Can't Afford Cloth? No Problem! Free Cloth Diapers

Many people these days are turning back to cloth diapers. Much like the bottle feeding rage that took over the world once formula became available, disposable diapers had also become the "norm" and using cloth "old-fashioned". But now, with new studies and ever increasing awareness of the advantages of doing things the old fashioned way for our babies, more and more people are returning to breastfeeding and also, believe it or not, to using cloth diapers instead of disposables. Gosh, even the thought sounds like a lot of work, doesn't it? But many are doing it anyway, and here's why:

Disposable Diaper Health Concerns (info from www.realdiaperassociation.org)

Disposable diapers contain traces of Dioxin, an extremely toxic by-product of the paper-bleaching process. It is a carcinogenic chemical, listed by the EPA as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals. It is banned in most countries, but not the U.S..

Disposable diapers contain Tributyl-tin (TBT) - a toxic pollutant known to cause hormonal problems in humans and animals.

Disposable diapers contain sodium polyacrylate, a type of super absorbent polymer (SAP), which becomes a gel-like substance when wet. A similar substance had been used in super-absorbency tampons until the early 1980s when it was revealed that the material increased the risk of toxic shock syndrome by increasing absorbency and improving the environment for the growth of toxin-producing bacteria.

In May 2000, the Archives of Disease in Childhood published research showing that scrotal temperature is increased in boys wearing disposable diapers, and that prolonged use of disposable diapers will blunt or completely abolish the physiological testicular cooling mechanism important for normal spermatogenesis.

Disposable Diaper Environment Concerns (abbreviated)

In 1988, nearly $300 million dollars were spent annually just to discard disposable diapers, whereas cotton diapers are reused 50 to 200 times before being turned into rags.

No one knows how long it takes for a disposable diaper to decompose, but it is estimated to be about 250-500 years, long after your children, grandchildren and great, great, great grandchildren will be gone.

There are things to know about using cloth diapers as well, such as how to clean them, and the importance of getting them completely clean. There are a few options you can use, like a diaper service, or special cleaning products. On the Real Diaper Association website is a how to guide on using cloth diapers that answers FAQ and leads you step by step. Click here to read it now!

Cloth Diaper Foundation: Free Cloth Diapers

Covering the world in fluff one baby bum at a time.

So what if you would like to try cloth diapers, but don't think you can afford to buy the supplies? There is a place you can go for help with costs, another organization dedicated to putting our babies in the REAL good stuff. They are called the Cloth Diaper Foundation (formerly Miracle Diapers) and their website is www.clothdiaperfoundation.org

People donate supplies to this foundation, and you can apply to receive them! All they ask for is shipping costs. Even if you are just a little curious, it can't hurt to check out their website and see what they are about.

Do you use cloth diapers? Have you considered using them? If not, what is the main reason you haven't tried them yet?