5 Easy Steps to
Choosing Organic Diapers

Are you exploring your options in organic diapers? If you're new to them, there are many choices to make. However, rest assured, this article will guide you through those choices and get you on your way to chemical-free diapering in no time.

Your first decision is whether you're ready to commit to cloth diapering. When some parents think "organic", they are looking to get rid of the chemicals, but would still like the convenience of chemical-free disposables or flushable, g-diapers.

Once you've decided to go cloth, you may as well go all the way with organic diapers. This way you can eliminate pesticides and chemical fertilizers from the diapering equation.

Okay, now let's get you familiar with the ins and outs of organic cloth diapers.

1. Select your fabric of choice.
   
   
   • Organic cotton diapers are the most popular organic baby diapers. Organic cotton is softer, thicker and more durable and more absorbent than traditional cotton.
     
     Little Beetle diapers (pictured right) are known for their luxuriously soft cotton velour diapers.
     
     
   • Hemp is an untreated fabric made from the hemp plant. It does not require the use of pesticides in its farming and therefore may not contain the organic label. However, ask about the make up of the fabric if you are buying online, because hemp can be blended with conventional cotton- this was my experience.
     
     Benefits of hemp include more durability, absorbency than cotton and a farming process that is kinder to the earth. Hemp is also naturally anti-microbial, which means more protection from bacteria that causes diaper rash.
     
     BabyKicks specializes in hemp diapers.
     
     
   • Organic wool has many surprising, natural benefits. Its ability to repel water and keep bottoms dry make it a popular choice for diaper covers (also called wool soakers).
     
     Wool offers a natural alternative to diaper covers made of polyurethane laminate (PUL), polyester and other petrochemicals.
     
     However, no studies have been performed to determine the longterm effects of using materials such as PUL for diaper covers. While more expensive, wool is also more breathable than synthetic fabrics and is naturally anti-microbial.
     
     Little Beetles also makes wool diaper covers.
     
     
   • Bamboo organic diapers are becoming ever more popular. However there is some debate about whether fabric made from bamboo is truly an eco-friendly option because of some of the practices used by bamboo growers and textile makers.
     
     At the end of the day it is good practice to find out how the material used in your baby's diapers and clothing is processed and whether or not chemicals are involved.
     
     If in doubt ask the manufacturer questions. As with hemp diapers, if you choose bamboo make sure the fabric is not blended with synthetic fabrics such as polyester, which involves the use of petrochemicals.
     
     

   

2. Know your diaper types.
   
   
   • Pre-fold organic diapers are rectangular pieces of fabric scored to be folded into three sections. They are the cheapest way to get started. Pre-folds can be pinned on or worn with a diaper cover to keep your baby's clothes from getting wet.
     
     Clover (pictured right) makes organic cotton pre-folds.
     
     
   • Flats are similar to pre-folds. They are large squares that can be folded multiple ways to fit your baby. Just like pre-folds, flats require either a pin or Snappis to stay fastened and a diaper cover to protect clothing from getting wet.
     

   

   • Fitted diapers gather at the legs like disposables and snap or velcro at the waist. They are easy to put on, but require a waterproof cover to keep your baby's clothes dry. So factor this into the cost of getting started.
     
     Swaddlebees diapers (pictured right) makes fitted diapers in organic cotton.
     
     

   

   • All in one (AIO) diapers are like fitted diapers except they have an outer layer that is waterproof as part of the diaper.
     These make great travel diapers, but they can take longer to dryand in some cases frequent washing can minimize the effectiveness of the waterproof layer. Diaper reviews can help you pick the right brand, if this type is for you. BumGenius is a popular AIO diaper.
     
     
   • Pocket Diapers consist of two pieces, an outer diaper and an absorbent insert. The two pieces work together as one system. Moms like these because they are easy to clean and they dry faster than all in ones. BabyKicks makes a one-size pocket diaper out of hemp fabric.
     
3. Sample before going all in.
   
   There are so many different types of diapers on the market for a reason. Different strokes work for different folks. Your diaper retailer may offer a diaper sample package, which lets you try several types before committing.
   
   If in doubt about what to choose, contact the retailer with questions about the most popular choices or their favorite picks. The local retailer that helped us had used every type of diaper she had sold on her daughter so she could advise me with first-hand experiences.
   
   If you don't like a particular type of diaper or decide cloth isn't for you, you can likely sell them to another mom or to a diaper reseller. Your retailer may be able to match you up with a customer interested in the savings.
   
4. Invest up front, save later.
   
   Once you decide which types of organic diapers you want, you have to decide how often you want to do laundry to determine how many you need.
   
   The experts say newborns need about 36 organic diapers and babies over 15 lbs. need about 24. This permits you to wash every three days if you cloth diaper exclusively. If you choose fitted or pre-fold diapers you will also need 4 - 6 diaper covers.
   
   As a cost-saving tip you may want to try snap-to-fit diapers. These diapers fit bigger babies but also snap together to fit smaller babies. This way you don't have to worry about sizing and buying two sets of diapers.
   
   BumGenius diapers accomplish this.
   
   
5. Determine which accessories you'll need.
   
   Organic cloth diaper sellers do recommend you have a detergent free of optical brighteners. If you use the wrong detergent, you could ruin your diapers' absorbency and therefore your whole investment.
   
   Follow the diaper retailer or manufacturers instructions for laundering to preserve the effectiveness of the diaper.
   
   You will also need a diaper pail liner and wet bag for your soiled diapers. No need to splurge on a pail. A bucket or waste basket will do. However, a wet bag will be convenient to have on hand for outings.
   
   One other optional item is a diaper sprayer for cleaning soiled diapers over the commode before laundering. The sprayer allows for a high pressure rinse in the convenience of the bathroom.
   
   
6. Diaper liners can provide an extra layer of protection. Biodegradable liners resemble dryer sheets. For more protection you may want to try doublers, which is an extra absorbent layer you can put inside of your baby's diaper for overnight or if your baby is a heavy wetter.
   
   You may want to get some organic wipes or chlorine-free wipes. You can find both disposable and reusable wipes labeled as organic.
   

Organic Diaper Resources

Banana Peels Diapers carries each of these types of cloth diapers and accessories and they have a special section called Everything Organic!

And if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the choices involved in cloth diapering, you may want to check out BumGenius organic diapers for starters.

Some of our mom readers have written rave reviews about how easy they are to use and clean. I've tried them and agree. I also like the fact that the size is adjustable so you only need one set for the entire diapering experience.

You can learn more about more organic diaper brands by reading the diaper profiles below.

Organic Diaper Articles:

G Diapers
Eco-Friendly Disposable Diapers
Choosing Organic Diaper Rash Cream

Organic Diaper Profiles and Reviews:

BabyKicks
Better for babies (Little Beetles)
BumGenius Organic
Imse Vimse
Sckoon
Swaddlebees