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Cost
Resons To Cloth Diaper Your Baby
Bad, Bad Sposies!
Environmental News/Health Alerts
Washing Cloth Diapers
What do I do with the Poo? and How do I choose the cloth diaper that's right for me?
Q and A with Bebe Wamu
Q: Cost
How much is this going to cost me?
A:
For cloth diapering, the costs range widely and it is hard to give exact figures on how much these cost. Cloth diapering (including the cost of cloth wipes & laundering) can range between $250-1300 dollars. This figure ultimately depends on whether or not you choose the Cadillac diapers or the Pintos. Regardless of the style that you chose, you still come out financially ahead by using the cloth versus the disposable.
The Cadaliac Version-$17.95 a diaper by 60 diapers in three different sizes, wetbags and cloth wipes =$1,117.00.
The Pinto version-$2.50 a Chinese Pre-fold by 72 Chinese Pre-folds, 4 packs of diaper pins, 30 pairs in 3 different sizes of gerber “rubber” pants, cloth wipes and kitchen garbage can with a lid =$250.00
How much will you spend with Disposable diapers? For disposable diapers, the average cost per diaper nationwide is $0.25 per diaper. If your child is not potty-trained until 3 and you change your child every two hours, for fifteen hours (not changing during the time they are sleeping), you will average approximately eight diapers per day. Eight diapers per day would not be accurate when they are a newborn, but this is probably the average amount of diapers you would use on any given day. The total cost for this figure (3 years, 8 diaper changes per day) would be $2,184.00 (this total is just for diapers and does not include wipes or diaper cream, or gas for going to the store.)
Q: Resons To Cloth Diaper Your Baby
Top Ten Reasons (and then some!) To Cloth Diaper Your Baby
A:
-78% of babies in disposable diapers develop rashes while only 7% of babies in cloth diapers develop rashes.
-Disposable diapers contain Dioxin, Tributly-tin (TBT) and Sodium Polyacrylate just to name a few chemicals. While cloth diapers contain, well cloth.
-By the age of three the average child will have used 8,736 diapers that are sitting in a landfill that we currently do not the decomposition time of.
-To diaper a child with disposable diapers until the age of three will cost $2,184.00
-To cloth diaper a child with cloth diapers in the “cadillac” of cloth diapers will be $1,117.00
-Cloth diapers can be resold or reused as rags to cut back on environmental waste.
-Cloth diapers come in cute patterns and colors verses just Elmo or Pooh.
-Cloth diapering is a growing trend amongst young parents.
-Cloth diapers are re-usable for future children just like baby clothes or a crib.
-One child in disposable diapers will require 20 trees, 420 gallons of petroleum and generate one ton of garbage!
-It takes 20 trees to diaper one child for 2.5 years.
-It takes up to 200 years for a single-use diaper to decompose. That means every disposable diaper ever made is still in a landfill somewhere!
-It takes 2/3 cup of petroleum to produce just ONE single-use diaper!
-The largest organ in the human body is the skin. Cloth diapers protect your child's tender parts in ways that single-use diapers can't. Did you know that single-use diapers have up to 60 known chemicals in them?
-The use of disposable diapers has been scientifically linked to male infertility with young men who wore disposable diapers as babies.
-Your child will be doing great things for the earth from their very first day! Using cloth diapers saves trees, sensitive wildlife habitats, petroleum, landfill space and helps to reduce Global Warming!
-Studies show that a child in cloth diapers will potty train 6 months to one year earlier than a child in single-use diapers. Saving your family hundreds of dollars!
-Cloth diapering is less expensive than single use diapers. Not to mention the money you will save on diaper rash cremes and extra garbage service you will need to pay for with single-use diapers!
-Children are much more comfortable in cloth diapers versus diapers made of plastic and paper.
-Cloth diapering is easier than ever. Huge strides have been made in the past few years with cloth diapering accessories. These new accessories make cloth diapering easier and more fun then ever.
-When you use Bebe Wamu, you not only benefit the global community by using a sustainable form of diapering; but, you also contribute to our local community. Since we are a local employer and use the maximum number of local suppliers your money stays in our local economy benefiting our communities and neighbors. Any other type of single-use diaper funnels money out of our state and does little to benefit our community.
-RECYCELBLE: Disposable diapers are not readily biodegradable which is why it is estimated they take 250-500 years to decompose. In 1991, an attempt to recycle disposable diapers was deemed economically unfeasible.
-REUSEABLE: Cotton diapers are not single-use diapers. A family can expect to reuse cloth diapers 50 to 200 times before turning them into rags.
Both of these web addresses contain worthwhile discussions on the benefits of cloth diapering.
http://www.mothering.com/articles/new_baby/diapers/politics.html
http://www.borntolove.com/e-concerns2.html
-David Suzuki of The Suzuki Foundation describes disposable, single-use diapers as; "In my view, . . . ("disposable" diapers) are an eco-obscenity - they have no real justification save profit (of corporations)." www.borntolove.com/truth.html
Q: Bad, Bad Sposies!
