Child rearing has changed so much over the years, yet some fundamental aspects are still the same. When I was a baby(let's not talk about how long ago it was), cloth diapering used to be the norm, where an eyelet cloth was artfully folded to create the perfect "diaper" for the baby, fastened with safety pins.
After some time, because of potentially pricking the baby when the safety pin comes loose, the non-safety pin fasteners were introduced. Then came disposable diapers, with so many brands to choose from. Now, it's back to cloth diapering, but this time with a more modern approach.
When I became pregnant with my first (and only for now) child, I decided to go with cloth diapering instead of using disposable diapers. I checked the different brands available out there and checked the feel of the materials before I decided to choose which brand I wanted for my baby.
I decided to go with Charlie Banana (as pictured below) because I felt they offered the softest material for my baby's bottoms. Since they offer OS (one size), I decided to go with this instead of buying different sizes as my baby grew older. OS size is slightly more expensive than the S, M, L, XL options. But I felt that since I can adjust the sizing to fit my baby's current weight, I can save money as well.
Cloth diapering is not fun. Initial cost outlay is significantly higher than buying disposable diapers. Plus the fact that you have to manually scrub the diaper clean before you leave it overnight in a pail of soap and water. But a few significant reasons made me decide on this.
1. After the initial cost of buying the cloth diapers (with prices ranging from approximately 5 - 15 USD per piece), you will actually be saving money in the long run. Baby J has been using cloth diapers since she was a month old. She just turned 15 months today, and we are still using the same cloth diapers. I am very happy that the cloth diaper I chose has retained its softness and elasticity despite the many washings it has endured.
2. Using cloth diapers reduces the incidence of diaper rash on our babies. Putting diaper rash cream or ointment is also not necessary when using cloth diapers. The only downside to this is you need to change the cloth diapers more often (although this is a minor issue for me).
In the 15 months I have been caring for my daughter, she has never had a very bad diaper rash. I believe this is because of the cloth diapers we are using.
3. With all the climate change happening around us, I would like to do my share to try and help save the enviroment from further damage. Using cloth diapers decreases the carbon footprint.
Have I convinced you yet to try and go with cloth diapering? If I have managed to convince you, please read on for some tips!
1. When I started buying cloth diapers, I was advised by a friend to buy at least 24 pairs of cloth diapers. I followed her advise.
You may ask me, why 24 pairs right? Why not less? In the course of 24 hours, you will easily use up around 6 cloth diapers. These used cloth diapers will need to soaked in soap with water at least overnight before they are actually washed and dried. Because of the material that is being used, it then takes a minimum of 24 hours for them to dry and be ready for use again. It is best to have a few extra pairs ready as we dont know when our baby will need to change more often.
2. The minute you notice there is poo, after washing your baby, make sure to scrub the stains on the cloth diaper right away. It goes away faster the sooner you wash it. I should know, I have been doing it for the last 15 months. Being able to scrub it clean is one of the small joys you will have with cloth diapering ( HAHA).
3. While you are soaking the cloth diaper, it is best to add approximately 1/4 tablespoon of vinegar to the soap and water. It helps to decrease the odor.
4. If you're concerned about spills, you just have to make sure that you have buttoned it snugly to fit your baby. Make sure it's not too loose as this will cause spillage. Buttoning it too tight is also not recommended as it will not be good for your baby.
If at this point, you do decide on cloth diapering, trust me, you won't regret it. Seeing my baby's smooth bottom, without diaper rash, is worth it even if I have to keep scrubbing countless diapers day in and day out! Happy cloth diapering Mommies!
After some time, because of potentially pricking the baby when the safety pin comes loose, the non-safety pin fasteners were introduced. Then came disposable diapers, with so many brands to choose from. Now, it's back to cloth diapering, but this time with a more modern approach.
When I became pregnant with my first (and only for now) child, I decided to go with cloth diapering instead of using disposable diapers. I checked the different brands available out there and checked the feel of the materials before I decided to choose which brand I wanted for my baby.
I decided to go with Charlie Banana (as pictured below) because I felt they offered the softest material for my baby's bottoms. Since they offer OS (one size), I decided to go with this instead of buying different sizes as my baby grew older. OS size is slightly more expensive than the S, M, L, XL options. But I felt that since I can adjust the sizing to fit my baby's current weight, I can save money as well.
Cloth diapering is not fun. Initial cost outlay is significantly higher than buying disposable diapers. Plus the fact that you have to manually scrub the diaper clean before you leave it overnight in a pail of soap and water. But a few significant reasons made me decide on this.
1. After the initial cost of buying the cloth diapers (with prices ranging from approximately 5 - 15 USD per piece), you will actually be saving money in the long run. Baby J has been using cloth diapers since she was a month old. She just turned 15 months today, and we are still using the same cloth diapers. I am very happy that the cloth diaper I chose has retained its softness and elasticity despite the many washings it has endured.
2. Using cloth diapers reduces the incidence of diaper rash on our babies. Putting diaper rash cream or ointment is also not necessary when using cloth diapers. The only downside to this is you need to change the cloth diapers more often (although this is a minor issue for me).
In the 15 months I have been caring for my daughter, she has never had a very bad diaper rash. I believe this is because of the cloth diapers we are using.
3. With all the climate change happening around us, I would like to do my share to try and help save the enviroment from further damage. Using cloth diapers decreases the carbon footprint.
Have I convinced you yet to try and go with cloth diapering? If I have managed to convince you, please read on for some tips!
1. When I started buying cloth diapers, I was advised by a friend to buy at least 24 pairs of cloth diapers. I followed her advise.
You may ask me, why 24 pairs right? Why not less? In the course of 24 hours, you will easily use up around 6 cloth diapers. These used cloth diapers will need to soaked in soap with water at least overnight before they are actually washed and dried. Because of the material that is being used, it then takes a minimum of 24 hours for them to dry and be ready for use again. It is best to have a few extra pairs ready as we dont know when our baby will need to change more often.
2. The minute you notice there is poo, after washing your baby, make sure to scrub the stains on the cloth diaper right away. It goes away faster the sooner you wash it. I should know, I have been doing it for the last 15 months. Being able to scrub it clean is one of the small joys you will have with cloth diapering ( HAHA).
3. While you are soaking the cloth diaper, it is best to add approximately 1/4 tablespoon of vinegar to the soap and water. It helps to decrease the odor.
4. If you're concerned about spills, you just have to make sure that you have buttoned it snugly to fit your baby. Make sure it's not too loose as this will cause spillage. Buttoning it too tight is also not recommended as it will not be good for your baby.
If at this point, you do decide on cloth diapering, trust me, you won't regret it. Seeing my baby's smooth bottom, without diaper rash, is worth it even if I have to keep scrubbing countless diapers day in and day out! Happy cloth diapering Mommies!
