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FAQ's
Why should I choose Cloth Diapers? TOP
There are so many reasons why you should chose cloth diapers. To note just a few:
ENVIROMENTAL IMPACT
There has been much debate over the impact of disposable diapers and cloth diapers on the environment. The pro-disposable diaper advocates say that the extra water used to wash cloth diapers is just as much of an abuse to the environment as the production and disposal of disposable diapers. But taking into consideration the following estimates you will probably agree that disposable diapers are much more harmful to the environment than cloth diapers.
It is estimated that roughly 5 million tons of untreated waste and a total of 2 billion tons of urine, feces, plastic and paper are added to landfills annually. It takes around 80,000 pounds of plastic and over 200,000 trees a year to manufacture the disposable diapers for American babies alone. Although some disposables are said to be biodegradable; in order for these diapers to decompose, they must be exposed to air (oxygen) and sun. Since this is highly unlikely, it can take several hundred years for the decomposition of disposables to take place, with some of the plastic material never decomposing.
The untreated waste placed in landfills by dirty disposable diapers is also a possible danger to contaminating ground water. Pro-disposable advocates say that cleaning cloth diapers uses more energy and contributes to the load on sanitary sewer systems and potential water pollution. This view really makes no sense if you think about it. The amount of water used per week to wash cloth diapers at home is about the same amount consumed by an adult flushing the toilet four or five times daily for a week. Also, the greater amount of water and energy being used by diaper service companies to wash large amounts of cloth diapers multiple times; the per diaper impact on energy and water supplies is actually less than home washing.
Finally, when flushing solids from a cloth diaper down the toilet and washing the diapers in a washing machine, the contaminated, dirty water from both toilet and washing machine go into the sewer systems where they are properly treated at wastewater plants. This treated wastewater is much more environmentally friendly than dumping untreated soiled disposable diapers into a landfill.
CLOTH DIAPERS ARE CHEAPER BY FAR
Break down of cost for 2 1/2 years (average time a baby is in diapers)
Baby Kanga One size diapers (18) 337.50
Jamtots One size Hemp Inserts (18) 161.10
Laundry (3 loads per week over 2 1/2 years) 370.50
4 packages of Liners 40.00
TOTAL COST 909.10
*Laundry caculation is based on energy consumption, water, laundry products, depreciation on the washer and dryer, diaper pails etc. and is averaged per load at $.95 Cdn)
Disposables
Based on purchasing Mega size bags at $18 per bag and an average of 8 changes/day. Does not include transportation to store or costs of garbage disposal.
Small Newborn to 2 months = 488 diapers 80/bag = 6.1 bags = $ 109.80
Medium 2 months to 6 months = 976 diapers 66/bag = 14.8 bags = $ 266.40
Large 6 months to 24 months = 4,392 diapers 52/bag = 84.5 bags = $1521.00
Toddler 2 years to 2 ½ years = 1,464 diapers 44/bag = 33.3 bags = $ 599.40
Total Cost = $ 2,496.60
Not convinced that Cloth is for you? TOP
Most moms choose disposables because they think cloth diapers are annoying and inconvenient. What they don’t realize is that cloth diapers have changed since we were kids. Diaper pins have been replaced with convenient snappies and Velcro-like materials (Velcro itself isn’t flexible enough). You can also get fitted diapers to help stop leaks. If you don’t like those annoying plastic covers, you can get wool ones; these are especially fun because you can find them in great colors and patterns. Wool is also more comfortable than plastic covers, but works just as well. If you just like the convenience of disposable diapers, there are now all-in-one cloth diapers that require no folding, no liners and can be thrown straight in the wash. Pocket diapers are also an excellent bridge from disposables to cloth. Stuff something absorbent into the diaper's pocket and it's ready for service. When you take it off your child, just shake the absorbent material into your diaper pail and your diapers are ready to go into the washer when it's laundry time. Can I see your products? TOP
Of course!! We love doing consultations! We offer in-home consultations for many areas at your convenience. When we come, we bring one of each of our diapers, some products and lots and lots of information. Consultations last about 1 hour and we can answer all of your cloth diapering questions. Evening and weekend appointments are available. Also we will be at farmers markets and craft sales when they are in season. Watch our events calender to see when we will be at a market in your area.
Areas that we offer consultations:
Bowden, Alberta
Drumheller, Alberta
Three Hills, Alberta
The QE2 Corridor from Red Deer to Calgary, Alberta
Sundre Alberta
and all areas in between.
