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Moms have been emailing me quite often lately about cloth diapers…are they the greener choice, which
ones are best, etc. I cloth diapered two of my babies and I even owned a cloth diaper manufacturing company and store for a few years. I am a big advocate for cloth diapers. To the right you will see my daughter wearing a tye dye diaper I made for her.
So first things first…are they REALLY the green choice in diapering. Yes! Disposable diaper advocates are quick to say that cloth diapers use a lot of water and energy in the laundering process but frankly their arguments are LAME. I laundered cloth diapers for 4 years and it was a tiny blip on the energy usage chart in my house. Water, yes I did use more water…it equated to about 3 extra loads of laundry a week…big woop. I opted to conserve more “conservatively” in other areas to make up for it. Most of my children’s diapers were also made by me with organic fabric or I purchased from another WAHM like myself.
Disposable diapers are made in huge factories that spew chemicals into the air and nearby waterways. One factory can be unloading as much as 50 million gallons of waste water a day. In one US town, this has caused mutations in fish and one awful stench. Huge amounts of energy go into diaper production and then into packaging (wasteful), and then into transportation around the world via truck, plane, and cargo ship. When the diapers reach their respective stores, consumers spend their hard earned money on something that will last a few hours and then be thrown into the garbage. More energy is used to buy and then dispose of diapers and then they will sit, entombed in a landfill for many generations to come. Are you at ease knowing that your baby’s diapers will be around when your great-great-great-great grandchild is born? Ew!
So….cloth is the better choice IMO. They are easier on our limited resources, they are better value, and they can used for many years with several children usually. But many moms turn their noses up about cloth for some reason. They might say cleaning messy diapers is gross, or that they don’t have time for 2 extra loads of laundry. I found neither of these things to be true and trust me I was one of those moms who NEVER would have thought I would use cloth diapers.
Also…sposies are loaded with petroleum products, bleached paper, perfumes, and other chemical nasties. Babies LOVE cloth diapers too. How could I not get excited about cloth diapering when you get to use such cutesy terms like Kissaluv, Happy Heiny, Monkey Doodlez, Fuzzi Bunz, etc.
For those completely unfamiliar with diaper types and how it all works check out this glossary I wrote. Assuming that you know the basics I will review some of my favorite diapers.
Moneky Doodlez- My friend Cheryl owns this store and I have known her for years. These diapers are so fine they are works of diaper art. They really last and they are a great value for the price. They are AIO diapers or a one piece diapering system and they have fleece on the inside to wick moisture away from the skin so rashes and discomfort are a thing of the past. There are bamboo options and TONS of color choices. You can also get embroidered diapers too.
I have some diapers made by the same company under a different brand name and they are in excellent condition after 3 plus years. I can’t say enough good things about these diapers…really I can’t. They top my list!
Bumgenius Pocket Diapers- These diapers are another favorite. They are pocket diapers that allow you to customize absorbency levels, although an AIO option is available to. They are also a one size diaper which means you can get away with buying a dozen or so and have them fit from birth to potty learning….no need to buy diapers in each size…these diapers grow with baby. I also like the stretchy tabs on these diapers…way cool.
Fuzzi Bunz – These are pretty popular. They are reliable and well liked by many moms. I like the pockets, the snaps, and the fleece inners. They also have some toddler sizes that are quite helpful for many moms. I still have some of these that are going strong after 4 years so that in itself says a lot.
Happy Heinys- This is a solid diapering choice. They last a long time and they are of good quality. They are pocket diapers as well. I really like the Heiny Huggers fitted diapers for small babies…they fit really well and when paired with a wool cover they are top notch.
Kissaluvs- This is my favorite diaper type for newborns.The Kissaluvs size zero diapers and the Kissaluv countours rock for your baby’s first diaper…tiny sizes, oh so soft, easy to use, and good prices (especially the contours). I also love the colors….lime and melon were my faves. I used these until my babies were about 3-4 months old and then I switched to more absorbent diapers. I was always able to resell these for 80-100% of the purchase price too.
