Going Green: Cloth Diapers and Breast Pads

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Hubby and I first discussed using cloth diapers when I was pregnant with Gavin.  At that time, I must admit that I was extremely resistant to the idea because I thought it would be messy – especially because the only type of cloth diapers I had ever known were the old-school muslin nappies our parents used to use with us.  The old-school muslin nappies were squares of cloth that needed to be folded and pinned into place.  All my memories of them were that they were ill-fitting and they tended to leak a lot.

After researching all the benefits of using cloth diapers, I reluctantly agreed to try cloth diapering part time.  And then I discovered a wonderful diaper invention called “Mommy’s Touch“.  If you know anything about diapers, they are basically one-size-fits-all, all-in-one, pocket diapers.

Another benefit I discovered about cloth diapers since using them is that they appeared to be preferred over the disposables.  It became evident when Gavin was older that he found the cloth diapers to be more comfortable than the disposables (which we used to use when we go out).  Although he couldn’t articulate it, he made it very clear he only wanted to wear his cloth diapers and wouldn’t let us put on disposables for him.

Furthermore, I learned from my BFF that wool diapers are cooler than diapers made with the PUL covering.  Yes, you read that right – wool is cooler.  After reading that, I decided it was time to try out some different cloth diapering systems when Gareth was born.  I started looking online to see what was available.  The selection available was overwhelming and in the end, I chose to try some wool diapers from Twigandvine and some fleece diapers from PrettyPrinted because they were more breathable compared to the PUL diapers which I had.

So here’s my new complement of cloth diapers:

• 12 Mommy’s Touch Diapers
• 18 Mommy’s Touch microfiber inserts
• 6 PrettyPrinted Fleece diapers (which are not waterproof but absorbent enough for day use)
• 2 Wool-in-ones (basically AIO diapers made with wool)
• 4 Organic Bamboo Fleece fitted diapers from Twigandvine
• 1 Wool wrap diaper cover

Below: Mommy’s Touch diapers.  I noticed on their website that they now have the velcro-type fasteners and they also have the option for newborn/premmie size.  One of the complaints I recall reading was that the diapers were not suitable for small babies even though it was meant to be one-size-fits-all so I guess they have adjusted for this.

Below: Fleece diapers from PrettyPrinted.  I love the prints on these!

Below: Fitted diapers from Twigandvine.

Below: Wool covers from Twigandvine.

Essentially, that’s 24 diapers – definitely more than enough for Gareth, I should think.  We may even be able to cloth diaper out and cloth diaper Gavin at night as he’s still on diapers at night.  I think it will be a while yet before we can toilet train Gavin overnight.

Although the wool diaper system requires a little more work – having a cover and a diaper and needs extra care when cleaning, I thought it was definitely worth it after reading all the benefits of using wool from Twigandvine:

• Natural fiber
• Breathable: prevents diaper rash, ideal choice for sensitive skin
• Super Absorbent–Can absorb up to 1/3 of its own weight in moisture without even feeling wet
• An Excellent Insulator—in cold climates it insulates and when it’s hot wool keeps you cooler
• The perfect fiber for baby’s and sensitive skin
• Naturally Antibacterial! The natural properties of lanolin which makes a water repellent protective barrier on the wool also kills germs.
• Low maintenance—wool diapers cover only need to air out between washings
• Doesn’t require washing unless it’s been soiled

The only thing about wool is that it must be handwashed, it must not be dried under the sun, and it cannot be dried in the dryer or it will shrink.  It needs to be lanolised once a month to maintain its waterproof qualities.

And while we’re going green with the cloth diapers, I thought it was high time I started looking for some reusable breast pads.  Twigandvine has some lovely cloth breast pads which came highly recommended by my BFF – I ordered myself a set of organic bamboo nursing pads and a set of waterproof nursing pads.  I’m sure that will be enough to get me started.

Below: Contoured breast pads from Twigandvine.

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Other posts that might interest you:

• Green Living: Cloth Diaper Pull-Ups
• Baby No. 2: Cloth Diapers and Elimination Communication
• Baby Shopping Check List
• Review: Cloth Pull-Up Diapers
• Toddler Potty Training: Progress or Lack Thereof

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