Loads of laundry, full of stinky brown diapers. Who wants to sign up for that?
Well, we did. And it wasn’t too bad at all. There are some very persuasive reasons to use cloth diapers. Here are a few of them:
* Cloth diapers take up less landfill space. Yes, they do require washing, and those in places where washing water is very scarce may want to choose a compostable alternative like G-Diapers. One of our pre-baby investments was a front-loading washing machine, essential for all of those baby items.
* Cloth diapers are a fabulous tool to use with a practice of elimination communication. Get a thin cloth diaper that only holds one pee, and your baby will not get so used to feeling wet all day. You’ll need to change the diapers more often, but you’ll also be motivated to look for your baby’s cues and take her to the potty to pee.
* Cloth diapers can be useful for babies who react to the chemicals in conventional disposables. For babies with very sensitive skin, avoid commercial cloth diaper services and choose natural, scent-free laundry detergents.
* Cloth diapers come in all sizes, styles, and price ranges. Do you want handmade or organic? One size fits all? Do it yourself or snap and go? We were partial to the Velcro diapers with optional inserts that could grow with our daughter, but the beauty of cloth is that the diapers are often handmade and as diverse as families today.
* Cloth diapers are an excellent way to support work-at-home moms and crafters. Keep your money in the community or support another mom. If you’re skilled at sewing, you can even make your own and start a home business!
* Cloth diapers can be just plain stylish. No one wants to show off a sposie, but cloth diapering has now become an art form. Tie-dyed, appliquéd diapers are available, and they are super cute.
Have you used cloth diapers? Why or why not?