Prefolds – These are the very basic in diapering and not my personal choice but I did use them now and again. They are the most economical choice for sure.
My favorite diaper covers for fitted and prefold diapers were simple wool covers or longies and the Bummis Super Whisper Wrap. The Bummis were great on top of the Kissaluvs.
Other Green Diapering Options:
gDiapers – These are flushable diapers. The idea is that you flush them where they dissolve and the water gets treated by your city sewage system, instead of putting diapers in the garbage. You get gDiapers washable covers and then you put flushable liners inside them. SO it is half cloth diaper half flushable diaper and still greener than regular disposables. Drawbacks include the potential for clogging your toilet and septic system and also the cost is prohibitive.
Greener Disposables – There are several brands of disposable diapers that you can buy that are just a bit better than conventional diapers. They might use unbleached paper pulp, fewer chemicals, or be more biodegradable. Seventh Generation and Tushies are two to look at. I tried them both at one point and they seemed really stiff and uncomfortable and part of my reason for using cloth was comfort. I wouldn’t want to wear paper/plastic undies so my kids don’t have to either.
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Fantastic post! I just wish you’d mentioned the wonderful world of WAHM-made cloth diapers. I love supporting WAHMS!
~Amy Sue
Amy Sues last blog post..It’s Not Easy Being Green
I agree with everything you said about cloth diapers. I’m not commenting to win, since my daughter is way past mediums. But it’s wonderful you’re doing the giveaway. Just wanted to see if you found any good green options for training pants. Right now I’m using Gerber training underwear at home and Seventh Generation on the go. Any tips for toilet training a cloth diapered kid? At the daycare they would let her get really wet, so now she’s used to that feeeling..
Email me tips at pi1e@hotmail.com. Thanks!!!!
I love my Mother-Ease diapers. I’ve used them w/three boys so far and am about to use them w/baby # 4. They’re still going way strong and are so easy to use.
My bro-&-sis-in-laws are having their first baby soon and going with cloth. They’re going to sample several brands then decide which to go with. I’d love to win these for them to try.
My blog link to this giveaway is here: http://lynnp.atlblogs.com/archives/020369.html
lynnps last blog post..Diaper Giveaway
thanks for all the great info! i’m in the process of switching my 14 month old to cloth and would love to try these out!
Thank you for spreading the love about cloth diapers. We can’t wait to use them when our baby arrives.
Thank you! Your post was awesome! I’m gonna link it to my MySpace (it’s on private so I won’t bother linking it here) so that hopefully people will take a look and see why I bother to use cloth diapers! I occasionally use disposables, but I hate to. I haven’t bought any since before Christmas, and I am proud to say that. Love this blog. I am so subbing to your feed.
Hey there,
I dig all the info on cloth diapering…a woman after my own heart!
I regularly blog on ecoparenting issues at http://thenatureschild.blogspot.com/
Keep up the good work, and thank you!
Cates last blog post..Your Child’s Sunshine State
I’d never heard of Monkey Doodlez before, but we keep thinking about switching to cloth diapers. Let’s hope Hubby can get over the ‘ick factor’!
SkylarKDs last blog post..The 350 Challenge
I am pregnant and planning on using cloth – and would love this set to kick start my collection.
Becky Thomass last blog post..
We plan to cloth diaper with the next baby, and I’ve been wanting to do a little research. Thanks for putting it into one place for me!
Mamaspheres last blog post..When Your Child’s Jokes Are Not Funny
Wow — Interesting read.
Thanks for the links — very helpful! : ]
Jennas last blog post..When Terrorist Attacks Aren’t Nearly as Scary as Losing Your Health Insurance…
I totally agree. There is no way Disposable diapers are greener than cloth! I just switched to disposables due to our current lack of a washer… and OH THE RASHES that have come about! I use the most basic: prefolds and bummis whisper wraps and never have leaks or issues!
