Switching to Cloth Diapers

Before I was pregnant with my first born and currently only child, Delilah, I started researching the best alternatives for everything that her skin would come in contact with. I didn’t purchase Johnson & Johnson products, Orajel, chest rubs, or anything that had even a slight negative review for fear that it would harm my child. But what I forgot to research was disposable diapers and alternatives for them. Was that possible? Did they make organic diapers? The Honest Company’s disposable diapers were the only chemical-free ones that I found but the prices were outrageous for our budget. Besides, some still claimed that they weren’t as chemical free as the company had claimed. I was at my wit's end until I found cloth diapers.

Who would have thought that cloth diapers would be making a comeback in 2016? I was beyond ecstatic and excited to give them a try. They were cotton-based and I could control what soap that they would be cleaned with. Did I mention that they were reusable? I then expressed my thoughts and feelings with my friends and family and was discouraged. So I lost hope and gave up my cloth diapering fantasy, until a few months ago when I decided to make the switch. It was the best and most anxious feeling in the world knowing that my little flower would not be using disposable diapers.

After deciding to use cloth diapers, I found Nora's Nursery on Instagram of all places and ordered seven Cloth diapers which included seven liners. Do not misinterpret me and think that I didn't have plenty of questions and worries. Such as: How would I make cloth diapering work? Was it difficult? How would her Daycare respond? What would my family think? How would I store them? Going out to restaurants?

But in my heart, I knew that switching to cloth diapers would be better for her and our family. It would also be cheaper for us and have fewer chemicals for her. I bet that you didn't know that, did you? That's fine, neither did I. Now that you are aware, what type of chemicals are in your little ones diapers?

What are in disposable diapers?

• Dioxine- a carcinogen chemical. It's used to bleach the paper that comes in contact with your baby's skin when processing the diapers. It's listed by the EPA as one of the most toxic cancer-linked chemicals.
• Sodium Polyacrylate-a chemical that was banned from Tampons and other feminine hygiene products in 1985 because it causes Toxic Shock Syndrome. But yet, it's still used in disposable diapers and even in "ORGANIC" disposable diapers! This chemical is what helps with the absorbency (let's be smart, people, it's not normal for something to absorb that much liquid). It's known to cause chemical burns, staph infection in babies, and has been known to kill children if too much is ingested. They are the small gel bits that end up on your baby's skin if the diaper gets too wet.

Here are few more but not all:

• m-Xylene
• p-Anisaldehyde
• Ethylbenzene
• Styrene
• Isopropylbenzene
• Dipentene
• m-Methoxybenzaldehyde
• Methylene cinnamate
• Toluene
• 1, 3, 5-Trimethylbenzene

Cleaning Process

If you’re already thinking about making the switch but are afraid of the cleaning process; don’t be. It's easier than you think. What I do is toss out the fecal material in the toilet and throw them in the washer.

Now let’s talk about the cost.

I used to spend $40/Month on disposable Diapers. The average baby uses disposable diapers for 3 years (36 months) x $40: $1,440. I paid $120 for 26 liners and 14 covers and have saved $160 so far for using cloth. She will be able to use her cloth diapers until potty training days.

Tips:

• They sell cloth diaper sprayers that you can add to the toilet to make it even easier for cleaning.
• When going out, a small bag can be used to store the dirty diapers until you get home
• I use a mini garbage can with a washable Liner for storing soiled diapers until I could wash them and a Genie for the disposable wipes.

XOXO, TBB