When it comes to cloth diapering products, preferences are as individualistic as parents and babies themselves. Busy people may be concerned with fast, easy diaper changes. Parents planning on having several children may demand high quality and a guarantee. Others may just be trying to get a two-year-old through the night without serious flood damage.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding the features important to you.
There are several factors that parents consider when choosing which diaper or cover is right for them, but certainly one of the most determining factors is cost. Many people who would not think twice about spending 35 cents for a diaper they throw away, balk at spending one or several hundred dollars for a product that will be used roughly 7,300 times per child. For three dozen diapers, each diaper will be worn 200 times! Throw in factors like your baby’s comfort, ease of changing, ease of laundering and cleanup, and you may see a diaper as more than an invisible expensive necessity.
Spending your money wisely requires doing your homework. Not all diapers need be expensive – there are some very good absorbent choices in flat and prefolded diapers. The pain lies in the fact that you have to spend your money upfront. Think of the cost as a one-time investment. If you proceed slowly and choose wisely, you and your baby will both come out smiling.
A general rule of thumb when considering cost is “you get what you pay for.” That isn’t to say a cheaper diaper is inferior. Some very good flat and prefolded diapers are available inexpensively. There are many flats and prefolds that are excellent choices but just be careful. If you see a price out there that is just too good to be true, it probably is. As one maker of a quality fitted diaper pointed out, “Someone has to be buying the low grades of flannelette – we’re not!” The cheaper fitted diapers also cut costs in the style and quality of the closures, and amount of stitching. As an example, there is an inexpensive fitted diapers out there that has a closure systems where the hook and loop sections on the tabs are sewn face to face with the same seam. Not only do the sections have to be pried apart (there is no fabric behind the hook part), there is an awkward seam allowance which sticks out when the diaper is fastened. It’s things like this that you have to be on the look out for. Often times on cheap fitted diapers the stitching is of low quality and after several washes begin to come apart. If you choose an inexpensive fitted diaper, you may have to do some mending.
Diaper covers can also leave parents aghast at the expense. If you have ever had a child with a sensitive bottom or one with frequent diarrhea, you can appreciate a cover that breathes. For example, $20 may seem like a lot to spend on a wool diaper cover. But consider this. If you get the super-large size they will fit for over a year and will be in excellent condition for another baby. You can put them on a night with a double diaper and you will definitely appreciate them in the morning when your baby awakens with a cool, dry bottom, sopping diapers and dry sleepers. At that point you may feel like they are worth every cent.
When it comes to cost, there are a lot of considerations to make. You usually have to pay for quality but in the long run, you will be much more satisfied with a quality product. If you’re not willing to spend the money to get a quality fitted diaper, don’t settle for a low quality fitted diaper. Move down the scale and get a quality flat or prefolded diaper. They will cost less than the fitted diapers and still give you a product that you will be happy with and that will last. Remember, you get what you pay for.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
All-In-One Cloth Diaper is a Great Choice for Ease and Convenience
So you’re a new parent and have decided to use cloth diapers for your baby. The problem is, there are several different styles out there to choose from. There is everything from just flat fabric rectangles you fold yourself to prefolded or form fitting diapers that have their own fasteners. So which is right for you? That all depends on your needs, preferences, and how much you want to spend. If convenience is high on your list, then an All-In-One cloth diaper may be just the thing for you.
All-In-One diapers are similar to fitted diapers in that they have an hourglass wraparound shape with elasticized legs. They are called all-in-one because they also have a moisture barrier of plastic, nylon, polyester, vinyl or vinyl/polyester knit inserted so no waterproofing cover is necessary. The fastening system on all-in-ones is usually loop and hook.
An awesome advantage of the all-in-one is that they provide for a quick one-step change similar to the ease and convenience of disposable diapers. Because of the loop and hook fastening system no pins are required. Also since you do not need a waterproof cover because it’s built in, all you have to buy is the diaper, no spending money on covers. Because they are a fitted diaper there is no folding that you will have to do before you put the diaper on. Just slide it on, fasten it and go. There are also styles with foldover tabs covering the hook fasteners that may be washed open to increase ability to get clean. Though laundering may be more difficult still that other types of diapers like flat, prefolded, or contoured diapers. All-in-one diapers also require a longer drying time than other types of cloth diapers.
