Cloth Diapering
Common Misconceptions
Cloth diapering is often entrenched in misconceptions. For those unfamiliar with modern cloth diapering those misconceptions are usually the first things that come to mind when cloth diapering is mentioned.
Cloth Diapers are Time Consuming
With the time demands of a new baby many assume that adding cloth diapering to the mix would just be too much. On the contrary, cloth diapering does not add much time to your daily routine if you have access to a washing machine. Putting the diapers in the machine and pressing a few buttons does not take much time at all, and folding is never required. Many people decide to forgo folding and place clean diapers in a laundry basket and pull the diapers from the basket as needed for their baby.
Cloth diapering is really not that difficult. There are many different types of cloth diapers, but if you are looking for something as easy to use as a disposable you will not be disappointed. There is a wide range of all in one diapers that are easy to put on and take off of your baby. Some people use them full-time and others reserve them for babysitters, daycare, or when they are out of the house.
The thought of having to wash diapers is off-putting for some people who consider cloth diapering. But washing cloth diapers is not too difficult. Some people conjure up images of having to dunk the diapers in the toilet, but it is unnecessary. You simply need to shake off what you can in the toilet before washing, which is something you are supposed to do with disposable diapers anyway. Then, you place the diapers in the wash on a cold rinse cycle. Following the rinse cycle you need to wash them on hot with a small amount of plain detergent and then an extra rinse cycle to make sure all detergent is out of the diapers. The washing machine does all the work for you. Some cloth diapers made from certain materials may require special washing instructions such as wool diaper covers, but most cloth diapers can be washed as described above.
Cloth Diapers Smell
While soiled diapers of any sort are not something you would find in a candle scent, disposable diapers have an odor that required the invention of diaper pails, which isolate individual diapers in plastic. Disposable diapers contain chemicals that are not found in cloth diapers so the odor is greater. Cloth diapers can even be kept in open diaper pails.
Cloth Diapers are Expensive
Some consider cloth diapers costly because of the expense involved with washing them and others find that the initial set up cost is prohibitive. There is an increased cost in utility usage for using cloth diapers, but that does not begin to compare with the cost of disposables. If you factor the cost to wash cloth diapers you can spend from $400-$1700 for your child’s diapering years. The cost range depends on the type of cloth diapers used, however, many of those diapers can be used on future children as well. On the other hand, disposables can cost $2500 per child and you may have additional garbage costs. The initial set up cost for cloth diapers can be as low as $50.
Cloth Diapers Cause Diaper Rash
With wetness against the skin it is a common belief that cloth diapers cause more diaper rash. On the contrary, diaper rash is not a common occurrence in cloth diapering. Cloth diapers are typically changed once wet so the baby mostly has dry cloth against their skin. The chemicals in disposables, as well as the tendency to leave disposable diapers on longer, can increase the incidence of diaper rash. Diaper ointment is often needed with disposable diapers to help reduce diaper rash, but is rarely needed when using cloth diapers. Cloth diapers are the healthier choice.
The world of cloth diapering is really a rather friendly place. It is a place where you can give your baby comfort, a healthier experience and save money along the way.