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Article Excerpt
"I wish I could just wrap myself in the softness of my child's diapers!" That's something you have never heard a parent say--unless that parent uses cloth diapers for the child.
Shortly after my first baby was conceived, I became obsessed with finding the best cloth diaper for my money. I no longer concerned myself with events of the day. My prenatal yoga tapes gathered dust as I scrolled through endless websites, absorbing every bit of data ever posted about cloth diapers. I became fascinated with prefolds, fitteds, covers, wraps--you name it. I was committed to uncovering the facts--and now I'm laying them out for you.
Cloth diapers come in two standard systems: diapers with separate waterproof covers; and all-in-one diapers, with the waterproof cover sewn on. Diapers have two variables: fabric and style.
What's Your Fabric?
If you opt for a diaper and separate cover, the diaper will not be waterproof, and its main absorbent fabric will be cotton or hemp. It is best to avoid diapers that blend in polyester or other synthetic fabrics, as they repel water and therefore don't absorb as well as a 100 percent natural-fiber diaper.
An unbleached diaper is one that has never been through the harsh bleaching process, so the fibers are in their natural state. This prolongs the life of the diaper, and some will argue that it makes it even softer. Many moms opt to purchase diapers of organic cotton, like those made by Under the Nile, FuzBaby, or Oskri, which haven't been treated with pesticides and chemicals in the growth process. Unbleached, organic Egyptian cotton unfolds like a cloud against the baby's burn. For durability, terry is a favorite; thin, soft flannel is almost equally popular.
Hemp fleece, such as that used by LizsCloth, Cloud9Softies, and PeacefulMoon, is a blend of cotton and hemp unmatched in absorbency and comfort. Polyester fleece is often used as a top layer in a diaper for the purpose of wicking moisture away from the child's body and preventing diaper rash. Twill is the standard for flat, prefold diapers. It's durable and soft, and fluffs up considerably after several washings, although it can be bulky between the legs. Sherpa is noted for its luxurious feel, but it is blended with 15 to 35 percent polyester.
After choosing a diaper fabric, you'll need to decide on a fabric for the covers. That's right--no more plastic pants to pull up; now you have a plethora of options to keep your baby dry. Wool is a natural, "breathing" fabric that holds in and absorbs moisture, thanks to the lanolin in the fiber. A natural, undyed wool cover can be re-waterproofed with lanolin every few weeks, or as needed. Covers made out of cotton, another breathing fabric, keep cozy cotton against the skin, with a waterproof layer in the middle.
PUL and Ultrex are waterproof fabrics used for diaper covers, with many shapes and options to choose from. They don't breathe as well as wool, but they can be tossed in the wash, making them a cinch to care for. Polyester fleece, such as that used by Polar Babies or Stacinator, is an absorbent, soft, breathing fabric often used for covers. Diaper covers are available in pull-on or snap-on styles, or with a Velcro/Aplix closure in the front.
The Style Question
Prefold diapers--or, as they are often called, DSQs (for diaper-service quality)--are the standard flat, rectangular diapers you may remember from childhood. Nowadays you don't have to pin them, though. Many of the covers that come in a wrap style, such as Bummis, Prorap, Imse Vimse, or Lambkin, will hold the prefold diaper in place as you fasten the cover in front to fit your baby's waist.
Contoured diapers were created to make this process even easier, doing away with the folding step. Shaped like an hour-glass, they fit inside the wraparound diaper coven Fitted diapers are my favorite for their ease of use and ability to keep everything in the diaper. Fitted diapers will Velcro, tie, or snap around the waist, allowing you to create a snug custom fit for your child. They still need to be covered, but they work well with any fastening style. All-in-ones (AIOs), such as Bumkins, are diapers that have the waterproof layer sewn onto the outside. Often used for outings or when you're leaving baby with a sitter, they can take longer to dry and be more costly; in addition, AIOs don't offer the same fitting options.
Once you know which fabric and style you want, you're ready to buy, right? Not quite. We need to talk accessories: liners, doublers, and wipes. Cloth wipes are simply small washcloths used for cleaning the baby between changes. You can easily make wipes from old sheets, T-shirts, or other fabrics you have in your home. For a wipe...
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