Just why are disposable diapers so bad for my baby and the environment?
A:
Disposable diapers are a relatively new invention. They slowly became the diapering norm during the sixties and seventies
when they became more affordable to the consumer. Slowly, the old way of diapering your child with cloth diapers lost it's luster in the shadows
of the new invention of the disposable diaper that you just throw away when soiled. Considered to be "safe" by many parents disposable diapers actually contain Dioxin, a carcinogenic
that is an extremely toxic by-product of paper-bleaching. The United States allows this chemical to be used in disposable diapers, while in all other countries across the
world it is banned.
In fact the E.P.A. has Dioxin categorized as the leading toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals and yet we are putting it next to our children's bodies!
In addition to Dioxin, disposable diapers also contain Tributly-tin (TBT). TBT is known to cause hormonal problems in humans and animal's and disposable diapers also
contain sodium polyacrylate, which gives them that 'gel-like' feeling when they are urinated on and the sodium polyacrlate
sits right next to your child's skin and his/her's most private parts until a urine soaked diaper is changed!
Disposable diapers do not "breathe" either and as a result, they hold in heat causing an increased scrotal temperature in little boys, which may have long
term affects on the physiological testicular cooling mechanism that is needed for normal and healthy sperm maturation, scientifically known as spermatogenesis.
Disposable diapers are also the number three thing that you will find in landfills around the world. Because disposable diapers are made mostly out of plastics it can and will take up to 500 years for them to breakdown. It may not seem like you are really doing much just by cloth diapering your little one but in reality you are doing a lot more than you think by not using 8,000 disposable diapers on your baby that will just sit in a landfill somewhere!
Q: Environmental News/Health Alerts
Environmental News/Health Alerts
A:
Environmental News
REDUCE YOUR FAMILY'S CARBON FOOTPRINT BY USING BABY DIAPER SERVICE.
How often have you the phrase: "There is no difference environmentally between cloth and single-use, disposable diapers? Wrong!!! The differences are huge, but because of flawed "scientific" studies this myth seems to have lasted for many years. In fact not only were ALL of the pro-disposable diaper studies paid for and reviewed by the manufacturors of disposable diapers, but the numbers these studies cite DID NOT include manufacturing or transportation!!! So, for the disposable diaper industry to make these claims it must ignore all of the environmental impact associated with making and transporting their diapers. Imagine if the studies included the cost to manufacture, package and transport the 20,000 disposable diapers a single child will use before they are toilet trained. These is no denying that cloth diapers are much better for the environment.
Renewable, Recyclable, Reusable
RENEWABLE: The single-use life cycle of disposable diapers perpetuate their continued consumption, causing undue stress on our natural resources.
-The U.S. consumes an estimated 40.4 billion disposable diapers each year.
-Over 92% of all single-use diapers end up in a landfill.
-Over 300 lbs. of wood and 50 lbs. of petroleum feedstocks are used to produce disposable diapers for ONE baby EACH year.
Diaper Studies
THE TRUTH (ABOUT "DISPOSABLE" DIAPERS)
by Susan Verver, CA
Finally! It is agreed by all objective sources that "disposable" diapers are the WORST environmental choice. These objective sources include Environment Canada, The Recycling Councils of Ontario and B.C., the BC Medical Association, The Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC), The World-wide Home Environmentalists' Network (WHEN), The David Suzuki Foundation, the provincial governments of B.C. and Manitoba (who have both imposed a green tax on "disposable" diapers in the form of PST), and many other organizations.
Why do all these organizations promote the use of cloth diapers over "disposables"? They have no financial interest in the matter. They are, in fact, only interested in THE TRUTH. These groups are interested in improving the environment for the benefit of living things and future generations of living things. This is a very noble, real and true pursuit. Why would they deceive or misinform us?Answer: They wouldn't! So then, why is there so much confusion about this issue? Well, in 1989, in response to a major trend of consumers switching to cloth diapers, Proctor & Gamble decided to launch a multi-million dollar international advertising campaign. It was designed to cloud the issues and relieve the guilt of "disposable" diaper users. This campaign was wildly successful. Even though P&G was found guilty of false and misleading advertising as a result, they did regain their market share as misinformed consumers returned to "disposables" in droves. P&G has stopped most of this very dubious advertising now, and consumers are now starting to learn that they were misled, especially as they realize that the objective environmental groups still insist that "disposables" are BY FAR the worst environmental choice in diapers. David Suzuki wrote to BC's Minister of Environment in March, 1994 saying that, "In my view, . . . ("disposable" diapers) are an eco-obscenity - they have no real justification save profit (of corporations)."
SUGGESTED READING: Whitewash: Exposing the Health and Environmental Dangers of Women's Sanitary products and Disposable Diapers by Liz Armstrong and Adrienne Scott.