Another disadvantage to the all-in-one diaper is that damage to the water proof barrier ruins its true advantage over a fitted diaper. Most cloth diapers will last for a long, long, time, but the ability of the barrier to be damaged decreases the life of the true form of the diaper and turns it into a diaper that has just the same advantages as a regular fitted diaper only it costed more to purchase. All-in-ones are the most expensive of all the cloth diaper styles and because they are fitted, many sizes may need to be purchased over the period of time your child is in diapers.
Another disadvantage of the all-in-one diaper is that wicking may occur around the legs and waist depending on the construction of the diaper. Also, the waterproof barrier may or may not be breathable, depending on the material that it is constructed out of.
All-in-one diapers are the most convenient of the cloth diaper styles and the closest in quickness and ease of changing to a disposable. But unlike a disposable they have all the great advantages of cloth diapers. All-in-ones are also the most expensive of the cloth diaper styles, so you are paying a little more for their convenience; but should in the long run still be less expensive than disposable diapers.
All-In-One diapers are similar to fitted diapers in that they have an hourglass wraparound shape with elasticized legs. They are called all-in-one because they also have a moisture barrier of plastic, nylon, polyester, vinyl or vinyl/polyester knit inserted so no waterproofing cover is necessary. The fastening system on all-in-ones is usually loop and hook.
An awesome advantage of the all-in-one is that they provide for a quick one-step change similar to the ease and convenience of disposable diapers. Because of the loop and hook fastening system no pins are required. Also since you do not need a waterproof cover because it’s built in, all you have to buy is the diaper, no spending money on covers. Because they are a fitted diaper there is no folding that you will have to do before you put the diaper on. Just slide it on, fasten it and go. There are also styles with foldover tabs covering the hook fasteners that may be washed open to increase ability to get clean. Though laundering may be more difficult still that other types of diapers like flat, prefolded, or contoured diapers. All-in-one diapers also require a longer drying time than other types of cloth diapers.
Another disadvantage to the all-in-one diaper is that damage to the water proof barrier ruins its true advantage over a fitted diaper. Most cloth diapers will last for a long, long, time, but the ability of the barrier to be damaged decreases the life of the true form of the diaper and turns it into a diaper that has just the same advantages as a regular fitted diaper only it costed more to purchase. All-in-ones are the most expensive of all the cloth diaper styles and because they are fitted, many sizes may need to be purchased over the period of time your child is in diapers.
Another disadvantage of the all-in-one diaper is that wicking may occur around the legs and waist depending on the construction of the diaper. Also, the waterproof barrier may or may not be breathable, depending on the material that it is constructed out of.
All-in-one diapers are the most convenient of the cloth diaper styles and the closest in quickness and ease of changing to a disposable. But unlike a disposable they have all the great advantages of cloth diapers. All-in-ones are also the most expensive of the cloth diaper styles, so you are paying a little more for their convenience; but should in the long run still be less expensive than disposable diapers.
Fitted Diapers
Fitted diapers are an hourglass wraparound shaped with elasticized legs, and a closure system of snaps, ties or hook and loop fasteners. There are many layers in the centre composed of flannelette, terry cloth, a polyester/rayon combination or wool. Most styles have the centre layers “quilted together or stitched around the perimeter. There are two types of fitted diapers; those of a One-Piece Construction or those of Two or Three-Piece Construction.
An advantage of one-piece constructed fitted diapers over flat, prefolded or contoured diapers is that they provide a close, comfortable fit; more so than diapers that are not fitted. Fitted diapers do not require an pins since they come with some kind of fastening system built in. Fitted diapers require no folding. Because fitted diapers require no pins or folding a great thing about fitted diapers is that they provide a quick, easy change. Some have tabs over the hook fasteners, so the diaper may be washed open. By washing them open, you increase the ability of the washing machine to get them clean. Fitted diapers are available in a variety of assorted colors and prints to keep your baby looking cute and trendy. These diapers also fit well inside wraparound covers.
Some disadvantages when it comes to fitted diapers are a longer drying time that flat, prefolded, or contoured diapers. This is because they do not open up quite as well as the other types. They are also more expensive than flat, prefolded, or contoured diapers. A cover is required for fitted diapers. Also you may end up buying more of these as your baby grows, since the diapers are fitted and do not adjust for size.
