Let's Dispel a Few Cloth Diapering Myths...
Diapering Myth #1: Cloth Diapering is Complicated
Cloth diapering is easier now than ever. There are really no right or wrong ways to do it. As long as baby ends up inside the diaper and is completely enclosed by a waterproof cover of your choice you have mission accomplished! Newer cloth diapering 'technology' makes One-Size Pocket diapers, All-in-one diapers and Hybrid Diapers as simple as using disposables-really. You just need a friend (or helpful and eager store owner!) to show you the basics of getting started with whichever style best suits your family.
Diapering Myth #2: Cloth Diapers are Unsanitary
In the grand scheme of things, cloth diapers are more sanitary than disposable diapers. Ah but you say, "Once the poopy diaper is off, I can just throw it away-no?". While this is true, it does not negate the issue that thrown away does not equal disappear. Thrown away diapers are not disappearing! To the contrary, waste left in disposable diapers including viruses and bacteria in feces are not being treated and killed but rather left to sit in landfill and pollute our soil and air for centuries (like 400 years) to come. When you throw a poopy diaper into the garbage you are actually putting biohazardous waste into a city landfill, which may violate your local ordinance. Yes, we know that almost everybody who uses disposable diapers is adding poopy diapers to the landfill. Waste from cloth diapers enters your local sewage system as waste from the toilet and is then treated by your town or city in a sanitary process.
Diapering Myth #3: Cloth Diapers need to be Toilet Dunked
Cloth diapers do not need to be toilet dunked, that is a thing of the past! Exclusively breastfed babies’ poop is water-soluble and doesn't require any special care. For older babies with formed stool, the use of flushable diaper liners and a diaper sprayer will work wonders at transferring the poop to the toilet without getting you elbows deep in poop. Consider running a cold pre-rinse in the washing machine before washing a diaper load in hot water.
Diapering Myth #4: Cloth Diapers Require Chlorine Bleach
Although some people do choose to periodically bleach their diapers, it is definitely not a requirement, in fact it may be more harmful to the fibers of your cloth diapers (why buy organic and then bleach it?) and to your baby's delicate skin if any residue is left behind. Ask yourself why you feel the need to bleach- is it for sanitization? Odor? Staining? Modern washing machines and good detergent will clean your diapers well on an every day basis. Some families choose to use an oxygen based bleach or more natural remedies for periodic stain removal and/or sanitizing.
Diapering Myth #5: Cloth Diapers Can't be Cleaned at Home
While a Laundry Service would be convenient, cloth diapers are easily cleaned in your home washing machine. Recent statistics show that the manufacturing and use of commercial disposable diapers wastes 2.3 more times water than using cloth diapers.
Diapering Myth #6: It is Normal for Babies to get Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is far from normal. Diaper rash is evidence that something is wrong. There are several reasons why rash may be happening with commercial disposables, but if you having trouble with rashes while using cloth there are a few things to consider: is your baby sensitive to your detergent, or enzymes in your cleansers, or creams and lotions you have been using? Has your baby recently been on antibiotics and susceptible to a yeast infection? Has your baby been wearing non-breathable pants and developing a heat rash?
Still curious? Read more facts about cloth diapering benefits for your family and planet at the Real Diaper Association page!
Cloth diapering is easier now than ever. There are really no right or wrong ways to do it. As long as baby ends up inside the diaper and is completely enclosed by a waterproof cover of your choice you have mission accomplished! Newer cloth diapering 'technology' makes One-Size Pocket diapers, All-in-one diapers and Hybrid Diapers as simple as using disposables-really. You just need a friend (or helpful and eager store owner!) to show you the basics of getting started with whichever style best suits your family.
Diapering Myth #2: Cloth Diapers are Unsanitary
In the grand scheme of things, cloth diapers are more sanitary than disposable diapers. Ah but you say, "Once the poopy diaper is off, I can just throw it away-no?". While this is true, it does not negate the issue that thrown away does not equal disappear. Thrown away diapers are not disappearing! To the contrary, waste left in disposable diapers including viruses and bacteria in feces are not being treated and killed but rather left to sit in landfill and pollute our soil and air for centuries (like 400 years) to come. When you throw a poopy diaper into the garbage you are actually putting biohazardous waste into a city landfill, which may violate your local ordinance. Yes, we know that almost everybody who uses disposable diapers is adding poopy diapers to the landfill. Waste from cloth diapers enters your local sewage system as waste from the toilet and is then treated by your town or city in a sanitary process.
Diapering Myth #3: Cloth Diapers need to be Toilet Dunked
Cloth diapers do not need to be toilet dunked, that is a thing of the past! Exclusively breastfed babies’ poop is water-soluble and doesn't require any special care. For older babies with formed stool, the use of flushable diaper liners and a diaper sprayer will work wonders at transferring the poop to the toilet without getting you elbows deep in poop. Consider running a cold pre-rinse in the washing machine before washing a diaper load in hot water.
Diapering Myth #4: Cloth Diapers Require Chlorine Bleach
Although some people do choose to periodically bleach their diapers, it is definitely not a requirement, in fact it may be more harmful to the fibers of your cloth diapers (why buy organic and then bleach it?) and to your baby's delicate skin if any residue is left behind. Ask yourself why you feel the need to bleach- is it for sanitization? Odor? Staining? Modern washing machines and good detergent will clean your diapers well on an every day basis. Some families choose to use an oxygen based bleach or more natural remedies for periodic stain removal and/or sanitizing.
Diapering Myth #5: Cloth Diapers Can't be Cleaned at Home
While a Laundry Service would be convenient, cloth diapers are easily cleaned in your home washing machine. Recent statistics show that the manufacturing and use of commercial disposable diapers wastes 2.3 more times water than using cloth diapers.
Diapering Myth #6: It is Normal for Babies to get Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is far from normal. Diaper rash is evidence that something is wrong. There are several reasons why rash may be happening with commercial disposables, but if you having trouble with rashes while using cloth there are a few things to consider: is your baby sensitive to your detergent, or enzymes in your cleansers, or creams and lotions you have been using? Has your baby recently been on antibiotics and susceptible to a yeast infection? Has your baby been wearing non-breathable pants and developing a heat rash?
Still curious? Read more facts about cloth diapering benefits for your family and planet at the Real Diaper Association page!