Soap Opera - The Inside Story of Proctor & Gamble by Alecia Swasy of the Wall Street Journal (New release from Random House)
This article compliments of Born to Love TAKING BABY STEPS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Now, more than ever, parents are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact our actions have on the environment our children will inherit. The news seems grim, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless in the face of science laid bare. As parents, though, we are in a unique position to make positive changes that will impact the world not only in our lifetime, but also in our childrens lifetimes. One small choice we can make that has a large impact is the decision to use cloth diapers on our children. Breathable, comfortable, and safe against babys skin, it is the natural choice, after all. Cotton diapers are reusable, recyclable, and ultimately have a gentler impact on the world than their disposable counterparts. In addition to the natural comfort and reusability of cotton, there are some less-obvious bonuses. Children in cloth diapers tend to potty-train earlier than their disposable-wearing cohorts, which is a definite boon to diaper-weary parents. And switching to cloth diapers instead of disposables can reduce your garbage bill by half. By using cloth diapers you're also helping to make a dent in the 18 billion disposables that end up in American landfills each year. Those billions of disposable diapers use 3.5 billion gallons of oil to produce. In addition, they use 3.5 times more energy, 8.3 times more non-renewable materials, and produce 60 times more domestic solid waste than cotton diapers. And, if that isn't enough, by making the choice to use cotton diapers you help to prevent one ton of non-biodegradable waste from ever reaching a landfill. Considering that a single disposable diaper can take up to 500 years to decompose, this is a gift that will last far into your childs future. Baby Diaper Service understands that parents need to do something proactive towards securing their childs environmental future. This is why they offer an alternative, giving parents a sustainable choice they can feel good about making. Not only do they make cloth diapering convenient, they go the extra mile to ensure the health and well-being of your child in the way they treat their diapers. Baby Diaper Service�s cotton diapers are washed using all natural-based soaps and softeners instead of harsh detergents or unnecessary chemical or bacterial rinses, so you know the diapers you put on your baby are safe and gentle on the skin. To learn more about cloth diapers and Baby Diaper Service, or to set up service, visit the Baby Diaper Service website at www.seattlediaper.com, or call their offices during business hours, Monday through Friday, at 1-800-562-BABY or 206-634-BABY.
Anatomy of an Unhealthy Diaper
Sodium Polyacrylate Crystals Is the clear, absorbent gel that absorbs moisture in the diaper. This superabsorbent polymer (SAP) was removed from tampons for causing Toxic Shock Syndrome. To date, no studies exist as to whether sodium polyacrylate is dangerous when absorbed through baby's skin for the first 3 years of life, 24 hours a day. Additionally, SAP absorbs all moisture found on skin, including natural moisture needed to keep skin healthy. Baby skin has not developed the outer layer adults have, making baby skin more vulnerable to absorb toxins without the natural oils and mature protective layers of skin to block toxins.Plastic barriers are used in every disposable diaper on the market, even those found in health food stores, use plastic as its barrier. Plastic doesn't breathe. It is hot. It promotes bacteria growth. Our skin is an organ that needs to breathe. Dioxins Dioxins are the by-product of the bleaching process, and one of the planet's most hazardous poisons. They are a highly toxic carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. The archives of Disease in Childhood reports that trace amounts of dioxin are present on disposables.No Breathability Causes Rashes, Possibly Sterility Some babies are rashy because air doesn't circulate in disposables. Cloth breathes. That's why there's seldom a need for rash creams with cloth diapers. Also, a 2001 UK study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood suggests that infant boys who wear disposables could experience impaired fertility as adults. The researchers found that the temperature of the scrotum was almost 2x's higher in disposables, this temperature increase, may negatively impact future fertility. Very Expensive It costs an average of $3000 to diaper a child. Cloth costs a fraction of disposables and can be used by more than one child!Chemical Stew A study published in late 1999 by Anderson Labs found that lab mice exposed to various brands of disposable diapers experienced asthma-like symptoms. Dr. Rosalind Anderson, lead author of the report, says the following chemicals were among those released from the disposables: xylene and ethylbenzene, suspected endocrine, neuro-, and respiratory toxins; styrene, a suspected carcinogen and respiratory toxin; and isopropylene, a suspected neurotoxin.Fragrance Added Babies already smell wonderful! Why ruin it with chemicals and perfumes? Some babies can have allergic reactions to the chemical mix, both respiratory, and rash.Delayed Culture of Potty Training at nearly a dollar a diaper if your child is in pull-ups, that is oodles of money that could be spent on something else. Most kids in cloth train by 2 years old.TBTs Tributyl tin, a chemical compound which is known to disrupt sex hormones, has been found in disposable diapers, namely: Huggies and Pampers.