Two or Three-Piece constructed fitted diapers are like the one-piece fitted diapers except there are several pieces in the construction; the “diaper body” and one or two partially-attached panels for easy laundering and drying. These diapers have the same advantages as fitted one-piece diapers, plus, the partially-attached panel(s) reduces drying time and helps with thorough washing. This design can incorporate one or several layers of a more absorbent fabric without increasing drying time greatly. Therefore you get more absorbency than the one-piece without a significant drawback. They are easy to hang dry, just pin or drape over a clothes line. A diaper style with two panels called the jack-knife style, can have one panel turned over in front to provide extra absorbency for boys where they need it most.
One disadvantages of the two or three-piece construction is that there is some assembly required between drying and using the diaper. These are also more expensive than flat, prefolded or contoured diapers. These diapers will require a cover and several sizes may be needed as your baby grows.
Generally speaking the fitted diaper is a great choice if you want a fast, convenient option while still providing all the benefits of a cloth diaper. It is a little more pricey than some other cloth options, but you should come well under what you would spend for disposable diapers.
An advantage of one-piece constructed fitted diapers over flat, prefolded or contoured diapers is that they provide a close, comfortable fit; more so than diapers that are not fitted. Fitted diapers do not require an pins since they come with some kind of fastening system built in. Fitted diapers require no folding. Because fitted diapers require no pins or folding a great thing about fitted diapers is that they provide a quick, easy change. Some have tabs over the hook fasteners, so the diaper may be washed open. By washing them open, you increase the ability of the washing machine to get them clean. Fitted diapers are available in a variety of assorted colors and prints to keep your baby looking cute and trendy. These diapers also fit well inside wraparound covers.
Some disadvantages when it comes to fitted diapers are a longer drying time that flat, prefolded, or contoured diapers. This is because they do not open up quite as well as the other types. They are also more expensive than flat, prefolded, or contoured diapers. A cover is required for fitted diapers. Also you may end up buying more of these as your baby grows, since the diapers are fitted and do not adjust for size.
Two or Three-Piece constructed fitted diapers are like the one-piece fitted diapers except there are several pieces in the construction; the “diaper body” and one or two partially-attached panels for easy laundering and drying. These diapers have the same advantages as fitted one-piece diapers, plus, the partially-attached panel(s) reduces drying time and helps with thorough washing. This design can incorporate one or several layers of a more absorbent fabric without increasing drying time greatly. Therefore you get more absorbency than the one-piece without a significant drawback. They are easy to hang dry, just pin or drape over a clothes line. A diaper style with two panels called the jack-knife style, can have one panel turned over in front to provide extra absorbency for boys where they need it most.
One disadvantages of the two or three-piece construction is that there is some assembly required between drying and using the diaper. These are also more expensive than flat, prefolded or contoured diapers. These diapers will require a cover and several sizes may be needed as your baby grows.
Generally speaking the fitted diaper is a great choice if you want a fast, convenient option while still providing all the benefits of a cloth diaper. It is a little more pricey than some other cloth options, but you should come well under what you would spend for disposable diapers.
Contoured Cloth Baby Diapers
There are several different styles of cloth baby diapers and if you’re new to cloth diapering it can be a challenge to try to decide which one is right for you. As you move up in price, you also get a better fit and more convenience. Most parents try to find a balance between what diaper fits into their budget, but gives them the most for their money. Cloth diapers can fit into several categories. They are flat, prefolded, contoured, fitted, or all-in-one. The contoured diaper is a nice middle of the road diaper that gives you a good fit while not being quite as expensive as the higher end diapers.
Contoured diapers are, just as the name implies, contoured to fit around the leg area without the use of elastic. The contoured shape makes them useful partners with wraparound diaper covers. Some manufactures call them prefolds because there is a panel of extra layers in the centre (4 or 8 usually). Inner layers may be flannelette or terry cloth. Outside layers are usually flannelette. Styles with printed or colored fabric always have white flannelette next to the baby’s skin. Contoured diapers come in three sizes: small, medium and large.
One of the advantages of a contoured diaper is that there is no folding required. This is nice and a bit more convenient that a flat diaper which requires you to do the folding before use. Contoured diapers are available in a variety of colors and prints to keep your baby looking cute. Another nice thing about contoured diapers is that they fit nicely inside wraparound covers. One other advantage that many people might not think of is as your baby grow and you need to get a larger size, the small size diapers may be used as inserts in the larger diapers for extra absorption when needed.
