You have bought the softest blankets, clothes, and toys. You have made sure that none of the tags are scratchy and nothing will make your baby uncomfortable. Naturally you would want the diaper you put on your baby to be as comfortable as possible too. Cloth diapers like all in one cloth diapers designed by brands like Fuzzi Bunz, Bummis and Charlie Banana are made of just that, cloth. Soft, stretchy cloth will be against your baby’s skin. Disposable diapers are made from paper. Scratchy, rough paper will be against your baby’s skin if you use disposables.
Health
You are trying to do everything to keep your baby safe. You have baby proofed your house, not small parts are anywhere to be found, and you are feeding your baby just what the doctor ordered. But by using disposable diapers you are exposing your baby to some of the harshest chemicals around. Disposables contain many chemicals not limited to Dioxin. Dioxin is used to bleach the paper and is considered by the EPA as one of the most toxic of cancer related chemicals. By using cloth diapers you have taken away all exposure to the dangerous chemicals found in disposables.
Environment
There is much talk today about doing our part to protect the planet. If you are like me there may not be many options open to you in recycling. I live 120 miles away from the closest center. But there is something that everyone can do, use cloth diapers. It is estimated that a disposable diaper will take between 250 and 500 years to decompose. Your children’s grandchildren will be around to see if Great Great Grandpa’s diaper did in fact decompose. It actually takes 2.3 times more water to manufacture a disposable diaper than it takes to wash a cloth diapers for the life of the child. Disposable diapers are the 3rd largest single consumer item in landfills.
Cost
In our current economic times we are all trying to find ways to save money and cut costs. Did you realize that it is estimated that by the time a child reaches two years old the average consumer will have spent $1,600 in diapers. That is $66 per month. While if you use cloth diapers you will spend between $300 (using prefolds and covers) to $1000 (using organic materials and other expensive brands). What a difference! Not only is there that savings but those used diapers can be sold to recoup some of your costs or they can be used for future children. It is hard to correctly estimate the total savings because the possibilities to save are so many.
Cloth diapers are reusable, comfortable, cost efficient, and one of the best choices that you can make for your baby. You will be keeping your baby in comfort, creating less waste for the planet, and saving money all at the same time.
About the Author
Rachel Martin is a mother of three boys. She has been married to the love of her life for the past 7 years. In May she opened Sweet Infant, an online baby store.