Please phone us at 403-638-6907 or email us to schedule a consultation What is Earth Mama Angel Baby TOP
We are so happy to have Angel Baby products available for you. This is what Earth Mama, Angel Baby is all about! We will also be carrying their mama line as well as their YES line in the near future.
Safe, pure and natural products that work. Promise.
Mama created the only complete line of 100% natural, herbal, toxin-free skin and body care products and teas to help ease the common discomforts of the entire process of birth — from pregnancy through labor, postpartum and c-section recovery, breastfeeding, and baby care, and even the loss of a baby.
Earth Mama Angel Baby products contain only the highest quality, certified-organic or organically grown herbs and oils in our gentle handmade soaps, salves, lotions, bath herbs, aromatherapy sprays, massage oils and herbal teas. Our products are 100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and free from all artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes. Safety has always been our main concern, which is why you'll never find 1,4-Dioxane, formaldehyde, phthalates, or any other toxic ingredients in any of our products. Unlike many so-called natural and organic products on the shelves today, an Earth Mama Angel Baby product has to pass Mama's rigorous tests for safety, purity and efficacy: many of our products have undergone voluntary independent clinical testing as well. And since we care for Mother Earth as much as any mama, we use only eco-friendly recyclable or reusable packaging and packing materials. As a mother, nurse and herbalist, Mama's promise to each and every earth mama and angel baby is that only pure, safe and effective products will leave the shipping docks. We believe that your gift from heaven deserves only the purest gifts from the earth.
Women looking for naturally safe products that work always come to Mama. You can trust her. After all, if Mama wouldn't use it for her own family then she doesn't sell it. I heard that Cloth Diapers cause diaper rash. Is this true? TOP
Goodness NO!!! In fact, cloth diapers (if washed and maintained properly) actually reduce the occurrences of diaper rashes. According to medical reports, in 1955 when 100% of Canadian and American babies wore cloth diapers exclusively only 7% of babies were reported to have had diaper rash. This compared to an astonishing 78% that were reported to have diaper rash in 1991 when 90% of babies were using disposables exclusive.
Cloth diapers need to be properly washed and cared for. They are in a sense and investment. Please see our "how to care for cloth diapers" section and read up on proper care directions to maintain the integrity and quality of your cloth diapers.
It is natural for a baby to get a red bum especially when they are teething. There are many approved cloth diaper safe bum salves out there. Please browse our natural baby care section to see our product recommendations. What are all the different types of Cloth Diapers? TOP
Great question and one that we had to do a lot of research into when we decided to cloth diaper our little ones.
AIO: This simply means that the diaper is pre stuffed. All you have to do is wash it, dry it and put it on your little one. Some find that for heavy wetters that they need to add an extra doubler. This is done by simply putting the doubler on top of the diaper before you put it on your child.
Pocket Diapers: These diapers need to be "stuffed". The diaper will either have a zipper, flap of fabric, Velcro or other method of inserting a doubler or an insert into the pocket of the diaper. A lot of people really like these for heavy wetters or for overnights and long naps. You can add as much stuffing as you need.
Fitted Diapers: Fitted cloth diapers are made of absorbent material and have elastic or some other type of gathering at the legs, and they are closed at the top with snaps or hook and loop tape. There is no folding or pinning required with these cloth diapers.
Fitted diapers do not normally have a waterproof outer layer, so most fitted diapers require the use of a separate diaper cover if you want to prevent leaks.
Prefolds: Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers that must be folded into the shape of a diaper. They are similar to flats, but have multiple layers with more layering in the middle. They often have 2-4 layers of absorbent material on either side and 6-8 layers in the middle. The amount of layers varies according to the size you choose, generally ranging from preemie to toddler.
Diaper Covers: These are required if you chose to go with Fitted or Prefold diapers. They are the waterproof partner to these diapers. You can get them in many different prints and fabrics. Most do up with either velcro or aplix fasteners
Snappi: A plastic mechanism that works for prefolds. Used instead of a pin
Liners: Liners are either thin layers of cloth or paper that you place on the diaper against baby's skin to aide in diaper cleanup. The paper brands are flushable and septic safe. You just take them out of the diaper and throw them in the toilet making poopy diapers a breeze to clean. Cloth liners are reusable. Simply shake solids off into the toilet, throw them into the diaper pail and wash them with your diaper loads.
Doublers: Doublers are a pad-like absorbent soaker that can be added to a diaper to increase absorbency. They are especially useful during times when you know extra protection is needed, perhaps at night time, long car rides or a long trip.