One disadvantage of contour diapers over some of the more expensive fitted diapers is that pins are required. Most contour diapers do not come with their own fastening system. A diaper cover is required with a contoured diaper as it is with most cloth diapers. After a contoured diaper is washed, the drying time is a bit longer than for flat diapers because there are many layers. While contour diapers are more expensive than flat or pre-fold diapers, they are still less expensive than fitted diapers. While considering their expense, one also needs to remember that because the diapers have some shape to them, you will probably need several different sizes as your baby grows.
The contoured diaper is a nice middle ground if cost is an issue. Good fit but not the most expensive. If you’re willing to spend a little more, then you can move up to the fitted diapers. If you need to spend less, a flat or prefolded diaper may be a better option. All in all, the contoured cloth baby diaper is a nice option. They fit better than a flat or prefolded diaper while costing less than the fitted diapers.
Contoured diapers are, just as the name implies, contoured to fit around the leg area without the use of elastic. The contoured shape makes them useful partners with wraparound diaper covers. Some manufactures call them prefolds because there is a panel of extra layers in the centre (4 or 8 usually). Inner layers may be flannelette or terry cloth. Outside layers are usually flannelette. Styles with printed or colored fabric always have white flannelette next to the baby’s skin. Contoured diapers come in three sizes: small, medium and large.
One of the advantages of a contoured diaper is that there is no folding required. This is nice and a bit more convenient that a flat diaper which requires you to do the folding before use. Contoured diapers are available in a variety of colors and prints to keep your baby looking cute. Another nice thing about contoured diapers is that they fit nicely inside wraparound covers. One other advantage that many people might not think of is as your baby grow and you need to get a larger size, the small size diapers may be used as inserts in the larger diapers for extra absorption when needed.
One disadvantage of contour diapers over some of the more expensive fitted diapers is that pins are required. Most contour diapers do not come with their own fastening system. A diaper cover is required with a contoured diaper as it is with most cloth diapers. After a contoured diaper is washed, the drying time is a bit longer than for flat diapers because there are many layers. While contour diapers are more expensive than flat or pre-fold diapers, they are still less expensive than fitted diapers. While considering their expense, one also needs to remember that because the diapers have some shape to them, you will probably need several different sizes as your baby grows.
The contoured diaper is a nice middle ground if cost is an issue. Good fit but not the most expensive. If you’re willing to spend a little more, then you can move up to the fitted diapers. If you need to spend less, a flat or prefolded diaper may be a better option. All in all, the contoured cloth baby diaper is a nice option. They fit better than a flat or prefolded diaper while costing less than the fitted diapers.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
A little Information about Prefolded Cloth Baby Diapers
So you’re a new parent and have decided to use cloth diapers on your baby. Great decision! Cloth diapers are less expensive, more healthy for your baby’s skin, and great for the environment. Cloth diapering has come a long ways in the last few years and there are now so many great products out there. Sometimes with all the choices it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to buy, especially if you have not had any previous experience with cloth diapers.
When choosing a cloth baby diaper, there are several different styles available that you can choose from. They are: flat, prefolded, contoured (or shaped), fitted one-piece construction, fitted two or three-piece construction, and all-in-one.
This article will touch on prefolded cloth diapers. Pre-folds are actually flat diapers with the centre folded over into a multi-layer panel. The central panel has sewing down the edges to permanently hold the middle layers together and eliminate folding. Prefolds are described by the number of fabric layers in each of the three sections. Examples are 1-3-1’s or 4-6-4’s. With a 1-3-1, this means that there is one layer of fabric on the two outside sections and three layers of fabric on the middle section. A 4-6-4 means that there are 4 layers of fabric on the two outer sections and 6 layers of fabric on the middle section.
If you are handy with a sewing machine you can find patterns for other folds such as 2-3-2’s or super absorbent 2-5-2’s. Contoured diapers may also have a prefolded panel down the centre. The difference is that prefolds are rectangular in shape and contoured diapers are shaped to fir around the legs.
Unwashed prefolds do not look very thick when they are new. A miraculous transformation occurs after a couple of washings. The flannelette, gauze or bird’s-eye plumps up and is much thicker than its former self. Washed prefolds measure roughly 11” x 17” for the infant size and 13” x 17” for the toddler. Minimal folding is required before fastening on the baby. Pins or a wraparound cover may b used to hold on the diaper.
