A Cloth Diaper
With bold and bright colors, unique patterns and designs, cloth diapers have officially gone mainstream. They are available online, at major retailers, the neighborhood boutique and even E-bay. There are designer versions and soft neutrals. They have celebrity appeal and they have boy or girl appeal. But most importantly, they appeal to the earth and babies and parents everywhere.
Cloth diapers continue to evolve and change into modernistic diapers that parents across the globe want to use. While the dated cloth diaper stigma of pins, folding and diaper services are out the window, many parents are unsure of the specifics that go into cloth diapers. As retailers and cloth diaper experts, it's our job to educate and inform customers about what goes into making these essential products, the materials and how parents can use them on a daily basis in many different situations.
Despite great success within the industry, the cloth diaper is a misunderstood product and that scares many parents. So many websites, forums, and designs are available, it can be overwhelming. The truth is, it can be easy and convenient just like disposables. More and more parents are doing their research and finding that there are so many chemicals, including chlorine and perfume, in disposable diapers, dioxins that can quickly cause a rash.
Not to mention, one child will use approximately 6,000 disposable diapers by the age of 24 months, resulting in approximately one ton of rubbish. Disposable diapers take more than 500 years to decompose, and no one is even sure if they ever fully break down. Parents are supposed to remove solids and flush them down the toilet, but this rarely happens. Instead, the solids end up in landfills, the bacteria contaminating ground water and posing a threat to wildlife and the ecosystem. On the other hand, a supply of just 24-36 cloth diapers will use very few resources and will result in little waste. Today’s washing machines are great at conserving water and energy and the laundry soaps are so efficient that you only need to use a small amount. Realistically, one load of laundry uses the same amount of water as a few toilet flushes that a baby, once potty trained, would use daily.
Even better, that initial cloth diaper investment can be used for one baby as well as future siblings. Most manufacturers offer sized and one-sized options that grow with baby and fit babies of all sizes. Plus gender-neutral designs are all the rage making it easier for parents to reuse within their own family and break out of the yellow and green rut.
Needless to say, there is a “magic” to cloth diapers, especially for parents trying to decide what kind of diapers to use. Parents choose cloth diapers for multiple reasons: economical decisions, true belief in cloth and the environment, child's sensitive skin, ease and of course, cuteness factor!
Which is why making quality, healthy (and modern!) cloth diapers continues to be a mission for many brands. After years of research, development, and testing, cloth diaper companies are offering a range of products with multiple materials from organic cotton, bamboo, micro fiber, polyester, and more. Manufacturers tend to focus on the style, shape and weight of a diaper, specifically ensuring the absorbency of diaper material and of course, a waterproof exterior so babies do not experience leaks or wet bottoms and their caregivers don’t either.
Hybrid diapers continue to be in demand and a huge focus for parents and retailers entering the cloth diaper market. These diapers truly make cloth diapering a reality for parents as they allow an eco-friendly bit of "disposable diaper” within a reusable shell. Hybrid diapers are cloth diapers with the option to utilize a disposable insert or option. Adding a disposable insert - either made of bamboo or other disposable materials - makes for a healthy, biodegradable option for parents. This allows parents who are traveling, staying with grandparents or not fully committed or sure about cloth diapers, the ability to use disposable options, while still being committed to cloth diapers.
Parents who use cloth diapers also want to focus on cloth or reusable accessories, such as swim pants, training pants, organic cotton wipes, waterproof reusable diaper totes, organic cotton or bamboo leg warmers, and more. It's our job as cloth diapering manufacturers and brands to offer the complete collection of cloth diapers and accessories. Parents continue to rave about options and connecting to a brand that is truly focused on a healthier planet, thus a healthier baby.