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Cloth Diapering 101



Cloth Diapering 101- Introductionbaby girl bumkins

We've had the pleasure of helping thousands of families get started with cloth diapering. There is a wide diversity in reasons to cloth diaper, motivations for making the switch, and expectations of what it will be like. One thing that seems to run through everyone's experience is the feeling of being completely overwhelmed when they start their research. This is not uncommon! We understand these feelings, and all of us have been there.

We want to de-mystify and simplify your cloth diaper experience.

Using cloth diapers can truly be just as easy as using throw-away diapers.
The only difference is a few extra loads of laundry each week. 


baby bumkinsA funny but thought-provoking question comes to mind. Why don't we throw away our clothes after wearing them? It would be alot easier. No laundry to do, no ironing, no dry cleaning...disposable clothes- what a great idea! But it will never happen, because 1) it is wasteful; 2) paper clothes don't work as well; and 3) paper clothes are uncomfortable! So...how did the "normal" way to diaper become paper diapering?

 

  • When disposable diapers were invented, cloth diapers like we have now did not exist. The beautiful and functional fabrics we have now for cloth diapering just simply didn't exist or weren't used. If companies like Bumkins, Bummis, BumGenius, Fuzzibunz or Thirsties (or any of our other brands) were around then, we are pretty sure disposable diapers would have flopped!
  • People also wanted ease and convenience, and disposables offered that, while the cloth of the 1960's did not. Happily, in the 21st century, modern cloth diapers offer that ease of use, convenience, and functionality that people so desperately wanted.
  • When disposable diapers were introduced, we didn't think too much about the environmental impact of widespread disposable diaper use. Now, more than 25 billion disposable diapers go into landfills every year in the United States. Even for those who are not concerned with the massive environmental impact, many people are concerned with the massive cost to dispose of this much waste. In 1988, cities, town, and other municipalities spent about $300 million dollars to dispose of the then-18 billion disposable diapers thrown out that year.
  • Babies can't express a preference in words but will general show their comfort. Imagine wearing plastic and paper clothing tightly sealed around you - vs soft fabrics.  Most disposables are laden with chemicals and perfumes as well. Ask an articulate toddler what he/she prefers on their bum, and it will be hands-down in favor of cloth.

 

bumkins diaper

Let's get to the nitty-gritty of your introduction to cloth diapering! Below, you will find our library of articles and helpful information that we try to add to as often as possible. If you can't find the answer to your questions here, please let us know!

 

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Cloth Diapering 101


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