers---approximately 4.5 for each baby who uses them
6. It takes between 200-500 years for a disposable diaper to decompose.
7. Disposable diapers are the third largest single consumer item in landfills, and represent 30% of non-biodegradable waste
8. 1 ton of garbage is created for each baby who uses disposable diapers
9. 1 cup of crude oil is used for the plastic in 1 disposable diaper
10. 18 billion disposable diapers are used in the U.S. each year enough to stretch to the moon and back 9 times
The sources for the facts listed above are the following: Sierra Club, Californians Against Waste, Rhode Island Solid Waste Management Agency, Lehrberguer Report on the Impact of Diapers on the Environment, Greenpeace, Environmental Defense Fund, Center for Policy Alternatives, and www.diaperaps.com/home/dp1/environment_main.html
What is the most economical approach to cloth diapers?
My experience has shown me that the best cloth diapers are the ones that grow with your baby. In other words, the one size fits all approach is great. I’ve tried different diapers and the ones that I prefer are the diaper with a cover approach found with Wickeez. I like that they are soft, come in renewable material (bamboo), wash easily with foldable tabs, and are a one size diaper so I only have to make an initial diaper purchase. Another option that is very cost effective is to buy used diapers. Some local children consignment stores will sell cloth diapers. Another resource is http://www.craigslist.org where you can do a search in your area. I also like www.ourgreenhouse.com. Another option to find used items is at www.babycottonbottoms.com because they have a bargain basement where you can find second hand diapers. Last, you can make your own. A great reference is www.diapersewing.com or www.diaperkit.com. A handy calculator will also help you determine the overall cost. You can go to www.diaperpin.com/calculator/calculator.asp to figure out the overall cost of using cloth (which includes associated energy cost and cleaning) versus using disposable diapers.
What are the different types or styles of cloth diapers?
Basically you have two options: diapers that require a waterproof cover and all in one (AIO) which have the cover sewn on to the diaper. To read about the different diaper options and review the styles, go to www.clothdiaperinginfo.org.
How do I wash my cloth diapers?
See video
*reference your cloth diaper sources web site for their recommended washing instructions!
One trick that I find is helpful is to line your cloth diapers with a flushable liner that you can dispose off when the stool hits the diaper. I found the toddler flushable wipes to work just great. You can find them at any store. If you are concerned about the perfumes, wash them with normal water. I leave the wipes open so that they dry out completely. I keep a pack next to my changing table and then I’ll include one in the diaper when I know he’s ready for his daily doody.
How do I set-up my cloth diaper station?
Quick Shopping List:
-Changing pad with safety strap
-Double sided rug tape (if using a dresser for your pad)
-a trash can with a lid (consider 2 if you want to wash your covers and diapers separately)
-a liner for the trash can
-a 3 drawer cart
-container for your wipes
-cloth wipes (reusable wash clothes)
-Portable mini trash can
-Toddler wipes
See video…
How can I really make the entire process easier on me?
I have some simple suggestions to lessen the burden of cloth diapering:
1) Buy a package of chlorine free disposable diapers (like Seventh Generation or Whole Food’s 365 brand diapers) to have handy in case you can’t get to your laundry.
2) Consider washing your diapers and covers in the same load. Several resources do not recommend this, but I have been doing this and it works well for me.
3) Consider a diaper service.
4) Organize, organize, and then organize. See my video for a simple diaper station set-up.
What cloth diapers do you recommend?
I like the diaper and cover system. I’ve tried the all-in-one diapers and it just wasn’t for me. The diapers that I prefer (out of all the diapers I have used) are Wickeez because you really only have to buy one size diaper for the duration of your child’s diapering years. The size 1 is for children 8 lbs to 28 lbs. They have a bamboo material diaper that is earth friendly. The covers I enjoy most are Mother Ease snap covers. I like the snaps because the Velcro versions tend to stick to other items in the wash. I also like the way these diaper covers help to prevent leaks. A great retailer is www.ourgreenhouse.com.
References:
www.ourgreenhouse.com
www.mothering.com/articles/new_baby/diapers/crazy-for-cloth.html
www.babycottonbottoms.com
www.fuzzibunzworld.com
www.punkinbutt.com
www.diapershop.com –has pattern
www.maldenmillsstore.com –cloth remnants
www.ecobaby.com
www.borntolove.com
www.ebabydiaper.com
www.cutofcloth.com
http://www.diapersandwipers.com/diaper-covers.htm#diaperaps-clearance
www.amazon.com for bulk pricing on Seventh Generation diapers and wipes
www.wickeez.com
www.motherease.com
www.clothdiaperinginfo.org
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