Whether you’re interested in cloth diapering full or part time, saving money or saving the planet, or simply believe there must be a better alternative to disposables, The Inquisitive Mom and BabyKicks Cloth Diapers want to help your family make the transition to cloth with The New to Cloth Diapers Series, beginning with 5 Reasons to Switch to Cloth Diapers.
We’ll be addressing 5 Reasons to Switch to Cloth Diapers in the first part of the series, then I’ve Decided to Cloth Diaper, Now What? in the second. We’ll conclude with a BabyKicks #NewtoCloth Twitter Party on Thursday, February 7th, at 8pm CST/9 pm EST, answering questions, connecting with the online cloth diapering community, including BabyKicks Ambassadors, and giving away awesome BabyKicks prizes to help your family get started with cloth! (Sign up below)
1. Cloth Diapering Saves Money
Achild will spend approximately 2 to 3 years in diapers during a time period when their skin is not fully developed and is highly absorptive. Newborns lack the acid mantle, an acidic film over the skin surface which acts as a stabilizer and barrier against bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. Water, soaps, and some cleansers can also disrupt this acidic film in infants and young children making them more vulnerable. Contact
dermatitis can occur as an irritation due to overly sensitive skin or an allergic reaction to the chemicals, fragrances, or dyes found in disposable diapers. Oftenthe gel in disposables is the main reason for an allergic reaction.
Cloth diapers without plastic covers such as fitteds or pockets with gussets are breathable and can prevent a rise in temperature. Natural fibers created without the use of chemicals, such as hemp used in BabyKicks Diapers, also can prevent diaper rash. The essential oils found in hemp can inhibit bacterial growth and fungus. Hemp is highly absorptive and can hold an enormous amount of urine preventing excessive moisture from breaking down the skin.
3. Environmental Concerns
Disposable diapers produce at least 70 times more trash than cloth diapers. It’s been estimated that disposable diapers make up 4% of household waste and it’s uncertain how long it will take a disposable diaper to decompose. While all solid waste should be dumped before diapers are disposed of, most households simply put soiled diapers in the trash. The energy associated with manufacturing, packaging, and distributing cloth diapers is also a concern. It’s estimated that one baby will go through 8,000 disposable diapers before potty training. A child may use 60 to 100 (high estimate) cloth diapers in a lifetime. There are manufacturing and distribution costs (and some chemicals), but cloth diapers can be reused by subsequent children, donated to families in need, sold or traded, or re-purposed for cleaning and other projects. Also, when you choose hemp products, such as BabyKicks, you are choosing a product that does not deplete the soil and improves soil fertility.
4. Exposure to Chemicals in Disposable Diapers
Disposable diapers contain dioxin, super absorbent polymers (SAP), Polyethylene, and Tributy-lin (TBT). These are linked to reproductive and developmental problems, skin irritation, a release of natural gas vapors, and other environmental dangers.
5. The Superior Look, Feel, and Ease of Use of Modern Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers come in an amazing array of colors and patterns, from the classic pastels, to bold patterns, to creative embellishments. Rather than using chemically laden paper and plastics, cloth diapers are made of soft hemp, fleece, cotton, and microfiber. They are more comfortable against baby’s skin and offer fabric options you’ll feel comfortable putting them against your baby’s sensitive skin. Plus, if you’re thinking pins and plastic pants, think again. BabyKick Diapers are quick to change, quick to dry, easy to use, and feature air vents, leak protection, and custom fabric blends.
Why Choose BabyKicks Cloth Diapers?
BabyKicks products are made of the highest quality natural and organic materials. Over 90% of their products are handmade in Maryland. They use hemp in their products because its durability, absorbency, and natural anti-microbial properties. This means your baby will be naturally protected from mold, mildew, and fungus. Hemp is also a better environmental alternative to cotton. The adorable range of BabyKicks hemp products, from prefolds, to pockets, to accessories, are gentle on baby and gentle on the environment. BabyKicks is family owned and operated out of Maryland and is now available in over 15 countries.
For additional facts about cloth diapers, please visit The Real Diaper Association.
Thanks to Michelle Hill for contributing to this article. Michelle is a family nurse practitioner who stays at home with her one year-old son. She says, “I am loving this special time and enjoying being able to play such an intimate role in his life. I worked in the hospital for four years with cardiac patients, then transferred to a small private family practice for six years. I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from SUNY Brockport and a master’s degree from St. John Fisher College.”
So, now we’ve talked about the Why of cloth diapers, join me next Tuesday for the How. Use the Rafflecopter form below to RSVP for the BabyKicks #NewtoCloth Twitter Party on Thursday, February 7th, at 8pm CST/9 pm EST. Prize winners will be selected from party participants who RSVP and tweet at least once during the party using the hashtag #NewtoCloth (tweet must be public). If you don’t see the giveaway form, simply click “See More.”
Giveaway Closed
laura jeffery says
laura jeffery says
I’m new to CD and would love to try a BabyKicks 3g Pocket diaper 🙂
Katie Fender says
I would love to try the organic fitted!
SavingsFairy says
their prefolds look AWESOME!!!
SavingsFairy says
I am wondering about line drying how long does it take in say Florida?
Charis's Mum says
I’d like to try their organic fitted diaper.
Gina Hodges says
I would like to try the premium pocket diaper!
Christine M Tubbytelly says
http://www.babykicks.com/store/product/babykicks-organic-fitted-1044.cfm
@MamaPapaBarn
Gina Hodges says
I have very hard water and would like to know if the best detergent for that or the best way to keep from having build up so frequently
Christy isttc says
Organic fitted diaper. It looks great!
