Cloth diapering is popular because not only does it keep baby safe and clean, it also helps protect the environment. Now green and eco-conscious cloth diapering parents can go a step further and use cloth diapers made of organic cotton, hemp and other earth-friendly materials. Organic cloth nappies are gentle on baby and on the earth. Made of pesticide-free and chemical-free cotton, hemp or bamboo, these cloth diapers for newborns and older babies are ideal for families wanting to make a difference to the planet.
Here is an overview of the types and brands of organic cloth nappies.
Types of Organic Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are available in of various forms. Cloth diapering parents can choose from prefold, pocket diapers, flats and fitteds. Clover makes organic cotton prefolds, which are basically rectangular cloth pieces that can be folded into three sections. Prefolds are the cheapest and easiest way to get started. Flats are similar to prefolds except that they are large squares of cloth. Both need to be secured with a diaper pin.
Fitted diapers are just that – fitted at the legs and waist, like a disposable diaper, so that it is easy to put them on. However, they’re more expensive than prefolds and flats. Pocket diapers have an absorbent inner and outer cover. They’re easier to clean and both pieces are used together for greater absorbency.
It will be a great idea if you can try out all before finalizing the ones that suit you and your baby the best. Some cloth diapering parents also use a combination of prefolds, fitteds and pocket diapers to achieve a great combination of cost and comfort.
Organic Cloth Nappy Fabric
Organic cloth nappies can be made from a variety of fabrics. The most popular one is cotton. Organic cotton is not just chemical and pesticide-free, cloth diapers made from it are softer, more absorbent and durable than traditional cloth diapers. Hemp is another fabric of choice for organic cloth diapers. Hemp does not require any pesticides while being farmed and therefore, is safe and eco-friendly. It is also known to be naturally more durable and absorbent than cotton.
Organic wool and bamboo are two great fabrics for cloth nappies. Organic wool is popularly used to make diaper covers since it is naturally water-repellent, breathable and soft as well. Bamboo nappies are growing in popularity. Bamboo is a self-sustaining plant and therefore, diapers made from bamboo are an eco-friendly choice.
Popular Organic Cloth Diaper Brands
Several brands offer organic cloth diapers of different types and made from a variety of fabrics. Little Beetle is a popular organic diaper company that sells fitted organic cotton diapers with Velcro closures. Other popular brands include Bummis and Imse Vimse. All three are available on Amazon. Swaddlebees also makes fitted cloth diapers with organic cotton. BabyKicks makes great cloth diapers from hemp. They’re available in fitted, prefold and pocket styles.
Cloth Diapering Basics
Before you start cloth diapering, it is important to know what it involves and to have your basics right. So, first of all, understand that cloth diapering will involve additional laundry loads. Most new babies need 10 to 12 diapers a day. So, shop accordingly. You may also want to buy snap-fit or one-size diapers that can be used for newborns and bigger babies as well. Also, you may need a diaper pail, diaper liners and cloth diaper covers to make cloth diapering easy, effortless and eco-friendly.
Organic cloth nappies are a great way to keep baby clean and dry while going all the way for the environment as well. So, cloth diapering parents can use these tips and ideas for brands, types and fabrics and find the best organic cloth diaper for their baby.
Prerna Malik - Prerna Malik is a professional freelance writer, business blogger, social media expert and obsessive organizer.
Join the Conversation