We've got cloth diapering down to a science...
There are several reasons to choose cloth diapers. There are health benefits to your baby for using cloth, there are environmental benefits, and lastly you'll save money!
There are many dangerous chemicals found in disposable diapers that can harm your baby. Sodium Polyacrylate Crystals are one of these chemicals. This is the super absorbent gel that absorbs moisture in the disposables. It was removed from tampons when it was found to cause toxic shock syndrome. Yet this is what is next to your baby's skin 24 hours a day for the first 3 years of life! Not only does it absorb wetness, it also absorbs your baby's natural moisture, which is needed for healthy skin. The dryer skin, combined with the lack of breathability due to the plastic coating of disposables, makes your baby more prone to diaper rash. Dioxins are another chemical found on disposable diapers in trace amounts. Dioxins are byproducts of the bleaching process and are one of the worlds most toxic poisons, a carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. Here are some links for additional information about the health benefits of cloth diapers.
Let's talk about the environment. Disposable diapers take between 250-500 years to decompose in our nations' landfills. Each child uses an average of 5000 disposable diapers in the first 30 months of life, with our national average of 27.4 billion disposables consumed every year. That means the disposables of today will be around for many generations to come. Here are some links for additional information about the environmental effects of disposable diapers.
Lastly families can save thousands of dollars by using cloth diapers. Yes, that's right- thousands of dollars! While the cost of cloth diapers varies based on the style, brand, and amount used, a family can successfully cloth diaper their baby for as little as $430 from birth to potty training. Consider that the average family spends between $2500-$3000 per child on disposables through potty training. What a difference!! And an added benefit to cloth is that with proper care your cloth diapers will last through several children, so your savings can really add up over time. Imagine what you can do with the thousands of dollars you will save! The following link details the cost of cloth vs. disposables.
With all these reasons to choose cloth, why not give it a try? Your baby, your earth, and your wallet will thank you!