Green Babies, Cloth Diapers

One of the parenting challenges toward which Bryan and I are most looking forward is that of raising a green baby. As a family, we're both enthusiastic about environmentally responsible living, and we hope that we'll be able to impart that enthusiasm to our Little Bean as he or she grows. We want to raise a child who separates recyclables from compostables from the rare bit of landfill-destined refuse as a matter of course. A child who is conscious of water and electricity usage. A child who prefers public transportation or a bike ride to a gas-guzzler in the driveway. For that matter, a child who appreciates gardens and hikes and bugs over video games and toy stores.

We'll see, I guess. I can concede that, the world being what it is, we may have our work cut out for us. Yet we're hopeful at least that we can nourish the green roots of a future tree-hugger by setting a strong example of environmental consciousness and responsibility ourselves. And, fortunately, for all the pressure these days to plasticize our lives, there are also ample resources available to make environmental friendliness more affordable and more convenient and even, simply, more desirable.

Kissaluv infant diapers are reported to be
virtually leak- and blowout-free.
Sounds like a good option to me!

In a nutshell, that's why Bryan and I are planning to cloth diaper.  And why we're looking forward to it.  We're excited about the benefits of cloth diapering. For one thing, in the long run, they're less expensive than disposables. Estimates indicate that we will save about $1,500 the first child, and considerably more if we reuse our cloth diapers with another in the future. Further, they're better for preventing leaks and blowouts. True, the cloth diapers of yesteryear were notorious leakers, but today improved designs mean a lot of parents are switching to cloth precisely because they control leaks and blowouts better. Another benefit is that they're healthier for babies. Who can argue that, from a health perspective, an organic cotton prefold isn't easier on Baby's skin than a chemical-packed disposable? Indeed, according to Jillian's Drawers (my favorite natural parenting store, based in Ithaca), "the rate of diaper rash has increased from 7% to over 78% since 1955, comparable with the increased rate of disposable diaper use." (Sounds like a suspicious correlation to me!)  And then, of course, there are the environmental benefits. Considering that the average infant requires 10-12 diaper changes a day, we'll be saving a lot of landfill space even in those first few weeks!  And those are just the benefits at the top of our list.  I could go on (but won't).

Cloth diapers mean lots
of options--including many
adorable patterns.

 So far the thing we find the most intimidating about cloth diapering is actually the number of choices it offers. Should we go with inexpensive and versatile--but less intuitive--cloth prefolds? Or the miraculous all-in-one that mimics the convenience and ease of a disposable? Perhaps something in between? If we use prefolds, with which brand of covers should we accompany them? Would we prefer snaps or velco? Disposable liners for easier cleaning? A mini-shower for spraying off messes? Which diaper pail? Which wet bag?  So many choices means cloth diapering has already demanded a lot of time and research.  Luckily, time is something I have and research is something I can do.