Cloth Diapers: why cloth is good for your baby & the environment
Those who remember cloth diapers of the past think of smelly, disgusting, diaper-rash-giving white gauze diapers with ducky-faced diaper pins that occasionally prick mother, or baby, or both. Then, the disposable diaper came on the scene. Parents of newborns thought it was heaven! Use once; throw away.
But disposable diapers are expensive and hazardous to the environment – and possibly baby. What would you do for the most important arrival of your life? Anything! That little bundle of joy becomes your number one priority, even before birth. You nurture. You protect. You plan. You create the most loving, cushioned environment possible. It has to be perfect. Everything becomes a priority for baby's arrival, even diapers.
So, a new wave of thinking began. How can we deliver comfortable, easy-touse, environment-loving, baby-protecting diapers? Today's version of the cloth diaper not only became the answer, it became the rage. Today there are more choices than ever before and, when talking about comfort and protection, the new cloth diapers rank #1. They are cute, decorative, soft and cushiony.
The initial investment is a little pricey (about $15-$18 per diaper) but the overall savings is great. You can save $800 to $1000, or even more, in just the first year. Depending on when potty training is complete, that's at least $2000 saved on diapers for one baby alone.
Mothers-to-be are now requesting cloth diapers on their baby shower registry and expectant couples are attending classes on how to use them. Yes, you read right, diapering lessons are given, not because they are difficult to use but, on the contrary, because the concept is so new.
Luvaboos, a local family-run establishment in Rochester, has dedicated much of their business to the sale of cloth diapers and to diaper education. They offer a Cloth Diapering 101 class for expectant parents to learn the ins andouts of the various kinds of diapers and assorted styles that are available and, most importantly, show parents how to use them.
If this is going to be a parent's first experience with cloth diapers, they suggest that parents do not invest a lot of money in any one type until they've tried several types. "We strongly encourage parents to try out a variety of diapers to figure out what works best for them and their baby," says Heather Holt, owner of Luvaboos. "What might SEEM like the best in theory may not be their favorite in practice."
For this reason, Luvaboos offers a "Diaper Trial" program. This program is kind of like buying diaper insurance. Parents pay for the privilege of testing out every kind of diaper they want to, in any quantity. Because they paid the additional $15 to be in the program, they can return any of them that didn't work out.
"The two week trial period begins AFTER the baby is born," Heather explains. "You can wash and use them for 2 weeks to figure out what you like best. At the end of two weeks, you simply return the ones you weren't crazy about for store credit and stock up on your favorites." Many parents have found it extremely valuable to use the trial plan when choosing the best system for their needs.
"The Poop" on Cleaning Them
Cloth diapers are easy to clean. Just drop the waste in the toilet and put the diaper insert into a dry pail. When you have enough for a full load of laundry, tip the contents of the pail into your washing machine. Do a presoak or rinse without detergent, first, and then wash with a gentle soap.
Diapering doesn't last forever but wise planning for this brief period in your family's life can make it a much happier experience for you and your baby.
Sinea Pies is a Rochester native and a contributing writer to Rochester Area & Genesee Valley Parent Magazine and, now, Rochester Baby 2011. Her articles often appear on Hubpages.com and Ehow.com. Visit her website Ducks 'n a Row at www.ducksnarow.com.
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