Green Parenting: Cloth Diapering Examined

by Holly Johnson

Holly is a local writer, PR pro, and ecstatic new mother on the quest for the green life. As Founder of robay studio, her Etsy shop, Holly works to educate the world on living green through upcycling.

As a nation we are working towards change environmentally, but we still have a ways to go. There are many things that we still just can’t let go of:  the Styrofoam cup, plastic water bottles and the dreaded disposable diaper. Disposable diapers take approximately 500 years to biodegrade! Cloth diapering is better for the environment and is a healthier option for your little one.

In preparing for parenthood I took the plunge and attended a cloth diapering workshop through Mother's & Company in Boylston, MA. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that cloth diapers no longer involve the enormous pins of yesteryear or leg pinching plastic pants. Today’s diapers come in a variety of fresh colors; have features like Velcro, snaps and micro fiber. But like all things that come to new parents, the cloth diapering world can be a little daunting and good advice is needed.

Ok, I want to cloth diaper, but where do I start?
To begin the quest of cloth diapering it is important to consider what your diapering needs are. Ask yourself questions like: do you have a newborn, are you currently working on toilet training, how many times a week do you want to wash diapers, is your child in day care, and do you want to use a diaper service? Your answers will determine the type and quantity of diapers you need. For example, when my son was a newborn, he went through at least 10-12 diapers a day. I wanted to wash diapers every two days; therefore I had about twenty diapers.

If your child is in daycare, it is important to ask your daycare provider if they accept cloth diapers. I advise doing this before you buy a ton of diapers as some daycares will not accept them. It helps to bring one diaper with you to show them how cloth diapering has changed and how easy and green it can be!

There are so many choices. What should I buy?
There are many types of cloth diapers: prefolds, all in ones, pocket, and fitted diapers. Diapers come in cotton, organic cotton, fleece, hemp, wool, and polyurethane laminated fabric (PUL) to name a few. .

Prefolds are the cloth diapers we all remember. Pins or a snappi are used to fasten them and they require a diaper cover to protect against wetness. They often need to be changed frequently as they do not keep wetness away from the skin. They are easily washable and are very inexpensive. Diaper covers run around $10 to $15, depending on the fabric and brand.

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Fitted diapers

are like prefolds in that they need a cover but they are fitted with elastic and snaps.  To increase the absorbency of these diapers, one can add doublers or liner. Doublers come in a variety of fabrics and allow you to choose your absorbency level. For example, at night my son requires two doublers for extra protection. They are also easily washable. Fitted diapers range in price depending on the brand and fabric.

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 Pocket diapers are highly absorbent and do not require a cover. Doublers are stuffed into the diaper pocket to absorb liquid.

Pocket diapers are more expensive than prefolds or fitted and often come with special (but not complicated) washing instructions. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions to preserve your investment in the diapers.

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All in ones are fitted diapers that have all liners and covers included. They are often fastened with Velcro or snaps. Doublers can be added for extra absorbency. They also come with a bigger price tag than prefolds or fitted and may require special washing.

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Final Note
I recommend buying a few diapers to try before jumping in head first. Some local and online stores, such as Diaper Lab in Somerville, even allow you to try before you buy. Check your local paper, craigslist.org, and online auction sites for diapers. Many people buy a load of cloth diapers and accessories and then decide to switch to disposables, so you can find new or gently used diapers through such resources as Diaper Swappers at a deep discount.

No matter what you choose, remember to protect your investment by using the proper detergents and follow the washing instructions. Most importantly, remember that you are saving the planet one diaper at a time!

Comments

[Holly Johnson]

Hi Christine,

Thanks for your comments!

Most diapers nowadays can be washed in the washing machine and either hung dry (sunning is best) or placed in the dryer on medium.

I use a variety of diapers at the moment and I wash all on cold with 1/4 cup of detergent ( I currently use Trader Joes, as it has no additives) then one cycle on hot double rinse. That’s it!

Feel free to email with any further questions! robaystudio@gmail.com

[Christine]

I had no idea that cloth diapers had come so far! How exactly are the diapers cleaned? I think knowing the specifics of the washing process would make or break it for most people that aren't necessarily overly concerned with being green (although everyone should be)!