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Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - B.C. and Calgary

What's the vibe today . . .

Cloth diapers demystified

by Deb Crocker Singh

You have decided that modern cloth diapering may work for you and your baby. Where do you begin? There are so many types of diapers out there that the choices can be overwhelming. So here it is: CLOTH DIAPERS DEMYSTIFIED!

Modern cloth diapers are available in the following four basic forms:

1. Prefold Cloth Diaper

  • A rectangular-shaped flat diaper
  • Needs to be folded to fit into a waterproof diaper cover
  • Available in various sizes, quality and absorbency

Benefits

  • The most cost effective diapering system on the market
  • No need to purchase many different sizes
  • Versatile – can be used as doublers, inserts, burp cloths and later cleaning cloths
  • Fast drying

Cons

  • Folding is required
  • Diaper covers or wraps are needed

Things to remember

Not all prefolds are created equal. The ‘thicker’ the diaper the more absorbent it will be. It is important that diapers be absorbent, yet not too thick that they take hours to dry after washing. Look for prefolds that are thicker in the middle than on the sides. The best quality prefold diapers have six layers in the middle and four on each side. They are called 4-6-4. This is considered “diaper service quality.” But remember, there are no set regulated standards in the diaper industry. There are diapers out there that are claimed to be “diaper service quality” that are not!

Premium quality diapers 4-8-4 are available as well. These are fabulous for night time and nap time! Eight layers in the middle where it’s needed but still four on the sides so it’s not too bulky.

Prefolds are economical due in part to the fact that they are a “one size fits all” diaper. There is, however, “infant-size” prefolds available. These diapers are fantastic for babies up to 16 pounds. A regular prefold will work on a newborn but the infant size is smaller, less bulky and still good and absorbent. When baby is over 16 pounds, these smaller diapers make great inserts, burp cloths and later cleaning cloths! You don’t have to purchase infant-size prefolds; you can use regular size and fold them more. However, until your baby reaches 16 pounds the infant size is very convenient.

2. Fitted Cloth Diaper

  • Tailor-fitted diaper with a Velcro or snap closure
  • Designed to fit close and snug against baby
  • Waterproof cover required
  • No folding required

Benefits

  • Convenient and less expensive than sized all in ones
  • Easy to use
  • Very absorbent

Cons

  • Cover required
  • Various sizes will be required
  • Take a little longer to dry than Prefolds

3. All In One Cloth Diaper

  • Have an inner absorbent layer attached to an outer waterproof layer with adjustable closures (Velcro or Snaps)
  • They are just like a single use diaper except you wash and re-use them!

Benefits

  • Most convenient
  • Easiest cloth diaper to use
  • Trim fitting

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Some brands take longer to dry

4. Pocket Cloth Diaper

A diaper cover with an opening for a specifically designed insert or prefold to be placed inside the cover.

Benefits

  • Fast drying
  • Trim Fit
  • All in One so it’s convenient!

Cons

  • The pocket cover has to be washed with each use
  • The ‘pocket’ has to be stuffed before each use with an insert or prefold

So there you have it. Modern cloth diapers have come a long way. They are simple, effective, earth and budget friendly.

BVDeb Crocker Singh is mom to three cloth-diapered gems born in 2003, 2005, and 2007, and owner of Tiny Gem Baby Solutions. For more information about cloth diapers go to www.tinygem.ca.

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Babyvibe readers receive $10 off purchases of $100 or more when shopping with Tiny Gem. Enter discount code 371368 on the homepage, then start shopping!

Hip online store Purl mama & baby is offering a 10 per cent discount for Babyvibe readers until April 30. Simply enter discount code ‘babyvibe’ when checking out.

Babyvibe readers receive 15 per cent off any YOU Pillows purchase when ordering online or by phone. Simply use coupon code ‘babyvibe.’ Offer is valid until April 30, 2008.

Baby Oh My is having a spring sale. Save up to 20 per cent off storewide from April 9 to 11. Use code ‘spring2008’ when shopping!

April sale at Buttercups (BC Only)

Buttercups, 4877 Delta St., Ladner, is offering 20 per cent off all consignment clothes and shoes until April 30, 2008. Selected new merchandise, including Jack and Lily slippers, BabyLegs and more are also on sale.

Robeez models wanted - Vancouver only

Robeez is looking for models between the ages of three months and three years old for their upcoming Fall/Winter 2008 photo shoot. To submit your child, please e-mail your child’s age; special skills (e.g. walking, talking, playing, laughing, sitting up); gender; child’s name and parent’s name; two to three low resolution images; and phone number, to Gillian_Chant@striderite.com. Please indicate in the subject line “Robeez Baby Model – Child’s Name.” Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, April 15. The models will be selected to reflect a balance of age, gender, and ethnicity, and you will be contacted if your child has been selected for the photo shoot.
   
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