Study: Disposable Diapers Could Cause Male Infertility
By Anthony Browne
London Observer Service September 26, 2000
Disposable diapers could be the cause of the sharp rise in male infertility over the past 25 years, according to an authoritative scientific study to be published this week. It is thought that disposable diapers heat up baby boys' testicles to such a degree that it stops them developing normally. Diapers lined with plastic raise the temperature of the scrotum far above body temperature and can lead to a total breakdown of normal cooling mechanisms, according to the study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood. Doctors in Kiel, Germany, started the study after being alarmed at the temperature of the testicles of infant boys who were brought into hospitals with infections. The cells supporting sperm production are laid down in the first two years of life. However, their development and sperm production in later life is very dependent on temperature. Testicles need to be cooler than the rest of the body, which is why they are external.Boys whose testicles descend too late in adolescence are often infertile because they have been kept warm for too long. In adults, exposure to high temperatures, during a fever or while in a sauna, can dramatically reduce sperm count. Tight jeans can also lead to higher testicular temperatures, possibly causing a reduction in sperm count. Dr. Wolfgang Sippell, professor of pediatrics at the University of Kiel, monitored the scrotal temperature of 48 healthy boys, from birth up to 4 years old, using a tiny thermal probe. His team tested the temperatures when boys wore disposable diapers and when they wore re-usable cotton diapers, both during waking and sleeping hours. The temperature was consistently higher when the disposable diapers were worn, with the highest temperatures recorded in the youngest babies. Scrotal temperatures were the same as rectal temperatures when cotton diapers were worn, but far higher when disposable diapers were worn.They concluded that the insulation properties of the disposable diapers impaired the normal cooling mechanisms of the testicles. They found that in 13 boys, the cooling mechanism failed altogether. Sippell concluded: "A prolonged increase in scrotal temperature in early childhood may have an important role in subsequent testicular health and function, with implications for male fertility." Repeated studies have shown that average sperm counts have fallen by almost half from 1938 levels and are continuing to decline as fast as 2 percent a year. The Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers Association, which represents makers of disposable diapers, said the study had dubious methodology. Association spokesman Peter Stephenson said: "There is no evidence to support the assertions made by this study, which would appear to be implausible. The safety of our products is of paramount importance. Disposable diapers are, and remain, safe.
"New Tests Confirm TBT Poison in Proctor & Gamble Pampers Greenpeace Demands Worldwide Ban of Organotins in All Products May 15, 2000 HAMBURG -- New tests carried out by Greenpeace found the hormone pollutant TBT (tributyl tin) in "Pampers Baby Dry Mini" babies' nappies (diapers) sold in Germany by the company Procter & Gamble. Last Friday, Greenpeace uncovered that TBT and other organotin compounds were found in Procter & Gamble's Pampers� "Baby Dry", in the Paul Hartmann company's "Fixies Ultra Dry", and in LedysanSpa's "United Colours of Benetton� Junior unisex". All tests were proven by scientific analyses made on Greenpeace's behalf.The new test, during which several parts of "Pampers� Baby Dry Mini" were analyzed, found the highest contamination in the belt section of these nappies. "Pampers� Baby Dry Mini" contained up to 38.4 micrograms of TBT per kilogram, a much higher level then in the first tests of a pool sample published last Friday. (1) Furthermore the inner and outer layer were found to be contaminated. Greenpeace also found other organotin compounds in the Pampers�, including DBT and MBT. If all discovered organotin compounds were added, a total of 53.2 micrograms per kilogram were found.Greenpeace's scientific test results contradict a statement by Procter & Gamble, in which the company last Friday denied that its nappies were contaminated with organotin compounds. Greenpeace toxics expert Thilo Maack said: "The reaction of Procter & Gamble is a scandal. The company is downplaying the danger instead of actively searching for the source of TBT in Pampers�. It is absolutely irresponsible to expose babies to these extremely toxic substances"."Fact is that TBT is one of the most toxic substances ever made, and it is being spread through the skin and contaminates the environment as well as people," he noted.This environmental pollutant, which has been in the headlines for months because of its extremely high toxicity, has a hormone-like effect. The smallest concentrations of TBT can harm people's immune systems and impair their hormonal system. "The German government must ban this toxin in all areas of use immediately," says Thilo Maack.Greenpeace last January found TBT in fish for human consumption, and in March detected TBT in football shirts despite textile manufacturers declaring them safe again. TBT has furthermore recently been found in plastic PVC floorings. Witco, a company in Bergkamen/Germany, produces 80 per cent of the TBT used in the world. The smallest quantities of TBT kill algae and mussels and for that reason it is used in ships' paints to stop their growth on hulls. Greenpeace has been calling on the chemical and ship industries to ban its production or application. There are less harmful alternatives to TBT in all the spheres in which organotin compounds are used. Greenpeace is at present analyzing other brands of nappies on sale in Germany. Its findings will be available by the end of this week.
