Cloth diapering is a healthy and economical choice for families. It is also healthy for the earth. There are so many reasons to cloth diaper. Most disposable diapers have chemicals and are bleached with chlorine The chlorine creates dioxin, which is toxic. The effects of polyacrylate gel in the diapers, used to keep the diaper dry, are unknown. Children's skin is sensitive along with their immune systems. Surround children with a natural and holistic environment. Not only is the child's immediate environment important, but so is the global environment. Disposable diapers are harmful to the ecosystem. Compared to cloth diapers throw away diapers use 20 times more raw materials, three times more energy, and twice as much water; they generate 60 times more waste.13 Afrikans understand that God is connected to the earth. It is against the laws of Maat to pollute the earth. Cloth diapering is also better for children's health. A study in the September 1999 issue of Archives of Environmental Health found that laboratory mice exposed to various brands of throwaway diapers suffered eye, nose, and throat irritation, including bronchoconstriction similar to that resulting from an asthma attack.13 Another great reason to use cloth over disposable diapers is the economic benefit. The most money I spent on diapers for my son's first year of life was $150.00. Thousands of dollars can be spent on a child depending on how long they are in diapers. Cloth diapering also helps with early potty training.
Cloth diapers now come in many varieties. No longer do parents have to use pins and plastic pants. Nor, is the folding complicated. Parents can choose from a multitude of fabrics including organic cotton, hemp, fleece, wool, velour , and more. These cloth diapers cannot be found in most stores. They are sold online, usually by WAHMS (Work At Home Moms).
Types of Cloth Diapers
Prefolds
A prefolded piece of cloth. Indian and Chinese cotton prefolds diapers are most popular. They are also available in hemp and fleece. A cover is used to hold the prefold in place. One of the best advantages of prefolds is the price. They can be brought for as low as $1.00 each.
Fitted
These diapers come in many sizes. These require no folding, they are fitted. They come with buttons, snaps, or velcro. They look like disposable diapers, only cloth. A cover must be purchased. Diapers range between $8.00 - $15.00.
Pocket
These look like fitted diapers, but need no cover. Inserts are added in the pocket for absorbency. These usually have a fleece lining. Diapers range between $10.00 - $16.00.
All In Ones
These diapers are fitted and there is no need for a cover or pocket insert. Diapers range between $15.00 - $25.00.
Diaper Covers
Diaper covers are needed for prefolds and fitted diapers only. Covers come in wool, fleece, polyurethane, cotton, and polyester. Diaper covers range between $6.00 - $15.00.
Cloth diapering Essentials:
It might be best for moms new to cloth to start out simple when choosing to buy cloth.
Below is what I suggest:
At least 25 prefolds
At least 5 diaper covers. Buy at least on night time cover.
Two fitted Diapers.
All In Ones and pocketed diapers are optional. Parents can choose for themselves how many they need. Buy only one or two first, see if they are actually worth it.
Six fleece liners, the liners keep the baby dry especially over night.
Washing Cloth
Diaper services are available. But, if parents would like to save money they can buy and wash their diapers themselves.
When prefold diapers are first purchased they have oils and waxes on them. Wash the diapers first, to guarantee absorbency. Wash prefolds in hot water with detergent at least 3 times. Diapers must also be dried 3 times. Pour a few drops of water on the diaper to see if it is absorbent, if the water beads wash them again. Boiling hot water and placing the prefolds in the water for about 5 minutes instead of washing 3 times is another option. Be extremely careful when doing this. Tongs can be used.
Washing Routine
Short wash or pre-rinse prefolds in cold water with a half cup of baking soda. Adding 3 drops of tea tree oil is optional. The rinse or short wash will depend on whether parents have a top or front loading washer.
Run a full wash with hot water with a natural detergent. Many people use Bi-O-Kleen or Allen's Naturally. They arenatural and have great stain fighting abilities. The downside of using Bio- Kleen is that its live enzymes can build up and irritate baby's skin. If this happens simply strip the diapers.
Cloth is usually washed every 2 - 3 days. Soiled cloth is stored in a dry bucket. Using a dry bucket with no water equals less mess.
The use of fabric softeners is not recommended. It makes the diapers less absorbent. Many people use a ½ cup of vinegar occasionally to soften diapers. Cloth diapers sometimes experience a build up of detergent, fabric softener, and residue. This can cause the diapers to be less absorbent, smelly, and irritate the baby's skin. The diapers can be stripped to resolve these issues. Stripping is the process of washing them with hot water only until the suds are no longer seen.
Diapering is uncommon in many parts of Afrika. In Somalia, when the baby is awake, the mother will hold a small basin in her lap and then hold her baby in a sitting position over the basin at regular time intervals. Somali mothers claim that within a short period of time infants are trained to use the "potty". At nighttime, a piece of plastic is placed between the mattress and the bedding. The bedding and plastic are cleaned daily.14 While visiting an Ethiopian friend's restaurant; a waitress told me that her brother had never worn a diaper. His baby - sitter would sit him on her lap and roll her skirt up. She would open her legs up when it was time for him to eliminate, and the waste went into a container below. Diasporan Afrikans can ask the Continental Afrikans for advice about infant potty training. There are also books available about early infant potty training, give it a try.
Cited:
13.) Omara, Peggy. "a quite place: a tale of two diapers" Mothering. Sept/Oct 2006; 10.
14.) Toby, Lewis. "Somali Cultural Profile." Aug 1996 1 Jul 7 2006
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