Prefolded diapers definitely have their advantages over some of the other styles of cloth diapers. Obviously there is less folding than with a simple flat cloth diaper since they are prefolded. They also give extra absorbency in the center where needed. Prefolded diapers fit well inside wraparound covers. Another advantage of prefolds is that they dry faster than fitted diapers. They are also less expensive than fitted diapers. Prefolds are easy and fast to make, so you can choose from literally hundreds of colors and prints of fabric. Another great thing about prefolds is that infant diapers may be used later in the larger size as an insert for extra absorbency.
Some disadvantages that prefolds have when compared with other styles of cloth diapers are that they take longer to dry than simple flat cloth diapers. A diaper cover is required. And if you are going to buy them, you probably won’t have much of a selection when it comes to color and prints, as most commercial types are white only.
When choosing a cloth baby diaper, there are several different styles available that you can choose from. They are: flat, prefolded, contoured (or shaped), fitted one-piece construction, fitted two or three-piece construction, and all-in-one.
This article will touch on prefolded cloth diapers. Pre-folds are actually flat diapers with the centre folded over into a multi-layer panel. The central panel has sewing down the edges to permanently hold the middle layers together and eliminate folding. Prefolds are described by the number of fabric layers in each of the three sections. Examples are 1-3-1’s or 4-6-4’s. With a 1-3-1, this means that there is one layer of fabric on the two outside sections and three layers of fabric on the middle section. A 4-6-4 means that there are 4 layers of fabric on the two outer sections and 6 layers of fabric on the middle section.
If you are handy with a sewing machine you can find patterns for other folds such as 2-3-2’s or super absorbent 2-5-2’s. Contoured diapers may also have a prefolded panel down the centre. The difference is that prefolds are rectangular in shape and contoured diapers are shaped to fir around the legs.
Unwashed prefolds do not look very thick when they are new. A miraculous transformation occurs after a couple of washings. The flannelette, gauze or bird’s-eye plumps up and is much thicker than its former self. Washed prefolds measure roughly 11” x 17” for the infant size and 13” x 17” for the toddler. Minimal folding is required before fastening on the baby. Pins or a wraparound cover may b used to hold on the diaper.
Prefolded diapers definitely have their advantages over some of the other styles of cloth diapers. Obviously there is less folding than with a simple flat cloth diaper since they are prefolded. They also give extra absorbency in the center where needed. Prefolded diapers fit well inside wraparound covers. Another advantage of prefolds is that they dry faster than fitted diapers. They are also less expensive than fitted diapers. Prefolds are easy and fast to make, so you can choose from literally hundreds of colors and prints of fabric. Another great thing about prefolds is that infant diapers may be used later in the larger size as an insert for extra absorbency.
Some disadvantages that prefolds have when compared with other styles of cloth diapers are that they take longer to dry than simple flat cloth diapers. A diaper cover is required. And if you are going to buy them, you probably won’t have much of a selection when it comes to color and prints, as most commercial types are white only.
Single Layer Flat Cloth Baby Diapers
There are several different kinds of baby diapers out there on the market right now. The types of diapers available can be divided into six groups: flat, pre-folded, contoured (or shaped), fitted one-piece construction, fitted two or three-piece construction, and all-in-one.
Flat diapers are single-layer flat squares of cotton flannelette, gauze, bird’s-eye weave or terry cloth. They usually measure 23”, 26” or 27” square. They don’t look very thick when they are new, but fatten up considerably after a couple of washings. Flat diapers may be folded and fastened with pins (with a waterproof pull-on pant as a cover), or folded and held on with a wraparound cover.
Flat diapers have several advantages. Folding allows the diaper to be adapted to a growing baby. If you have a diaper that is fitted to your baby, as your baby grows you will have to get larger diapers to fit. With flat diapers, you fold the diaper to fit, so you do not need to buy new ones as your baby grows. Also Folding allows extra layers to be put where they are needed the most. This allows you some flexability to meet the individual needs of your child, as well as adjust for days or nights or times when you child will be in the diaper an extended period of time.
Another advantage of flat cloth diapers is that they wash well and dry faster because they open up. Shaped or fitted diapers are just that and they more or less hold their shape. They still clean up great, but perhaps just not as easily as flat diapers. Flat diapers are nice because they fit inside wraparound covers for a fast, pinless change. Unwrap the cover, pull the diaper of and your ready to put the new one on. Very quick and efficient.
