Liner Ivy

Liner Ivy

I am continually surprised at how many people still think cloth diapering involves folding, pinning and depending upon a diaper service. Sure, the old school option is still available, but it is certainly not the only way to go.

Today cloth diapers come in all shapes, sizes and colours. These are not your mother's cloth diapers. Aside from an extra load or two of laundry each week there is virtually no difference and no extra effort required to become a cloth diaper user - an option that is better for the environment, and easier on the pocket book. There are a variety of different cloth options to meet variety of different budgets.

Cloth diapers are now "fitted". These diapers are shaped to fit baby snugly, including an elasticized waist and elasticized leg openings so they contain messes just as well as disposables. Basic fitted options come in different sizes (just like disposables) so multiple sets will need to be purchased as the baby grows. Waterproof covers need to be purchased for this option. The covers come in a variety of patterns and colours so diapering can be fashionable too.

For longer term savings, one sized diapers are available. This cloth option grows with baby so the same set of diapers can be used for a 5lb newborn up until they are 35lb toddler. Initially, these are a bit more expensive than the basic fitted diapers, but since there is no need to purchase multiple sets of different sizes, this works out to be less expensive over the diapering life of your children. This option also requires waterproof covers.

If the thought of two-step diapering too much, consider All in One (AIO) diapers. AIO's are fitted diapers with a waterproof layer on the outside. Instead of having to place a cover over your cloth diaper, all in ones are as easy and convenient to use as disposables. You can purchase these in varying sizes or in the one sized option that grows with baby. AIO's can be a bit bulky and take a little longer to dry.

There is even one more convenient option - the pocket diaper - that avoids the bulk and long drying times. These AIO diapers have two layers - a waterproof outer layer and a soft, moisture-wicking inner layer with a pocket in between for absorbent inserts. This layering design makes them much easier to clean and they have a much quicker drying time. Parents pay a little more for this convenience but compared to purchasing disposables over the 2-4 years that average babies use diapers for, this option is still approximately ¼ the cost.

Important Extras

There are a few little extras that make cloth diapering even easier. To help with really messy diapers, diaper liners can be placed between the diaper and baby's bottom to make clean up easier. Only the liner, rather than the whole diaper, needs to be rinsed. You can even get flushable paper liners that can just be dumped in the toilet during messy changes. Other liners are a thin layer of fabric that also wick away moisture from baby's sensitive skin leaving baby feeling dry longer.

For those heavy wetters or for those long nights, diaper "doublers" add extra absorbency to cloth diapers. These are made with several thicknesses of fabric (usually terry or flannel) and are placed inside the diaper.

With all of these options and the degree of convenience modern cloth diapers offer, it seems like the answer is clear. While the initial expense of purchasing cloth diapers can be intimidating (24-36 diapers is the usual recommended start number), there is no question about the greater savings over the diapering life of your children (especially when used for more than 1 child.) Cloth diapering is definitely a more economical and more eco-friendly choice.

About the Author
Ivy Newport is the resident "green expert" at Every Little Bit Eco Shop, an online store offering everyday products that are conveniently green. Visit http://www.everylittlebitgreen.com for more tips & education on going green, as well as a wide variety of products to help individuals make better product choices for themselves, their families and the planet.

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