For a long time now, when people think of diapers for babies, they have always thought of the disposable diapers that you can buy from almost anywhere. You can get Pampers, Huggies, and other disposable diaper brands from supermarkets, baby stores, big box stores like Target and Wal-Mart, or you can even order them online. No one even thinks about using newborn cloth diapers anymore.
However, prior to the invention of such modern conveniences, women used cloth diapers to cover their babies’ bottoms. Most mothers circa the 1970s to the early 2000s or so would have likely balked at the extra effort and mess of using the cloth diapers of old. But, fast forward to the 21st century, and the cloth diaper is returning for any number of reasons. From environmental concerns to the health of newborns, infants, and toddlers, it seems that there are many reasons the first diapers are now becoming the preferred method of swaddling babies’ bottoms. So, if you’re expecting and are weighing which option to go with, you have come to the right place to find out all about newborn cloth diapers.
History of the Cloth Diaper
Prior to 1946, there was nothing but squares of cloth, made from natural or man-made fibers, to protect your baby’s sensitive bottom. During World War II, the diaper service became a staple, because women worked more, due to men being off at war. The tide began to turn with the “Boater” invented by housewife Marion Donovan. The “Boater” was a waterproof covering for cloth diapers. The real revolution came in the 1960s, though, when the beginnings of the disposable diapers we all know of today came about. To that end, given the convenience here, why are we suddenly so pro- newborn cloth diapers again? There are many valid reasons to use newborn cloth diapers, but disposable diapers are still quite popular as well. To that end, we’ll explore this diaper revolution.
The Return of Cloth Diapers
Despite the yuckiness of doing things like dumping poop from a stinky diaper into the toilet, the revolution to return to newborn cloth diapers is picking up. Now, these are not the cloth diapers of old. They are still natural cotton materials, and they are not nearly as convenient or comfortable for your baby as their disposable counter parts. Further, they have made the return of the laundry service become a necessary and expensive chore for moms who do not have the time or home resources to clean their own newborn cloth diapers at home.
Further, even if you do wash your baby’s cloth diapers in the washing machine, there is the extra water and detergent to be accounted for. You get a higher cost overall, with less convenience. Also, speaking of convenience – do you really want to ride around with a poopy cloth diaper in your car on a hot summer’s day because the little one had to let go while you were picking out meat in the grocery store? You’ll definitely have more challenging diaper changes with the cloth option.
However, there are some serious upshots to returning to the cloth diaper. Some disposable diapers are difficult on a baby’s sensitive skin, and even have been shown to contain toxins. While disposable diapers offer less frequent changing of diapers due to their more absorbent technology, some mothers say that the discomfort of the wetness helped their babies want to potty train more enthusiastically. Of course, such things will vary wildly from child to child and mother to mother. The important thing to do is to explore the disposable vs. cloth options, and make the right decision for you and your family.
The Ecological Impact of Opting For Newborn Cloth Diapers
A big factor in the comeback of the cloth diaper has been the growing concern for the environment among young mothers. This is a good thing, of course. Disposable diapers have been filling the landfills for decades, and we really do have an issue with dumping non-biodegradable trash into our environment by the ton. Therefore, the more new mothers who forego disposable diapers and instead opt for newborn cloth diapers instead, the better.
However, as was mentioned before, the washing of cloth diapers takes up a lot of electricity and water. Whether you use a diaper service – for which you might be on the hook for $20 or more – or you wash your newborn cloth diapers at home, you are still using more electricity and water. It depends on which method seems to be worse for the environment. Though the jury is still out on that one scientifically, I would argue that filling landfills is the more dire issue right now, if environmental impact is one of your reasons for choosing the cloth option, you won’t be disappointed.
- Made of a lightweight (thin) fabric that is soft and quick drying
- Comfortable, recyclable and reusable alternative to disposable diapers. Customized folding great for multi-use such as diaper changing, burp cloths, cleaning, and crafting!
- Size: 14" x 20". Ply: 2 x 3 x 2
- Please confirm the size before purchasing. Inapproriate size may lead to leakage issue or can cause rashes"
- Comfortable, recyclable and reusable alternative to disposable diapers. Customized folding great for multi-use such as diaper changing, burp cloths, cleaning, and crafting!
