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