7 Reasons to Embrace Cloth Diapers: My Journey With Esembly Cloth Diapers

BySarah

Around this time last year I was looking down at a positive pregnancy test. It was my first time seeing two lines instead of one. I couldn’t believe my eyes! A wave of emotions and a new sense of responsibility washed over me. I knew that I wanted to do everything in my power to protect and nurture this precious little being. My passion to make a positive impact on the planet lead me to explore eco-friendly options. One choice that stood out to me that was both practical and profound was the decision to cloth diaper.

This blog may contain affiliate links. If you choose to take action (and I hope you do!), I will earn a commission. I have chosen these products because they are truly the best option in my opinion, not because of the small commission I will receive. Thank you!

Cloth diapering wasn’t just about saving money or reducing waste for me; it was a conscious choice to align my parenting values with my environmental beliefs. The thoughts of contributing to overflowing landfills with disposable diapers just didn’t sit right with me. I wanted to take a more sustainable approach. This small yet effective choice became a symbol of my commitment to saving the planet, one diaper change at a time. With each wash cycle, I feel a sense of pride and purpose in knowing that I am making a difference, no matter how small it may seem.

The journey to cloth diapering was not without its challenges but I found the benefits of cloth diapering outweighed the difficulties. Throughout this blog, I hope to share my experiences, tips, and insights on cloth diapering. I want to inspire other parents to consider this sustainable option and join me in nurturing our babies and the planet with every diaper change. Together, we can make a difference, one cloth diaper at a time.

1. Earth-Friendly

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 20 Billion, BILLION with a B, disposable diapers are added to landfills each year. That’s about 3.5 millions tons of waste each year from disposables diapers in the U.S. alone. That’s a lot of dirty diapers! Common disposable diapers take roughly 500 years to fully decompose because of their outer plastic shell. Thats insane! 500 years?!? Biodegrade diapers decompose 10X faster but that will still take 50 years to fully decompose.

Cloth diapers, on the other hand, are reusable. They can be washed and reused over and over again. They are designed to be durable and long-lasting, allowing them to be used for multiple children or resold to other families. This longevity factor further extends the environmental benefits by reducing the need for new diaper purchases. I have a total of 48 cloth diapers. 24 size 1 diapers (7lbs- 17lbs) and 24 size 2 diapers (18lbs-35lbs) from Esembly Baby.

The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) suggests that most U.S. parents will go through nearly 3,000 disposable diapers during the baby’s first year. That’s just one child! With cloth diapering I will be able to use the same 48 diapers with all my children. If God is willing, my husband and I both want 3 children. So let’s say I do have 3 children that would be over 9,000 disposable diapers my family alone would save from the landfills. One small, conscious decisions can make a big difference.

Overall, the reusability of cloth diapers makes them a practical, eco-friendly, and an economical choice for diapering for your baby. By investing in cloth diapers and incorporating them into your diapering routine, you can enjoy the benefits of reusability while providing your baby with a comfortable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly diapering experience.

2. Money Saving

The cost of disposable diapers can vary depending on the type of diapers, brand, and frequency of diaper changes but on average parents can expect to spend between $800 to $1,200 on disposable diapers for a single baby in the first year. This estimate includes the cost of diapers, wipes, and other diapering supplies. In comparison, the cost of cloth diapering for the first year can range from $300 to $1,000. This estimate includes cost of diapers and essential accessories.

When comparing the cost of disposable diapers to cloth diapers over the course of a baby’s diapering years, cloth diapers are generally considered a more cost-effective option. By investing in a set of cloth diapers and accessories upfront, parents can reduce their ongoing diapering expenses and save money over time. Additionally, cloth diapers can be resold or reused for future children, further maximizing their cost saving potential.

Let’s take a look at my personal savings in the long run.

A few notes:

  1. I want to mention the fact that I did splurge and chose to invest in Esembly Baby because of their superior quality, ensuring they will last through multiple children.
  2. Size 2 diapers will not need to be purchased until baby is around 4-6 months so you will have plenty of time to save up for size 2 diapers.
  3. To simplify my cloth diapering experience I invested in some additional items to enhance convenience, even though they were not necessarily essential for the process.

So now let’s get to the numbers.

Totaling= $962.80

This number may feel overwhelming! Fortunately, a significant portion of my diapering expenses were covered by the generous gifts I received from my registry, easing the financial burden on my end. I recommend adding cloth diapers to a registry to help with the initial upfront costs of cloth diapering. There are also cheaper brands on the market as well. If you’re balling on a budget do your research and see which cloth diapers would work best for your family and budget.

So let’s do simple math. $1,000 In disposable diapers X 3 children = $3,000.

Even though I did choose a more expensive brand in the long run I’ll be saving roughly around $2,000!

