By Melissa Moog
Last week I did some research on eco-friendly and cloth diapering alternatives to disposable diapers for my TV segment on Fox12 (video link provided below). I have to say it was a ton of fun reviewing so many cute options for baby’s bum! Cloth diapering has definitely come a long way since Grandma’s diapering days! From hybrid, all-in-ones to pocket cloth diapering there is bound to be a solution for any novice cloth diapering parent! Our Itsabelly’s Guide to Going Green with Baby is also a great resource sharing cloth diapering tips on how many diapers to stock, list of brands, accessories and go-to resources.
Below I share the various types of cloth diapering styles you can consider. This short list is by no means in any particular order nor does it come close to listing every brand available. So, I encourage you to do your research and find out what cloth diapering style you like best by ordering a sampler kit as shown here on My Precious Kid . And personally, if there’s two key tools that will save you from icky messes and possibly get your hubby involved I recommend you use a flushable liner and invest in a multi-use spray wand! If you’re in Portland, OR or looking for an on-line store who carries cloth diapering products I’ve shared a great list below!
Video Link: Eco-friendly & Cloth Diapering Alternatives
First, here’s some quick diapering facts from The Real Diaper Association:
- Real Diaper Association estimates that 27.4 billion disposable
diapers are consumed every year in the U.S and will sit in our landfills for 250-500+ years - 50 million diapers end up in the landfill every day
- Families using disposable diapers will spend $2500-3000 diapering one child, compared to $500-600 using modern cloth diapers.
- Modern cloth diapers are dioxin free, often organic, are free of harsh chemicals and perfumes – unlike their big brand disposable counterparts.
- Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby EACH YEAR
Cloth Diaper Options:
1) Hybrid Diaper
gDiapers
Convenience of disposables with some of the re-usability of cloth diapers.
You can have the flexibility of a disposable diaper with a 100% biodegradable gRefill, or opt for reusability with super soft and trim-fitting gCloth inserts. gDiapers are plastic-free, elemental chlorine free, latex free, and perfume free.
2) All in One/ All in Two Cloth Diapering
a) GroVia is a modern, one-size diapering system. Its unique, waterproof shell and organic cotton soaker pad minimizes waste and cost. When the soaker pad is wet, simply replace with a fresh, dry one! Just featured on Fortune 500 Inc. as one of the fastest growing co’s.
b) Bum Genius – One-size diaper w/ adjustable snaps and attached liner, velcro closure . Adjustable absorbency and stay-dry inside, water proof outside.
c) bitty d’lish – Ultimate in fashion & trim diapering, with the one piece design, snap closure. Very easy to use – no extra pieces to fold, stuff or snap in.
3) Pocket Diaper
Fuzzi Bunz
One of the most adjustable diapers through elastic with snap closure. Uses absorbent inserts.
4) Wrap (used with a cloth insert or fitted diaper)
Bummis
A nice, snug, waterproof wrap is an integral part of every 2-piece diaper (1 insert or 1 fitted diaper + 1 wrap = a 2-piece diaper).
5) So, if you don’t want to jump into full fledged cloth diapering right away here are some baby step options into eco-friendly diapering. Better for baby’s bum and mother earth!
a) Diaper Service – To minimize the work you have to do on cleaning try a diaper service like Tidee Didee.
b) Eco-friendly Diapers – Don’t want to go cloth but want safer/non-toxic option free of nasty chemicals try Seventh Generation or Nature’s Babycare. They are free of chlorine processing, fragrances, latex and petroleum-based lotions protecting baby’s sensitive skin.
c) Broody Chick Diapers – 100% chlorine free, hypo-allergenic, fragrance free, diaper is fully compostable & proven to compost in 90 days!
* For local store fronts and on-line boutiques who carry cloth and eco diapering products check out the following:
