Organic Cloth Diapers

In any discussion of organic cloth diapers, "organic" makes a considerable difference.

Traditional cotton diapers ravage two environments-the one in which the cotton grows, and the one where you and your baby live. Organic cloth diapers substantially reduce the risk to the world's precious farmlands, and you can control the threat all cloth diapers pose to your own environment.

Organic cloth diapers mitigate the long-lingering effects of cotton production. Commissioned by the British Environmental Protection Agency, a very recent study documented and detailed cotton's devastation of once-fertile farmlands. Plagued by a host of pests, cotton requires more pesticide than any other cash crop. In fact, British investigators discovered cotton crops account for more than 40% of all the world's pesticide use. Outside the United States and Europe, the majority of farmers still use volatile, toxic, carcinogenic DDT and dioxin, because they most effectively kill pests. Not surprisingly, DDT and dioxin also kill wildlife and poison precious groundwater.

In addition to growing their crops without chemical pesticides, organic farmers also raise their cotton without chemical fertilizers. Traditional cotton farmers have used nearly as much hazardous fertilizer as they have sprayed pesticides. The British researchers found that cotton crops use 37% more nitrogen fertilizer than the second biggest consumer, and they, therefore, account for nearly half of the world's chemical fertilizer consumption. Because cotton depletes the soil of all its nutrients, fields require fertilization not only while the crops mature, but also immediately after harvest and immediately before planting.

Shopping for diapers, you have two choices-100% organically grown cotton, or a blend of hemp and organically grown cotton. All-cotton organic diapers cost nearly twice the price of traditional cotton nappies, because the chemical-free growing process is extremely labor-intensive. Diapers made of the hemp-cotton blend, on the other hand, cost very little more than old-fashioned cotton nappies. Hemp grows abundantly just from nutrients Nature replaces, and it has no known insect enemies, so it requires virtually no pesticides. Moreover, because hemp launders easily and completely, you often can find "recycled" hemp diapers which show absolutely no signs of use.

Although almost all cloth diapers still contain at least 30% cotton, the best organic cloth diapers are woven from earth-friendly hemp and cotton grown entirely without chemicals by family farmers in the world's emerging nations. In your decision about organic cloth diapers, the hemp-cotton mix emerges as by far your best choice.

Advantage of using organic cloth nappies or diapers

The benefit of organic cloth diapers is that they are very environment friendly.

An organic cloth diaper enables the flow of fresh air from the micro pores existing in the diaper thus keeping the air circulation active. That's how the nappy gets dried quickly and easily too. Research proves that no one can have allergy or infections from organic cotton materials.

Organic material diapers will not only help you protect the environment but also save your money and keep your baby happy, fresh, healthy, comfortable and always active.

Baby Nappies

Baby nappies/diapers cloth

When you first start researching cloth diapers, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the huge array of choices. With a little basic information, you'll see that choosing a cloth diapering system does not have to be all that complicated.

In order to understand the different types of cloth diapers, you'll need to know that no matter what system you use, your diaper will consist of an absorbent layer that sits next to (or near) your baby's skin and absorbs moisture, and a waterproof layer that is on the outside and prevents moisture from leaking out. The absorbent layer and the waterproof layer can be designed in several different ways, which can be boiled down to four main types of cloth diapers.

Four Types of Cloth Diapers

• Prefold Diapers
• Fitted Diapers
• All in Ones
• Pocket Diapers

Prefolds

The term prefold refers to a rectangular shaped absorbent layer. Several layers of absorbent material are sewn together to make one prefold. Prefolds must be folded, and you can experiment with several different types of folds to suit your needs. Prefolds do not have a built in waterproof layer, so you must buy covers separately.

These diapers are very inexpensive, but they are the most work when it comes to changing time because they must be folded.

Fitted Diapers

The term fitted diaper refers to an absorbent layer that is shaped just like a disposable. This type of diaper normally has gathers at the legs for a snug fit, and closes with snaps or hook and loop (like Velcro). Fitted diapers do not have a built in waterproof outer layer, so they must be worn with a separate cover.

They are quite convenient since no folding is necessary, and although you will need to buy some separate diaper covers, they covers stay clean and dry, so they can be reused for several changes. Fitted diapers generally cost a little more than prefolds but are less expensive than AIOs or pocket diapers.

Pocket diapers

Pocket diapers are made of an outer, waterproof layer and a soft liner which are sewn together on three sides to form a pocket. The pocket must be stuffed with a separated absorbent layer. Because the outer layer comes in contact with baby's skin, it must be changed with each diaper change. You'll need to separate the absorbent layer from the pocket after each diaper change in order to wash pocket diapers correctly.

Pocket diapers are quite convenient, but they are more expensive than prefold and fitted diapers. They are slightly more work than all in ones because they need to be assembled, but they dry faster than all in ones because they can be separated.

All in Ones

All in ones, sometimes referred to as AIO, are a one piece cloth diapering system. They are a combination of an absorbent layer and a waterproof layer sewn together into a single, one piece diaper. All in ones are extremely easy to use because they is no need to fold or assemble the diaper in any way. These diapers can be a good choice to use with babysitters or other care givers who are not entirely comfortable with cloth diapering. They are also handy to use when you are out with your baby for the day because they are extremely easy to change on the go.