There are numerous decisions a mother needs to take when she is expecting a newborn baby at her home soon. The most important decision is related to diapering!
There are many countries in the world where the traditional cloth diapers are still used for the newborns. On the contrary, modern moms are still apprehensive about using cloth diapers.
In layman’s language, cloth diapers are the handkerchief sort of cloth put up with a couple of safety pins around the waist of the baby. But the time has completely changed and so did the concept!
The new school cloth diapers are super absorbent, easy to wash and easy to put on and take off. You can easily wash them in your washer. Awesome, isn’t it? And a much better option for the modern mothers!
There are a variety of cloth diapers available in the market. Some of them are disposable while some are reusable. Now the most important question comes; when to start cloth diapering?
You are on the right page. Keep reading on!
First Let’s Understand The Benefits of Using Cloth Diapers
Though many would-be-moms must be confused with the concept of cloth diapers confusion will disappear after knowing the benefits –
Good for the baby
Every baby suffers from diaper rashes at least once in the first three years of age. The most common reason is the usage of Dioxin which is a byproduct of bleaching used in the readymade diapers sold in the markets.
Dioxin has been listed as a dangerously toxic carcinogen by EPA. However, cloth diapers are very safe for babies free of any toxic elements.
Good for the environment
You would be surprised to know that on average a baby consumes around eight thousand diapers per year. Disposable diapers use 20 times more energy and generate 60 times more solidified waste as compared to cloth diapers.
On an average, it takes around 250-500 years for one disposable diaper to dissolve in the soil. Cloth diapers are very quick to decompose as they are made up of wool or cotton.
Good for you
Obviously, the cloth diapers are much cheaper as compared to the readymade ones. You can be assured about the safety of your baby’s skin. They are much more convenient and can be easily home arranged.
However, there is no specified age limit for using cloth diapers in newborn babies. It can be used since the day of their birth provided the dry diapers are regularly available.
Factors to Consider While Starting to Use Cloth Diapers
However, there are some critical factors which need to be kept in mind while starting to use cloth diapers:
How many cloth diapers do I need?
Cloth diaper covers have come out of the dark ages and tend to be cuter than before. Today’s cloth covers are really much to use in comparison.
When comes from Newborn babies have an average of 20-24 cloth diapers during this stage. As these diapers need to be continuously washed and dried, you must have 20 ready diapers all the time.
Next babies grow in Infants’ having at least 14-18 diapers for every 2-3 days. Now your baby is a toddler then having at least 12-16 diapers.
When your toddler begins to potty train have at least 4-8 diapers. Everything Depends on the method of use of diapers that fits your family’s needs.
Change wet diaper fast
It is recommended to change the diaper as and when the baby wets it. Even we would not like to sit on a wet chair so how can you expect the baby to stay in the wet diaper?
Washing cloth diapers
Try to wash the cloth diapers with the help of natural detergent ingredients. Many people use baking soda and borax to clean them.
Use only hot water to wash the cloth diapers. Washing them in cold water can turn the fabric rough.
Dry your cloth diapers
Make sure you dry the diapers in the hot dryer only. This will keep intact the softness of the diapers.
Keep your surroundings free from any dust mites and insects. You must dry the diapers in a place where there is fresh air and sunlight.
Cloth diaper accessories
Here are some important cloth diaper accessories –
- Wet Bag.
- Wool Dryer Balls.
- Fleece Diaper Liners.
- Diaper Sprayer.
- Cloth Diaper Pail.
- Rash cream.
And more
Avoid usage of any kind of oils and talcum powders on the diapers. This can lead to a severe allergic reaction to the baby.
Check Out This Article: 7 Things Must Know Before Using a Baby Swing.
So, my dear ladies, these were some important details about the usage of cloth diapers. We all wish to carry forward the legacies and cultures to the next generations. Therefore using a cloth diaper is just like passing on the love and care of your ancestors to your loved ones.
The cloth diapers are much safer for the babies. They are cost effective and eco-friendly as well. They are available in various different patterns in the market. All you need to do is go out and explore the multiple options of cloth diapers out there and choose the best for your baby.
After all who doesn’t like the babies sleeping with a big bum! Wishing you and your babies lots of good health and smiles!