Monday, January 28, 2013

Other Benefits of Cloth

Aside from the cost savings of using cloth over disposables, there are several other benefits.

1.  They are more eco-friendly.  Something like 1/3 of all waste in landfills is disposable diapers, and they aren't going anywhere.  Even the more "Earth Friendly" diapers don't biodegrade when they're sealed up in a landfill.  If you estimate 5000 diapers per child (here's a visual) and consider the natural resources it takes to produce the diapers and transport them to stores, it's pretty shocking.  I could go on, but this article goes into the details of the raw materials it takes to make a diaper.

2.  No yucky chemicals next to baby's most sensitive areas.  In our early Fish keeping days, we noticed that the little gel "pellets" that form when diapers are wet were stuck all over him at diaper changes.  It grossed me out.

3.  Less diaper rash. Especially if your baby has sensitive skin.  See #2. 

4.  Cloth diapered babies potty train faster. The average age of potty training is 18 months vs. 40 months because cloth diapered babies know when they're wet.

5.  They can be reused on subsequent children, making those children's diapers, FREE.  :)

6.  If you make your own wipe solution, you know EXACTLY what's in it and you can tailor it to your preferences regarding scents and natural products with protective and healing properties.  There are tons of recipes here.

7.  Cloth diapers have resale value.  If you don't believe me, search Craigslist or Ebay.

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