In this blog post you will learn how to deal with skeptics, cynics, superstitious people, old-thinking people and the rest when it comes to the topic of modern cloth diapers, or are you still unsure about all these old myths?

8 facts about the prejudices about cloth diapers and how you will notice very outdated views.

Our parents and/or grandparents actually had a lot to do and often had bad experiences when it came to cloth diapers and it is understandable that they were incredibly happy when disposable diapers took over the market. But as with so many things, cloth diapers also became fashionable, practical and, above all, healthy. But what am I babbling about here, let's get to the facts and myths!!

Myth 1 : The chair gets washed too, right?

Myth 2 : Cloth diapers are those folded cloths with the disgusting plastic pants?

Myth 3 : It must be a lot of work with washing and boiling!

Myth 4: Cloth diapers are so expensive!

Myth 5 : The fat baby bottom! The children can't move properly!

Myth 6 : Do they even seal? I've heard that they always leak!

Myth 7 : Cloth diapers are only for "environmentalists"

Myth 8 : But constant washing and then the tumble dryer also consumes a lot of resources!

Myth 1

The chair gets washed too, right?

Wrong! You have a small, tear-resistant cloth called paper fleece. It's best to put it right at the top of the diaper. If your baby then leaves a smelly poop in the diaper, just take the paper and flush it down the toilet.

Admittedly, sometimes something sticks to the diaper, but you can simply wash the rest down the drain with a strong shower jet. Then it goes into the washing machine.

Myth 2

Cloth diapers are those folded cloths with the disgusting plastic pants!

That was a long time ago! You can still use the classic muslin diapers, but there are so many great systems that you have more than enough alternatives.

The cloth diapers of 30 years ago have nothing to do with those of today, quite the opposite. I know enough moms who are addicted to “their” cloth diapers!

So true!

Modern cloth diapers are as easy to use as disposable diapers, except that they are washed and not thrown away. They are just so beautiful that you will enjoy washing them and be happy when you can put them on your baby.

I know it sounds unbelievable, but there are hundreds of moms who have been infected with the cloth diaper virus and will surely confirm it to you.

Myth 3

That must be a lot of work with washing and boiling!

My washing routine with cloth diapers is as follows: open the washing machine, put in the diapers, close the washing machine, add detergent, select the program, start. Done. Do you dare to do this?

It's true that there are a few things you need to be careful of depending on which diaper changing system you want to use, but don't let that put you off!

You have a modern washing machine and detergent that do the work for you.
Depending on how many cloth diapers you have, which system you use and how big your washing machine is, you will need to do 2-3 more washes per week with cloth diapers. Is that acceptable?

If your baby is making a lot of mess in their diaper, you only need to change the diaper and not wash the whole child. This way, you might even have less laundry! ;-)

Once you have done your business in the toilet, put the diapers in the washing machine, which will wash them hygienically clean again at 60°C!

It is work, that's true, but it's a different kind of work. You don't always have to check whether you have enough diapers at home and rush out on Saturday evening to buy a pack of diapers if necessary. Instead, you take the laundry off the rack, fold it and be happy because your diapers are so cute ;)

Myth 4

Cloth diapers are so expensive!

When you buy cloth diapers, you will have to spend more money at once, that's true. But in the long run, cloth diapers are much cheaper!

Let me explain it to you briefly:

Disposable diapers cost an average of €0.35 each. There are some for €0.20 and some for €0.50, but let's take the average.

A child needs about 5000 disposable diapers during a diapering period of about 2.5 years (We all know that there are many children who are not yet dry at 2.5 years)

This means that the diapers cost an average of 1750€.

With a child.

The same amount is charged for each additional child.

A starter pack of cloth diapers costs around €300. You can use most of this for several children. With the diaper voucher you get an additional €100 free in almost all of Austria.

Additional costs are approximately €200 for water, detergent and diaper liner.

So let’s compare them again:

Cloth diapers:

• 300€ initial equipment
• 200€ additional consumption
• 100€ for other favorite pieces

Is that too expensive?

Myth 5

The fat baby bottom! Babies can't move at all!

Yes, OK, the baby's bottom is bigger than that of the extra thin disposable diapers, but I would say, depending on which system you use, a cloth diaper is as big as a full disposable diaper.

So far, I've only been asked about cloth diapers when changing diapers and not because the moms noticed my babies' huge bottoms.

My children have been cloth diapered since shortly after birth and they were certainly not restricted in their movements! They both scamper around like any other child and it doesn't bother them one bit.

In addition, wide swaddling is great for your baby's hip development - just ask your pediatrician or a physiotherapist you trust.

Myth 6

Are they even leak-proof? I've heard that cloth diapers always leak!

Cloth diapers are just as leak-proof as disposable diapers, often even better!

Depending on the system, cloth diapers can absorb more liquid than disposable diapers, but if the diaper is already completely wet and your baby keeps sitting on it, it can get a little damp because the liquid is not converted into gel. But you will quickly find your own diaper changing routine so that this does not happen.

From my own experience, I can tell you that, especially at the beginning, when breastfeeding or having diarrhea, the diaper was sometimes completely dirty, but only the diaper. Not, as I have heard from other mothers, the bodysuit and the whole baby with it.

There is a cloth diaper system that is right for every baby. Some babies pee frequently, but less. Others can go on for hours, but then they accumulate a lot!

You will quickly find out what type your baby is and can then choose the right system accordingly. If you are unsure, then let me advise you or try out the cloth diapers in a test package first!

Myth 7

Cloth diapers are only for eco-friendly people!

I now know a lot of parents who use cloth diapers and none of them are "environmentalists". They are all completely normal mothers who think it's great to use a washable diaper instead of a normal disposable diaper because the difference isn't that much bigger! And we all want our children to grow up as healthily as possible in a world that they can still enjoy themselves. We can't influence everything, but this is a big part.

I'm already thinking about what kind of world my daughter should grow up in, but there's nothing wrong with wanting to make this world a little better, is there?

Myth 8

But the constant washing and then the tumble dryer also consumes a lot of resources!

Yes, that’s true. But one Disposable diapers take about 500 years to decompose naturally. That's why they are burned in a landfill with the addition of fuel. A baby needs about 5000 diapers during its diapering period. That's 1.5 tons (!!) of garbage. For one baby.

In contrast, there are about 25 cloth diapers that you can use for several children.

Well, if you always use a tumble dryer to dry your diapers, then the energy consumption is quite high. But since that is also bad for your diapers, it is better to avoid the tumble dryer anyway.

In the long run, it is much cheaper and more environmentally friendly if you buy 2-3 more diapers so that you don't have to stress when the diapers are drying comfortably on the line.