Why Should You Use Cloth Diapers?

diapers are the best, indeed the only, diapering choice for their baby. But, not too long ago cloth diapers were the only option. Parents used them with no problem. Here is a look at why cloth diapers are a better choice than disposable diapers.

Disposable diapers have chemicals in them. They are treated to make them super absorbent, but these chemicals against your baby's skin 24 hours a day for the first two and a half years of their life cannot be good. Cloth diapers are made of fabric that is not treated with chemicals that could be harmful. This makes them a healthier choice.

Cloth diapers are a more economical choice in the long run. If you invest in quality cloth diapers and use them properly, they can last you through several children. Over one child's lifetime it costs an estimated $2,000 to keep them in disposable diapers. Reusable cloth diapers can cost as little as $400-$500 including washings. Although the upfront cost is more, the overall cost is much less.

Cloth diapers cause a lot fewer diaper rashes. Because parents who use cloth diapers change their baby much more often, there is less chance for bacteria to build up. This results in fewer painful diaper rashes, and much happier babies.

Cloth diapers are much better for the environment. Millions upon millions of disposable diaper are dumped in landfills each year. The repercussions of this will be felt for generations to come. Cloth diapers can be washed and reused many times. Even after it's life as a diaper, it can be used for other things like dust rags or burp clothes.

Some people argue that cloth diapers are not effectively better than disposables for the environment due to repeated washings. First, the water that is used to wash the diapers can be recycled for other uses. The cost in terms of electricity to wash and dry them is much less than the cost to build new and bigger landfills.

If you don't want to bother with washing them, you can get a diaper service that delivers clean diapers to your door every week. You simply send the dirty ones back with them and they wash them for you. You don't even have to use pins anymore. The new diaper covers hold them in place for you. This is cloth diapering at it's most convenient.

Cloth diapers are so much cuter than disposables. You can get cloth diapers and diaper covers in any fabric pattern that you so desire. There are so many out there to choose from, that even the pickiest parent can find a great look. This way your baby can be well dressed right down to his or her diaper.

There are so many great things about cloth diapering, it's hard to get them all in. From the cost to the environmental factors, cloth diapers really are the way to go. If you still don't believe me check it out for yourself. There is lots of great information out there.

Many parents also report that their child is potty trained sooner than average when they have used cloth diapers. Perhaps it is because parents who use cloth diapers change them more often so the learns to recognize when they are wet.

Many parents are realizing the benefits of cloth diapers. This great economical solution to diapering your baby is coming back into fashion as more and more people are choosing it.

Tips For Buying Baby Gear

Buying baby gear can be a frustrating experience for new parents who want to have the best for the baby, yet they still have to watch their budget. They need to buy baby furniture, such as a crib or bassinet, a change table and a playpen. Parents also like to purchase a baby swing and a stroller for taking the baby for a walk. A cheaper alternative to a stroller is a baby sling where you can carry the baby comfortably and still keep him/her nestled close to you.

Other supplies that you need include baby clothes. When you are buying for the new baby, just remember that although an outfit may look cute, you have to think about how comfortable the baby feels in it. Babies grow a lot in the first few months, so it is really a waste of money to buy a lot of outfits in newborn sizes. You are better off buying in the 3 - 6 month range at first. You will find that the baby will quickly outgrow even these. You also have to look at the material to make sure it won't shrink after the first wash. Also buying clothes that suit either a boy or a girl is a good choice, because the chances are great, the baby will grow out of it long before it is worn out. Then you can pack it away for the next baby.

You have to decide whether you will start with a rocking bassinet or a full size crib. There are many bassinets combined with a playpen so this will save you money. Some bassinets convert into a change table and most of them are portable, making them great for travel. A crib is necessary for when the baby gets older, but for a newborn a bassinet is a good choice to make.

You also have to look at bottles pacifiers, toys and later on a high chair. All of these come in many makes and models, but before you buy make sure that they are rated according to safety standards.

Even with all this, you won't be allowed to take the baby home from the hospital without a car seat installed in the back seat. For this you need to look at ones that convert from rear to forward facing and that you can use a booster seat when the child gets older.