Modern Cloth Diapers: The Benefits and Basics to Get You Started
By Laura K. Cowan, founder of 29Diapers.com
In the last few years, the eco-friendly Green market has exploded into a million options for your family, and even for your baby. But most of the time, the organic, non-toxic option is so much more expensive than the traditional alternative that you have to stop and weigh the pros and cons. I know, mommy guilt! But it’s true. We all want the best for our babies, but we all have budgets, too.
But there is one choice for your baby that is both better for him AND saves you a ton of money AND gives the planet a breather. Modern cloth diapers. I say “modern” because with the growth of the Green market, cloth diapers are a hugely improved product, and you have a lot more options than you used to. They’re not what you’re probably picturing right now: flat diapers, pins, and plastic pants. No, high-tech modern cloth diapers work just like disposables and are MUCH cuter to boot. The only real difference? You can re-use them hundreds of times, and they actually work better than disposables at containing messes!
Cloth diapers will:
* Save you $1000 per year PER KID over disposables.
* Save 1 TON of trash from going into the landfill, per kid PER YEAR!
* Only require you to do an extra 2-3 loads of laundry per week.
* Prevent and help clear up diaper rash because they’re breathable.
* Help you avoid the toxins dioxin and SAP, found in disposable diapers.
* Match all your baby’s cutest outfits.
Modern cloth diapers fasten with velcro or snaps instead of pins, and they come in cute mod prints and bright colors with cotton or hemp or bamboo absorbent cores on the inside and high-tech, waterproof, laminated fabrics on the outside, all of which can be washed like normal clothes in your washer and dryer. Plus, you’ll never run out of diapers in the middle of the night again.
Interested in learning more? If you’re interested in cloth diapers, here is where to start:
Cloth Diapering Basics on 29Diapers.com explains the different kinds of diapers available.
Cloth Diapering FAQ’s answers the most common questions people ask about modern fluff, including, “How do you handle poo in your washer?” “Isn’t that a lot of extra laundry?” and “Will daycare do cloth diapers?”
How Many Cloth Diapers You Will Need explains the average cost and size of a “stash.”
How To Wash Your Cloth Diapers teaches you a simple way to care for your diapers and your washer to keep your stash bright and fluffy.
There is even more information than that on 29Diapers.com, even suggestions on great diaper brands to try first and how to get a good fit according to your baby’s body type (yes, I have been called obsessive thorough before), but the above links will get you started. Thanks for being great parents and giving your baby the best. Happy diapering!
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Laura K. Cowan is an editor, writer, and WAHM, and the founder of 29Diapers.com, a baby blog that explains all about modern cloth diapering in one place and teaches readers how to save up to 70% off baby’s first year gear. She lives with her husband and baby girl in Michigan.
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August 3rd, 2010 at 3:02 PM
Ok, those diapers are adorable and trust me, I do my part to lessen my carbon footprint on this here planet of ours, but there is just no way I will ever give up my disposable diapers. I know, I’m horrible. But I just don’t have it in me to do the cloth! Great post though.
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What’s For Dinner
http://www.mawhats4dinner.com
Alex aka Ma What’s For Dinne recent post..Italian Cheeseburger Macaroni