Chemicals In Diapers Cited As Possible Asthma Trigger
Penny Stern, MDOctober 6, 1999NEW YORK, Oct 06 (Reuters Health)
Childhood respiratory problems, including asthma, may be linked to inhaling the mixture of chemicals emitted from disposable diapers, researchers write in the September/October issue of Archives of Environmental Health.Lead author Dr. Rosalind C. Anderson, of Anderson Laboratories in West Hartford, Vermont, told Reuters Health that chemical emissions of some disposable diapers have immediate health effects in animals breathing the diluted chemical mixtures. ''Upon analysis, the diaper emissions were found to include several chemicals with documented respiratory toxicity,'' according to the paper."Mice were used in this study because of their general physiological and biochemical similarity to humans", Anderson explained, "adding that both humans and mice develop bronchoconstriction as a response to certain (odors and substances)". Bronchoconstriction refers to a narrowing of air passages in the lungs that is associated with respiratory difficulties."Upon exposing the mice to various brands of disposable diapers, a decrease (was observed) in the ability of (the) animals to move air during exhalation", Anderson said. Noting that this finding accurately describes asthma or an asthma-like reaction, she added "that if mice and humans respond in a similar manner to diaper emissions, disposable diapers could be important with respect to the worldwide asthma epidemic.''In contrast to the results obtained with disposables, new cloth diapers produced very little respiratory effects and appeared to be the least toxic choice for a consumer, the researchers write."Though the disposable effect was noted even when the emissions of a single diaper are diluted in the air of a small room,'' Anderson said, she cautions that it is too early to indict diaper chemicals. "Whether the diaper chemicals initiate clinical disease, simply trigger an asthma-like response or are not implicated (at all) in human disease will not be known until after a vast amount of human data has been accumulated,'' she commented.Therefore, Anderson believes that formal epidemiological investigations must be extended to infant products in order to evaluate these items' possible role in triggering or aggravating asthmatic conditions. She and her co-author, Dr. Julius Anderson, have (previously) published similar findings associated with other products used in infants' environments. "A number of these manufactured materials -- air fresheners, mattress covers, fabric softeners -- have many rapid-onset toxic effects in common,'' she pointed out.In Anderson's view, the current epidemic in childhood asthma cannot be explained solely on the basis of what she termed, ''the usual suspects: dust mites, cockroaches, maternal smoking". Maybe child-care products (such as) plastic diapers... plastic baby bottles, and plastic toys are important factors (through the release of) chemicals with toxic effects.''Until such time as this asthma-inducing effect can be confirmed in humans, Anderson reminds parents and healthcare professionals that precaution costs nothing. When you are dealing with a toxic chemical or chemicals, avoidance is the only proper action. ''She suggests that (parents) and doctors... believe themselves if they think a product is harming the breathing of the mother or the baby.''SOURCE: Archives of Environmental Medicine September/October 1999.
Disposable Diapers Linked to Asthma
January/February 2000
Harsh perfumes and chemical emissions have long been known to induce asthma-like symptoms in children and adults. Now, researchers have found that disposable diapers might be a trigger for asthma.A study published in the October, 1999 issue of the Archives of Environmental Health found that laboratory mice exposed to various brands of disposable diapers suffered increased eye, nose, and throat irritation, including bronchoconstriction similar to that of an asthma attack. Six leading cotton and disposable diaper brands were tested; cloth diapers were not found to cause respiratory problems among the lab mice.Dr. Rosalind C. Anderson, lead author of the report, "Acute Respiratory Effects of Diaper Emissions," explains that the diapers were tested right out of the package, and one at a time. Even in a mid-sized room, the emissions from one diaper were high enough to produce asthma-like symptoms. Solvents and other substances are typically added to products during the manufacturing process in order to affect malleability and other properties, Dr. Anderson explains. "Even if you don�t want these chemicals in the final product, it�s hard to take them out. We are finding chemical off-gasses in all sorts of baby products besides diapers, including baby mattresses and mattress covers," she says.What chemicals were released from the diapers? Tolune, xylene, ethylbenzene, styrene, and isopropylbenzene, among others. Dr. Anderson says these, like certain scents, are bronchial irritants. "It�s similar to when asthmatics smell perfume and all of a sudden their chests get tight." Although mice are much smaller than humans, they were chosen for the study because their physiology and biochemistry are similar to that of humans. Of the brands tested, three diaper brands were found not to affect the breathing of the lab mice: American Fiber and Finishing Co., Gladrags organic cotton diapers, and Tender Care disposable diapers.Further study is needed to determine what level of diaper chemical emission triggers infant respiratory distress. In the meantime, Dr. Anderson advises asthmatic mothers to avoid exposure to these chemicals, and to be mindful of the fact that their children may be sensitive to these and other asthma antagonists such as dust mites, roaches, and smoking. Asthma rates are on a sharp incline in the US and worldwide, particularly among poor and inner-city children.Anderson, Rosalind, and Julius Anderson. �Acute Respiratory Effects of Diaper Emissions,� Archives of Environmental Health, 54, October 1999. 1) Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 1990 Update. (1990). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 530 SW-90-042. Washington D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office. 