Cloth diapers are considered to be a "green" alternative to disposable diapers. Because they are washable and reusable, cloth diapers are safer to the environment. They are made of both natural and manade materials. Cotton is the most popular natural material but wool and bamboo can also be used to make the diaper. Common manmade materials include polyurethane and polyester.
There is a debate over which is better, cloth diapers or disposable diapers. You should take several things into consideration when trying to decide if cloth diapers are the right choice for your baby.http://www.thenewparentsguide.com/diapers.htm
- Consider the Costs
- Convenience
- Environmental impact
- Personal preference
This page provides information on how to use cloth diapers, lists the items you will need and provides an overview of how to use diaper washing services.
Cloth Diaper Change
This video explains how to change a newborn's cloth diaper. The mother in this video uses a soft plastic fastener in place of safety pins. The diaper cover in this video fastens with Velcro.
Step 1: Decide Whether to Wash Cloth Diapers or Hire a Service
You will need to decide whether you want to wash the soiled diapers yourself or hire a diaper washing service. Diaper services will pick up dirty diapers weekly and deliver freshly cleaned diapers. Diaper cleaning services often provide a special hamper for the dirty diapers. Diaper cleaning services charge, on average, between $50 and $80 per month.http://www.diapernet.org/howdoesitwork.htm
Step 2: What You'll Need
- Cloth diapers
- Cloth diaper covers
- Safety Pins (or other fasteners made for closing cloth diapers)
- Baby wipes
- Changing table pads
- Changing table
- Diaper pail
- Diaper rash cream & baby powder
Step 3: Changing Cloth Diapers
- Lay the folded cloth diaper under the baby
- Bring half of the fabric up towards the baby's tummy
- Overlap the fabric on both sides and fasten into place with a safety pin (or other safe fastener made for cloth diapers)
- Cover with a cloth diaper cover
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Cloth diapers are washable and reusable, and safer for the environment
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Fact:
Cloth diapers come in various types: Prefold, Fitted, Pocket, and All-in-One
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Fact:
Made of natural materials such as cotton, wool and bamboo and manmade materials such as polyuethrane and polyester
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Fact:
Cloth diapers can be washed at home or through a professional service
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Fact:
Cloth diapers should be washed in special detergents that will preserve the fabric through many washings.
