Cloth Diapering: Favs, Q's & A's

A post about Cloth Diapering! Woooohoooo!

A short little review of my favorites so far. It's funny -- there are so many people who have so many questions. My friends who don't cloth diaper want to know why we switched. Others are curious about trying it. And then there's my fellow cloth diapering friends -- one thing I've learned is that moms who cloth diaper LOVE to talk about cloth diapering! There are so many options out there and it's a little overwhelming with how much info is online. We've officially been exclusively cloth diapering for 2 months and it's going great.

Here's why we switched: It's more eco-friendly, its cost efficient, and on top of Banner being allergic to the chemicals in Huggies & Pampers, there are lots of hidden dangers: cancer-causing chemicals, dangerous dyes, and synthetics that can cause discomforts like widespread rashes. The main reasons for rashes are due to chemicals, lack of air, and higher temperatures (because plastic retains body heat), and babies are probably changed less often because they feel dry when wet. There are also tons of synthetic materials used in creating the diaper itself which can cause skin irritations or worse.

As far as chemicals there are 3 major chemicals found in disposable diapers ("sposies"):

The first is called Sodium Polyacrylate. This chemical is what makes sposies so absorbent. Ever find little crystal looking gels on your baby's bottom after a diaper change? That's sodium polyacrylate. Not only can it cause severe allergic reactions, but it can absorb it's weight in water by 100x, it's also well known for causing staph infections. In animal testing, SP was injected into rats and caused severe hemorrhate, heart failure, and death. It has killed children after ingesting as little as 5 grams of it. And if you haven't already figured out that it was bad news... it was banned from tampons in 1985 because it was found to be linked to TSS (toxic shock syndrome).

The second chemical is called Dioxin. This chemical enters the diaper via the bleaching process. First and foremost, Dioxin is a carcinogenic. This is a proven CANCER CAUSING chemical. The EPA lists it as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals. It's been known to cause birth defects, skin diseases, and has been banned in nearly all countries EXCEPT the good ol' USA.

Lastly, there is Tributyl Tin also known as TBT. It's toxic pollutant that has hormone-like effects in even small concentrations and is spread through the skin.

Don't believe me? You can happilly check my sources below!

SOURCES:

1. McConnell, Jane. "The Joy of Cloth Diapers."
2. Caldwell, Ginny. "Diapers. Disposable or Cotton?," Eco-Baby Catalogue (www.ecobaby.com).
3. "New Tests Confirm TBT Poison in Procter & Gamble's Pampers®: Greenpeace Demands World-Wide Ban of Organotins in All Products," 15 May 2000, ( www.diapersafari.com).
4. Allison, Cathy. "Disposable Diapers: Potential Health Hazards.," referring to: Hicks, R et al. "Characterization of toxicity involving hemorrhage and cardiovascular failure, caused by parenteral administration of a soluble polyacrylate in the rat," J Appl. Toxicol. 1989 June; 9(3): 191-8.
5. Peggy's Diapers, Slings N' Things, (www.peggysdiapers.com).
6. "Why Cloth Diapers?," (www.diapersafari.com).
7. "The Poop on Diapers.," (www.slonet.org/~scoward/poop.html).

Ok finally! I'm done preaching. Here's my list of favorites so far.

Favorite Pockets:

• BumGenius: They are one of the most popular for a reason. The organic/elemental line is wonderful (although not a pocket). They wash well, they are comfortable around my daughter chubby legs, they pull moisture away from Banner's bottom wonderfully and are so cute. I love how many snaps there are. This is a great OS "grows with baby" diaper.
• Happy Heinys: These are the workhorses of our Pockets. They absorb well and they dry so fast!! Since I prefer to sun my diapers rather than throw them in the dryer I really appreciate a speedy drying one. I just love these. They are great for the heavy wetter and are super adjustable since it’s on a hook & loop closure... plus they come in ADORABLE prints. Love, love, love.
• Charlie Banana: These are my husband’s favorites. They have adjustable leg gussets which is WONDERFUL. The micro fiber pads pull all moisture away from Banner's tooshie. They also come with 2 pocket soakers. We use both together for naps and overnights. They are ultra absorbant and we've never had a leak. Love all the snaps.

Favorite Hybrid:

• Flip: It’s my favorite simply because of the re-usability of the cover. You can use it with disposable liners, pre-folds or inserts and everything holds in its place.

Favorite Fitted:

• Green Scene: ADORABLE designs AND it's a super absorbent diaper. This diaper has duo inserts that can be snapped in. No extra stuffing needed for overnights or nap times. I love them.
• GoodMama: I love these. I need these. More, more, more. They are super pricey but are BEAUTIFUL. My only complaint is that you have to put a cover over them. They are so cute that you truly don't want to cover them up. Great diaper, but expensive -- although IMO it's worth it... they are just THAT cute.

Favorite Cover:

• Thirsties: Simple and functional. No leaks. :)
  
  So, that's it folks! There's my preachy diapering 101 information. Have a blessed day!
  
  Love,
  Liz