Some other good things about flat cloth diapers are that they are usually less expensive and easier to find. These are usually the most common type to be found in stores. Also flat cloth diapers are very easy to make. Just head to your local fabric store and pick out some fabric. Cut out some squares and hem the edges and you’ve got yourself a flat cloth diaper. If you make your own you also have the possibility of many different colors and prints that you can pick from that will be to your liking.
If you are considering flat diapers, they do also have some disadvantages when compared with some of the other kinds of cloth diapers. For one, obviously they have to be folded, so that takes a bit more time and is less convenient than the styles that are already pre-folded for you or fitted. Another disadvantage is that flat diapers will most likely require pins or fasteners unless you are going to use a wraparound. With a flat diaper a diaper cover is required. If you are making your own, then you will most likely have the choice of colors and prints, but if you are buying flat diapers, white is pretty much your only option.
Overall, flat cloth diapers are a good option for those that don’t mind a little extra work in order to save some money as they are definitely the cheapest of the cloth diapers to buy. They are still a wonderful product that has all the advantages of cloth diapers, they are just a little less convenient than some of the more expensive styles of cloth diapers.
Flat diapers are single-layer flat squares of cotton flannelette, gauze, bird’s-eye weave or terry cloth. They usually measure 23”, 26” or 27” square. They don’t look very thick when they are new, but fatten up considerably after a couple of washings. Flat diapers may be folded and fastened with pins (with a waterproof pull-on pant as a cover), or folded and held on with a wraparound cover.
Flat diapers have several advantages. Folding allows the diaper to be adapted to a growing baby. If you have a diaper that is fitted to your baby, as your baby grows you will have to get larger diapers to fit. With flat diapers, you fold the diaper to fit, so you do not need to buy new ones as your baby grows. Also Folding allows extra layers to be put where they are needed the most. This allows you some flexability to meet the individual needs of your child, as well as adjust for days or nights or times when you child will be in the diaper an extended period of time.
Another advantage of flat cloth diapers is that they wash well and dry faster because they open up. Shaped or fitted diapers are just that and they more or less hold their shape. They still clean up great, but perhaps just not as easily as flat diapers. Flat diapers are nice because they fit inside wraparound covers for a fast, pinless change. Unwrap the cover, pull the diaper of and your ready to put the new one on. Very quick and efficient.
Some other good things about flat cloth diapers are that they are usually less expensive and easier to find. These are usually the most common type to be found in stores. Also flat cloth diapers are very easy to make. Just head to your local fabric store and pick out some fabric. Cut out some squares and hem the edges and you’ve got yourself a flat cloth diaper. If you make your own you also have the possibility of many different colors and prints that you can pick from that will be to your liking.
If you are considering flat diapers, they do also have some disadvantages when compared with some of the other kinds of cloth diapers. For one, obviously they have to be folded, so that takes a bit more time and is less convenient than the styles that are already pre-folded for you or fitted. Another disadvantage is that flat diapers will most likely require pins or fasteners unless you are going to use a wraparound. With a flat diaper a diaper cover is required. If you are making your own, then you will most likely have the choice of colors and prints, but if you are buying flat diapers, white is pretty much your only option.
Overall, flat cloth diapers are a good option for those that don’t mind a little extra work in order to save some money as they are definitely the cheapest of the cloth diapers to buy. They are still a wonderful product that has all the advantages of cloth diapers, they are just a little less convenient than some of the more expensive styles of cloth diapers.
A New Generation of Cloth Diapering
Being a parent involves making lots of decisions. When it comes to making an informed decision about cloth diapering options, you may find yourself caught in an information vacuum because cloth diapering has been virtually ignored for over a generation. Unless you are willing to do a great deal of research, your only source of current information may be the odd advertising pamphlet (containing more information about the environment than about the diaper) or the word of a sales clerk who may or may not have actually used the product. You may have to buy an entire dozen to find out how to wash them or to discover if you are going to like them. The few choices available in most stores do not reflect the diversity of fine products available for today’s baby.
There are some amazing new products out there that are unknown to most people. This new generation of cloth baby diapers makes the whole process unbelievably easy, not at all like it was in “the good old days,” and a health, comfortable experience for all concerned. Cloth baby diapers are made of cotton. It’s breathable, soft, unscented, naturally absorbent, and it washes beautifully and easily. A baby wearing cotton doesn’t slide out of your arms or rattle when he walks. Buying the right cotton diaper can save you a great deal of money. When your diapers have been retired from active duty, they can be recycled as superb dusters and the cotton will eventually biodegrade completely.
