This month we’ve been looking at alternatives to traditional disposable baby diapers. Next up on the list is the hybrid, or gDiaper.

gDiapers are a unique diaper hybrid in that they’re reusable, flushable and compostable. They’re composed of three elements a washable outer cotton layer (the little G pant) which comes in all sorts of cool designs and colors, a washable waterproof inner layer, and a flushable absorbing insert.
The insert works to absorb liquids, and to manage this contains SAP, that possible toxin I mentioned in the Non-Biodegradable Eco-Disposable Diapers post. gDiaper of course takes the approach that SAP is non-toxic …read more

This month we’ve been looking at alternatives to traditional disposable baby diapers. Of all the reusables, all-in-one types are one of the best, in my opinion because they’re affordable, reusable, and offer quick and easy on and off diaper changes.

There’s a large array of all-in-one type cloth diapers for those who don’t want to go the prefold route. These diapers are completely reusable, include some sort of side attachable i.e. Velcro or snaps, and don’t need to be folded because they come ready to wear. Basically you buy a diaper, put it on your baby, take it off, wash it, …read more

Non-biodegradable disposable green diapers are next on our Green Diapers 101: Eco-friendly Diaper Round-Up. Greener disposables are only a notch up from regular disposables. In fact, I’m leery of saying green; what they are is healthier for your baby (maybe), but not really a green diapering choice. Many people think all green diapers biodegrade. NOT TRUE. These are diapers that are still disposable.

Basically, these green disposables are simply made without chlorine, fragrances, or latex, and some are made with eco-friendly wood pulp but many still have stuff like Sodium Polyacrylate (SAP); a gel that’s a chemical water absorber and is …read more

We’re in the middle of our Green Diapers 101: Eco-friendly Diaper Round-Up and right now up on the list are traditional prefold or flat diapers. I’m grouping flat diapers and prefolds together, although they’re not entirely the same thing. A flat diaper consists of just one layer of fabric that you fold into a triangle shape, bringing the front flap up. You’ll need pins or a Snappi to close the diaper and a diaper cover.
A prefold diaper has multiple layers in it which results in a folding of sorts – hence the “prefold”. You fold the prefold up and can …read more

The other day I posted about Huggies insane (and lame) attempt at green diapers. They did a really bad job, missing the mark completely. However, there are plenty of actual eco-friendly diapers around, ones that make more sense that Huggies.

FIRST DO YOUR RESEARCH:
Green Mountain Diapers: Offers the best 411 on reusable diapers. From traditional prefold cloth diapers, to tiny newborn cloth choices, to cloth diaper covers; you’ll get useful info on all of them. The Green Mountain Diaper website also includes cloth diaper FAQs, reviews, and how-to wash guides; all perfect for a new user of cloth diapers. Our friends …read more

You have hundreds of choices when it comes to reusable products vs. disposable products. Here are 30 ideas. Even if you just choose 5 or 10, and use them all year, it’ll make a huge difference for the planet.

Snack baggies from Plum Creek Mercantile

Cloth snack bags over plastic baggies.
Cloth shopping bags over paper or plastic.
Cloth handkerchiefs over tissues.
Reusable coffee filters over paper.
Cloth shower curtains over plastic.
Reusable lunch sack over paper.
Real dishes over disposable.

If you’ve decided on cloth diapers, you may not have to settle with what’s available in stores or online. DIY genius Marye shares instructions on how to make your baby’s own cloth diapers.
She takes you through all the steps, from choosing the right fabric and drafting a pattern to caring for cloth diapers.
Visit How to Make Cloth Diapers for all the details.
Have you made your own cloth diapers?
Image via flickr.
Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in September 2008

If washing cloth diapers is what’s holding you back, consider a diaper service. I know that nappy services aren’t as popular as they once were, but they’re making a comeback.
Visit National Association of Diaper Services to locate a diaper service near you.
Jennifer also has a nice diaper roundup post you shouldn’t miss: Got Cloth Diapers?
Have you used a diaper service?
Diaper cake image via flickr.
Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in September 2008

Welcome to September Tree Huggers. You may have seen that yesterday was Tree Hugging Family’s one year anniversary. If not go check out the special posts we complied:

Peggy’s Favorite Posts from Year One
Happy Birthday – Have Some Cake!
Jennifer’s Favorite Posts from Year One
Top Ten Favorite Reader Posts of the Past Year

September’s feature theme is – Eco Baby: 
Green that baby all over this month at Tree Hugging Family! We’ve good oodles planned, such as…

Organic, natural baby goods, toys, clothing, and gear
Greening the nursery
Eco care for baby’s health
Affordable green baby raising
Green baby showers
Homemade organic baby food
Cloth diapers
Getting out into nature with …read more

If you’re interested in learning more about cloth diapers, an article of mine just made the cover of an online magazine that I usually blog for, but I did an article detour this month: The new wave of cloth diapers. Best if you’re looking at brand options, not so much tips.

I know of some other nice cloth diaper pieces around the web too:
Cloth Bottomed Babies – my favorite post ever on cloth diapers.
Green Baby Guide has a super collection of cloth bottomed baby posts – and they’re all super user friendly:

Cloth Diaper Recommendations for a Complete Novice
Green Breakthrough: Save …read more