Cloth Diaper Myths - Common Cloth Diapering Myths Debunked

Are you on the fence about using cloth diapers? With so many benefits of cloth diapers it would be silly not to consider them. But perhaps you're concerned about smell, difficulty, or any other cloth diaper myths that everyone has brought to light. The truth is, cloth diapering has changed greatly in the last forty years and many of the issues from past generations have been remedied. Thus, the cloth diapering myths have finally been debunked!

I have exclusively used cloth diapers for two babes now and still love them.

However, telling people that I was going to use cloth diapers resulted in a lot of hilarious questions, expressions, and plain old bullying!

Part of the battle is that there is a lot of misconceptions and cloth diaper myths out there from past generations.

And yes, there are drawbacks. But truthfully most of these struggles can be fixed by finding the best cloth diapering system for you. There's a lot out there now and each one is slightly different.

If you're serious about cloth diapering and need some amazing pointers, Mum In The Woods of cloth diapers as well as how to wash them, remove stains, etc. has some amazing resources and recently did up an Ebook on cloth diapers which (even after two babes) I found helpful.

But before you do that, let's dive into some cloth diaper myths and sort through al that's changed in the past forty years!

 

Cloth Diapers Are Hard To Put On

Back in our parent's day, this statement was accurate. And I think that's why I got so many funny lances from Aunts and Uncles when I told them!

Way back in the day, all cloth diapers were simple cloth and you had to insert big metal pins into the sides in order to adhere the diaper together. Talk about insane right?

Nowadays cloth diapers are beyond simple. You can still pin if you like (but uh, hello, why??) but most diapers and diaper covers are either snaps or Velcro.

Now, there are different systems (covers and diapers, all-in-one etc). You do need to find the best fit for your baby. However, the diapers and covers I use are both snaps making it beyond simple to do them up (yes, even at two am in the dark).

Check out the video below to see just how easy & quick cloth diapering is!

 

The Smell Of Cloth Diapering Isn't Worth It

For starters, I'm pretty sure that cloth diapers are not the only stinky ones! Many people think that because there are no fragrances cloth diapers smell more.

However, with cloth diapering you'll be changing your babe more frequently and thus, your babe won't be as stinky.

As for the diaper pail. Similar to investing in a specific garbage pail for disposable diapers, there is a better option for cloth than your regular old kitchen garbage. The pail you'll want will be tightly sealed and have a charcoal filter to help with the smell. And like everything, baking soda and frequent changes go a long way!

But again, it depends on your system. To avoid stinkiness in the room, ensure you're washing he cloth diapers frequently and not letting them sit. Read more about what I wish I knew when I started using cloth diapers!

Pro Tip: One way to eliminate stinkiness from the baby's bum is to make sure the wetness from the diaper isn't absorbing into the cover. Once baby bear starting peeing more heavily we switched our covers to the Grovia diapers because they offer a mesh type one that doesn't absorb. I've been in love with them ever since!

 

Using Cloth Diapers Is Expensive

One of the cloth diaper myths that has been around for a long time! The honest answer is that cloth diapers are less expensive longterm. But there is an initial cost.

If you plan on having more than one child, cloth diapers are definitely cheaper. Even if you have just one babe, you can re-sell your cloth diapers for a decent price so it’s still worth it.

The average babe goes through 2500-3000 diapers in their first year (overwhelming right?!). The cost of a single diaper ranges from $0.19-$0.47 depending on the size. So on average, you’ll spend $945 in the first year on diapers.

That doesn’t count that most children don’t potty train until three or subsequent kids. It will cost you $500-900 to FULLY set up a cloth diapers system (depending on what you choose and if you buy used). And you’ll have the cloth diapers for the next round of kids.

 

Cloth Diaper Myths - Washing & Scraping The Cloth Diapers Is Gross

I hear you. This is easily the biggest complaint of cloth diapers and the biggest aversion my husband had to using cloth diapers.

There are ways to get around this though.

For a breastfed baby, you actually don't even need to scrape anything. The way the poop breaks down is water-soluble makes laundering very simple. For formula babies and when you start solids, there is some cleaning involved and most people just dump into the toilet or use a diaper sprayer.

If it still freaks you out, check your area for a diaper service! We have one in town that delivers you fresh cloth diapers weekly and picks up your used ones! No scraping or washing.

All you have to do it place the dirty ones in the bucket and put them out each week. This service costs about $21/week - which is nothing in the diaper world. 

Cloth Diaper Myths - Daycares!

This is a cloth diapering myth that I hadn't even considered when I chose to use cloth. However, some daycares are said to not allow cloth diapers.

If I'm not mistaken the rules have changed in the last few years. I know that in Canada there are no laws that can prevent cloth diapers but it may be different where you live- look into it!

When it comes to cloth diapering in conjunction with a daycare though, be prepared!

• seek out daycares that are pro-cloth!
• make it easy for them (offer to do the scraping etc)
• visually show them how easy it is
• work with them to find a system

 

Cloth Diapering Is All Or Nothing 

One of the most popular cloth diaper myths! I think it's natural for moms to fall into the guilt trap thinking they need to be perfect in all areas- which is far from true!

You do not need to exclusively use cloth diapers. There is no rule. Using a hybrid method is wonderful and still great for your baby!

No two systems are going to be the same so if that means you're able to cloth diaper during the day but not at night- that's okay! Don't hold yourself up to unreasonable expectations. It's not all or nothing,

 

 

Personally, for my family cloth diapering has been amazing. But it's not for everyone. Take the time to learn about the ins and outs of cloth diapers before making your decision.

There's a lot of systems out there but there's also a lot of information:

• Crucial Cloth Diaper Lessons
• Cloth Diapering Systems Explained
• How to make your own cloth diaper safe, baby wipe spray!

Take the time to sort through the different systems, options, and choices when it comes to how to use cloth diapers- it's worth it!