Q: Are cloth diapers really that economical? The startup cost seems so overwhelming!

A: On average a family diapering 1 child will spend about $1500-$2000 from birth until potty training on disposable diapers. This does not include the time spent clipping coupons, buying wipes, driving to the store with the best "sale", fighting traffic, etc… Depending on how much your time is worth to you, you would be facing much more than that, all told!

Cloth diapering startup costs equal what you would spend on about 2 ½ months of disposables (on average but I haven't bought any new or at retail - eBay rules in this area). And they can be used for virtually the ENTIRE time your baby needs diapers! You won't need to worry about having 6 different sizes of diapers on hand, as cloth diapers are versatile enough to encompass your baby's time in diapers in just 3 sizes, although some babies never grow out of the second size! You'll never find out halfway through a pack of diapers that your baby has outgrown them, and you've just wasted $10!!! With proper care, your cloth diapers can be packed away for another baby's use, as well - furthering their cost effectiveness or you can resell them on eBay. You can't say that about disposables!

Q: Disposable diapers are so convenient. Isn't it time-consuming to wash diapers rather than just throwing a disposable one away?

A: Whereas a disposable diaper may be convenient at changing-time, you might be surprised at how the same can be said about cloth diapers! Especially after you develop a routine. I literally only spend about 6 hours a week washing, drying and folding diapers. To me it's worth.

Other Pros:

Another reason to cloth diaper, however - and one of my main ones is comfort. Disposable diapers are nothing but wood pulp and plastic backing. Cloth diapers can be made from flannel, cotton knit, velour, sherpa, hemp, fleece - the possibilities are endless! Cloth diapers are soft and comfortable made of natural, chemical free, very absorbent fibers. Most diapers are made of cotton. Sometimes hemp is used. Unlike disposable diapers, cloth diapers stay cool even on the hottest summer day. Disposables contain dyes, perfumes, and chemicals. The absorbent filling in a disposable, sodium polyacrylate, has been deemed unsuitable for use in tampons, yet it is still used in single use diapers. Dioxin and TBT Poison can also be found in diapers. Disposable diapers do not breathe, leaving children more prone to rash. Since disposables are so absorbant, pulling moisture towards the core of the diaper, children tend to sit in them for longer periods of time, sometimes hours. Even the most absorbant diaper should be changed every 2-3 hours. Lastly - they just seem so much more comfortable.

Diaper rash is seldom a problem when using cloth diapers. Cloth diapers are more breathable and cloth diapered babies are changed more often. Disposable diapers mask the wetness, therefore you don't always have an indication of how long the child has been wearing a wet or poopy diaper. This, together with the fact that disposable diapers become much hotter, allows more rapid bacterial growth which can cause diaper rash. If your baby has sensitive skin the reaction to the chemicals in disposable diapers may also contribute to diaper rash.

On average cloth diapered children potty train 6 months earlier than children wearing disposable diapers. Cloth diapers do not mask the sensation of wetness.

Disposable diapers could be the cause of the sharp rise in male infertility over the past 25 years. It is thought that disposable diapers heat up boys testicles to such a degree that it stop them from developing normal.

SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, which is linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome and can therefore no longer be used in tampons, is the super absorbent gel in disposable diapers. You can find the little "gel balls" on the skin of your baby's bottom. It is interesting to note that employees in factories manufacturing sodium polyacrylate suffer from female organ problems, slow healing wounds, fatigue and weight loss.

TBT (TRIBULYTIN) - In May 2000 Greenpeace found TBT in Pampers® Baby Dry in Germany. TBT is one of the most toxic substances ever made. It harms the immune system and impairs the hormonal system. There is speculation that it could cause boys to become sterile.

DIOXIN - Traces of the carcinogen Dioxin have been found in disposable diapers. Dioxin causes liver disease, immune system suppression and genetic damage. It is a byproduct of bleaching with chlorine gas and is banned in most countries. Unfortunately, the USA still allows it.

Q: How do I wash my cloth diapers? A: Although there are many different ways of going about it, this is what I plan to try:

I currently do a warm wash with 2 cold rinses. Occasionally I presoak if a stain is bad. I use HALF a cap of All Free N Clear and a downey ball of apple cidear vinegar. Occasionally I add a dash of oxyclean. Then when the wash is done I throw them in the dryer. Do NOT use fabric softeners. Fabric softener "coats" the diapers causing them to lose their absorbency. The cotton is soft enough where you will find no outside means of softening will be necessary!

So why did I choose? Number one to save money. That's what started my research since we originally have multiples. But now that I am actively using cloth I think it's the best thing since sliced bread. It's healthier on my baby's bum, healthier for the environment and healthier on my pocket book! What better reasons could there be?