Using Cloth Diapers and Diapering Tips for the Earthy Baby

Diapering, as with any other parenting dilemma, does not have to be an all or nothing decision. Some choose to use cloth all the time, others use cloth as the rule, with exceptions made for traveling, outings or nighttime, while others will use disposables all the time. There are important reasons why we chose to use cloth and with the fabulous products that are currently available, it is easy to do so with very little fuss and a much lighter footprint left upon the environmental future of our children.

We used cloth 99.9% of the time. For the first month, as we adjusted to life with Terran, we used a diaper service. While they were fabulous and I would probably go that route again if we were to have a second child (though maybe just 2 weeks next time around), it is far more economical to own and wash one’s own set. We also used one pack of Tushies brand disposables on a two-week trip we took, but we also took our cloths with us, and alternated between the two as convenience and washing opportunities presented themselves.

One point to mention here is that if it is economically viable, you will probably find that the investment in a really good set of diapers is well worth it (and they can always be found at consignment shops for a fraction of the new price). We found some with built-in liners, velcro fastenings, and snaps that allowed the diaper size to grow with our babe. There are many different types on the market and whether you’re investing in or inheriting a set, it may be a good idea to stop by a good diaper store and discuss which type of wraps go with which type of diapers and the liner options available (generally bio-degradable disposable or reusable).

Why Cloth?
Number one factor in our decision to use cloth was quite simply health. There are no chemicals in cloth diapers therefore there aren’t chemicals in constant contact with baby’s bottom. As we hear more and more about the detrimental effects of various chemicals and toxins in our world, I feel strongly about eliminating those we can for our son.

There are a number of chemicals, perfumes, and dyes in disposable diapers that can irritate babies’ bottoms. One chemical in particular, dioxin, though found only in trace amounts in most brands, has been classified by the World Health Organization as a Class 1 Carcinogen (which means it is a known human carcinogen). Dioxin is a by-product of the paper bleaching process and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that skin rashes, liver damage, weight loss, and a reduction in the effectiveness of the immune system have all been attributed to human exposure of dioxins. I just could not bear the thought of exposing our baby to even trace amounts of such a chemical almost constantly for the first 2-3 years of his life (the time in which his immune system is developing rapidly).

Another of the chemicals found in most disposables is called sodium polyacrylate, which is the chemical that was removed from tampons because of its link to TSS (toxic shock syndrome) in 1985. It is used to make diapers more absorbent (it can hold 100 times it’s weight in liquid), but some sources say it can cause bleeding in the perineal and scrotal tissues of some babies and has even been found in the urinary tracts of some infants.

Hmmm…not a comforting thought for our babies’ bottoms, is it?

Another strong factor in the diapering decision is the environmental impact. It takes about 500 years for disposables to decompose - if they are exposed to sun and air (how long will it take them to decompose if singly wrapped by the Diaper Genie, then put in another, bigger plastic bag to go to the curb in, then dumped into a landfill and piled with tons and tons of other garbage?). They are piling up in our landfills very quickly. From birth to potty-learning, each child will undergo 6000-9000 diaper changes. That literally translates to over one ton of waste entering the solid waste system per child. Disposable diapers are landing in the landfills and besides not decomposing, they contribute to the contamination of the soil, water supplies and create air pollutants. Feces in the disposable diapers can carry over 100 viruses to landfills, and those same chemicals that were next to the baby’s bottom (including dioxins) are also transferred to the land.

Economically speaking, cloth diapers again win hands-down over disposables. Depending on the cloth system employed by families (fitted, flat, pre-folded, all-in-ones, etc.), the costs can range from $150 to $500. Disposables will easily run well over $1500 – for each child. Should you have more than one child, a good set of cloth diapers will likely be able to see another babe or two through their diapering days.

Makes a rather strong argument for the cloth system, doesn’t it?

Cleaning Cloth Diapers
Many people sway towards disposable diapers due to the ease of these so-called convenience products. In reality, using cloth diapers is much simpler than it used to be and can take as little as an extra load of laundry every 2-3 days.

While some still prefer to use a “wet” diaper pail with a mixture of water with either vinegar or baking soda, it usually isn’t necessary and may pose an unnecessary drowning risk (besides making the diaper pail way heavier and more awkward). If you do opt for the wet pail, be sure to use a diaper pail with a locking lid. My partner and I opted for the “dry” pail, shaking out and spraying the nastier diapers with a water-vinegar solution (a 1:1 ratio works well) before dropping them in to await wash day. (As our babe started on solids and his bowel movements became thicker and just plain yuckier and harder to clean, we used bio-degradable, non-chlorine bleached, flushable disposable liners. I would recommend them to make cleaning the diapers far more simple – just be sure to look at the different products available and find out what they are made of, how they are bleached, etc.). How often you wash the diapers will depend on the number of diapers you have, the size of your diaper pail and the amount of time you have. Every 2-3 days is usually sufficient. Try to keep loads under two dozen and use the maximum water setting, to ensure they come clean.

Dump diaper pail contents into washer and run through a COLD water rinse cycle with ½ cup of vinegar (hot or warm water or detergent will set stains).

Wash diapers with 2/3 less laundry detergent than you normally use on the heavy-duty cycle in warm or hot water (make sure your detergent has no bleach additives as bleach ruins the fibres of diapers and leaves residual dioxins which will be next to your baby’s skin). Add ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle (I put it in one of those fabric softener balls to be automatically released in a timely manner). Vinegar removes soap residue and lowers the pH level, which will aid in preventing diaper rash. Do not use fabric softener as it will leave a waxy residue on the diapers, making them less absorbent.

If possible, line-dry your diapers. This will help them to last longer, it will save energy and money, and the sun will naturally bleach the diapers and give them a fabulously fresh smell (as Terran was born in the winter, it was a few months before we were able to “bleach” them outside – I was shocked at how white they came and how quickly when we finally did get the opportunity to sun-dry). When they are thoroughly dry, place them in the dryer for about 10 minutes to fluff them. If you can’t line dry them due to space, time, or weather restraints, diapers can be put in the dryer on medium to high heat. To help them dry quicker, place a large dry towel in with them.

It’s that easy!

If for some reason your diapers, covers, or reusable wipes don’t smell fresh, they can be re-washed in the same fashion, or you may want to try the wet-pail approach. Be sure to use a locking lid to prevent little hands from opening it, and put half a cup of vinegar or baking soda in the water. The only difference for washing is that you will dump the entire pail into the washer (water and all), run through a spin cycle to get rid of all the soaking water, then continue with the above steps.

Friendlier Wipes
Using re-usable wipes is another way to ensure that your baby’s skin is protected from harmful chemicals and that the landfills are clear of feces, more chemicals and further bulk. Flannel wipes can be purchased or easily made (try using old receiving blankets by checking those second-hand stores, or purchase a bolt of flannel from your local fabric store). Some people use old wash cloths, but we found the terry cloth to be a little harsh.

Once you have your wipes ready for use, plain water will work just fine, or you can try one of the following recipes, depending on your baby’s needs. There are several ways to prepare your wipes, and we found different methods worked better at different stages of Terran’s diaper days. Try the following methods and see what works for you.

**Always remember to wipe front to back (especially for baby girls) to prevent urinary tract infections.

Diaper Pails
The best way to avoid an overly smelly diaper pail is to wash the diapers regularly (every 2-3 days is usually sufficient). I like to use a few drops of essential oil on a cotton pad as a pail deodorizer (my favourites being lemon, orange, or a combo of the two for this task).

I keep a spray bottle beside the change table filled with a 1:1 vinegar-water solution (and sometimes a few drops of lemon essential oil for a more pleasing scent). I use this for spraying nasty diapers, cleaning the diaper pail when it’s empty, and wiping down the change table every so often. Vinegar is highly acidic and creates an environment inhospitable to bacteria, germs, etc.

**Avoid the use of bleach in any home. Bleach is a highly poisonous substance that isn’t necessary. For further cleaning tips, check out our section on healthy homes, or read Clean Home, Clean Planet – a great book!

Diapering the Earthy Baby

by Tabitha Tucker