Cloth diapers today come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges form quality traditional flat squares to high tech products designed with computer assistance. When you first begin searching for the perfect cloth diapering style, you may be overwhelmed by the choices. One of your main considerations will be whether you want the most basic designs and are willing to do the folding yourself or whether you want something that's close in design and function to a disposable but still offers cloth's advantages.
Cloth baby diapers can be as simple as a large, absorbent square of material that you fold and pin yourself, or they can be as elaborate as a fitted, snap-on panty with an absorbent outer cover already included. Diaper covers (if required) may be carefree vinyl pants, colorful, durable nylon covers or natural fiber wraparound covers which stretch, breathe, and eliminate the need for diaper pins. For the creative person, several companies offer sewing patterns and kits, some complete with pre-cut fabric.
Manufactures even make many varieties of cloth swim diapers for your toddler. You and your family can enjoy a fun day in the water and you don’t have to worry about accidents in the pool. Many of the cloth swim diapers these days are cute enough and made so that they can be a stand-alone swimming suit, but most are thin enough so that your youngster can also wear them under a traditional swimsuit as well.
Whatever your needs, priorities or preferences, you are sure to enjoy the diversity of products out there. Manufacturers have thought of almost everything! Mastering the “Zen of Cloth Diapering” has never been easier.
There are some amazing new products out there that are unknown to most people. This new generation of cloth baby diapers makes the whole process unbelievably easy, not at all like it was in “the good old days,” and a health, comfortable experience for all concerned. Cloth baby diapers are made of cotton. It’s breathable, soft, unscented, naturally absorbent, and it washes beautifully and easily. A baby wearing cotton doesn’t slide out of your arms or rattle when he walks. Buying the right cotton diaper can save you a great deal of money. When your diapers have been retired from active duty, they can be recycled as superb dusters and the cotton will eventually biodegrade completely.
Cloth diapers today come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges form quality traditional flat squares to high tech products designed with computer assistance. When you first begin searching for the perfect cloth diapering style, you may be overwhelmed by the choices. One of your main considerations will be whether you want the most basic designs and are willing to do the folding yourself or whether you want something that's close in design and function to a disposable but still offers cloth's advantages.
Cloth baby diapers can be as simple as a large, absorbent square of material that you fold and pin yourself, or they can be as elaborate as a fitted, snap-on panty with an absorbent outer cover already included. Diaper covers (if required) may be carefree vinyl pants, colorful, durable nylon covers or natural fiber wraparound covers which stretch, breathe, and eliminate the need for diaper pins. For the creative person, several companies offer sewing patterns and kits, some complete with pre-cut fabric.
Manufactures even make many varieties of cloth swim diapers for your toddler. You and your family can enjoy a fun day in the water and you don’t have to worry about accidents in the pool. Many of the cloth swim diapers these days are cute enough and made so that they can be a stand-alone swimming suit, but most are thin enough so that your youngster can also wear them under a traditional swimsuit as well.
Whatever your needs, priorities or preferences, you are sure to enjoy the diversity of products out there. Manufacturers have thought of almost everything! Mastering the “Zen of Cloth Diapering” has never been easier.
Three Advantages of Cloth Diapers
So you’re going to need to start buying diapers and your wondering whether to go with cloth diapers or disposable diapers. Cloth diapers have a few advantages. Cloth diapers are cheaper for parents, have fewer chemicals than disposables diapers, and are environmentally friendly.
Over the full period of time you are diapering your child, cloth diapers are going to be cheaper than disposable diapers. Cloth diapers can be used over and over again. This is great because you don’t have to be continually buying diapers. Disposable diapers can only be used once and are then thrown away. According to WebMD, in a study of children who started training between 22 and 30 months of age, boys were fully trained at an average age of 38 months, while girls were trained slightly earlier, around 36 months. So on average children will be using diapers until they are approximately three years old. That's 1095 days...and kids don't take a day off either. Now think about how many times you have to go to the bathroom each day...maybe three...and you can hold it! Multiply that by 1095 and that's how many diapers you’re going to need. Let's say three a day (which is probably an underestimate), that would be 3285 diapers. And you're going to have to buy all those. Wouldn't it be nicer to buy 40-50 diapers and be able to re-use those? It would definitely save money to be able to re-use cloth diapers.