The type of diaper that you chose to go with depends entirely on your own personal decision. It is what you think will suit you, your baby, your budget and you lifestyle the best. Please again do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information in making this decision!
What do I need to get started? TOP
Deciding to make the switch from disposables to cloth is only the start. Now you need to decide on what all you need. That is why we have put together this list of recommended supplies to make your cloth diaper life much simpler. Please remember that these are only recommendations. You can start with less and add to your stash or you can get it all in one shot. There are a lot of moms that are successfully cloth diapering with out all the extras, but they are handy to have around.
Check list:
Minimum of 18-24 diapers in each size
6-8 covers for newborn/infants, 4-6 covers for larger sizes (if using covers)
20-26 inserts, including extras for more overnight absorbency (if using pocket diapers)
5 doublers for overnight or extended use. May need more for heavy wetters, depending on diapering system.
Diaper pail
2 diaper pail liners (one for use while the other is in the wash)
1-2 Snappi diaper fasteners or 4 safety pins (necessary only for diapering systems requiring fasteners such as prefolds)
2 wet bags (one for use while the other is in the wash)
2 dozen (or more--you can never have enough as you will likely find yourself using them for everything!) cloth wipes
Disposable liners (optional but great for transitioning into cloth diapers, protecting you diapers and makes for easy clean up)
Small squirt bottle (for changes outside the house)
Wipes Warmer (Optional) How do I wash my Cloth Diapers? TOP
Washing diapers isn't difficult at all. Just follow our step by step instructions and you are on your way!
For new diapers they need at least 4 full wash cycles (wash and dried) before they are absorbant. They are much like a new tea towel. Most diapers won't reach their maximum absorbancy until about 10 full wash cycles. Please note that this is FULL wash cycles. We tried washing our diapers when they were new in a HE on sanitize cycle to see if this would work (3 1/2 hour cycle) but the diapers leaked. It is important that they go through at least 4 full wash cycles before use.
- Remove diaper. If soiled, remove solids from the diaper. If breastfeeding, this is not necessary.
- Remove any insert or liner and toss into diaper pail.
- Toss diaper into the same diaper pail. Put diaper cover or pocket cover into separate pail.
- You can reuse diaper covers a number of times unless soiled. Rotate them by hanging and airing them out between changes.
- Wash diapers every other day. Your load should consist of approximately 20 diapers plus 3-4 covers, less for a smaller than average machine. Diapers need room to agitate.
- Using your washers highest water setting, run a COLD pre-wash with no detergent. This helps stains from setting in and the rinse gets the bulk of any soild “mess” out of the diapers. For a heavily soiled load, you can soak overnight in cold water. Just let the washer fill up, agitate for a minute or 2, then open the lid and let them sit overnight.
- Some people choose to do a HOT 2 hour soak at this point, with just a bit of detergent, but this may not be necessary depending on your water type and detergent used.
- Follow with a regular HOT wash and COLD rinse. Use only a few tablespoons of detergent in your wash.
- An additional COLD rinse is optional. This will more than likely not be necessary when you start, however, if you begin to experience detergent build-up on your diapers, you might need to add an additional rinse to your routine.
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Dry cloth diapers in dryer, hang to dry or use a combination of both. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for which method is best for your particular system.
** I hang my diapers to dry and then I throw them into the dryer for 20 minutes to soften them. I also believe that putting them in the dryer makes them `fresher``
Things to Remember:
- DO NOT use a lot of detergent. Use only about a quarter of the amount of detergent you would normally use.
- DO NOT use chlorine bleach. Bleach is very irritating to a baby’s delicate skin. In addition, it will break down the fibers of your diapers and noticeably shorten their lifespan. If needed, you can use an oxygenated bleach once a month.
- DO NOT use fabric softeners or dryer sheets. This will reduce the absorbency of your diapers as they leave a residue on your fabric.
- DO NOT use diaper creams without a liner in any cloth diaper. The residue from such creams can hold in odors and cause stinky diapers.
- DO use sunshine!! Sun is a natural whitener and will bleach and disinfect your diapers without chemicals when needed.
- DO NOT use your dryer’s hottest setting. Diapers that can be machine dried should be done so on medium to medium-high.
- DO wash every 2-3 days maximum. The more frequently you wash, the easier your diapers are to clean and the less wear will show from them sitting in urine.
- As always, please follow any manufacturer’s washing instructions depending on the diapers you are using.
