When we announced to family and friends that we had decided to ditch disposables we received the same confused look, which was then followed with the simple question…why?

Why use cloth?  Well for us it was a problem that I could never get to go away.  My daughter seemed to battle a constant bout with diaper rash.  It did not matter how often I changed her or what brand of disposable diapers I used the rash always came back.  Frustrated I sought out information on the Internet.  It was that afternoon that I was exposed to the economic savings, health benefits, and not to mention the environmental benefits of cloth diapering.

Economic Savings: We averaged $85.00 per month on store brand diapers and wipes.   From birth to potty training that was an astounding $2,550.00.  Investments into a cloth diapering system can range from $200-$750.  Keep in mind that you can reuse your stash on any future children, or even resell it and get close to half your investment back!  As a stay at home mom I am always looking for any way to trim the family budget.  The monetary savings related to cloth diapering sealed the deal!

Health Benefits:  Disposable diapers contain sodium polyacrylate, which absorbs liquid and turns it into gel.   Those who use disposable diapers will recognize the polymer as the shiny gel-like crystals that often make their way onto your baby’s bottom.  Sodium polyacrylate works well to absorb, but is commonly linked to allergic reactions, skin irritations, and possible reproductive organ dysfunction.  It was banned from use in tampons in 1985 after it was linked to toxic shock syndrome .  If ingested, sodium polyacrylate is deadly to children in amounts as little as 5 grams.

The Environment: On average from birth to potty training each baby will have 6,000 diaper changes, which translates into 2 tons of non-biodegradable waste!  It becomes very easy to see how each family can make a HUGE difference.

The options today for cloth diapering are numerous.  With so many options, colors, and prints it is easy to see how this can become an obsession for some of us!  Cloth diapers function with the same easy as disposables but without the chemicals, landfill waste, and costs so I ask… It’s 2007 why aren’t you using cloth diapers?

-Pam Kopcio, President Green Bebe

http://www.green-bebe.com