Cloth Diapering an Infant and a Toddler

Date: 2009.10.02 | Category: Bunky, Cloth Diapering, Environment, Natural & Green Living | Tags:

Up until now, I had been using disposables on Bunky,
but we are running out and it is time for me to transition him to the cloth diapers.

Until Spunky is potty trained, I will have two kiddos in cloth diapers.
Two cute cloth diaper booties to admire!

But why do I choose cloth diapers?

There are many reasons!

#1- Health

Cloth diapers are free of the many chemicals contained in disposable diapers.  Disposable diapers contain Tributyl-tin (TBT), which is a pollutant known to cause hormonal problems.  Dioxin, an extremely toxic by-product of the paper-bleaching process, is used in the bleaches used in disposable diapers.  The EPA lists dioxin as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals, which is banned in most countries. In addition, babies who are cloth diapers have less diaper rashes.

#2- Environment

Disposable diapers fill up landfills and take forever to disintegrate (an estimated 250-500 years), and the dioxins are leaked into our waters.  In a home with a child in diapers, disposable make up 50% of household waste.

Did you know that the manufacture and use of disposable diapers amounts to 2.3 times more water wasted than cloth?

Those who use cloth diapers typically use all natural cleaners as well.  This makes for cleaner waters that are free of the chemicals used in other detergents and cleaners.

#3- Cost

For a child who uses disposable diapers, the parents will pay approximately $1,600 in the first two years or $66 per month.  My entire lot of cloth diapers, which I will currently be using for two children and then any more children we may have in the future, cost me less than $300. As for water usage, it costs approximately $1.50 per load to wash diaper (this includes the cost of soap, water and energy). So, even with the added cost of cleaning the diapers, I still spend much less than I would if I had used disposable diapers.

My Tips for Saving Water: If you can’t or don’t want to use cloth diapers, try taking shorter showers or flushing the toilet less frequently or making sure you only run full loads of laundry or dishes in the dishwasher. Even these tiny things can make a huge difference!