Tidy Tushees Times December

So you've made the commitment to reusable diapers...now comes the challenge of deciphering all the terms and choices available. Every person you ask or website you visit will tell you something different! Then come the visits to the stores and of course they have favorite brands...where on earth is a confused parent to start?

Well, that's what we're here for - to help you wade through the overwhelming information and make informed choices about your diapering products.

First and foremost, evaluate your reasons for using reusable diapers - typically it's the desire to use more natural and healthier products on your precious baby (not to mention the environmental impact your decision will have)...so remember that reasoning when you begin your shopping expeditions. More about this later...

Secondly, shop around and TEST the products before you invest. You wouldn't buy a car without test driving, so don't invest in something as important as your baby's healthy bottom (and your pocket book) without trying a variety of styles and fabrics. Take advantage of a Try Before You Buy Program or beg and borrow from friends. We receive 2-3 calls per week from parents who've invested in a system of diapers based on the recommendation of store personnel or family and friends only to be disappointed in the product once they've brought it home (or after a few months of use)...not because it is a bad product, but because it isn't the right product for their family.

So back to the natural products. We've found that in the majority of cases, families are happier in the long term if they stick to natural fibres such as organic cotton, hemp and bamboo. Not only because these fibres are more eco-friendly but because they are healthier for babies and are far less likely to build up the "stinkies" with prolonged use. This being said, most of these natural fibres are combined with polyester to make the fabric more durable and strong. While we love 100 percent natural fabrics, we feel that a more durable fabric is more environmentally friendly than one that needs to be replaced prematurely.

Just a word about synthetic fibres....most synthetic diapers on the market (fleece, microfleece, microfibre) are made from polyester. To make polyester, ethylene glycol (an organic compound widely used as an automotive antifreeze and a precursor to polymers. In its pure form, it is an odorless, colorless, syrupy, sweet-tasting liquid. Ethylene glycol is toxic, and ingestion can result in death. ) and dimethyl terephthalate (chemical compound of ester of terephthalic acid and methanol ) are mixed together. The chemical reaction results in bisterephthalate. This substance is heated to 270° Fahrenheit (132° Celsius), where it reacts again to form polyethylene terephthalate. Like many chemical reactions that result in polymers, the polyester making process results in unhealthy off gassing, and protection should be worn while making PET. After synthesizing the polymers, the manufacturer decides what to do with them. Polyester is highly flammable and when used in diapers increases the temperature on our babies important bits and pieces - polyester is not breathable.

We've put together an easy to understand breakdown of the variety of fabric choices and the pros and cons of each for diaper use. We hope that you will find this to be a useful resource when making your diaper purchase decisions.

The chart is available for download from our website as is our chart that breaks down the different styles of diapers!

Fabric Choices

Diaper Styles

If you're still confused or overwhelmed, please contact us any time...

We do not charge for phone, email or in-home consultations!