All Natural Mommies

Cloth Diapering

Diapering, in the olden day really was such a hassle; mothers had no choice but to use cloth diapers often prefolds, sharp pins that were hard to control, and annoying often-leaky covers. Then in 1949 George M. Schroder invented the first ever-disposable diapers and most mothers thought it was a miracle. In 2004, studies showed about 80% of babies are being put in disposable diapers. But are disposable diapers better for our children?

First, figure out about how many diapers you use each week and then multiply that number by 52. Then, the next time you go to buy diapers, look at how much they cost. You will probably find out that you’re spending a lot more money than you might think. The average parent spends two to three thousand dollars diapering their child up to age three. Now go look at the cost of cloth diapers. Sure, they’re a little more expensive up front, but you don’t have to buy them every week at the grocery store. Cloth diapers do require the added expense of doing extra laundry every week, however honestly that still doesn’t compare to the cost of disposable diapers.

Now, go back to the number of diapers you calculated earlier and multiply that by how many other people in the world use disposable diapers every year. Pretty big number isn’t it? In the U.S. alone, 18 billion diapers are thrown into landfills each and every year. Not only do these diapers take up tons of space, they are not biodegradable. In addition, these diapers are just sitting there full of hazardous waste. Urine and feces (which if you READ the side of each bag of disposable diapers, SHOULD be cleaned OFF the diaper before they are thrown away- know anyone that does that, I don’t) can contain harmful bacteria; which can work their way into the environment and even your water supply. Sure, animals go to the bathroom in the wild, but all the animals in an area don’t “go” in one place.

When I was a baby, my mom used cloth diapers. Not because they were cheaper or environmentally friendly, but because whenever she used disposable diapers I would break out in a horrible, bleeding rash. Often, it seems, if your child does suffer from diaper rash, you may find that some of your child’s diaper rash is actually caused by the irritation from plastic diapers. Even if your kids aren’t allergic, diapers contain toxic chemicals including Dioxin, which can cause cancer, birth defects, liver damage, skin diseases, and genetic disorders. And you know those absorbent crystals you see when you rip open up a diaper? Those are the very same chemicals that they removed years ago from tampons because they were linked with toxic shock syndrome in women. Sure, the chances these chemicals might harm your child is low, but why risk it?

Some moms choose disposables because they think cloth diapers are annoying and inconvenient. What they don’t realize is that cloth diapers have changed since we were kids. Diaper pins have been replaced with convenient snappies, Velcro-like materials (Velcro itself isn’t flexible enough), and/or snaps. If you don’t like those annoying plastic covers, you can get wool or fleece covers; they are especially fun because you can find them in great colors and patterns. Wool and fleece is also more comfortable than plastic and work just as well, or better. If you just like the convenience of disposable diapers, there are now all in one cloth diapers that require no folding, no liners, and can just be thrown straight in the wash.

Plus, cloth diapers now come in so many fun colors and prints!  It’s very easy to become addicted to finding new, beautiful diapers to add your child’s stash.

So, why not save the environment, save some cash, and help your kids stay healthy by using good old, dependable cloth diapers?

All Natural Mommies is proud to carry a selection of cloth diapers from Drybees and WAHMies.  These cloth diapers are lovingly made in the USA by caring mamas. 

Enjoy your shopping!

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