Cloth Diapering

Paper or Cloth? Which is better? Well, the issue can be debated from both sides, but put yourself in your baby's diaper for a minute. What would you rather sit in all day, breathable soft cotton or paper and plastic?

But aren't cloth diapers inconvenient? Not really. Having a baby means having more laundry anyway. Cloth diapers add an extra load every two to three days. When you change the baby's diaper, dump any solid waste into the toilet and put the diaper in the diaper pail. Once you feel it is time to wash diapers, dump the contents of the diaper pail into the washing machine, fill it with cold water and 1/2 cup of Borax (optional). Let this soak for an hour or overnight if you like. After the soak, run the diapers through the spin cycle, and then add 1/2 capful of laundry detergent and a scoop of Oxiclean or Biz (optional). Run through the regular wash cycle and double rinse. Dry the diapers on the clothesline (for extra bleaching and disinfection) or dry them on high heat for 60-80 minutes.

Cloth diapers today are more comfortable, cost less, may be healthier for your baby, and are better for the environment. Today's cloth diapers are as convenient as disposable. Some have hook and loop closures or snaps so you don't even have to use diaper pins. Plus, the diaper designs are so cute!

Mothering Magazine Article: Joy of Cloth Diapers
AWCH Hidden Dangers of Disposable Diapers
Disposable Diapers May Cause Male Infertility
Mothering Magazine Article: Disposable Diapers Linked to Asthma
Mothering Magazine Article: The Politics of Diapers
The Top Ten Reasons To Cloth Diaper - Cut of Cloth
Disposable Diaper Emissions