Cloth Diapering is More Than Just Living Green

There are many ways that parents can reduce, reuse, and recycle via cloth diapering. While your baby is eliminating waste, you can make choices in diapering that will simultaneously reduce the amount of waste that enters our landfills. The decision to use cloth involves more than just nappies.

Modern Choices in Cloth Diapering

Contemporary cloth diapers are available in several different types. The most common of these are flats, prefolds, fitted diapers, and pocket diapers. You may also need to use waterproof diaper covers depending on the type of diapers that you decide to use. Flat diapers are composed of a single layer of square cloth that is folded around your little one. Prefold diapers are similar to a flat diaper, except that they contain multiple layers that are sewn together to improve absorbency and most commonly come in 4 sizes. These types of diapers must be fastened with a pin or Snappi. They are 100% absorbent and must be used with waterproof diaper covers. Fitted diapers too are 100% absorbent and are the next evolution in cloth diapering technology. A fabric diaper with no waterproof layer is referred to as a fitted diaper. A Fitted cloth diaper is shaped like a diaper and has some form of snaps or velcro to fasten the diaper onto the baby. Fitted diapers are not waterproof and will require some type of diaper cover to keep the wetness contained. The Fitted diaper category lives in the space between Prefolds (flat, square, cotton/bamboo diapers that require folding and pinning to fasten onto baby and need a cover to be waterproof) and the more modern Pocket Diaper or All In One (waterproof, has either snaps or hook/loop features so that it can fasten onto baby.) Kanga Care’s Fitted Diapers are under our Ecoposh OBV collection. Some diapers also include customized amenities that make them more absorbent and comfortable for your baby than basic nappies. For example, Kanga Care’s Ecoposh OBV Recycled Organic One Size Fitted Pocket Diaper can be adjusted to fit four different sizes from newborn to toddler (6 lbs. to 40 lbs.), has ten layers of absorbency, and includes exclusive double inner gusset technology. It is made with environmentally friendly materials that include recycled water bottles, organic cotton, and soft bamboo rayon. Like its predecessors, this diaper needs a cover, such as a Rumparooz Cover which provides a waterproof barrier. 

Pocket diapers are the most technologically advanced diapers. A Pocket style diaper has a pocket opening between the outer shell layer and the inner layer that touches the baby's skin. You can place the absorbent material (insert) inside this pocket opening. Kanga Care has various pocket diapers to choose from: Rumparooz, and Rumparooz OBV.These cloth diapers come in stylish colors and include all the conveniences of a fitted diaper, plus a waterproof barrier of TPU to prevent leakage. Rumparooz One Size Cloth Pocket Diapers are adjustable and grow with your baby. They have assets such as snap closures, exclusive double inner gussets, a stuffable pocket, and an eco-friendly waterproof layer. The inside of the diaper contains a hypoallergenic microchamois that will be soft and comfortable against your baby’s skin.

More Ways to Reduce Our Landfills

Many parents use cloth baby wipes because they are gentle on a baby’s skin, save money, and promote green living. Wipes can be made from cotton flannel, terry washcloths, or even natural fabrics featuring bamboo, hemp, linen, cotton, and fleece. Some people even find that they are able to recycle old flat diapers and t-shirts and make them into wipes. After using your baby wipes, you can put them into a wet bag with your diapers and launder them together. This makes cloth diapering and wipes a great way for families to live green with minimal extra work on your part.