Talking About Green

Almost every family with a baby will use diapers. More then 27 billion disposable diapers are used annually in the United States alone, and a single child can go through thousands of diapers before they learn to use the potty. There are plenty of known facts that point to disposable diapers as anything but a green choice. They contain pollutants such as Tributyl-tin, and sodium polyacrylate which are not just bad for the environment, but for babies’ skin, too. We also know that sposies are the third most populous product on landfill sites.

What is not known, however, is the time it takes for a disposable diaper to completely disintegrate. Some sources estimate that it takes 200 years, while others say it will take 500 years or longer. In truth, nobody knows how long a sposie needs to disappear, and its products to be reclaimed by nature. Every disposable diaper that was ever created still exists now, and will still be around when your children will start having their own kids.

Thankfully, there is an option that is more kind to nature – modern cloth diapers are a greener choice, and after using them for a few years, I can assure you that using cloth diapers does not equal Laundry Hell, either!While I started using cloth diapers for my baby’s health, and the environmental benefits, I can now also say that I think cloth diapers are truly more convenient than sposies. Having washable diapers means that you never run out of diapers, don’t have to make late-night trips to the grocery store, or to the trash container! What’s more, cloth diapers are beautiful, and save you money as well.

Of course, cloth diapers do need to be washed. That will use electricity, water, and detergent. But the damage done is still considerably less compared to disposable diapers, and it’s almost unavoidable. Even those families who practice elimination communication (diaperless babies) are bound to have accidents and will have their fair share of laundry. I love using soap nuts to wash my diapers. Many people also make their own laundry soap with completely natural ingredients.

Good-quality cloth diapers can be used for as many children as you want. There are many styles on the market, but one-size adjustable diapers can be used from birth to potty training. You will need about 24 diapers to be able to keep your baby in cloth al the time, but a few more than that will come in handy, whatever type of cloth diapers you decide to use.

What type of cloth diaper is best is completely a matter of personal preference. You might have to try out a few options before you find a system that works for you. Let’s have a look at the options.

• “All in ones” (also known as AIOs), look similar to disposable diapers but made of cloth. They are used in much the same way, with the differencethat you can wash them.

•Pocket diapers are similar to AIOs, but they have a small opening where you can insert an additional piece of cloth. That way, you can decide to use either one or two inlays, or inlays of different materials, depending on your child’s needs. Pocket diapers dry much quicker than AIOs.

•Fitted diapers also look like disposable diapers, and they are made of absorbent material. But what they do not have, unlike the previous two options, is a layer that keeps them water proof. Fitted diapers need covers to keep the moisture in. These can be made of PUL (laminated cotton), wool, or fleece.

•Prefold diapers are the closest thing to the cloth diapers previous generations used. These require folding and pinning, and a cover.

Olivia Van Buren is a mother, a journalist and a feminist. She is passionate about natural childbirth and reproductive rights. On her blog Write About Birth, she discusses childbirth options, ranging from unassisted homebirth to hospital birth and anything in between. Join the debate on painless childbirth – is it possible?