3. Better for Baby

Cloth diapers offer several health benefits for babies when compared to disposable diapers. Cloth diapers are typically made from natural, breathable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, or wool, which are free from harmful chemicals commonly found in disposable diapers. Let’s take a look at some of the common chemicals found in disposable diapers.

  1. Sodium Polyacrylate: This super-absorbent polymer is often used in disposable diapers to absorb and retain moisture. While sodium polyacrylate helps keep the baby’s skin dry, it has been associated with potential skin irritation, allergic reactions, and concerns about its safety.
  2. Dioxins: Dioxins are chemical byproducts of the bleaching process used in the production of disposable diapers. These toxic compounds have been linked to various health risks, including skin irritation, hormone disruption, and potential carcinogenic effects.
  3. Fragrances and Dyes: Disposable diapers often contain fragrances and dyes to mask odors and provide a more appealing appearance. These artificial additives can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and sensitivity in some babies, especially those with sensitive skin or allergies.
  4. Phthalates: Phthalates are chemicals used in disposable diapers to improve flexibility and softness. These compounds have been associated with potential health risks, including hormone disruption and developmental issues, particularly in young children.
  5. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are chemicals emitted from disposable diapers and other products that can contribute to indoor air pollution. Prolonged exposure to VOCs may lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health concerns, especially in babies with respiratory conditions or sensitivities.
  6. Tributyltin (TBT): TBT is a chemical used in some disposable diapers as an antimicrobial agent. However, TBT has been linked to environmental pollution and toxicity concerns, raising questions about its safety and potential health risks.

While not all disposable diapers contain all of these chemicals, it’s important for parents to be aware of the potential presence of these substances in conventional disposable diapers. Opting for cloth diapers made from natural materials can help reduce exposure to these chemicals and provide a safer and more environmentally friendly diapering option for babies.

My personal experience with Disposable diapers:

My water broke on April 1st. 3 weeks early! My husband thought I was pranking him. The joke was on him. Shortly thereafter we had a beautiful Baby boy. 5lb 9oz. He was sooo tiny! I tried the cloth diapers but they swallowed him. The hospital gave us newborn diapers and even they were too big on him. So we were forced to wear premie disposable diapers until he gained enough weight to fit into his cloth diapers. Newborn babies poop ALOT! I was changing his diaper every 2 hours. I started noticing a small diaper rash, so I started putting diaper rash cream on it. No big deal, Until it was a big deal. Poor little guy was so red and chaffed. Being postpartum I cried and blamed myself for being a bad mom, even though there was absolutely nothing I could have done to prevent it. Mom guilt is definitely a thing! Anyways, I was able to clear it up for the most part but over the next month the diaper rashes kept coming. I found myself putting on diaper rash cream with every diaper as a prevention. I couldn’t wait for him to get to 7lbs and start wearing his cloth diapers and as soon as he did, no more diaper rashes. I’m not joking not one single diaper rash since the switch! It makes me feel good knowing I chose the best option for my baby’s skin.

4. Blowout-Proof

What?!? Did she say blowout proof? YES!

Cloth diapers are often considered blowout-proof due to their design, material, and fit which can help contain messes more effectively than disposable diapers.

  1. Secure Fit: They are designed to provide a snug and customizable fit for babies of all sizes. The adjustable snap closures and elastic leg openings ensure a comfortable yet secure fit that helps prevents blowouts, especially during active play and movement.
  2. Absorbency: Cloth diapers are known for their absorbency and leak protection, thanks to the use of absorbent inserts or liners that can be customized based on the baby’s needs. The superior absorbency of cloth helps contain liquids waste and prevents leaks.

Disposable diapers on the other hand… well, if you know, you know. If you’ve ever used disposable diapers before then I’m confident you have dealt with a blowout a time to two. Poo all the way up baby’s back, ruined clothed and a huge mess to clean up. Yeah, blowouts are no fun!

Here are a few reasons why babies wearing disposable diapers may experience blowouts.

  1. Fit Issues: Disposable diapers are designed as single-use items, which can result in less emphasis on ensuring a secure fit by the companies that manufacture them. Disposable diapers may not always provide a snug and secure fit around the baby’s waist and leg, leading to gaps that can allow for leaks and blowouts. The elastic leg gathers are also less effective. Inadequate leg elastic can allow for messes to escape, especially during active play or movement.
  2. Absorbency Limitations: While disposable diapers are designed to be absorbent, they may have limitations in containing large amounts of liquid waste, such as a bowel movement. If the diaper reaches its absorbency limit or is not changed promptly after the baby wets or soils it, it can lead to leaks and blowouts.
  3. Lack of Customization: If the diaper is too loose or too tight, it may not contain messes effectively. Disposable diapers are typically one-size-fits-all and may not offer the level of adjustability that a cloth diaper provides. A generic fit may lead to gaps that reduce the diaper’s ability to contain leaks effectively.

