Why Use Cloth Diapers?
As with anything that is unfamiliar, the idea of cloth diapering your baby may seem like a complicated task. Once you learn about what is actually involved in the entire process of cloth diapering, you will soon realise that CLOTH IS EASY! We have laid out a system and uncovered products that have led to successful cloth diapering experiences. We hope you find answers to all of your questions. And remember, CLOTH DIAPERING IS EASY!
DID YOU KNOW...
Cloth diapering can seem intimidating to those just starting out. Once the investigation process begins, one can then become overwhelmed with the choices available. The trick is to do a bit of research and then dive right in.
WHY USE CLOTH DIAPERS? Let us count the ways...
Comfort For the first 2-3 years of life, a baby will be wrapped in a diaper for the majority of each day. Which do you think they would prefer - plastic and paper or pure cotton? Health Disposable diapers contain sodium polyacrylate, the substance found within the inner layers of the diaper which becomes a gel when wet. It can absorb 100 times its weight in liquid. It is so effective at absorbing moisture, even moisture from the skin, that it has been associated with severe diaper rash and bleeding, and has also been linked with Toxic Shock Syndrome. Disposable diapers contain organo-chlorines such as dioxins which are a by-product of the chlorine-bleaching process. Dioxin is toxic in minute amounts, and has been shown to adversely affect the immune and reproductive systems. It has also been linked with cancer and birth defects. Chlorine bleaching has been banned in disposable diapers (and feminine hygiene products) in some European countries.
Disposable diapers trap moisture which raises body temperature in the diaper area. Some studies have been done linking raised scrotal temperature with infertility.
Cloth diapers do not contain any questionable chemicals, and they are breathable which is very effective protection against diaper rash.
Environmental A baby will undergo 7,000 to 10,000 diaper changes. If using disposable diapers, all of these non-biodegradable diapers end up in our landfills. In addition, many that use disposable diapers do not empty the contents of a soiled diaper into the toilet, as is recommended on the packaging. This waste ends up in landfills and can then contaminate local soil and water. Only if properly disposed of does the waste end up in the septic/sewer system to be properly treated thereby preventing any contamination. Cost Savings A baby will go through 7,000 to 10,000 diaper changes (8-12 per day) during the course of the diapering period. The average price of a disposable diaper is 35¢ (60¢ or more for the alternative, "environmental" disposables) and 5.5¢ (or more) for a wipe, setting the cost of one diaper change at over 40¢. 2½ to 3 years of diapering in disposables would cost anywhere from $2800 to $4,000, or more! Although the initial investment for cloth-diapers may seem significant compared to buying a bag of diapers (which is only 40 diaper changes), one could easily have everything they needed for $500 (this amount could be less or more depending on the diapers and covers chosen). What to do with all those savings? Convenience With modern washing machines, laundering your own diapers is as easy as putting on an extra 2-3 loads per week, at your convenience. And with cloth diapers, there will be no need to run out to the store to pick up yet another bag of disposable diapers, or haul out large bags to the curb filled with the garbage created from using disposables.
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