Clares last blog post..Time to Paint
Holy moly, people like these cloth diapers! I’m not commenting to win (so you can remove me from the pot if you want), I just wanted to say something about the gdiapers. I bought them this go around for my 2nd child and I LOVE them. The inserts are compostable (not the poopy ones) which is cool, or flushable if you are away from home or would rather flush, but most importantly I don’t actually use the flushable inserts regularly. I made my own inserts that can be washed (and I am so not Suzy Homemaker). I pulled together all the old burpcloths and tiny wash cloths we have stashed away and turned them into liners for the gdiapers. Anyway, not getting paid by the company to plug them, but did want to toss out this as a very viable, affordable option! And the covers hold up great and are way cute on their little butts. But then aren’t all cloth diapers?!
I really wanted to use cloth diapers but didn’t because my day care only accepts disposables, something about the state health code, but would like to start using them at home.
I have 3 children and I started about 3 months ago using cloth diapers. I soooo wish I would have used them with my older 2 or started from day one using them on my son. lol I have been using the prefolds and pins and the gerber pull on covers. I have also started using cloth wipes after making my own from paper towels for about 6 mths. I would have never saw myself as a cloth diapering mama, but I love it!!! I would love the chance to win the give away, as it would be nice to try something besides the gerber prefolds, pins, and gerber pull on pants.
luv cloth…just hope i can get organized again to do them exclusively!
beths last blog post..Potager Gardening May
Your post is on my blog
beths last blog post..Potager Gardening May
I use Nature Babycare diapers – they’re 100% biodegradable so that’s a start, but I’m considering switching to cloth if I can talk my husband into it…
Thanks for the articulate defense of cloth diapering. I used cloth diapers with two of my three kids and loved them. I saved a ton of money, never dealt with diaper rash, and got a ton of satisfaction out of knowing how my choice helped the environment. I chose to use Motherease diapers, which worked great, but don’t fit well under a newborn’s clothes at all. Now that I’m expecting our fourth baby, I would love to try a few different options in newborn sizes to get me through til he’s about 15 or 20 lbs. He’s due in November, so hanging out in just a diaper isn’t an option this time. Any suggestions?
Karen Monahans last blog post..be my resource
I used cloth with baby #1 and baby #2 is arriving in 6 weeks so I would love these.
Christys last blog post..Aquarium
I loved reading about the cloth diapers and would love to try the Monkey Doodlez! You have such a great blog.
After having a terrible allergic reaction to a regular feminine pad last year, I began to do some research on pads and diapers. What I found scared me to death. I made a vow then that I would put my child in cloth diapers one day. I’m not pregnant yet, but am actively trying for a little one. This entry is an excellent resource that I’m going to bookmark for later use. Thanks so much for the opportunity to receive a freebie.
~*Melody*~
Melodys last blog post..Reality Check
I’m a blessed grandmother of 13 soon to be 14 wonderful grandchildren. I like to have disposables as an option when they visit us. Do you recommend a disposable? It sounded like the disposables weren’t good options. My daughter brings a green friendly disposable type when she comes, but I can’t find any locally myself. Any suggestions?
I’d love to win so at least I’d have two diapers ready for a visit! I’m computer challenged so I don’t have a blog, but I enjoy reading others. thanks for the great break down of which diapers are best.
GREAT BLOG! I have been reading off the RSS feed for a while now. I’ve been cloth diapering with unbleached prefolds and fuzzibunz since my almost 1 year old has been 3 weeks old. We used seventh generation for the first few weeks and now we use gdiapers when we’re traveling where there are no easy laundering options (i.e. places other than Grammie’s house). Luckily my son’s child care center will use the cloth! It’s a shame when I hear about other centers that won’t!
I second everything you say
I am cloth diapering my son…I use mostly prefolds, some contours, and one set of AIOs.
They’re economical…and you never run out of diapers in the middle of the night…just run a load
Also, my child care center does allow them!
JoyceAnnas last blog post..lo for MW
I love using cloth diapers. I have to say the only time cleaning poopy diapers was too gross for me was while I was pregnant with another child and had “superpower” olfactory senses. However, I have a husband who knows when to take a turn cleaning poo.