Personal experience with blowouts:

Thankfully because I’ve used cloth diapers for most of my baby’s diapering experience blowouts are very rare. Thank goodness! But the few times I have dealt with blowouts have actually been from both disposable and cloth diapers *gasp*. The very first time I experienced a blowout with my baby, Liam, was with a disposable diaper. At this point he was big enough to fit in cloth diapers but I ran out of clean diapers because I didn’t do the laundry. Now under normal circumstance I would have noticed I was running low but, I broke my foot. Yeah. 3 weeks postpartum and I break my foot. What luck! Anyways, I was behind on laundry and had some extra disposable diapers. Of course, this was the time to pull out the big gun my son thought. When I tell you this was a blowout believe me this was a mess! He was wearing the cutest yellow sleeper…ruined. The poop ran all the way up his back and I wondered how in the world it even got that far up there. What a mess! After that was all cleaned up I knew I never wanted to deal with that again. But then it happened one more time even with the cloth diaper. WHAT?!? You said Cloth diapers are blowout-proof. They are. Let me explain. The other time I got the pleasure of experience a blowout diaper was at my sister-in-laws wedding reception. Perfect timing. When I was packing my diaper bag with his cloth diapers I noticed this one diaper, In particular that just looked different. I didn’t spend the time examining it because I was in a hurry, I had to help set up the balloon arch before the reception, so I packed it in the bag and went on with my day. Later that day I changed his diaper and pulled out the diaper that was “off”. When I put the diaper on him I noticed it fit him differently than usual but I was busy with the reception and connecting with family so I didn’t think too much into it. About an hour later a family member was feeding Liam and handed him back to me saying “I think he pooped” so when I went to change his diaper… He pooped alright. He had a blowout. I was like WHAT?! This is not supposed to happen! Thankfully the outer diaper caught most of the poop but it was still a blowout. I cleaned him up, changed his clothes and went on with the rest of the night. After washing his diapers I noticed that one diaper was still “just different” after closer examination I noticed that the elastic leg wasn’t as scrunched up as the other diapers. The elastic leg gather was flawed. I reached out to Esembly Baby customer service and they sent me over to the warranty page where I submitted a claim. The company offers a 12-month Manufacturer Warranty, valid from the Date of Purchase. Within a few days they reached out to me and provided me with a code for a replacement diaper. Since then I have been Blowout free!

5. Stylish and Fun

Cloth diapers come in a wide array of colors, patterns, and design. From cute prints and vibrant colors to trendy patterns and themed designs, cloth diapers offer a playful and fashionable alternative to traditional diapering options. They not only keep babies dry and comfortable but also allow parents to express their creativity and style while caring for their little ones. Cloth diapers can be a fashionable and fun accessory, making diaper changes a more enjoyable experience.

6. Conscious Consuming

“Every time you spend money, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” -Anna Lappe

A conscious consumer is an individual who is mindful and intentional about their purchasing decisions. They make informed choices to support products and businesses that align with their values and beliefs. They often prioritize quality over quantity and opt for products that are ethically sourced, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible.

Many cloth diaper brands are small businesses that prioritize ethical manufacturing practices, sustainable materials and supporting local communities. Esembly Baby is certainly my preferred brand and I would like to highlight some of the core values that this company embodies.

  1. Made from Organic Cotton– Esembly Baby brand uses organic cotton responsibly grown in South Asia. Organic cotton farming prioritizes the health and well-being of farmers, workers and local communities by eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals. Conventional cotton farming relies on chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified seeds to maximize yield. This often leads to environmental pollution, soil degradation, and health risks for farmers and workers.
  2. 100% Recycled – The fabric that is used for the diaper covers and waterproof bags is made up of 100% recycled yarn taken from post consumer plastic and the containers for their skincare and laundry products are made of 100% recycled plastic. Even their packaging and shipping materials are made from 100% recycled paper and/or recycled plastic bottles.
  3. All Natural Ingredients– Free from petro-chemicals, parabens, SLS and dyes.
  4. Cruelty-Free- Never tested on animals.

Esembly’s commitment to ethical practices and dedication to being a socially responsible brand is what drew me to choose them on my journey of becoming a conscious consumer.

7. Educational Opportunity

Cloth diapering offers a unique platform to not only embrace sustainable living practices but also to educate oneself and others about the importance of waste reduction and conscious consumerism. By choosing cloth diapers, individuals can actively engage in a tangible way to reduce their environmental impact and promote eco-friendly alternatives. This conscious decision serves as a powerful example that can inspire and encourage others to reevaluate their choices and adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives. Through advocacy and leading by example, cloth diaper users play a vital role in fostering a culture of environmental awareness and encouraging positive change towards a greener, more sustainable future.