Cloth Diapering has come a long way since the rubber pants and safety pins of the past. Today’s cloth diapers are modern, as easy to put on as disposable diapers, offer cost savings and are kind to the environment. It is estimated that a baby will go through approximately 8000 disposable diapers before being potty trained. Imagine if you would 8000 disposable diapers, per child, sitting in our landfills. The majority of parents are not following the protocol of emptying fecal matter into the toilet before throwing away the disposable diaper which is potentially creating an environment for bacteria to breed and spread.
Disposable diapers contain chemicals including super-absorbent polyacrylate crystals (sodium polyacrylate) and dioxins which many consider to be harmful to humans, especially a developing baby. Diaper rash is often more common in babies who wear disposable diapers vs cloth diapers.
Environmental reasons aside for a moment, the cost could easily exceed over $3000 and a lesser known fact – baby’s who wear disposable diapers take on average longer to be potty trained than baby’s who are cloth diapered. There are many types of cloth diapers on the market. Today, we will be focusing on one of our favorite combinations, fitted diapers with a wool cover.
Learn more about cloth diapers here.
For Earth Day 2012, we have chosen to highlight a wonderful local company, Organic Caboose. Founded in 2004, Organic Caboose® brand is committed to premium organic, all-natural and eco-friendly products for the Natural Family.
“We strive to attain the highest quality in workmanship and customer service. Wherever possible we offer products which support local artisans and communities. All Organic Caboose® products are 100% sewn in the USA. A few complementary products are imported. All Organic Caboose products are cruelty-free. We do not test our products on animals. Organic Caboose respects the world in which we live. Organic living helps to protect and sustain our world by protecting our drinking water, our health, wildlife, sea life and plant life. We desire to surpass all standards and achieve a safer, healthier future through organic living. Organic…
…is the soft and pure choice for every family, naturally.”
CLOTH DIAPERING A NEWBORN
One size diapers will typically not fit a newborn and thus newborn diapers are essential for the initial few weeks/months of life, depending on your baby’s birth weight and growth. Newborn diapers are specifically designed for cloth diapering a newborn. They are sized perfectly around the legs and waist which is crucial to ensure no leaks. They will feature a snap down rise to accommodate the umbilical cord. Although they are used for a relatively short time, they are well worth the initial investment as high quality newborn diapers can be used for subsequent babies. In addition, parents can often re-coop a good percentage of the cost of diapers by reselling them after baby is potty trained.
Newborns will typically go through about 12 diapers per day, but this can vary depending on your baby. Parents will need to change their baby’s cloth diaper about every 1-2 hours in the initial few weeks of life, but as baby becomes more aware of day vs night and is able to sleep for longer periods, this time can be extended to 3-4 hours to accommodate baby sleeping for longer periods. It is recommended to launder your diapers every 2-3 days. We love soap nuts for laundering cloth diapers. Always make sure that your detergent and any creams you use on your baby are cloth diaper safe. In the warmer months, harness the power of the sun to de-stain your diapers.
Organic Caboose offers a wonderful line of Cloth Diapers, Diaper Covers and Accessories for your newborn. While many other newborn cloth diapers on the market are made from synthetic materials, Organic Caboose’s line is made from Organic Cotton, Organic Wool and Organic Bamboo. Natural materials offer many advantages over synthetic ones, especially for a newborn’s sensitive skin.
Organic Newborn Snap-fitted diaper
“La Petite” organic cotton fitted newborn diaper w/ snap closure & snap-down umbilical scoop. Slimline Doubler (sold separately) folded in half helps increase absorbency at night. Great for newborns 5-13 lbs! (Diaper Cover Required.) Made in USA
*American-made
*Convenient snap closure
*Snap-down umbilicus for ultimate newborn comfort
*Perfect size for newborns
The first thing that you will notice about the Organic Newborn Snap-Fitted diaper is the beautiful, super soft organic cotton. It feels heavenly against your skin and baby is sure to love it. You can rest easy knowing that only the purest and softest materials are resting against your newborn’s skin. The diaper is beautifully sewn with loving care and the workmanship is a true example of a high quality USA made product. This diaper is a true newborn diaper, boasting a snap down rise for the umbilicus. There are a total of 8 snaps along the waist (4 on either side of the snap for the umbilicus) to adjust as your newborn grows. This snaps are top quality and durable enough to withstand the rigors of washing. The center of the diaper features a sewn in absorbent layer. The gentle elastic around the legs help to hold poop and pee inside the diaper. This diaper is as easy to put on as a disposable and wonderful choice for those who are new to cloth as well as when grandma and grandpa are babysitting.
