We’ve all seen the Cotton commercials- about its touch and feel, and its role as the fabric of our lives.  We like cotton sheets and fluffy cotton towels, but when it comes to our babies, we have the tendency to swaddle them in store-bought single-use synthetic diapers.  But why?  Many new parents are asking that exact question and are making the switch to cotton washable diapers.

There are plenty of diaper delivery services make it an easy, safe, economic, and environmentally friendly decision.  The way it works is simple.

Most services, in effect, let you rent the diapers that match your baby’s needs and size.  They typically come once a week, at the same time, to pick up the used diapers and leave a fresh supply.  It’s incredibly simple—especially if we want the best for our children.

Cotton’s soft touch has thousands of years of history behind it.  It’s breathable and allows for ventilation of the skin. Like its comfort, its natural absorbency is the polar opposite of the combination of paper pulp, plastics, and “superabsorbent” chemicals in disposables.

Not to mention, an estimated 18-billion single-use diapers are thrown in landfills each year.  The diapers can take as many as 500 years to decompose, and commonly contain raw, untreated sewage.  Disposable diapers make up the third largest source of solid waste in landfills.  If you’re looking to conserve and protect the planet for your children, you may as well start with their diapers.  Cloth multi-use diapers are the sensible, sustainable alternative.

Plus, some research has reported that children reared with cloth diapers generally trend to toilet train a year ahead of children who don’t.

So go ahead and make the jump, your baby and their bottom will thank you.

-Arianna Schioldager