2) Lehrburger, C. (1988). Diapers in the Waste Stream: A Review of Waste Management and Public Issues, P. O. Box 580, Sheffield, MA. 3) Rathje, W. L. (1989). "Rubbish" The Atlantic Monthly, 264 (6), 99-109. 4) Hollis, R. W. (1989). "The ethics of diapering"; Mothering (Fall), 29. 5) Little, A. D. Disposable Versus Reusable (Cloth) Diapers: Environmental, Health and Economic Considerations. Cambridge, MA: Arthur D. Little, Inc. 6) Lyman, F. (1990) "Diaper hype" Garbage: the Practical Journal for the Environment, 2 (1), 36-40. 7) Clark. G.S., et. al. (1974). Incidence of viral infections among waste collection workers. Institute of Environmental Health, Cincinnati, OH: University of Cincinnati Medical Center. 8) Energy and Environmental Profile Analysis of Children's Disposable and Cloth Diapers. (1990). Prairie Village, KS: Franklin Associates, Ltd. 9) Dallas, M. J. and Wilson, P. A. (1989). "Diaper performance: maintenance of healthy skin" Proceedings: Association of College Professors of Textiles and Clothing Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA. 10) Bartlett, L. K., Moore, M., Gary, W., et. al. (1985). "Diarrhea illness among infants and toddlers in daycare centers" Journal of Pediatrics (107), 495. 11) Berg, R. W. (1990). The effect of diaper type on the potential for fecal contamination in group daycare settings. The Procter and Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH. 12) Stone, J. (1990). Groundwater quality: the diaper dilemma. Iowa Cooperative Extension Service Publication No. Pm-1401, Iowa State University, Ames, IA. 13) Joseph, L. E. (1990). "The Bottom Line on Disposables" The New York Times Magazine (September 23), 26 ff. 14) King, L. W. (1990). A Study of Municipal Solid Waste Composting on the Impact of Paper Diapers. The Procter and Gamble Company, Cincinnati, OH.
Q: Washing Cloth Diapers
How do I wash my cloth diapers? It's easy we promise!
A:
On wash day just empty all of the dirty diapers into the washing machine with a cup full of laundry detergent (my choice is Tide.) Then selected hot/cold, heavy duty cycle, with a second rinse. After the diapers were done washing, I then throw all of the diapers into the dryer and dried them on medium-high heat.
Never ever use any fabric softener or fabric softener sheets when washing your diapers. The fabric softener leaves a residue that can cause your diapers to no longer absorb. Also make sure that your laundry detergent is also fabric softener free.
NEVER USE FABRIC SOFTENER/FABRIC SHEETS/BLEACH/WHITENING ENZYMES TO WASH YOUR DIAPERS WITH!!!!
TROUBLESHOOTING!
What is Detergent Residue? Detergent residue is a film left on fabric by detergent. Detergent residue builds up on all items that are laundered - clothes, bedding, etc. But usually you will notice it only when dealing with a fabric that is supposed to be either waterproof or absorbent. Bummis has been making diaper covers for almost 20 years now, but the problem of detergent residue is a new one. Over the past year, it seems that more and more detergent manufacturers are adding extra ingredients to their formulas in order to differentiate their products and brands. This has led to a surge in the number of calls we receive from those who use our products, about wicking and leaking that ultimately end up being the result of detergent residue. This is a widespread issue throughout the cloth diapering industry.
So how do you pick a detergent? If you are lucky enough to have packaging that lists the ingredients - the shorter the list, the less chance that the detergent contains problematic additives. Price is not an issue, as some cheap detergents work better than their more expensive counterparts. The focus is to find a detergent that does not leave a residue. We recommend detergents that have been shown to leave no residue including Charlie's Soap and Tide. These detergents contain virtually no additives and will not leave a residue even when you use the amount they recommend or more! Knowing which detergents are not good is a bigger problem. Manufacturers are changing their formulas all the time. Differences in water quality and washing machines can affect the performance of diaper covers and make it difficult to isolate the culprit. For example, some additive ridden detergents will prove problematic for one family, but seem to pose no issues for the next. The amount of detergent used may be different, as may the ratio of detergent to water; they may have used more water, softer water, or harder water, you get the idea! There are so many factors that can influence whether a detergent leaves residue or not and to what degree.
Cautionary words that can warn you of additives include "brighter",and "whiter". But if you choose a detergent with no residue, you know you are safe! Check out this site for more information about residue studies: www.charliesoap.com/research_5.htm
What additives should I look out for? Because there are so many additives (both natural and synthetic) that can cause problems with fabrics, it is impossible to list them all here. However, here are some to look out for:
1. Fabric softeners. These are relatively easy to avoid as added fabric softeners are normally clearly marked on packaging. These will cause wicking and repelling on most waterproof fabrics- actually on all fabrics, including cotton diapers!
2. Brighteners. Sometimes the only indications that these have been added are words like "brighter, "whiter," or "cleaner". These are normally optical brighteners. Optical brighteners, also called optical bleaches or fluorescent whitening agents, are fluorescent white dyes (sometimes referred to as crystals) that absorb ultraviolet light and emit back visible blue light. This gives the impression that clothes are brighter and cleaner. In actual fact these can cause leaking and wicking as well as skin irritations. MANY detergents contain this nasty additive, which has also been identified as being toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Some are also capable of causing mutations in bacteria. They are also very slow to biodegrade into their less harmful component parts and can cause eye and skin reactions in humans. Research is being conducted to determine the extent of optical brighteners in the environment and their subsequent damage to animal health.