My friend has been wanting to try these and I’d love to give them to her.
Great giveaway! Count me in. bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
Bebemiquis last blog post..Ya Call THIS Glamorous?!
I love my Bum Genuis diapers, they are wonderful. My little dude is way happier so is his little bum!
Great post! I am expecting my first and have done a lot on research on cloth vs disposables vs diaper services. Most people think my husband and I are crazy for choosing cloth, but I can’t see leaving a legacy of landfills for my baby!
I love cloth diapering! Although, I must admit, we use a cloth diaper service. But, it’s a step up from disposables, right? We would love to try doing our own, and this prize pack would be a nice starter! Please add me to the draw! Thanks.
GREAT POST!! I’m a fan of cloth, although I think I’ll go without the “onesized” option next time and just get the proper fit.
The gdiapers have also been terrific for us. I enjoy reading your blog and have been a RSS subscriber for quite some time.
Monicas last blog post..Vaccinations:The Other Side Of The Debate
Awesome! We could always use more diapers. Thank you for helping spread the word on cloth diapering and other green issues.
What a fabulous prize package giveaway! Please enter me in your drawing. I really appreciate it! Thanks,Cindi
Thanks for the latest entry! There are also some great diaper services that work out to be the same price weekly as diapers like Seventh Generation. The drop off clean diapers & pick up the dirty ones – no washing needed at home.
Also – Gdiapers are compostable as well. Haven’t tried them personally, but have friends that are just starting.
i am looking forward to putting my next in cloth diapers. Those are especially cute!!!
leslies last blog post..First Taste
Our little one is 2 mo and I started cloth diapering last week using BumGenius pockets and love them. I purchased 24 which means I need to do laundry every 2-3 days. I think an absolute essential accessory is a diaper sprayer that hooks directly to the toilet–BumGenius sells a very reasonably priced one. So much easier to clean them! Oh–and I’d love to win:)
I just found your blog and really enjoyed this entry. I think it’s a great summary about the environemtnal impact of diposable diapers and some of the cloth options.
I’ve been using prefolds with my twins since they came home from the hospital (they’re 8 months now) and I have found them very easy to use and clean. However, I personally have had more leaks which the Bummis Super Whisper Wrap, I prefer Thirsties diaper covers.
I look forward to getting caught up on you blog and keeping up with in the future. Who is great to find other moms who are concerned with raising their kids in a natural environemnt.
I am switching from disposables to cloth with my second daughter and so far the transition has been fairly easy. I am using prefolds mainly, but really like bum genius pocket diapers.
We are expecting baby 3 in a few weeks, and have cloth diapered our first two. Would love to win these cute dipes!
Jennifer Bogarts last blog post..My Sweet Husband…
I love cloth diapers. I CD both of my children and I have posted about my favorites on my blog http://jspurelynatural.blogspot.com/
I am trying to educate myself on cloth diapers and would love to win these!
so so so sweet : )~~
I would love to win these.
I used cloth diapers with both my babies,an now my grandaughter is to be here July 1 an my daughter wants to try to use them,so this would be perfect for her,thanks
Wow, i’m going to a baby shower tomorrow evening, my pastor’s daughter is having a little girl soon, i would love to be able to give this to her. pick me pick me. omccoy
I’ve been thinking about clothing my new – not yet born baby but the amount of options is totally overwhelming! This would be a nice contest to win…might get me the push i need.
So sweet! I want to start cloth diapering with my baby-to-be. What a great starter kit!
I love cding my babies. Maddie is in a medium so it would be perfect.
I just read your post on the Jungle. You will be missed! I will be subbing to your blog~
Dawn
I have one baby in cloth and a baby on the way. I would love to add some aio to my system. I think with two babies, all the help I can get to avoid daily laundry, the better.
I don’t want to seem desperate… but I am! Baby 1 is 1 years old and baby two is 1 month away. Help keep our bottoms dry and well cared for.