Diaper Need? Yes Cloth Diapers Can Help.

Diaper need in our country is great. One in three families with diapering age children experience some level of diaper need. Although cloth diapers are not the solution for all families, they will and do work for many. Cloth diapers are the least expensive way to safely and comfortably diaper a baby. Complete cloth diaper packages are available for less than $200. This is about the same cost as 3 months of throw away diapers. Once a family has the cloth diapers they need they don’t have to continuously rely upon the diaper bank which may or may not have a supply available. This fosters a degree of self-reliance and independence which can become a source of pride.

Although many families with diaper need do not have their own washing machines, many do have their own or have access to one through a friend, relative or in their apartment complex.  Although some launder mats may exclude cloth diapers, many do not.  There is a popular misconception perpetuated by a successful media campaign that launder mats exclude cloth diapers.  This is just untrue. If the solids are appropriately rinsed into the toilet at home and the diapers brought to the laundry in a relatively airtight diaper pail liner they won’t draw undo attention. Cloth diapers can also be safely washed manually.

Although many day cares do not accept cloth diapers, hundreds do. Don’t be afraid to ask possible day care providers. Giving a willing family the gift of cloth diapers not only solves their diaper need but leaves more diaper bank disposables for other families. It also gives that family the sense of empowerment as they are taking control of their issue and being part of the solution as opposed to having to return their diaper banks each month. Many cloth diaper banks recognize this and provide both cloth and disposable diapers to needy families. Other diaper banks are dedicated just to cloth diapers. Cloth diapers should not be over looked as they do and can work for many families and are significantly less expensive.

How can you help?

• You can donate your cloth diapers to your local cloth diaper bank when your baby graduates to the next size or potty-trains. Ask for a receipt for your donation for tax purposes. If you don’t have a local diaper bank that accepts cloth diapers we suggest “The Cloth Option“, an organization we support. They have a list of their Network Advocates at https://theclothoption.org/about-us/network/.
• Many of these diaper banks are registered charities and can accept your tax deductible donation.
• You can purchase a cloth diaper package and either have it sent to your preferred cloth diaper bank or receive it at your home and deliver it yourself. Economical cloth diaper packages are available at http://www.clothdiaper.com/package-deals/prefold-packages/ and at many other cloth diaper web sites.