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Ditching Disposables

Will Cloth Diapers Work for You?

By Gwen Morrison

There are three styles of diapers on the market today: Flat, Fitted and All-in-Ones. "The square, pre-fold diapers that our mothers used are still very popular today," says Oshesky. "This is mainly due to the economy of the pre-fold style. However, three new versions of cloth diapers have evolved that make using cloth diapers easier than ever before."

The flat diapers also come in a contoured design that is similar to the pre-folds but more form fitting for Baby, as they have been cut into a more hourglass shape to better fit between the legs of a baby. "Contour diapers need a diaper cover to be waterproof," says Oshesky. "A snug-fitting diaper cover like the Polar Babies Original Diaper Cover works best with a contoured diaper."

The second style of diaper is the fitted diaper. This diaper is designed to fit a baby as a disposable would. They have elastic legs and waist openings that provide a closer fit and help keep any "leaking" from occurring. "Companies like Kissaluvs produce their own luxuriously deep-pile fabric that is soft and stretchy to create a superior cloth diaper," says Oshesky. "A Kissaluvs Size 0 is the perfect newborn diaper, with a snap-down umbilical cord zone and adjustable rise. A fitted diaper does need a diaper cover to be waterproof."

The last type of cloth diaper is the All-in-One diaper. This design is also similar to a disposable diaper, but has a waterproof layer on the outside. "An All-in-One diaper is the most convenient cloth diaper available today," says Oshesky. "Bumkins All-In-Ones Diapers provide a great fit, as well the convenience of a one-piece system."

Once you get into the routine of laundering cloth diapers, you may not even notice the extra two or three loads of laundry each week, says Oshesky. "After a month or two, the washing was just another part of my weekly routine," she says.

When you purchase cloth diapers, be sure to wash and dry them at least twice before using them. Organic B裩 lists these tips for laundering cloth diapers:

• Use two separate diaper pails: one for wet diapers and one for soiled diapers.
• Place used diapers and covers into the corresponding pail. Diapers may be pretreated with a stain remover.
• Place dirty diapers and pail liner into washer. Add 1/2 cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda or one scoop of OxyClean and the recommended amount of your favorite FREE (no colors or fragrances) detergent. Do not use detergent with bleach additive. Wash in cold water, using a generous water level and the longest cycle. If needed, Borax may be added to brighten diapers.
• Place wet diapers into washer after first wash cycle of dirty diapers. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda as above. Wash in warm water using a generous water level and longest cycle.
• Wash diapers a third time in hot water, adding detergent as listed above.
• Double rinse the diapers. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to adjust the pH of the final rinse.
• Separate the covers and lay them flat or hang to dry.
• Drying time for diapers will vary due to the type of diaper and your dryer. Make sure your lint screen is clean!
• Line drying in the sun will naturally bleach out many stains and save money!
• Do not use fabric softener; it reduces the absorbency of diapers.

Want to see more?

• Bathing your Beauty: How to Give your Newborn a Bath
• Making the Most of First Nursings
• Baby Stuff: What does your Baby Really Need?
• Talk about it!

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