| Ask ten parents, "What is the best cloth diaper?" | | | | or more frequently "the pocket"-- has snaps or |
| You hear ten radically different answers, each | | | | Velcro closures, and inside it features a center |
| argued articulately and passionately. | | | | slot into which you insert reusable or recyclable |
| The answer seems relatively simple and | | | | liners. |
| straight-forward: Considered in light of conscience, | | | | Best Cloth Diapers for Baby's Comfort. |
| it is the one that has least impact on the | | | | If you choose the best cloth diaper from the |
| environment. Examined with respect for the | | | | baby's point of view, you will choose no cloth |
| family's newest member, it is the diaper that feels | | | | diaper at all. All cloth diapers get heavy when they |
| best on the baby and leaves the least footprint | | | | get wet, and earth-friendly absorbent strips still do |
| on Mother Earth. With family economics | | | | not wick away moisture as well as absorbent |
| factored-in, it is the one that fits your budget, | | | | pads manufactured with volatile organic chemicals. |
| feeling comfortable on baby and taking little toll on | | | | Moreover, although pocket diapers feature elastic |
| the planet. Chosen with a modicum of concern for | | | | legs and form-fitting design, they still do not allow |
| your own convenience and time, the best cloth | | | | as much freedom of movement as lightweight |
| diaper is the one that changes quickly and washes | | | | disposables, which come in almost as many sizes |
| completely with the fewest cycles, keeping baby | | | | as babies do. |
| clean and dry with minimal consequence for the | | | | Diapers for the Budget |
| planet. Simple. | | | | If you choose according to your budget's |
| Best Cloth Diapers for Saving the Planet | | | | requirements, you will seek "recycled" |
| If you focus strictly on saving the planet, you will | | | | hemp-and-cotton pocket diapers, buying your own |
| choose a two-layer diaper system made entirely | | | | liners for your peace of mind. The hemp-cotton |
| of hemp and organically grown cotton. The use of | | | | blend washes completely, growing softer with |
| hemp has revolutionized diaper manufacturing, | | | | each wash but showing little sign of wear. Best of |
| reducing diapers' environmental impact by | | | | all, hemp-cotton pockets require no bleach, and |
| approximately 90%. And hemp stands poised | | | | most manufacturers recommend against bleaching |
| similarly to revolutionize the entire garment | | | | hemp-cotton products, because it will damage |
| industry, because the earth no longer can sustain | | | | them. Many online parent communities include |
| traditional cotton production. The two-layer | | | | advertisements for recycled hemp diapers, and |
| system makes cloth diapering considerably easier | | | | they often include lists or referrals to baby |
| than it used to be. The outer layer-the "wrapper" | | | | boutiques that carry "gently used" pocket nappies. |