Organic Slimline Diaper Doubler
For additional absorbency, consider purchasing a Slimline Diaper Doubler (available separately) which is sized to perfectly fit the Newborn diaper. The Doubler is ideal for when baby is starting to sleep for longer stretches of time or if you simply have a heavy wetter. The Newborn Diaper features a tag on the outer side of the diaper to prevent any irritation to your newborn. The diaper is easy to prep and will become more absorbent with each wash. Wash the diapers and doublers about 5 times in warm water to remove any natural oils. Dry the diapers between washing. We received very positive feedback from our mom panel who tested the diapers for us. The tester’s baby was just 1 week old and 8lbs when he was placed in this diaper. The tester commented that with her first baby, she didn’t think that she would have needed a newborn size diaper and was trying unsuccessfully to put her baby in the one size diapers. Seeing first hand how well the newborn size diaper fitted, she will now be recommending them to new moms who wish to cloth diaper from the get go. The Organic Caboose Diapers are wonderfully absorbent when used with a cover (see below) and no leaks were reported. The Newborn Diaper and Doubler are easy to launder and since they are made from 100% Organic Cotton (excluding the snaps), they are easier to clean than synthetic materials and less likely to need to be stripped.
Organic Fine Melton Wool LITE Diaper Cover
This super soft Organic Fine Melton Wool diaper cover is our LITE addition. Can be used in the day or night. Created with two layers of organic fine wool. Features fold-back washing tabs. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet and also has naturally occurring antibacterial properties. Made in USA.
Lighter weight for daytime use
*Super soft
*Fold-back washing tabs
*Made in USA
A fitted diaper will require some type of cover to contain the wetness and hold everything in. Consider the Organic Fine Melton Wool diaper cover from Organic Caboose, which is the perfect cover to compliment the Organic Newborn Diaper. Unlike cheaper wool products which aren’t organic, this organic wool diaper is soft and feels wonderful against the skin. Many parents are hesitant to invest in Wool Diaper Covers, but in fact Wool is not very difficult to clean and care for. If the Wool Cover is wet with urine, simple turn it inside out and hang it on a rack to dry. Wool doesn’t get smelly like synthetics and as a result can be re-used over and over again if wet from urine. If there is poop on the diaper, simply wash with a bar soap designed for wool products. Every few weeks, you can lanolin your cover with a liquid lanolin wash and you are done! The lanolin is what makes the cover waterproof. Our tester had never owned a wool cover before and was amazed at how simple it was to use. The wool cover is a wonderful alternative to the synethic PUL covers on the market because wool allows your baby’s skin to breath. Wool may be the perfect cover for your baby because research has shown that wool products help to keep you at an even temperature, ensuring the comfort of your baby. Since Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight without feeling wet, there is less chance of leaks. While Wool Covers are more expensive than the PUL covers, parents will require less Wool Covers as they can re-used over and over again before needing a wash.
Organic Fine Wool Wet Bag
The Organic Fine Wool Wet Bag is a perfect natural fiber alternative to the plastic bag. The small size can hold 1-2 diaper while the large size can hold 4-5 diapers. It has detachable handles to fit around any stroller handle, doorknob, bathroom hook, etc. It closes with Aplix Velcro. A great natural bag for numerous items. Made in USA.
*Excellent natural fiber bag to hold most anything
*Two sizes to choose from
*Has detachable handles to fit around stroller, door knob etc.
*Closes with Aplix Velcro
The Organic Fine Wool Wet Bag is a rare find in terms of Cloth Diaper Accessories. Consider a Wool Wet Bag instead of one made from PUL when storing your diapers while on the go. The Small Wet Bag is the ideal wet bag to grab for running quick errands. It can hold a change or two and is perfect for your diaper bag or simply on its own.
Organic Cotton Flannel Wipe
Organic Cotton Flannel Wipe
Super soft organic cotton flannel wipe for any occasion. One layer. Made in USA.
*Super soft
*Pure American-grown Organic Cotton
*9 in. x 9 in.
This versatile Flannel Wipe is an essential accessory that we would recommend purchasing. From bath time to feeding, from diapering to cleaning, this cloth wipe will take care of any mess! You can choose from the terry side or the super soft flannel side. You can order the wipes with the Organic Caboose Logo or without.
PURCHASING
Find a retailer near you.
To learn more and to view the full collection, please visit Organic Caboose.
