Everything about Jacob's birth was unique, so it would be no surprise that I've decided to diaper him differently. Yes, I am talking about cloth diapers! I used to think cloth diapering was messy, unsanitary, time-consuming & labor-intensive. However, the more research I did, the more I became convinced that cloth diapering was the right choice. Modern cloth diapering is not what it used to be, & it's really possible to have a pleasant cloth diapering experience.
FuzziBunz diapers come in a rainbow of beautiful colors
I have chosen to cloth diaper for a number of reasons. I will list the top 3 here:
1) It's healthy for our environment. I wanted to do my part in reducing the number of disposable diapers ending up in our landfills each year. No one knows for sure how long it takes for disposable diapers to decompose, but the estimate is between 250-500 years (!).
2) Prevention/elimination of diaper rash. Cloth diapers are soft against baby's skin & void of the many chemicals contained in disposable diapers (see the Real Diaper Association's Diaper Facts below).
3) Cost savings. If you assumed on average 8 diaper changes per day for 2.5 years, you would save about $800/year by cloth diapering (even including the initial upfront investment cost of the cloth diaper/liner & cost of water, electricity & detergent) (see handout above).
A typical FuzziBunz diaper with 2 inserts
There are many cloth diaper brands on the market & it can be really overwhelming to decide on a particular one. I chose the FuzziBunz diapers for my cloth diapering needs because I fell in love with their One Size Pocket diaper - one diaper that can be used from birth to potty training (!). It can be adjusted (waist & leg casings) to fit babies 7-35 lbs for a truly snug fit. Sturdy snap closurs can withstand 3+ years of use & the button-adjusted elastic can be easily replaced with no sewing required.
Soft polar fleece lining of the FuzziBunz diaper
FuzziBunz are made with high tech fabrics that are durable enough to last wash after wash & through multiple children. Even though there is a substantial upfront costs (each One Size Pocket diaper costs $19.95), FuzziBunz guarantees its product for 1 year (remember to save your receipt!). FuzziFunz were developed so that there would be no need for diaper swirling, dunking, spraying or soaking, & diapers look clean wash after wash. Only super soft polar fleece touches the baby's skin, & there are no pins to poke, no Velcro to scratch & no crunchy plastic to rub against.
Caring for your Fuzzi Bunz:
- Fuzzi Bunz diapers are single use diapers. Wash both the Fuzzi Bunz & insert after each use.
- Most babies will experience little or no diaper rash after using Fuzzi Bunz. Do NOT use any rash or diaper ointments or creams with the diapers.
- When wet, separate insert & Fuzzi Bunz & store in a dry diaper pail.
- If soiled, simply knock solids into toilet. Small solids stuck to the fleece will dissolve in the wash. Use a mini-shower toilet attachment (diaper sprayer) to rinse off soiled diapers over the toilet (optional, but very helpful). My husband was able to install a diaper sprayer fairly easily a week before baby's due date thanks to a YouTube video (see the link below).
Washing one's Fuzzi Bunz:
1) Dump diaper pail & contents into the washer
2) Run a COLD soak & COLD rinse with no detergent
3) Run a HOT wash cycle with detergent (use 1/4-1/2 detergent normally used for clothing)
4) If your hot wash is not automatically followed by a cold rinse, run a cold rinse cycle (This step is only necessary with a particularly dirty load)
5) Dry on LOW heat or outside on line
Tips:
- Use disposable diapers for about a week after baby's birth, or until all meconium passes, to avoid hard-to-get-out stains.
- Do NOT use bleach or fabric softeners as they interfere with absorption.
- It's recommended to use Charlie's soap, FuzziBunz detergent by Rockin' Green, Tide Regular or Free, Cheer Regular or Free, Arm & Hammer regular or Free, E-Cover or Purex detergent.
Additional Resources:
1) FuzziBunz Modern Cloth Diapers
2) FuzziBunz One Size YouTube Demo
3) FuzziBunz Frequently Asked Questions
4) How to Make Your Own Diaper Sprayer video from YouTube
5) The Scoop on Poop - Cleaning Cloth Diapers (YouTube video demonstration by Little Tree Hugger of cloth diaper clean-up using no liners/no diaper sprayer, bio-degradable flushable liners, reusable fleece liners & diaper sprayer)
6) Real Diaper Association's Diaper Facts
7) All About Cloth Diapers
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