Thursday, February 9, 2012

10 Cloth Diapering Myths…Busted!





Cloth diapering often gets a bad rap in the media for being too time-consuming, effort-intensive or even, bad for baby. Seen the ad where the baby cries because he’s wearing a cloth nappy and it’s wet? Yeah, so, here at SmartBaby, we thought about busting myths like this and others.

Here are 10 cloth diapering myths that are just that, myths:



1. Cloth Diapers are Expensive


Umm, not really.Have you considered the cost of disposables? And the fact, that you can’t reuse a disposable? Let’s do some math here, shall we?

A 10-pack of brand-name disposable diapers cost an average of 150-200INR, with each diaper that can be only used ONCE.Your baby will go through 6-8 diaper changes during the day, so you’ll end up spending 1120INR in a week, if you use 8 diapers everyday with a 10-pack that costs 200 INR. So, this amounts to 58, 240 INR in a year.

Now, let’s look at a Flip Stay-Dry Day pack that comes with 2 One-Size covers and 6 Stay-Dryinserts and gives you 6 FULL diaper changes besides being totally reusable and costs 3,550 INR. So, you can basically use the same pack over and over and over! You can even add on a 3-pack bumGenius at 3,862 INR and still SAVE big! Plus, your diapers come with a one year warranty as well! So, you’re really covered!

So, now that we’ve done some math, it becomes quite clear that cloth diapers are not only inexpensive; they actually SAVE you money in the long run.


2. Cloth Diapers are Inconvenient


Now, this is one myth that I used to believe in. However, with cloth diapers like bumGenius around, this myth is totally busted. If you’ve struggled with trying one of those triangular cloth nappies around a squirming baby, I hear you.

However, if you want complete ease of use, reach for a bumGenius or a Flip diaper and you’ll know what I mean.  Invented by a mom herself, bumGenius was created to be as easy as using a disposable diaper. 

The stretchy tabs give it a perfect fit for your baby and the hook and loop closures make is as convenient as putting on a disposable diaper.

 Plus, think about all those rushed trips to the chemist to buy a pack of disposables because you’ve run out of them. Yes, you’ll never have to do those when you have everything you need to diaper baby, right there in the house, all the time!


3. Cloth Diapers Lead to Rashes


Short answer, no. In fact, when you think about it, using a cloth diaper means baby feels ‘wet’ quickly, which leads to frequent diaper changes, which in turn means, no rash. Rashes happen when baby’s sensitive skin is exposed for long durations to wetness or chemicals. 

When you choose a Stay-Dry bumGenius or Flip diaper your baby doesn’t feel wet.  The microfiber works like a sponge to absorb the wetness and the soft suede creates a barrier between the baby’s skin. The design of the diaper and the fabric is such that itwicks the moisture from your baby’s bottom keeping them happy and dry.


4. Cloth Diapers Can’t be Used at Night


You can.  You just need a more absorbent cloth diaper, such as a bumGenius. Your bumGenius comes with 2 inserts – a small, lightweight insert for newborns and a larger one-size insert for your growing baby. When your baby outgrows the newborn insert, it works as an overnight booster or as extra absorbency for heavy wetter’s. So, one more cloth diapering myth busted!

5. Cloth Diapers Have to be Changed Frequently


Experts recommend that a baby’s diapers be changed every 3 to 4 hours or approximately 8 times during the day. The point is to keep your baby dry so the risk of getting a rash or infection is minimal.  If you usean absorbent stay-dry cloth diaper,your baby will stay dry longer without the risk of exposing your baby to the harsh chemicals in a disposable diaper. And by keeping them dryer longer in a stay-dry cloth diaper you are keeping your baby free from rashes and infections. So isn’t that a win?


6. Using Cloth Diapers is a Smelly Job


Many cloth diapers parents actually claim they have less smell when using cloth diapers because they aren’t full of perfumes like disposables. 

As long as your baby is breastfed, their poop is water-soluble so the diaper can just be thrown directly in the washing machine.

Once your baby starts eating solids, they will have a thicker, more peanut butter consistency of poop, which can be easily removed by using the health faucet next to your toilet or a diaper sprayer and washing down all the yuck before storing in your diaper pail.

 We recommend buying a bucket with lid to store your soiled diapers up to two days before washing.  When washing your diapers remember to use a gentle detergent free of enzymes, softener and fragrances.

7. Putting on Cloth Diapers is Difficult


If you’re using a bumGenius diaper, you’ll know that putting on a cloth diaper can be just as easy as putting on a disposable.  Once your diapers are clean, you can stuff them and keep them ready to be used in your diaper drawer.

The manufacturers of bumGenius and Flip have created a unique butterfly closure system with stretchy tabs that give your baby that perfect fit and ease of use.   When you choose a hook and loop closure our diapers really become as easy as putting on a disposable.


8. Cloth Diapers Mean Nappy Pins


Again, it depends upon what type of cloth nappy are you using. bumGenius modern cloth diapers don’t need any nappy pins that may open and prick yourbaby. They come with infant-friendly snaps or hook-and-loop closures that are easy on both you and your bundle of joy.

9. Cloth Diapers are Unhygienic


This is a BIG myth. When washed and cared for properly, cloth diapers are completely hygienic and healthier for your baby than a disposable. 

Remember to store your soiled diapers properly, wash them regularly and give a second rinse to remove any build up or residue of detergent in your diapers.

10. A Cloth Diaper Makes Baby Uncomfortable 


Disposable diaper companies want us to believe by showing us images of babies in cloth nappies crying and squirming. Cloth diapers are actually softer, more absorbent and definitely better for babies are compared to a disposable. Try one today and you’ll never reach for a disposable again.   A cloth diaper, such as the bumGenius, has a soft suede lining that feels super-soft against baby’s skin and wicks away the moisture as well. So, your baby is always comfortable and happy!

Well, now that we’ve busted these myths for you, what’s stopping YOU from using cloth diapers?
Want to get more answers to cloth diapering questions, join us on our Facebook Page for an exciting Event happening on the 29th of February, 2012! 

Photo Credit: Audrey