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Disposable diapers are in every store and are so prevalent in our society that one might think there is no other option. Unfortunately, synthetic, single-use diapers can contain chemicals that could have harmful effects on babies, leading to respiratory problems, an increase in rashes, or allergic reactions. Read on for some of the gross facts about disposable diapers, and learn about the benefits of cloth diapers as a more natural and eco-friendly alternative. Dioxins Are Carcinogenic The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists dioxins as highly carcinogenic chemicals. Exposure may cause skin reactions and can even alter liver functions and impair the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. Sodium Polyacrylate Absorbs Wetness, but What About Baby? Used in the fillers of disposable diapers for greater absorbency, sodium polyacrylate was removed from products such as tampons due to fears around toxic shock syndrome. However, it can be found in the form of small, gel-like crystals on the skin of babies who wear synthetic, disposable diapers. Sodium polyacrylate is suspected to be linked with respiratory and skin irritations, however, it has not been used long enough for research to know the long-term effects on babies. Tributyl-tin (TBT) is Harmful to Aquatic Life Tributyl-tin is found in many disposable diapers. Also known as TBT, the EPA states that it is extremely harmful, and even toxic, to aquatic life. In addition, it can cause endocrine disruptions in water-dwelling organisms. Just as dangerous, TBT does not degrade and remains in our environment and in the food chain. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are Irritating There are often chemicals known as Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, used in the production of synthetic disposable diapers. VOCs can include ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene and dipentene. These chemicals can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, headaches, and damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Other chemicals used in synthetic disposable diapers include adhesives, dyes, fragrances, plastics and petrolatums. A Healthier Alternative When you use natural cloth diapers, you eliminate exposure to these and other chemicals. Reach out to Do Good Diaper Service and learn more about our natural, sustainable and convenient option for clothing diapering in the Twin Cities area.

Soon-to-be parents have a lot of decisions to make, including what type and brand of diapers to use. Cloth diapering is becoming more and more popular as we focus on safer and more eco-friendly ways to care for our babies. The first thought most parents have about cloth diapers is cleaning them. A diaper service can take care of that for you, allowing you to experience all the benefits of cloth diapers without the messy cleanup. Cloth Diapers and More With a cloth diaper service, you aren’t just getting the cloth diapers. You will receive everything you need to use and clean them safely and conveniently. This makes using a service an easy choice, especially for new parents who have much more to worry about than how and when to wash their diapers or even run to the store for more disposable ones constantly. Here is what is included in the Do Good Diapers cloth diaper service: Cloth Diapers Snappies Diaper Covers Diaper Pail Pail Liner And even a Travel Bag! Laundry Service Each week, you will have a laundry service pickup and drop-off. Leave the bag of soiled diapers outside to be picked up. You don’t have to take any steps to clean the diapers before placing them in the bag. You will receive a delivery of fresh, clean diapers equal to the number of diapers that were picked up. Eco-Friendly Option You are also getting an eco-friendlier way of diapering your baby. It’s estimated that a newborn will use 10-12 diapers a day, gradually decreasing as they get older. On average, a baby can use between 2,500-3,000 diapers within their first year alone. If you are using disposable diapers, this impacts our landfills and is eliminated when choosing cloth diapers. Peace of Mind When using a cloth diapering service, you can also depend on the quality of both products and services. The diapers are tested to ensure complete sanitation and no presence of bacteria. They are also the proper pH balance for your baby’s skin, reducing the chance of rashes and other skin irritations. Cloth diapers are checked for maximum absorbency. At Do Good Diapers, we are ready to answer any questions you may have about cloth diapering and our services. Call us at (612) 990-2183 or register for one of our live, online or in-person training classes.

While preparing for your little one, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of information out there. Strollers, cribs, diapers, oh my. When considering which reusable diaper is best for you and your family, the important thing to know is you have options—and they're all pretty easy to figure out. It's just diapering after all.  The two most common types of cloth diapers are prefolds and all-in-ones. Let’s take a look at both. Prefold Cloth Diaper A prefold cloth diaper is a faster and more convenient version of the time-tested cloth diaper we all envision when we hear the term. Prefolds are ready to go, without as much finagling needed to get the multiple layers required in the “wet zone” as well as a proper fit. As a tried-and-true option, they are most affordable but may also need a bit of practice when it comes to fitting and fastening with the clip. These cloth diapers are not waterproof on their own. You will need to use a diaper cover once it’s fastened into place. However, there are countless designs in every size, making this a great way to make diapering fun for you and your baby. Pros: Affordable Already folded and ready for use Can use a wide variety of diaper cover designs Cons: It can take some practice to learn how to fasten them securely It may not be a good option while at daycare or in the care of family and friends All-In-One Cloth Diaper An all-in-one cloth diaper is just that. It combines the absorbent cloth layers inside, the waterproof diaper cover on the outside, as well as the fasteners needed to keep it in place. Also called AIOs, these work very similarly to disposable diapers, making them a great choice when your baby is with others who may not be comfortable changing a prefold diaper. There are no inserts, covers, or other extras needed to use an AIO cloth diaper. Pros: Easier for others to use if your baby will be staying with others No learning curve needed Longer dry time because of the many layers Cons: Less absorption makes them not as effective for overnights Because the diaper cover is built-in, there is not as much customization Many parents choose to use a combination of both prefolds and all-in-one cloth diapers due to their respective benefits. You may choose to use prefolds at home and save AIO diapers for traveling or when your baby is in the care of others. No matter what types of cloth diapers you choose, a quality cloth diaper service can make it easier. Do Good Diapers takes care of delivering fresh diapers, washing the soiled ones and making sure you have everything you need to take care of your growing family. To learn more, try one of our Cloth Diaper 101 classes!