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Cloth Diapers Are More Convenient Than Ever Before!
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The alternative to disposable diapers is cloth diapers; these reusable and environmentally friendly diapers are so much easier and more convenient than ever before. Cloth diapers have been around for a lot longer than disposables, and sometimes technological advances are not an improvement. Disposables are bad for the environment (taking years and years to break down once used), and can cause not only skin problems and asthma in babies, but are linked to later testicular cancer and male infertility!
Cloth is a more reasonable alternative, not only health-wise and environmentally but also in terms of cost: disposables cost a lot more than cloth diapers simply because a baby will typically use from 5000 to 7000 disposable diapers before being potty-trained. Cloth diapers can be used for the entire diapering period; most parents buy 48-72 diapers only! And, don't forget that organic cloth diapers are always the best: no chemicals in the cotton to harm your baby's skin.
Cloth diapers usually come in 3 different types: fitted, pre-folds, and all-in-ones. Fitted cloth diapers typically have elastic around the waist and legs to hold messes inside. Some fitted diapers have velcro closures, and some close with snaps. Pre-folded cloth diapers are multiple layer flat diapers, and need to be washed a few times to fluff them up; these diapers come in organic and regular cotton, and hemp. Chinese prefold cloth diapers are very popular right now, as well as organic Egyptian cotton diapers. Prefolds are comfortable for babies, and can be used with cloth diaper inserts for extra leakage protection. All-in-one cloth diapers (AIO cloth diapers) are excellent for outings and trips to the beach. They have a waterproof outer shell that stays soft without breaking down, have multiple layers of cotton inside, and have elastic around the legs and waist. These diapers should not be used every day as a cheap cloth diaper, because the waterproof shell will break down with frequent washings. Wash the outer shell in your washing machine and then hang to dry for prolonged life.
Some cloth diaper accessories that you will need are: cloth or plastic diaper covers, (wool or fleece diaper covers for overnight if your baby needs them), non-allergenic and non-irritating laundry soap (Allens Naturally Liquid Laundry Detergent, Eucalan Woolwash, and All Free Clear are all good choices - look for a detergent or soap that is phosphate-free, fragrance-free, bleach-free, and dye-free, and that doesn't contain fabric softeners), diaper pins (Dritz diaper pins are good ones) or diaper fasteners (Snappi diaper fasteners are good), hemp or cotton doublers, flushable diaper liners, terrycloth or flannel wipes, a changing pad or two, and a diaper pail.
That's it! You are ready to become a cloth diaper user. Look online for tips on how to wash and dry cloth diapers, how to make your own cloth diapers, and where to order high quality cloth diapers. Cotton Babies, Diaperaps, the Vermont Diaper Company, Bumkins diapers, Wonderoos cloth diapers, TinyTush cloth diapers, Kissaluvs, and Sweet Cheeks cloth diapers are all good names to start with. Gerber cloth diapers and Fuzzi Bunz cloth diapers are also very popular.
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