3. Stain Guards. Again these are usually (but not always) easy to find, as companies often list them as an advantage. Mentions of stain "repelling", "protection" or "guards" are clear warnings that this additive is present. They too will coat fibers.
4. "Natural"Additives. Natural additives are most likely in the form of oils. Like chemical additives, they do not always cause a problem- but with time, the oils can build up, leading to wicking, leaking and repelling. Examples include orange oil, citrus extract, grapeseed extract and other oils.
5. "Natural" Soaps. In actuality all soaps are natural, which is what sets them apart from detergents. The problem with soap is that the minerals in water react with those in soap, creating an insoluble film. This film can leave a residue and turn clothes grayish. Dr. Bronners is an example of a natural soap that can cause a residue problem.
What problems can a detergent residue cause?
The list is long and includes the following:
1. Wicking and leaking
2. Repelling and beading of liquid
3. Stinky diapers or covers
4. Skin rashes
5. Yellowing of white fabricsThis can happen quickly if the diapering products are washed with high ratio of detergent to water right from the start even within a couple of weeks you can see a problem. More commonly, it will take a couple of months before you experience any problems.
WICKING & LEAKING: Wicking is the spreading of fluid across a fabric. How does that residue cause waterproofing to wick? There are two ways that residue can cause wicking. * One way is that the detergents leave a film on the cover which works as a transport for the liquid to travel along the inside of the cover, along to the edges then across the front. It appears like the fluid went right through the cover but it actually went around!* The second way is that a cover with a laminate works by not allowing a "whole" water molecule to pass through the membrane and one possible way this is done is through water tension. The water molecules bind to each other and do not penetrate fabric. Detergents have wetting agents that break water tension, which allows the detergent to dissolve and disperse and allows clothes to get "wetter" and thus, to get cleaner. When residue from detergent is left on the covers, the fluid loses its water tension and can saturate the fabric. This appears as a general wetness of the cover, not a specific leak like at the thighs or tummy. Unfortunately, most people will assume their covers are worn out or defective before realizing that they have a detergent residue problem a problem that can usually be remedied!
REPELLING: This is an issue for diapers. If diaper fabric fibers get coated in detergent residue they will begin repelling the urine like a duck's plumage repels water. Residue is not the only culprit here, but it is a common one that can be remedied.
STINKY DIAPERS: There are numerous causes of stinky diapers or covers, detergent residue being among them. This is because the residue will trap or "bind" the odor to the fabric. With our diaper covers, detergent residue is the number one reason that the product may smell. Luckily, residue can be removed- in a process you might hear referred to as "stripping.
"RASHES: As can be expected, if your diapers are covered with a chemical residue, they can be expected to cause skin irritation in babies with sensitive skin.
Help! I have detergent residue on my diaper covers! What do I do now?The good news is that products that have been damaged by detergent residue can usually be saved! If the residue is not too extensive, it can often be resolved by doing a couple hot water rinses with no detergent, then throwing the covers in the dryer.If this does not resolve the issue, a more intense "stripping" may be necessary. Repeat the following process twice: * Run your covers and diapers through a wash with only hot water (if allowed by manufacturer's washing instructions).* Run a second wash using 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar in this second wash. * 1/2 cup vinegar again in first rinse cycle.* Run a second rinse cycle with plain hot water. * Dry covers in dryer.
Q: What do I do with the Poo? and How do I choose the cloth diaper that's right for me?
What do I do with the Poo? and How do I choose the cloth diaper that's right for me?
A:
Um, what do I do with the poop? With babies that are exclusively breastfed you don’t need to do anything to. However, as the baby get’s older and starts solids you can typically just shake the solid matter into the toliet and flush.
It is not necessary to rinse or soak any of our cotton diapers.
Different Kinds of Cloth Diapers
Prefolds-Prefolds are the types of diapers you probably think of when you are considering cloth diapering. They are a traditional cloth diaper with a thick strip down the middle and are secured with diaper pins or a snappi. These are typically worn with a diaper cover and are one of the least expensive options for cloth diapering. They come in three sizes- Preemie (4-10 pounds), Infant (newborn to 15 pounds) & Premium (15-30 pounds). CPF stands for Chinese Prefold and it is the most popular type of prefold on the market. It has heavy-duty stitching, is usually made of twill, and washes up extremely well.When your child outgrows the Infant or Preemie size diapers, you can reuse these for dust rags or they can be used as a diaper stuffer or to double up your stuffing at nighttime. This kind of diaper needs a cover to make it waterproof. *Bebe Wamu price $2.50 per diaper*
Fitted Diapers-Fitted diapers can also be used with Diaper Covers. Instead of using a prefold, you can use a fitted diaper, which has elastic gathering around the legs and usually has snaps or a velcro closure to keep the diaper together. Place the diaper cover over the fitted diaper, and you are ready to go. These types of diapers are less expensive than other options, however, they are more expensive then using prefolds but come in cute prints and do not need pins so they are easier when trying to wrestle a squirmy baby!
