Guest Author - Jan Zeiger

I first read about cloth diapering in a book called The Tightwad Gazette. I remember thinking, “Yeah, right!” That was before I realized that cloth diapering is not what it used to be. And remember that I’m not talking about those cloth diapers you can buy at the store. Those are good for burp cloths--not diapering!

I cloth diaper because it’s better for my baby, it’s better for our planet, and it’s better for my pocketbook. I don’t bother with the old-fashioned cloth diapers. I have friends who do and love them, but I don’t want to be bothered with pins or covers. I tried several types of all-in-ones and wasn’t happy until I tried Fuzzi Bunz about 3 years ago. They’re wonderful! They are a pocket diaper, so you stuff them with an insert and they’re ready to go. The insert gets wet, but the fleece that touches your baby’s bottom stays dry. And what’s even better, we’ve experienced no leaks! They have multiple snaps so they can be adjusted to fit just right. Fuzzi Bunz work extremely well and come in colors. My daughter usually wears hot pink! They also have a good resale value.

Cloth diapering sites seem to be everywhere. If you do a search on the topic, it can be overwhelming. My advice to you is to check out a few recommended sites to see if cloth diapering is for you. You’ll find articles that answer your questions and you’ll see the multitude of diapers that are available.

Some companies sell sample packages so you can try out just one of each diaper they sell. These are convenient because you don‘t have to commit to several diapers of one brand. You might also look into your community to see if there are cloth diapering moms. I’ve found that these moms (including myself) are usually eager to talk with you and show you the types of diapers they use. A great way to find other natural minded mamas in your area who use cloth is to check out the “Find your Tribe” section at Mothering.com.

When I started cloth diapering, I continued to use disposables when I left the house. I just wasn’t ready for 100% cloth diapering. I know some moms who never get to that point and only use cloth diapers at home. Every little bit helps. If you’re only using them at home, you’re still having a positive impact on your baby, your environment, and your wallet. Many moms eventually get to the point where they cloth diaper when they’re out too, and there are special waterproof carrying bags available for that. Three years after starting, I am cloth diapering all of the time. However, I’m going to take a break in a few weeks when I go on a family vacation because I just don’t think it would be practical to cloth diaper on the road. I’ll use Seventh Generation’s disposable diapers for the trip.

I haven’t attempted to cover all cloth diapering related information in this article. Please see the related links for some informative articles on disposables vs. cloth, how to care for cloth diapers, and the different kinds available. Happy diapering!