A new baby — one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is diapers. A minimum of two years of them. It’s one of the automatic expenses and hassles of modern child rearing. But, since we’re in the habit of questioning common assumptions, we have to ask the question: is there another way? Of course. Parents in other parts of the world and throughout history haven’t had the diapering, or even laundering options that we have. What do they do?
Elimination Communication
One of the answers is EC (i.e. elimination communication). I used to have a negative bias toward EC on the premise that it was simply early potty training — a throwback to the 1950s when our fore mothers were instructed to give solid foods at two weeks of age and potty train around the first birthday. Now I understand that EC is not so much about early potty training, but about not diaper training — an entirely different concept.
EC involves tuning into your baby’s elimination needs and trying to help them keep clean and dry through heightened parent-child communication, rather than simply putting something hyper-absorbant on them and forgetting it for a few years. While not everyone’s lifestyle can accommodate this method, it does make a lot of sense, and is a healthy option for babies and the earth. It is also possible to incorporate parts of this method into your baby’s life, even if you can’t do it completely. Check out the following books and links for more information.
BOOKS:
Diaper Free: The Gentle Wisdom of Natural Infant Hygiene
The Diaper-Free Baby: The Natural Toilet Training Alternative
Infant Potty Basics: With or Without Diapers–The Natural Way
LINKS:
Diaper Free Baby
Natural Family Online
Natural Wisdom
Cloth Diapers
Another baby-friendly, earth-friendly, and budget-friendly option is cloth diapering. Once you get the hang of it, washing diapers isn’t really that big a hassle — and you can also go with a diaper service if you really can’t handle that part. Check out the National Association of Diaper Services website to find a service near you.
Cloth diapering today needn’t involve the pins and plastic pants of our grandmothers experience. Velcro and snap-closure “diaper covers” or “wraps” allow you to diaper a squirmy little one without trying to use a sharp object at the same time. “All in one” cloth diapers, are as easy to use as disposables — you just don’t have to throw them away after one use! They even make disposable diaper liners that allow you to transfer the poopy mess to the toilet without any dunking — especially great if you cloth diaper while traveling.
All the cloth diapering options can be overwhelming at first. Fitted or flat? Velcro or snap? Sized or one size? Wool? Cotton? Hemp? Organic? And what the hell is a “pocket diaper?”. The good news is that with all the options out there, a little research will yield a cloth diapering system for almost any budget and lifestyle. You may not be able to save the world, but covering your child in something soft and comfy and not dumping thousands of diapers in a landfill is a good place to start. Check out the following links for more information on cloth diapers.
The Diaper Hyena
The definitive cloth diapering resource site: includes product reviews, diapering techniques, diaper-making information, and sources for WAHM-made cloth diapers.
Real Diaper Association
A non-profit organization providing cloth diapering support and education — an invaluable resource.
The Poop on Eco-Friendly Diapers
An article from Wired Magazine that delves into the good the bad and the ugly of disposable, cloth and the new “biodegradable” diapers, and the implications of their use in environment, health and business.
Mothering Magazine’s wonderful archive of cloth diapering articles.
Also check out mothering.com’s discussion forum for cloth diapering info from other parents.
The Diaper Pin
Product reviews, forums, and how-tos.
The Diaper Swappers
A forum for moms looking to buy/sell used and homemade diapers.
The Daily Unfinisher
A blog post recounting one woman’s “switch to cloth diapers”.
Where to Buy Cloth Diapers
Barefoot Baby
Wild Flower Diapers
Baby Kicks (specializing in natural hemp fiber products)
Katie Kisses
Baby Works
Baby’s Abode
Green Mountain Diapers
A friend of ours did the EC thing with all four of her kids… she swore that you could just tell when they were about to go, and then there it was.
We were too squeamish, I s’pose… and went the diaper route.
(So does this mean a new one has arrived?)
This is a really helpful summary - thanks! But I cannot believe anyone can do the EC thing. I find poo/pee so boring, I would rather communicate with my kids about colors/art/the world than constantly being tuned into their bowel movements. I don’t even like paying attention to my own bowels…
We did cloth diapers with a service with our first - and it was even easier than disposables, as the delivery/pickup meant we didn’t have to remember to restock… but when we went to daycare, we had to go to disposables, as most places won’t accept cloth… Now with my second baby, a boy, I’m having a terrible time keeping him clean and rash-free with cloth, so seeing some more eco-friendly options is very helpful.
I, too, know people in the flesh that did/do the EC method for their two wee ones. I admire them greatly. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it. By using diapers, we are essentially training our children to go in the diaper and then a couple/few years later we have to “untrain” them. The downside, as you pointed out, is that it’s not for every lifestyle. The parents I know have never been away from their children, eg. no babysitter … not even family members … for 4 years because they can’t expect ‘outsiders’ to be able to read the cues. Well, it’s worked for them. But it probably won’t work for the working-outside-the-home parents. Also, I myself, really cherished the odd afternoon or evening out-and-about with my hubby. But it’s a fascinating alternative for some.
I swear that we’re twins seperated at birth sometimes! I’ve been thinking about what to do when it comes to diapers. I”ve always done disposable but I’ve never been fond of the chemicals in the diapers and the huge amounts of dirty diapers that contribute to the already growing problem of trash.
I’ve thought about cloth diapering but was putting it off to the last minute. Thanks for reminding me that we don’t have that much time and I need to get on this. I’m so grateful to you for always contributing such amazing ideas and products.