Doing Diapers The Old Fashioned Way, It’s Not So Old Fashioned! By Rachelle Powers
Not too long ago, parents were faced with only one option as far as diapering their precious bundles was concerned. Cloth diapers, hideous plastic over-pants and those big, scary pins that were rumored to have repeatedly stabbed many a chubby baby thigh. Fast forward a few years and the country has abandoned that hassle for a myriad of disposable diapering options. Convenience has stolen our hearts and with our hectic lifestyle, it’s no wonder!
But has this convenience come at a price? Yes! Disposable diapers are expensive! But aside from the literal cost, more and more research is discovering that there is also a cost to the environment, and even our babies’ health.
Most of us have probably already heard the astounding statistic that if you lined up all the disposable diapers used in the United States in one year, it would stretch to the moon and back NINE TIMES. That’s a lot of doody! Disposable diapers are the third leading consumer product clogging our landfills right now and they don’t decompose. Not only that, but our landfills are not equipped to deal with the human waste that is being deposited there. Did you know that when you buy disposable diapers the box says to dump out the doody in the toilet before tossing the diaper? Who does that? Nobody I know.
Health-wise, research has already proven that the incidents of diaper rash has increased from 7% to 78% since disposable diapers have increased in usage. A link between using disposable diapers and the onset of asthma and allergies has also been discovered. There is also some research to suggest that there may be a link between the chemicals used in disposable diapers and male infertility.
In light of all this, moms everywhere are making the switch back to cloth diapers. Not only because of environmental or health concerns, but also because the cloth diaper industry has upped the convenience and the cuteness factors. No more big, scary pins! No more ugly plastic pants! There is a huge selection of cute cloth diapers out there. From absorbent Prefolds with colorful over-pants, to Pocket Diapers or even the ultra convenient All In One by Bum Genius each of which can be found at the Cotton Babies website.
Bum Genius brand cloth diapers are just that, genius! Their one size diaper can take care of your baby’s diapering needs from birth on up through potty training, without buying bigger sizes. This diaper has stretch fit tabs for easy fastening (no pins!), three by three snaps down the front for size adjustment, adorably colorful waterproof outer lining, and each diaper even comes with an absorbent insert that tucks into the built in pocket inside the diaper.
The intricate design of this diaper is carefully made to relieve any worries you may have about your diapering adventure. Bum Genius diapers are made to keep your baby’s delicate skin healthy and to keep everyone and everything dry. There are several ingenious elements in place to keep the wetness contained. First is the covered insert opening that keeps the absorbent insert from creeping out and keeps the wetness tucked away inside. Then there are the leg gathers that fit snuggly to contain messes. There is also a waterproof outer layer that keeps wetness from seeping through.
Bum Genius diapers also won the iparenting media award which means it was tested by experts and moms and found to be a fabulously convenient, dependable and an all-around quality product. Their high standards help you rest assured.
You can find these amazing diapers and others at the Cotton Babies website. Cotton Babies is an online company that sells several brands of cloth diapers and accessories, including the fabulous Bum Genius brand. In addition, they carry a wide variety of eco-friendly accessories like bamboo wipes, all natural lotions, and other necessities like diaper totes.
They also sell another fabulous find, flushable diaper liners! These biodegradable liners can be placed in the diaper, allowing wetness to pass through, but containing the “other” types of messes within the liner. Then the liner and the mess can be flushed away and your diaper is stain free! No dunking or soaking! The Cotton Babies site also has dozens of articles and how-to’s to ease all your cloth diapering anxieties.
Still not convinced? What if I told you that over the two to three years your child is wearing diapers, you will literally save THOUSANDS of dollars on the purchase of disposable diapers? That cost savings increases exponentially with future children who will continue the use of the same diapers. It is a one-time investment that pays serious dividends down the road.
So if the latest research is starting to get your attention, or if you just want to save a few (thousand) dollars, check out Cotton Babies or the Bum Genius websites to browse around. What little munchkin wouldn’t look cuter in one of these colorful little buns-huggers than a boring white disposable anyway?
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:23 pm
We use a few Bum Genius, but we’re big on the Fuzzi Bunz. They newer design for them seems a little bigger than the old ones, though. Check them out! It’s easier to get the insert out than digging through the Bum Genius, but you would have to buy multiple sizes if you’re going to cloth diaper from the beginning.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I love the look of modern cloth diapers! Why cover your kid’s bottom in scratchy elmo inspired plastic, when you can have a stash of super-soft diapers in a rainbow of colors. I just wish more people knew about the value of cloth and how great it is for their kids!
April 23rd, 2008 at 5:28 am
We’ve been thinking about making the switch to bumGenius diapers. I appreciate your thoughtful and thorough review.
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:41 pm
I originally wrote this article last year. Since then I have been using Bum Genius exclusively with my two younger kids. The one size fits both of them and I have saved SO much money. Bum Genius has since come out with their 3.0 version with some great new features. I recommend them to everyone I know and have managed to convert a few friends!
April 25th, 2008 at 1:50 am
Great article, Rachelle!