*Bebe Wamu price $10.00 per diaper*
Diaper Covers-If you are interested in using the prefolds, you will probably want to purchase waterproof diaper covers too. A prefold can be folded inside of the diaper cover and the diaper cover simply covers the prefold and acts as a waterproof barrier.
Pocket Diapers-Pocket diapers are usually made with two layers of fabric sewn together, typically a layer of PUL and microfleece, to form a pocket for an absorbent insert. This type of diaper just fastens on and does not need a diaper cover over it. *Bebe Wamu price $12.00 per diaper*
All In One-You will often see this term abbreviated to AIO. An All In One is a cloth diaper that has a waterproof cover and an absorbent inner liner that is all in one piece, thus the name. These diapers fasten usually with a hook/loop or snap fasteners. They are similar to a pocket diaper except that they are all sewn together. *Bebe Wamu price $12.00 per diaper*
Inserts-Inserts are used for pocket diapers. They can be made of a variety of materials- micro-terrycloth, regular terry cloth, hemp, or you can just use prefolds as inserts. “Doubling up” just means using more than one insert, which you could do if you were away for an extended amount of time or at nighttime before bed, to discourage leaking. *Bebe Wamu price $2.00-3.00 per insert*
Wetbag-A wetbag is a type of diaper holder that has a zippered closure and is waterproof. Travel wetbags fit into a diaperbag and are used to hold the diaper until you get home and can place the dirty diaper into the house wetbag which is just a bigger version of the travel size. Wetbags can be washed right along with the dirty dipers on washday so there is no pail santitizing to be done and your wetbag is clean right along with your diapers.
*Bebe Wamu price $10.00-25.00*
Q: Q and A with Bebe Wamu
Lots of Cloth Diapering Questions
A:
How many diapers will I need?
The typical baby has aproximately 8 diaper changes a day. This number however varies based on the individual child and what age the child is. For example a newborn might need as many as 12-15 diaper changes a day while the almost potty learned toddler may only need 5.
On average you will want to have roughly 20-24 diapers in each size to allow for washings every 2-3 days. You can get away with less diapers, it just all depends on how often you'd like to wash your diapers and how many diapers are needed for your child's individual needs.
I am stymied by the new-age-old question: cloth or disposable diapers? Some say that the water required to wash cloth diapers is more damaging to our planet than the waste associated with disposables. What do you think?
Alison
San Francisco, California
Cloth. Washing cloth diapers at home uses 50 to 70 gallons of water every three days, according to Mothering Magazine, about the same as a toilet-trained child or adult flushing the toilet five to six times a day. It takes 440 to 880 pounds of wood pulp and 286 pounds of plastic (including packaging) per year to supply one baby with disposable diapers,� according to Environment Canada. Dioxin, a chemical on the EPA�s list of most toxic cancer-linked chemicals, is a by-product of this manufacturing process. By contrast, less than 22 pounds of cotton is enough to supply one baby with reusable cotton diapers for two years. A study by the British Landbank Consultancy determined that, factoring in cotton growing, the manufacture and use of disposable diapers requires twice the water use and three times the energy of cloth diapers. (See www.realnappycompany.com/NappyFacts.htm.)
Disposables also pose risks during use. The wood pulp, plastic, sodium polyacrylate (which turns urine into gel), dyes, and fragrances in continual contact with a babys skin worry some of those who study infertility and hormone-mimicking chemicals. Several components of disposables (toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, styrene, and isopropylbenzene), according to a report in the October 1999 issue of the Archives of Environmental Health, are bronchial irritants associated with asthma.
Each year, 18 billion disposable diapers burden US landfills, combining plastic, wood pulp, fecal matter and urine, and biohazards, including live vaccines from immunizations. The bundled fecal matter requires 200-500 years to decompose and can contaminate ground water. In contrast, waste water from washing diapers is treated, at least in most municipalities.
Finally, Jane McConnell in Mothering Magazinein June 1998 notes that babies in cloth diapers are changed more frequently, a factor that reduces diaper rash. As a bonus, she says that a child in cloth diapers actually knows when he or she is wet, and hence, is toilet trained earlier. Given all this, I'd choose cloth as the bottom line.
-Anna McClain
I've heard bad and good things about diaper cream. What do I really need to know?
We ask that you do not use Regular Formula Desitin due to the amounts of cod liver oil and zinc oxide used. This particular formula permanently stains and damages the diapers. You can use any other kind of baby ointment, including other products in the Desitin line such as "Desitin Light" or "Desitin Creamy". A & D ointment is fine to use as well. Bourdeaux's Butt Paste is great but it stains cloth diaper pretty bad so we also advise stayign away from that also!
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