Cloth Diapering 101
Cloth Diapering is making a comeback, with better absorbency, designs, and comfortability that encourage more and more moms to make the switch
Cloth Diapers are slowly gaining popularity once again, especially for families who are into natural parenting practices. After all, using cloth has a whole range of benefits meant to attract almost every type of parent. From the all-natural moms, to practical mothers, to green mamas – cloth diapering is a good choice that is beneficial for the baby, the whole family, and the environment.
For one, cloth diapering is chemical-free, and gentler on skin. In fact its advocates claim that cloth-diapered babies are less susceptible to diaper rash, urinary tract infections, as well as other illnesses that could be caused by the chemicals used in manufacturing disposable nappies.
Sensitive skin? No problem. Cloth diapers are all natural and chemical-free!
Another popular advantage of using cloth is that it is inexpensive in the long run. Yes, it is usually a one-time big-time expense but once a parent decides to switch to cloth, then they will no longer need to buy disposable diapers every grocery trip.
Cloth diapers are not just good for the skin, it is great on the pocket and the environment too!
Green mamas are meantime encouraging the use of cloth diapers because it is recyclable, and it does not increase solid non-biodegradable waste. It is definitely environment friendly, and helps reduce carbon footprint.
Some cloth diapering mamas also turn out to be avid cloth diaper collectors given the many prints, designs, colors and types of diapers available in the market. There are coveted brands, designs, and even cloth diaper artisans that make cloth diapering more fun for mothers.
Making the switch to cloth diapers could be a happy adjustment.
But before advocates could convince other parents into switching to cloth, they would have to explain the common misconceptions tied to cloth diapering. The first impression of course is that it is a lot of extra work because unlike disposable diapers which can be tossed after use, cloth diapers need to be washed, dried, stuffed, folded, and organized in cabinets. Some also get grossed out with the thought of handling poop and pee, and also get overwhelmed with the do’s and don’ts. Some also have the impression that it gets soaked quite easily and could easily mess up baby gears such as their best double strollers , cribs, car seats, and the like. Other parents also think that cloth diapering is complicated with the many types of cloth diapers, accessories, detergents to choose from. Some also think that the savings from using disposables will be cancelled out by the water and electric power consumption from washing all those cloth nappies, plus the detergent and other laundry accessories that have to be bought.
No rocket science. Despite the many jargons and acronyms, cloth nappies are uncomplicated and is just as washing and wearing usual baby clothes minus all the unnecessary additives like fabric softeners, bleach, and anti-bacterial ingredients.
In reality though, experts argue that cloth diapering is no rocket science and that, it is as simple as using the gauze or birdseye diapers used during the olden days. In fact, they say that it is even simpler now, and is even more fuss-free.
And once an advocate gets a parent on board she would encourage the parent to explore the different types of systems. Usually, experts and advocates would not advice parents on what type of system to go for because according to them cloth diapering is a journey unique to every baby. They would just usually advice the parent to try one or two of each type so they could see for themselves which system fits their baby’s needs, their wash routine or schedule, and of course their respective budgets.
