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Cloth Diapering 101 

Why choose to cloth diaper?

There are so many choices, what type of diaper is right for me? 

Getting started

Why choose to cloth diaper?

Cloth diapering is beneficial for a number of reasons:

1) Cloth diapering saves you money: Disposable diapers can cost between $2000 and $3000 per child. Cloth diapers cost half as much or less (including laundering costs!) and can be reused for the next child.  

2) Disposable diapers make up 4% of all solid waste in landfills, and it can take more than 250 years for them to decompose.¹  In addition, disposable diapers create 60 times more solid waste than cloth diapers and require 2.3 times more water to manufacture and use.²

3) Disposable diapers contain dioxin and TBT, chemicals which have been linked to cancer³ and hormonal problems.⁴  Disposables have also been linked to respiratory disease.⁵

4) If those reasons weren't enough, cloth diapers come in a variety of prints and styles and look very cute on the tushie.

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What type of diaper is right for me?

Choosing cloth diapers for the first time can be overwhelming. Each type of diaper offers its own benefits and when picking a diaper, your decision will depend on which diaper meets your specific needs. You may decide that All-in-Ones (AIOs) work better for trips out and fitteds are all you will use at home. Or you may decide that pockets are the way to go and use pockets for everything. Here is a guide to help you make your choice. Remember that we are always available to help if you have any questions.

All-in-Ones (AIOs)

All-in-Ones are by far the easiest diaper to use. They work just like a disposable. No stuffing, no covers, just put it on and you're ready to go. All-in-Ones are typically more expensive than other types of diapers but, without the need to purchase covers or inserts, the added expense is minimal. Our favorites are the Jamtots AIOs, P'tits Dessous AIOs, and the Drybees Hybrid AIO.

Pockets

Pocket diapers are similar to All-in-Ones because they don't require a cover. They are typically less expensive than AIOs but require you to place an insert in a pocket (see the illustration below). A benefit to pocket diapers is that you choose the absorbency of the diaper! If you are using the diaper for daytime, you may only wish to add one insert but at night or car trips, you may find that more than one insert (2-3) is helpful. Our favorite is the Drybees Hybrid AIO. This diaper works like an AIO but you have the option of stuffing it for extra absorbency.

Fitted Diapers

Fitted diapers require a cover for waterproofing. Because they have a cover and form closer to baby's skin, they are less prone to leaks. Fitted diapers are a must for parents who only want to use natural fibers such as cotton, hemp or bamboo. The range of expense for fitted diapers varies depending on the type of diaper. Our favorite? The P'tits Dessous Bamboo Fitted paired with a Sckoon cotton cover.

Prefolds

Prefolds have the benefit of being the most economical diaper. These diapers are affordable and seem to last forever! On the downside, they are not babysitter/daycare friendly because they require some folding and pinning. These diapers do require a cover.

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Getting Started

If you are ready to get started with cloth diapers, here are the items you will likely need:

24 to 36 cloth diapers