Cloth diapers are more gentle on your baby’s skin because they contain less chemicals and generally do not require any chemicals in the manufacturing of them. When making a disposable diaper, chemicals are used to bleach the pulp to get the diapers to be the right color. Chemicals are also added to aid in absorbency. We've all seen the commercials. Buy our diaper. It's super absorbent. Then they'll pour a glass of water into the diaper and show how much it will hold. Well, to get the diaper to do that takes chemicals. Do cloth diapers have any chemicals added? Well, some may have dies added to them if you bought colored ones but there are organic cloth diapers on the market which are made from cotton that was grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Then there are green cloth diapers that are free of bleaches and dyes, but the cotton used to manufacture green cloth diapers may have been grown with the use of pesticides.
The use of chemicals in disposable diapers also becomes a problem if you want to take your toddler to the pool. Most pool owners don’t like all those extra chemicals being introduced into the pool and require special swim diapers to be worn. With cloth diapers you don’t have to worry about introducing chemicals in the pool. Use cloth swim diapers on your youngster and your set for a fun day at the pool.
Cloth diapers are more environmentally friendly. This is fairly obvious. Disposable diapers are thrown away and cloth diapers are not, hence by using cloth diapers one can dramatically decrease the amount of trash thrown away and its impact on the landfill. Cloth diapers can be reused over and over again and can even be used for a second or third child. Parents who use disposable diapers could go through over 3,500 diapers over the period of time the baby needs them before potty training. That's a lot of diapers to be thrown away. In addition, the EPA reports that 1 billion trees are used annually to produce disposable diapers.
Disposable diapers are convenient but cloth diapers definitely have some advantages over disposable diapers. Cloth diapers are cheaper over the period of time you’re diapering your child. They contain less chemicals than disposable diapers do. And finally they are more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers.
Over the full period of time you are diapering your child, cloth diapers are going to be cheaper than disposable diapers. Cloth diapers can be used over and over again. This is great because you don’t have to be continually buying diapers. Disposable diapers can only be used once and are then thrown away. According to WebMD, in a study of children who started training between 22 and 30 months of age, boys were fully trained at an average age of 38 months, while girls were trained slightly earlier, around 36 months. So on average children will be using diapers until they are approximately three years old. That's 1095 days...and kids don't take a day off either. Now think about how many times you have to go to the bathroom each day...maybe three...and you can hold it! Multiply that by 1095 and that's how many diapers you’re going to need. Let's say three a day (which is probably an underestimate), that would be 3285 diapers. And you're going to have to buy all those. Wouldn't it be nicer to buy 40-50 diapers and be able to re-use those? It would definitely save money to be able to re-use cloth diapers.
Cloth diapers are more gentle on your baby’s skin because they contain less chemicals and generally do not require any chemicals in the manufacturing of them. When making a disposable diaper, chemicals are used to bleach the pulp to get the diapers to be the right color. Chemicals are also added to aid in absorbency. We've all seen the commercials. Buy our diaper. It's super absorbent. Then they'll pour a glass of water into the diaper and show how much it will hold. Well, to get the diaper to do that takes chemicals. Do cloth diapers have any chemicals added? Well, some may have dies added to them if you bought colored ones but there are organic cloth diapers on the market which are made from cotton that was grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. Then there are green cloth diapers that are free of bleaches and dyes, but the cotton used to manufacture green cloth diapers may have been grown with the use of pesticides.
The use of chemicals in disposable diapers also becomes a problem if you want to take your toddler to the pool. Most pool owners don’t like all those extra chemicals being introduced into the pool and require special swim diapers to be worn. With cloth diapers you don’t have to worry about introducing chemicals in the pool. Use cloth swim diapers on your youngster and your set for a fun day at the pool.
Cloth diapers are more environmentally friendly. This is fairly obvious. Disposable diapers are thrown away and cloth diapers are not, hence by using cloth diapers one can dramatically decrease the amount of trash thrown away and its impact on the landfill. Cloth diapers can be reused over and over again and can even be used for a second or third child. Parents who use disposable diapers could go through over 3,500 diapers over the period of time the baby needs them before potty training. That's a lot of diapers to be thrown away. In addition, the EPA reports that 1 billion trees are used annually to produce disposable diapers.
Disposable diapers are convenient but cloth diapers definitely have some advantages over disposable diapers. Cloth diapers are cheaper over the period of time you’re diapering your child. They contain less chemicals than disposable diapers do. And finally they are more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers.
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