Reasons to Choose Cloth Diapers:

1. Economic
• In the first three months of your baby's life you will spend upwards of $300 on disposables as your little newborn goes through at least one diaper every two hours.
• After the three month mark, you will normally change your baby's diaper 8 times a day. On one child you will spend nearly $2000 using disposables within the first 2 years.
• Depending on which cloth diapering system you choose and how many diapers you invest in, you can spend as little as $300 to diaper your child.
• You can use your cloth diapering investment for your next baby too!
2. Better For Baby
• Parents are able to feel their child is wet easier. Therefore they change their child’s diaper more often, allowing better air circulation which prevents rash.
• Cloth diapers do not have the chemical additives which can cause skin irritations that are in disposable diapers. 
• Disposable diapers contain traces of Dioxin which is an extremely toxic byproduct of the paper-bleaching process (chlorine-free diapers do not contain Dioxin). It is a carcinogenic chemical listed by the EPA as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals and is banned in most countries, except the USA and Canada.
3. Environmentally Responsible
• 18 billion disposable diapers are thrown in landfills each year.
• Disposable diapers make up the third largest source of solid waste in landfills.
• It takes upwards of 82,000 tons of plastic and 1.3 million tons of wood pulp, or a quarter-million trees, to manufacture the disposable diapers that cover the bottoms of 90 percent of the babies born in the US.
• Cloth diapering has changed, making it much more convenient. It is now easier than ever to have a positive influence on the environment by choosing cloth over single use diapers.
4. Trendy and Fun!
• Not only is it healthier for your baby, and better on the environment, cloth diapers come in a wide variety of colors and patterns making them a trendy choice too.
• Information sourced from Sweet Pea Diapers

For more information about the benefits of cloth diapering check out this web site created by the Real Diaper Association: http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php

Cloth Diaper Terminology:

All In One, One Size, Fitted?  We have simplified the options for you.

Diaper Type Description Advantages Disadvantages All In One As close to a disposable diaper as you can get. The absorbent material and waterproof cover are all one piece. Very easy to use. Great for daycares or sitters. The drying time is often longer because they are all one piece. Pocket Diaper A waterproof outer layer sewn to an inner layer with a pocket left open for stuffing. May be Fitted or One Size Diapers Can be stuffed with any number of inserts to accommodate any type of wetter. Can last for hours. The inner layer/pocket combo prevents the baby from feeling wet. Inserts are removed before laundering which makes for shorter dry times More time consuming than an AIO. Fitted Diaper (with PUL outer) A trim fitting diaper with elastic at legs and adjustable waist Requires 2-3 different sizes to diaper from newborn to potty training Can be a Pocket Diaper or an All In One Does not have the bulkiness of a one size diaper All the advantages of a Pocket diaper or All In One diaper depending upon the style purchased Will cost more to diaper with fitted diapers with a PUL outer than a One Size diaper since you will have to buy different sizes. Fitter Diaper (without PUL outer) May be made of a variety of materials - flannelette, bamboo, hemp, etc. Shaped to fit your baby with elastic at legs, and adjustable waist Requires a waterproof cover. Less expensive than diapers with a PUL outer Is not bulky Cover can be reused if not heavily soiled Generally diapers will have to be changed more frequently (less absorbant than a pocket or all in one diaper) Have to purchase different sizes One Size Diaper A diaper designed to grow with your child Has adjustable snaps to allow the diaper to fit from newborn to potty training Can be a pocket diaper or an All In One Cost effective Only have to buy one set of diapers from newborn to potty training Convenient to use Has a PUL outer, so does not require a cover Looks bulky on smaller babies Flats Literally a flat one-layer piece of cloth that is folded and pinned. A cover is needed. Dry quickly Large range of sizes Cheap Good to have in a pinch or to use in stuffing pocket diapers. It takes practice to learn how to fold and pin Can be hard when baby is squirming!