Cloth Diapers-What are they and why use them?

Posted: Jun 17, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

What are cloth diapers?  Who uses them? Why do we use them?  Why did people stop using them?  How do I decide what is best for my child, family and caregivers?  What is the cost comparison?  My family doesn't want to touch poop diapers, let alone clean them, what do I do?  There are so many to choose from, how do I decide?  How do I know how many I need?

These are all questions that I asked myself and have looked into for years.  My hope is to help you figure out what works best, cloth or disposables.  But be cautious my bias is pro-cloth.

What are Cloth Diapers?

According to Wikipedia a Diaper (North America) or a Nappy (United Kingdom, ect) is a sponge-like garment worn by someone who is unable to control their bladder or bowel movements, or are unable or unwilling to use a toilet.  I can think of many instances that this may be required!  To break it down further a disposable diaper contains absorbent chemicals to hold moisture away from the person wearing the garment and is thrown away after use.  A cloth diaper is composed of layers of fabric such as cotton, microfiber or bamboo and can be washed and reused multiple times.

Interesting enough, also according to Wikipedia a disposable product is a product designed for cheapness and short-term convenience rather than medium to long-term durability.

Diapering has been around since the early 19th century.  Prior to that mothers used to watch signs of incontinence and would rush their infants to one area so they could excrete in order to avoid messes near their living spaces.  The modern diaper of the 19th century included a piece of cotton material held together with a safety pin.  And then cloth diapers were first mass produced in 1887.

The evolution of the cloth diaper to disposable diaper happened over 60 years.  The invention of a chemical component such as SAP or superabsorbent polymers helped to propel the market for disposable diapering. This chemical compound was initially included in all sanitary products used to absorb body fluids but was discontinued in tampons in 1980 due to a link to toxic shock syndrome.  Interestingly this use was continued for disposable diapers where the delicate skin of infants, who spend close to 24hours a day in a diaper, was not discontinued.  SAP is know to be used for chemical spills and with underground power cables.  As the disposable diaper changed more chemical was added to make them ‘ultra absorbent'.   Now we can find Sodium Polyacrylate (absorbent gel that breaks into crystals on the baby's skin), Organocholorines (Chlorinated toxic bleach which some countries have now banned the use of), and also Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)( chemical off-gases which the EPA indicates is a health hazard for all areas).    This is only a very small list.

I am not surprised that the latest news as of March 2010 indicates that thousands of parents are reporting rashes and chemical burns as a result of the new Pampers Dry-Max technology and a law suit was filed against Proctor & Gamble in May 2010.

So what are cloth diapers?  Cloth diapers come in many shapes and forms now and it can become very confusing.    There are flat cloth diapers, prefolds, doublers, fitted cloth diapers, cloth diaper covers, all in one cloth diapers, pocket diapers, and Inserts.  Almost all of these diapering systems come in a variety of materials such as Hemp, Cotton, Fleece, Bamboo, and Wool.  It is no wonder why people reach for disposables as a first option, there is less variety. Through Little P Baby Store, I hope to clarify all these types so you can make an informed decision. 

Look for my next series of Articles for clarification.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/cloth-diapers-what-are-they-and-why-use-them-2663751.html

    Article Tags:

    fitted cloth diapers

    ,

    cloth diaper covers

    ,

    bummis diapers

    Bummis is a popular brand of cloth diapers. Parents have often wondered if it is correctly pronounced as Bum - iss or Bum – ease. Bummis, pronounced Bum-ease, has brought quality cloth diapers, cloth diaper covers, and cloth diaper accessories into the cloth diapering world

    By: Amyl Home and Family> Babiesl Apr 11, 2010
    Jennifer Woodbeck

    So what are cloth diapers? Cloth diapers come in many shapes and forms now and it can become very confusing. There are flat cloth diapers, prefolds, doublers, fitted cloth diapers, cloth diaper covers, all in one cloth diapers, pocket diapers, and Inserts. Almost all of these diapering systems come in a variety of materials such as Hemp, Cotton, Fleece, Bamboo, and Wool. It is no wonder why people reach for disposables as a first option, there is less variety.