What detergents can I use for my Cloth Diapers? TOP
There are a lot of companies out there that proclaim that their products are "all natural". Learning to read labels is essential to choosing a detergent for your cloth diapers. Avoid buying products with the following words in their labelling:
Natural Soaps : Soaps will leave a residue on your diapers similar to a soap scum in a tub
Enzymes : Enzymes attack organic matter and help dissolve stains when activated with water or moisture. Sweat, urine, and feces are all organic matter so there is a risk that these substances that are lingering on baby's skin will be a target for these enzymes. In particularly sensitive children, these enzymes can cause blistering, bleeding, sores and rashes.
Fragrances : These are unnecessary and generally contain chemicals such as petroleum. Petroleum does not degrade and can have many harmful effects on the plant. Additionally, they can cause allergies and/or skin or eye irritation
Brighteners: These leave a chemical residue on your clothing. Brighteners are tiny particles that stick to your clothes after washing that reflect light giving the illusion of brighter clothing
Fabric Softeners : These leave a residue on your diapers that repels moisture. It also coats diaper covers and can break down the water proof laminate
Some Approved Laundry detergents :
Rockin Green Soap
Thirsties Washes
Wonder Wash
7th Generation delicate care
Arm and Hammer Essentials free liquid
Allens Naturally
Claudias Choice
Ecos Free and Clear Liquid
Sun and Earth Deep Cleaning
These are just some examples of detergents. Feel free to look around and see what people are recommending for cloth diaper care. My diapers smell and are leaking. What can I do? TOP
From time to time, you may notice that your cloth diapers begin to smell a little yucky or start to leak, even fresh out of the wash. No, it doesn't mean that you aren't getting your cloth diapers clean - it just means that there is some build-up of oils and detergent residue in the fabric. This build-up will not only cause odor, but can also decrease the absorbency of your cloth diapers, creating leaks. You can eliminate the odor and leakage issues by stripping your diapers. This is a fairly simple process.
Stripping your cloth diapers:
Step 1
First wash your cloth diapers as you normally would. It is important to start with clean diapers. If your diapers are soiled when you begin the stripping process, you may set stains in the fabric. Simply run your cloth diapers through a normal cold wash cycle with a small amount of detergent, and rinse as usual.
Step 2
Run your cloth diapers through a hot wash with no detergent. Turn up your water heater if necessary to make sure that the water is really hot (but be sure to turn it back down afterward for safety). You can also try a laundry mat as their water tends to be hotter. Note: check washing instructions for your particular cloth diapers. If you are using all-in-ones or pocket diapers with waterproof covers, too-hot water may damage them ir can melt snaps.
You may want to use just a drop or two of original blue liquid Dawn dish detergent to this wash to help cut some of the oils, but it's not always necessary. You can also add a bit of baking soda to absorb odors (about half cup).
Step 3
Be sure to do an extra rinse at the end of your wash cycle. Add some white vinegar (about a half cup) to this final rinse to remove all detergent residues from your cloth diapers. Don't worry, your cloth diapers won't come out of the wash smelling like vinegar. When the diapers dry, all the vinegar smell will disappear.
Step 4
Rinse, rinse, rinse. Run your cloth diapers through as many rinse cycles as necessary until no suds appear. This may take up to three or four rinse cycles, or even more if there is a lot of detergent residue in your cloth diapers. Hint: to prevent detergent from building up too much, use one-fourth to one-half of the detergent you would use on a regular load of laundry when washing your diapers normally. Your diapers will still get clean, but there won't be as much residue left behind.
Step 5
Sunlight is a natural germ-killer and stain-remover. If you have access to an outside drying line, hang your cloth diapers in the sun to dry. If this isn't an option, it is not absolutely necessary - the previous steps in the wash are more important.
It may be necessary to strip your cloth diapers as frequently as once a week, or as little as once a month depending on your washing conditions. Strip your diapers as often as necessary to keep them absorbent and fresh.
Can I use regular bum creams in Cloth Diapers? TOP
It is not recommended to use regular bum creams in cloth diapers as they can cause wicking and build up on the diapers. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to use bum cream after every bum change. Especially when using cloth as diapers tend to be changed more often and there are no harsh chemicals in cloth diapers to aid in causing bum rashes.
We highly recommend Angel Baby Bum Balm. You can find this in our Natural Baby products section. It is still advised that you use a liner to help protect the diaper from possible build ups no matter the potion you use for rash fighting. Naked play time really helps as well in preventing bum rash as it allows air to reach their little bums and dry them out. |