- Size: 24" x 27"
- FASION & STYLISH －Why not get these reusable, washable super-absorbent and comfortable cloth nappies / diapers, which are also called modern cloth nappies (MCNs) or pocket nappies. For your baby, for the cost of buying disposable nappies, these reusable nappies and inserts will last you for a much longer period of time.
- HIGH QUALITY, ADJUSTABLE, REUSABLE & WATERPROOF －Outer layer: polyester with waterproof and breathable TPU .It's convenient for mammy to carry baby while taking a walk or doing chores. Inner layer: suede cloth inside, it does not hold moisture itself ,the moisture get drawn away to the insert to keep your baby dry . Insert: each diaper would come with two 3-layer microfiber inserts. Insert dimension approx 13.7” x 5.5”
- SAVE MONEY & ECO-FRIENDLY－Our reusable cloth diapers are designed for families who require premium products. Suitable for babies and toddlers 3kg-15kg (6.6 – 33 pounds) (a rough guide for reference only) .Length of Diaper: 15” in length X 13” in width. One size fits all– you can adjust the diaper to your desired size (S,M or L) by snapping onto different rows of buttons on the nappy.
- 100% COTTON DIAPERS - Made of pure, 100% premium cotton in a lint-free, tightly woven gauze. No unwanted or toxic chemicals touching your baby's precious skin, whether you use them as a diaper or a burp cloth. Gentle on skin yet incredibly strong, they stay crisp, white and fresh and never pilling or shrink far past the time your little one wears or uses them
- COMFOT AND SOFT CLOTH DIAPERS - Prefolds are 2x6x2 Layers of cotton, with the middle panel having extra layyers for ensuring maximum absorbency especially when compared to hemp or synthetic diapers and outer panels with less layers for great comfort and fit.Can get rid of the worry that the baby skin is soaked by urine rash or itching pain, and prevent baby from red ass.
- SIZED FOR INFANTS AS WELL AS TODDLERS - Size:50cm*35cm [19.5"X 14"], super breathable and absorbent cloth diapers can be used with newborns (folded traditionally with fasteners) or larger infants/toddlers (folded and used as an insert/pad) and fit nearly any cloth diaper cover on the market. Packaged on 6pack, 10pack, 12pack, depend on your choose
- SLIM FIT & ANTI LEAK - These one-size cloth diapers are designed to fit babies 0 to 36 months with 3x4 rise snaps, they will grow with your babies from newborn infants to toddlers. The crossover snaps and hip snaps keep the cloth nappies in place, preventing wing droop. Snug leg openings and a waterproof TPU cover ensure both comfort and leak prevention.
- ULTIMATE ABSORBENCY - Including 6 pack pocket nappies and 6 adjustable 5-layer bamboo (no microfiber) reusable cloth diaper inserts. Use the snaps on the insert to adjust its length. Blowout free days and leak free nights guaranteed!
- ATHLETIC WICKING JERSEY INTERIOR - The AWJ inner is easy to clean up and quick to dry.It touches your baby's delicate skin directly and wicks moisture away from the bottom to the insert. Perfect for babies that are sensitive to warmth and wetness against their skin.
The Bottom Line
How you choose to take care of your baby – right down to which diaper you use – is a deeply personal decision. Many young, expectant moms are turning to newborn cloth diapers instead of the traditional disposable varieties their mothers and grandmothers used for their babies. There are many very good reasons for this. The new cloth diapers are not like the ones of old – they come in colorful, waterproof varieties, and are machine washable. Also, you never run out of diapers, because you can just toss some in the laundry without needing to run out to the store. If you plan this right, you will only have to buy diapers once per baby, and simply reuse what you have if you go with the option of newborn cloth diapers.
With the Millenial generation moving into our 20s and 30s, the main parental consumer class is a much more ecologically friendly generation. Therefore, the environmental revolution includes newborn cloth diapers, and that is no surprise. Diapers, like plastic straws and cups, cigarette butts, and all kinds of disposable garbage winds up in our landfills, polluting our environment. Millenial mothers do not want to be a part of that.
No matter what choice you make – be it traditional disposable diapers for your newborn, or the cloth option – you’ll be doing what is best for you and your baby. Ultimately, that is all that matters. Happy decision making!
Related Article: 18 Must-Have Items All Moms Should Carry In Their Diaper Bags
Last update on 2024-05-08 at 09:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