    By: Jennifer Woodbeckl Home and Family> Babiesl Jul 30, 2010

    In search of information on the total best cloth diaper covers? On the subject of picking a cloth diapering system covers absolutely are a major point of great curiosity. Qualities to watch out for add a leak free easy to use design, a snug fit and adjustable tabs.

    By: PerterWanl Healthl Dec 05, 2010

    Choosing the best cloth diaper for your child is quite a career. It really is rather additional perplexing using the wide array of diapers available in the marketplace, each and every providing you the most effective diapers for the little angel.

    By: babiesclothdiaperl Home and Family> Babiesl May 21, 2011

    Deciding upon the best cloth diaper for your little one is kind of a career.

    By: jackietaylorl Home and Family> Babiesl Feb 24, 2012

    Caring and bring up a new born baby is not an easy task. A lot of planning, preparation and shopping is involved to make the home ready for the arrival of the new member of your home. It is important to keep things handy that your new born will need once he comes into the world.

    By: Barry Bowenl Home and Family> Babiesl May 26, 2012

    Dressing your newborn in designer children's clothing could very well be fun but one can find guidelines that you should follow when it comes to building your baby's wardrobe. Learn how one can purchase baby clothes.

    By: Kyle Hollowayl Home and Family> Babiesl May 25, 2012

    Top 5 Things are there to take care while buying Baby Bedding that would be comfortable and beautiful.

    By: Jack Dohnsonl Home and Family> Babiesl May 25, 2012

    Birthday cakes are an essential component of any birthday celebration. If your youngster's birthday party is coming up in a few days, you don't have to worry about the best birthday cake decorations.

    By: Verity Clarkl Home and Family> Babiesl May 24, 2012

    Baby monitors are a wonderful way for you to be able to get some work done around your home while still being able to keep an eye on your baby while he or she is sleeping. You will know right away if your infant should wake up, and you can go and tend to him or her.

    By: Jayson Skellyl Home and Family> Babiesl May 24, 2012
    Jennifer Woodbeck

    Everywhere you look these days, parents seem to be wearing their babies, keeping them close and enjoying extra cuddles as they go about their everyday lives. So what is the big deal? Why is it more popular than ever to ditch the buggy in favour of a piece of colored fabric?

    By: Jennifer Woodbeckl Home and Family> Parentingl Apr 08, 2011
    Jennifer Woodbeck

    Recently, a first time pregnant woman told me, ‘When the baby arrives, my life won't change too much, I'm too busy. The baby will just have to fit in with me.' While her intentions are perfectly fair, how possible is it to actually take up all of the same hobbies and activities that filled the calendar before the baby came home from the hospital?

    By: Jennifer Woodbeckl Home and Family> Parentingl Apr 08, 2011
    Jennifer Woodbeck

    Introducing solid food to your baby can be an exciting prospect- watching her face light up as she experiences new tastes can be a precious moment to be stored away forever. So what do new parents need to know when their baby isn't quite so eager to swap the milk for mush?

    By: Jennifer Woodbeckl Home and Family> Parentingl Apr 08, 2011
    Jennifer Woodbeck

    Are you getting enough? Many new parents may find that the latest in fashion accessories is less ‘Prada bag that fits under the arm' and more ‘black bag that fits under the eyes'. Sleep deprivation has long been classed as a form of torture and many new parents know exactly why...

    By: Jennifer Woodbeckl Home and Family> Babiesl Apr 08, 2011
    Jennifer Woodbeck

    All babies cry; it's how they let you know they have a need that you're required, as parents, to meet. But what if your baby seems to cry more than usual, even after her diaper is changed, her tummy is full and her blankets are keeping her warm?

    By: Jennifer Woodbeckl Home and Family> Babiesl Apr 08, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast