Cloth Diapering: A Labor of Love

I recently had the pleasure to work with a local customer to select her perfect newborn stash. We looked at covers, fitteds, the loveliest Raspberry Sorbet AppleCheeks cover, and all the other tidbits that round out the cloth diaperer's arsenal. We also talked through laundry routines and other cloth diapering words of wisdom. At the end of our time together, she remarked that this will be a 'labor of love.' This conversation was almost two weeks ago, yet her words still ring through my head. 

Labor of Love - work done without pay, undertaken for the benefit of a loved one

Yes, the laundry is the easiest you'll ever do (already sorted, already bagged, just dump & go). Yes, you will always have diapers in the house (no more late-night runs to the over-priced drugstore).

But I think it would be a lie to say that cloth diaperers walk around 24/7 with unicorns at their sides, singing the joys of cloth. I will fully admit that there are moments when I'm putting away diapers, or folding cloth wipes, or realizing I forgot to pack a wetbag, when I have to take a deep breath and remind myself why we choose cloth. 

We are keeping chemicals off her bum, diapers out of the landfill, and money in our pocketbooks. We are taking control in a time when so much control is lost. We labor out of love for the best for our child, and that benefit alone is far better than any other remuneration. 

One Giant Leap For Cloth Diapering-kind

Last month CBS's 'Eye on Parenting' featured a segment on the great diaper debate: cloth versus disposables. Their cloth diapering 'expert,' a pediatrician, discussed the pros and cons of the two types of diapers (you can view the original segment here).

Unfortunately, the segment was far from objective. Not only did they perpetuate the ever-pervasive notion that cloth diapering is difficult, wrestling with pins, Gerber prefolds and plastic pants, but glazed over the environmental impact, stating that the EPA posits disposable diapers in the landfill '[aren't] the worst kind of waste there is.' Wow. Given how much toxic stuff is being disposed of (anyone recall the Hungarian toxic sludge spill earlier this fall?), I don't know if the reassurance I'm the worst offender would be all that reassuring.

I will say, I do agree with the 'experts' concluding statement: 'you have to make the right choice for yourself.' You absolutely have to do what you believe is best for your family. Maybe you found an amazing daycare that supports your parenting philosophies, but will not use cloth. Maybe you only have access to laundry facilities on the weekends, and only cloth diaper Thursday-Sunday. Maybe you can only afford to slowly build a stash, and supplement with disposables until you have enough cloth. There are so many situations that cannot be predicted, and people should never feel badly when they make the best decision for their family. BUT (and this is a big but), I believe cloth diapering should never be ruled out until you have tried it. Just like Natali concludes, it is so much easier than you would ever imagine. To make the decision to use disposables, without researching the alternate option, is short-sighted and unfortunate.

Needless to say, the segment as a whole was very poorly received by the cloth diapering community. Thanks to the open mind of the segment's host, Natali Morris, she quickly responded to the requests to try cloth herself (you can follow her cloth diapering journey at her bog here and here). 

Now, a month later, CBS follows its original segment with an update, featuring expert Tereson Dupuy (the CEO of Fuzzibunz). Drat... will not embed correctly. Please do watch the newest segment - you can find it here. 

What do you think of the revised segment? A win for cloth diapers? 

Move Over Letterman....

Welcome to another Marky Baby Monday (well, belated Monday)!

From the Desk of Marky Baby - 

Why did I switch to cloth? Hmmm. Good question.

Presenting the 'Top Four Reasons I Switched to Cloth.' 

4. Cost Savings

3. Environmental Impact

2. Fashion

1. It makes Abby happy! (Editor's note - awwwwwww)

So we all know cloth saves money. I knew it, but not really until I did the math myself. You can break those apples down as far as you want - a two or three year total savings, or a monthly savings, or even a per-change savings. No matter how you slice it, you need to find a number that sells either you or your other half. Just remember, for your partnership you are already convinced, but your partner may not be. Since I'm a bottom-line-numbers guy, all the possible cost-savings scenarios work for me. In fact, the initial cloth naysayers at my office got an earful of the following phrases: 

• 'Guess who saved $3 yesterday? Not you.'
• 'Guess who saved some landfill space yesterday? Me!'
• 'Do you really own jean diapers? I have sushi ones!'

But seriously, Abby and I work very hard for our money, why would we let Avalee poo on it and then throw it away? This is an investment. Plain and simple. You buy them, use them while saving money, and you typically can sell them when you are done. Or, if you are Abby, when you find a prettier one. (Editor's note - true fact!)

As the proud owner of a worm composter, I obviously care about the environment. We recycle, carpool, walk when we can, use fluorescent lights and do not own an SUV - why would we throw away diapers that have an estimated landfill shelf life of 500 years or so? Not sure. Some people may argue that disposable diapers are more eco-friendly than washing diapers over and over, but I am pretty sure those are the same people who said the world was flat. 

Ok, so the boring part is over. Money and the environment, as important as they may be, don't hold a candle to the fashion. Solid, prints and patterns - oh my! You have different clothes for different uses, and you also need different diapers for different reasons. Think about how cute your baby is dressed. I can imagine it now - a cute dress from Gymboree just below the knee, with a gorgeous flower print in a color scheme that brings out your little girl's eyes. Then styled up with some Robeez and maybe a purse? Who knows. Then your beautiful girl rolls on the ground, playing with the dog. 

Bam. There is Winnie the Pooh, and Piglet too, just looking at you from their crinkly paper background. 

Talk about ruining the moment!...like when your shoes don't go with your purse (or belt). Why not have coordinating diapers for your little one's outfits? You do it up with baby legs or shoes, why not diapers? You may as well. So break out the kitten heels (after all, you have a little one and cannot exactly chase them in stilettos) and let's accessorize. (Editor's note - is the chasing in stillettos a challenge? I accept!)

The last and final reason is simply that Abby really wanted to do cloth. That's all the reason I needed. All the other stuff was just fluff. Money is always good to save and the environment is cool and fashion is fun, but in this partnership we call a marriage, Abby had something she wanted and it was my job to sell myself. 

Why Cloth? A Pictorial Summary....

If reading isn't your cup of tea, consider this cheat sheet as a quick and dirty guide to the 'why' behind cloth diapering.

Why Cloth?

Why Cloth? It is a good question. I mean, we live in the age of convenience. Convenience stores supply all your last-minute needs (albeit for a pretty penny), convenience drive-thrus provide your photos, fast-food and prescriptions. Why give up the convenience of disposables for a (presumed) less convenient diaper system? 

For me, money and the environment were primarily the two factors motivating our switch to cloth. However, there is a third very real aspect to also consider - the chemicals in a conventional disposable diaper. 

The Money

Let's talk money. Various estimates put the cost of disposable diapers, for one child, somewhere between $1,500 and $2,500. (1 - 3) This number is staggering, but most people consider disposables to be just a part of having a baby, and budget accordingly. Now imagine if you could diaper your baby for less than a third of the cost of disposables. And then imagine you could reuse these diapers for your next child(ren). The cost savings is staggering. 

I think where people get the most shell-shocked is the upfront cost of cloth diapering. Why invest $300-$600 into cloth diapers when you can buy a pack of disposables for under $20? Does this question ring true to you? (One note - notice my phrasing in the last sentence - 'invest.' Cloth diapers are just that, an investment, not only economically, but also in the health of both your child and the environment.)

If you have browsed through my shop I am sure you have noticed there are diapers covering all price ranges. If you choose to buy Flats or Prefolds you could diaper your child(ren) for as little as $200. If you chose to use diapers such as Pockets, All-In-Twos or All-In-Ones you will notice the cost of cloth diapering jumps (remember, we live in the age of convenience and even cloth diapering has not escaped its reaches - the price you pay is essentially indicative of the level of 'skill' required to use the diaper). 

Here is another way to approach it: think of cloth diapering as buying a house. A two-bedroom, one bath will suit your family just fine. But sometimes it is nice to have that second bathroom, office space or additional square footage. Buy what suits both your family's needs and budget the best. And do not think you are locked in to a diaper once you have purchased it. Just like you can eventually build a shed or remodel that kitchen, you can modify your diapers to fit your needs. For, as I mentioned earlier, cloth diapering is an investment. There is a booming resale market for cloth diapers. Depending on wear and tear, I estimate most families can recoup anywhere from 25% to 70% of their upfront diapering costs. How many disposable users can say the same? 

Lastly, here is a great cost calculator if you interested in comparing apples to apples while shopping for diapers. 

The Environment

In addition to the money you save with cloth, consider the landfill space you will save not contributing roughly 6,000 diapers (again, per child!) to these earthly time capsules. No one yet fully knows how long it takes a disposable diaper to compose, but the estimates range from 250 to 500 years. (4)

With the recent oil spill, consider this - 'Nearly 3.5 billion gallons of oil are used to produce the 18 billion throwaway diapers that Americans toss each year. To put that in perspective, that's more than the amount of crude we import annually from Kuwait.' If that number does not scare you - did you know that it takes at least 2/3 cup of oil to make just one disposable diaper? (5)

For a thorough discussion of the environmental aspect of disposable diapers, please click here (see heading 'Environment'). 

The Health of Baby

Finally, consider the contents of a typical disposable diaper - among other things - Dioxin (a carcinogenic chemical banned in most countries and listed by the EPA as the most toxic of all cancer-causing chemicals) and Tributyl-tin (a toxic pollutant known to cause hormonal problems). Finally, sitting in a plastic diaper has been known to raise the scrotal temperatures in boys and 'prolonged use of disposable diapers will blunt or completely abolish the physiological testicular cooling mechanism important for spermatogenesis' (similar to warnings against prolonged laptop computers on laps of young men or prolonged hot tub exposure). (6) 

In addition to these three main factors, there are also other reasons to choose cloth - potty training is usually easier and happens sooner, cloth diapers are so darn cute and last but not least - no more late-night trips to buy diapers at the convenience store! 

Sources:

(1) http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php 'Cost'

(2) http://www.punkinbutt.com/diaper_dollar.php

(3) http://www.diaperdecisions.com/cost_of_cloth_diapers.htm

(4) http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php

(5) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jennifer-grayson/eco-etiquette-how-can-i-c_b_572807.html

(6) http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php