One parent's perspective on cloth diapering.

When I was pregnant with my first child, I knew I wanted to use cloth diapers. I did my research, and there are environmental arguments both for and against cloth diapering. Often, the major argument against it is that the amount of energy, water, and detergent used washing the diapers is equivalent to the environmental impact of disposable diapers in landfills. My opinion fell on the side of the amount of garbage we would generate. Disposable diapers just take up so much room, and degrade so slowly. Plus, we have a high efficiency washer, and use a small amount of detergent.

From my experience, with my two children, I find with cloth diapers we are less likely to experience "blow out". Therefore, I don't have to change and wash my children's clothes as often. I also don't have issues with smell of cloth diapers because our diaper pail has a nice activated charcoal filter that absorbs the smells. Storage happens in said diaper pail which gets emptied whenever I wash the diapers. I do laundry every two to three days. This is only an extra load every few days. In the spring and summer, I line dry my diapers and they turn bright white as all the stains disappear in the sunlight.

In the 70s and 80s everything was about convenience. Mothers chose to feed their babies formula because it was supposedly better, and companies invented disposable diapers that were more convenient and absorbent than cloth. Now, we are encouraging mothers to breastfeed again, and more and more parents are choosing to go with cloth diapers.

And, these are not the same cloth diapers our parents or our grandparents used. There is so much choice out there. Cloth diapering can be as easy and as convenient as using disposable diapers. It can cost a lot less too, depending on how many children you have, how convenient you want your diaper system to be and how you care for the diapers.

DIAPERING BASICS:
24 to 36 cloth diapers (prefolds or fitted)
0 to 3 All in One (AIO) diapers
4 to 6 diaper covers
1 to 2 fleece or wool covers (optional for night use)
12 to 24 doublers (for night use or heavy wetters)
1 diaper pail
2 to 3 dozen cloth diaper wipes (just go in pail with diapers)
optional: fleece liners and/or biodegradable liners, diaper sprayer (so you don't have to dunk the diapers in the toilet)

Your diapering system can be one type of diaper or a combination of prefold, fitted and even AIO. Keep in mind that newborns need changing more often, so laundry will need to be done more frequently at first.

BASIC TYPES OF DIAPERS AND ACCESSORIES:

Prefolds: Also called Chinese Prefolds. This is one of the cheapest choices in cloth diapers. Prefold diapers are rectangular pieces of fabric divided into three sections lengthwise. The middle section is the thickest, usually having 6 to 8 layers. The outer sections usually have 4 layers. These diapers are enclosed in diaper covers.

Fitted: Resemble disposable diapers in appearance. They are contoured, and may have gathering around the legs. Fitted diapers often fasten with snaps or Velcro. These must be enclosed in diaper covers.

All In One (AIO): Fitted diapers with a waterproof outer layer. They are as easy to use as disposable diapers. They are not necessarily practical for every day use, as frequent washing can reduce the effectiveness of the outer waterproof layer. They are ideal for day-cares, reluctant dads and babysitters as well as out of home use. They are also the most expensive type of cloth diaper.

Diaper covers: Covers can vary in style. They can be fastened with Velcro or snaps. Often they are made of polyester or vinyl to prevent the child’s clothes from getting wet. Covers can also be made of wool or polar fleece. These are preferred for use at night because they breathe.

Doublers: Thick rectangular pads that provide added absorbency. They are used for heavy wetters or at night.

Liners: Biodegradable liners are paper liners that are used to keep poop away from the diaper and make clean up easier. Polar fleece liners are used to keep the baby’s derrière dry. Urine passes through the polar fleece and does not pass back, so the baby stays dry.



PRICES:


Bummis Complete Cloth Diaper Kit, Organic Prefolds: $160 Available at various online stores.

Apple Cheeks Cloth Diaper Starter Kit: about $140 Available at Bambini Nursery on LaSalle.

Prefolds: $20 to $24 for 6, or less expensive if you buy in great quantities. Online stores.

Fitted diapers: from $12 to $22 MotherEase has great packages. Many other brands online.

AIO: usually at least $20 per diaper (unless you find clearance prices)