|
DIAPERING MYTHS
Cloth diapering is an ancient art and therefore
has many old as well as newer wives tales and myths. Take a look at
some current myths and be sure to email
me if you come across one that I have failed to list.
Diapering Myth #1: Bulky Diapers Can Cause Bowed Legs
Bowed legs are common among babies and
toddlers and are considered normal. Bowed legs at these ages are
generally a normal result of prenatal fetal position. No evidence
exists to link bowed legs to bulky diapers. Other causes of bowed
legs include Blount's disease and Rickets.
Diapering Myth #2: It is
Normal for Babies to get Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is far from
normal. Diaper rash is evidence that something is wrong.
Consider if your baby might be sensitive to a detergent, enzymes
in your detergent or a diaper cream? Has your baby recently
been on antibiotics and susceptible to a yeast infection? Is
your baby in nylon pants and developing a heat rash? Please contact
me if needed, diaper rash with cloth diapers is not the
norm, now diaper rash with disposables... that is a whole different
story.
Diapering Myth #3: Cloth Diapers need to be Toilet
Dunked
Cloth diapers do not need to be toilet dunked,
that is a skill from the past. Exclusively breastfed babies poop is water soluble
and doesn't require any special care. Just run a cold pre-rinse in the washing
machine before washing. Once stools are formed the use of flushable diaper liners
or a toilet sprayer work wonders at transferring the poop to the toilet without getting
elbows deep in poop.
Diapering Myth #4: Gerber Prefolds and
Plastic Pants are the Norm
Most people today do not use
plastic pants and few use Gerber Prefolds. If this is what
will work for you-Great! Just remember there are better products
available that offer excellent absorption and breathability.
Diapering Myth #5: Cloth
Diapers Require Chlorine Bleach
Although some people with choose to periodically
bleach their diapers, it is by far not the norm. The modern washing machine and a
good detergent will clean your diapers well on an every day basis. Other people
will choose to use an oxygen bleach or more natural remedies for periodic stain removal
and/or sanitizing. I have never used chlorine bleached on my diapers.
Diapering Myth #6: Cloth
Diapering is Complicated
Cloth diapering is easier
now than ever. There are really no right or wrong ways
about it. As long as baby ends up inside the diaper and the
diaper is completely enclosed by the diaper cover you have mission
accomplished. Pocket diapers and All-in-one diapers will make diapering as simple as
using disposables.
Diapering Myth #7: Cloth
Diapers Can't be Cleaned at Home
While a Laundry Service
would be convenient, cloth diapers are easily cleaned in your home
washing machine. Refer to the page Laundry
Basics.
Diapering Myth #8: Cloth
Diapers are Unsanitary
Cloth diapers are actually
more sanitary than Disposable diapers. Waste from cloth
diapers enters the same sewage system as waste from the toilet and
is treated for in a sanitary process. However waste left in
disposable diapers enters our landfills and pollutes our land for
generations to come.
Diapering Myth #9: Wool Diaper Covers will
be too Hot for Summer
Wool is most commonly used in sweaters and
coats to keep us warm in the winter. However, many people are
unaware that it is also used in high quality sporting goods such as
tennis and cycling outfits for its cool, comfortable fit. Wool is
actually an all-season fiber providing insulating warmth in winter and
breathable coolness in summer.
|
