The decision to swaddle your little boy or girl in prefold cloth diapers can seem overwhelming right after you’ve made it. Disposable diapers seem to rule the world – we see them in ads, we see them in the stores we shop.
And for many new parents, the decision to use cloth diapers is quickly labeled “alternative.” You know, all of a sudden your friends and family members are looking at you like you just decided to move the whole family into a yurt on an organic raspberry farm and take up basket-weaving or wooden flute repair.
Don’t worry – there is a large and vibrant community of Mommas (and Papas!) who are devoted to using prefold cloth diapers. Not only that, it’s a growing community. So you are in good company.
And you are doing good things for the Earth as well. No, this isn’t a guilt trip. Most cloth diaper advocates use disposable diapers now and again – they come in handy on long trips, or when you are doing an overnight at a friend’s house or your parent’s house, and washing the cloth diapers isn’t a real option. But the truth is, disposable diapers fill up landfills real fast. And while cloth diapers use up energy resources and water while being cleaned, it isn’t nearly as wasteful as dumping everything in a landfill.
What exactly is a prefold cloth diaper? As opposed to a cloth diaper? It’s a good question. Basically, the prefold is rectangular in shape, includes several layers of fabric (hemp, cotton, etc), is sewn into three equal sections with the middle one – you know, where the pee and the poop go – being thicker (become it has more layers) than the others.
You will run into all sorts of terms and phrases as you enter the world of cloth diapers. In fact, the terminology can be a little off-putting. Some experienced Mama with one on her knee while another one nurses will say, Have you considered using AIO? What about the Chinese Prefold? And you might yourself wondering if there’s a secret handshake to go along with it.
No worries! Like anything else, the world of cloth diapers has its own lingo, but you’ll pick it up fast. AIO simply means an All In One diaper. And a Chinese prefold is simply a super absorbent diaper, ideal for heavy users.
The key is to ask questions. Don’t ever feel like you can’t reach out and seek a little clarity or advice. The bottom line? Your baby’s tush will appreciate it!
(Pic: Heban)
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