Christy isttc says
I would love to try the organic fitted diaper.
Christy isttc says
What do you suggest for someone brand new to cloth diapers?
Pixieleah says
I want to try a 3g pocket.
Pixieleah says
how many diapers are necessary in a full time stash?
Pixieleah says
Do the 3g os pockets really fit a newborn well?
Housewife Mama says
I would love to try the organic fitted!
Housewife Mama says
Is there one detergent that works well for all water types?
Kayla Dusseau says
an organic fitted would be awesome to try!! 🙂
Beth R says
I would love to try the 3g os pocket
Beach Bum :) says
I would love to try the 3g pocket diaper!
~Christine Savela
Beth R says
What specific detergents work best for an HE front loading machine?
Beth R says
What is the best diaper to use on a newborn?
Charlotte says
I’d also love to try one of their Organic fitted diapers.
Melanie Somnitz says
That premium pocket diaper is super cute 🙂 Although I need to add some fitteds. Needs vs. Wants…
Melanie Somnitz says
Why should I use fitteds instead of AIOs? Isn’t it more work to put two diapers on?
Wendy says
I want to try BabyKicks nursing pads and cloth wipes!
Melanie Somnitz says
What does a great newborn stash look like?
Sarah Hayes says
Id love to try an organic fitted diaper and theirs looks great!
Sarah Hayes says
What are the benefits of an organic diaper over a regular one?
Jill says
I would like to try a prefold!
Jill says
Is there such a thing as too many diapers?
Jill says
inexpensive diapering, or building a stash with no cash (I hear that one a lot!)
Monique Eckert says
I would like to try the Baby Kicks prefolds
Monique Eckert says
How can. One travel with cloth?
Jess says
Oh my! I registered for the Joey Bunz inserts, I would love to try the fitteds or the premium pockets!
Charis's Mum says
What do you recommend to people who have to wash in coin operated machines?
@wifemummynurse
Charis's Mum says
What do you recommend for heavy wetters?
@wifemummynurse
aperry says
Joeybunz I would like to try
aperry says
I would like to try Joeybunz
aperry says
Tips on nighttime diapering a toddler
Babes Mami says
organic fitted!
Britni Bradford says
I’d love to try the Babykicks Oragnic Fitted and the New Premium Pocket Diaper
Jackie says
I would like to try the prefold
Sunshine Patty says
Love to try the organic fitted
Sunshine Patty says
Inserts best way to switch to natural fiber ones and not break the bank
Rebecca Rushton says
organic fitted diaper
Stormy says
anything!
Stormy says
best diapers for overnight?
Katherine D. says
BabyKicks Organic Fitteds
Katherine D. says
Hemp vs. Bamboo. Which one is better and why?
Katherine D. says
Best way to strip diapers?
Domestic Diva says
I’d like to try an organic fitted diaper.
The Bump Chronicles says
I would try the organic fitted diaper!
lockwk17 says
the BabyKicks Premium Pocket Diaper
lockwk17 says
What are some good stay dry over night options for a heavy hitter.
Gwen LTP says
The Pocket diaper with bamboo lining!
Gwen LTP says
Im worried about spills. Are there a lot with cloth diapers How to avoid them?
Maria Ivey says
I would love to try their prefolds.
Maria Ivey says
I would like to see information on cost savings of using their different products over disposables.
One Southern Girl says
I’d love to try their Premium Pocket diaper… I love their bright colors!
One Southern Girl says
I’d love to see/hear any ideas for cloth diapering special needs kids and the best fabrics for rash-prone babies.
Katie Fender says
How often should diapers be stripped?
Katie Fender says
What are the best diaper options for a newborn?
Janine Fowler says
I would mostly like to try the basic pocket diapers.
Janine Fowler says
I’d like to know more about the history of cloth diapers. Not so much a diaperING question, but that’s what I’m interested in! Or maybe tips for making cloth dipes last as long as possible.
Thee Juliette says
I I would love to try Organic Fitted
Thee Juliette says
Would love to try the Organic Fitted
Thee Juliette says
been wanting to try cloth diapers however I’m confused on how to start. For example if how many Organic fitted do I need to start & do I need extra JoeyBunz?
Michelle Lee says
I’d love to try the organic fitted.
Michelle Lee says
I’d love to know how to make my diapers last through more than one/two kiddos. They sure are getting a beating!
Michelle Lee says
I’d also like to know more about HE washers and cloth diapering.
Raquel says
I would love to try one of their prefolds!
Raquel says
I would love to try one of their prefolds!
amanda says
I would love their premium pocket diaper!
Laurie says
I would love to try an organic fitted.
Laurie says
I would like to try an organic fitted.
amanda says
I’d like to know the best detergent for super hard water.
amanda says
I’d like to know the best detergent for super hard water.
Laurie says
What is the best way to deal with poop?
amanda says
I’d like to know about the differences in diapers, I’m new to cloth diapering.
alyssa laughlin says
I want to try a 3g pocket.
alyssa laughlin says
What kind of detergent should you be using when washing for the first time? How many diapers would be a good amount for a start up stash?
Karine Traverse says
The BabyKicks Premium Pocket Diaper
CJ says
Would love to try the 3G OS pocket
timelesstotes says
the organic fitted diapers sound wonderful
Kayla Dusseau says
what is the best way to prep baby kicks fitted diapers?
Savy Mommy says
organic fitted 🙂 @savymommymoment
Savy Mommy says
How do I rid the stinkyness from them?!!
Christine M Tubbytelly says
how do you transition from diapers to training pants. My toddler is not interested.