whole issue - Real Diaper Association

N a t i o n a l Q ua r t e r l y N e w s l e t t e r
Real diaper
association
Volume 1, Issue 2
Summer 2005
You are the local cloth diaper advocate
By Lori Taylor
“Ask Me about Cloth Diapers.” That’s what RDA Board of
Directors member Marie DiCocco’s tank top said as she taught
Italian Folk Dance at the New England Folk Festival in Natick,
Massachusetts, in April. One of the dancers did ask Marie
about cloth diapers. The dancer had cloth diapered her
children several decades before, but assumed cloth diapers
were no longer available. She had friends who just adopted a
baby, and she wanted to tell them about cloth diapers.
Many people assume cloth diapers are no longer available.
You know otherwise. But how will new parents, grandmothers,
and family friends know to ask you about cloth diapers? Make
yourself visible in your community. Wearing buttons or T-shirts
from the RDA “Ask Me about Cloth Diapers” campaign for Earth
Day is an easy way to begin. RDA members have found a
variety of ways to advocate cloth diapers locally.
Take Visible Action:
• Use local media. Provide great stories highlighting cloth
diapers. Make yourself the contact person. Offer to be
interviewed on a local parenting program on radio or
television. Write an article on cloth diapers for a local paper,
including very small papers.
• Make cloth diaper advocate business cards for yourself, and
leave cards at baby shops and with mother and baby health
care providers.
• Reserve a booth at a local baby fair or farmer’s market.
Bring a variety of cloth diapers along with diaper facts for
visitors to carry away.
Make Yourself Visible Locally.
You are the local expert. You have access to a wealth of
experience and information. As a member of Real Diaper
Association, you also know where to go for great ideas. Make
sure people know where to reach you.
When people do ask you about cloth diapers, know what you
are going to say. While wearing her “Ask Me” button shopping
at the natural foods co-op Rainbow Grocery in San Francisco,
RDA Treasurer Angelique Mullen was asked by a shopper, "I
really love that button. Where on earth did you get it?" She took
the button off and gave it to the shopper, telling her about cloth
diapers. The shopper told Angelique she sometimes feels
disheartened because no one cloth diapers anymore. But it isn’t
true! People want to know that you use cloth diapers for your
baby.
Your baby is a great cloth diaper model. When someone sees
you changing your baby with cloth diapers, they may say, “What
kind of diaper is that?” Be prepared to tell them exactly what it
is and where to find out more. There
Inside this issue are other ways to make your baby
visible, as well. Savannah Rogers,
Local Advocacy
1 RDA member of Peoria, Arizona,
suggests that parents put their cloth
Washing Diapers
2 diapered babies in the local parade.
Diaper Rash
3
Business Directory
5
Accredited Circle
Leaders
6
Let people know how to contact you
later if they have more questions.
Nashville, Tennessee, Leader
Danielle Whittaker has given out her
RDA business card when she has
seen people buying disposable
diapers.
Real Diaper Information booth at the La Leche League conference in
Atlanta, Georgia.
Continued on page 4
PAGE 2
REAL DIAPER NEWS
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
Our “In-house” cloth diaper washing routine
By Heather L. Sanders
Our recipe for washing cloth diapers. Easy as 1, 2, 3! Washing
cloth diapers - it seems to be the ONE thing, if any, that will
cause the bravest soul to turn tail and run! Well, don't. Cloth
still is the healthiest alternative for your child and you will easily
get over your archaic ideas about how hard it is . . . because,
quite honestly, it is SIMPLE!
If you can wash your clothes - you can wash your diapers. The
washing machine will not leave residues of baby poo on your
clothing and you don't have to worry about your clothes
smelling like a diaper pail. Our washing machines are much
more effective cleansers than you could ever imagine!
Regardless of the diapering system you choose, the Wash-nCare suggestion below will have you washing, on average,
every 2 days. Your diapers will remain stain free, smell fresh,
and retain maximum absorbency!
Below is your recipe for our ‘In-House Washing
Method’. Gather your ingredients, take a deep breath and
WASH THOSE DIAPERS!!!
Ingredients:
Detergent: Make sure the detergent is free of fragrances, dyes
and fabric softeners (fabric softeners will create a waxy build-up
on your cloth diapers that will, over time, cause them to repel
your baby's urine instead of absorbing it). Not a good
thing! For more information on the difference between the two
and for recommendations on types of detergent to use., go to
the Soap Vs Detergent page on the Diaper Hyena (http://www.
thediaperhyena.com/clothdiaperarticle_soapordetergent.htm).
Special Note on Line Drying Prefolds:
Line-dried prefold diapers can benefit from the natural
bleaching and sterilization from the sun. There are several
ways to keep them from being 'crunchy' - which is one of the
negatives attributed to line-dried diapers.
•
•
•
•
Make sure that you use vinegar in the wash for its fabric
softening abilities.
Make sure that you double - or even triple - hang your
prefolds back to back on really hot days/afternoons. This will
ensure a longer drying time. Quick drying can make for
crunchier diapers all together. It is much better to dry in the
earlier hours when it is less hot and the sun is less
intense . . . drying your diapers slower.
Allow to dry until 'just dry' and then throw them in the dryer
for the last 10 to 15 minutes to tumble dry on low or
fluff. This will loosen up the cotton fibers and give you the
quilted look/feel most loved with prefolds - it also increases
their absorbency.
Some will do this the exact opposite and allow their diapers
to dry out in the sun only after drying them in the dryer until
'just' damp dry.
Special note: Beware of line drying on particularly humid
days. Your diapers will come off the line smelling moldy or
even just 'not so fresh.' Also, be aware of the season - is it
spring? Is the ground covered in pollen? If your regular
clothesline is strung between a few pine trees (as ours are) you
might discover that yellow pine pollen is just about as uninviting
on freshly washed diapers as yellow poopy stains!
Baking Soda: It doesn't take much - only about 1/2 cup per
load. However, baking soda is priceless for whitening and
neutralizing acidity levels in your diapers. It is a natural odor
and stain fighter and will help keep your diapers nice, white,
and fresh smelling.
Distilled White Vinegar: Vinegar will help to restore the pH
balance in your diapers and neutralizes any bacteria or
detergent residues, while helping to soften the diapers. Vinegar
can be especially effective with diapers that are to be dried on
the line! It will also help with color steadfastness.
Our In-House Washing Method:
1. First run a Cold Wash/Cold rinse adding-in only 1/2 cup of
baking soda with the water. Make sure that all diapers are
opened-up for easier cleaning. Make sure that all AIOs or
covers have the Velcro secured on their loop-backs to keep
from developing a 'diaper chain' in the washer. Make sure
that all prefolds or inserts are pulled out from the pocket
diapers.
2. Once this load finishes, run a Hot Wash/Cold rinse adding-in
about 1/2 the amount of detergent as suggested on the side
of the box. For hard water areas or for those who line-dry,
add some distilled white vinegar in the rinse cycle. In most
cases, it will help prepare your diapers for line-drying or
soften them against the hard water elements.
3. After the second wash, open the lid and take a whiff. Does it
smell fresh? If not, run another cold wash/cold rinse with NO
DETERGENT, NO BAKING SODA and NO VINEGAR! This
is just to rinse out the diapers. Then, pull out your dipes and
depending on your preference, line-dry or tumble dry. If you
tumble dry, do not leave your covers in - hang them on pegs
or lay them out on towels to dry to extend their longevity.
Diapers hanging on a clothesline can take one’s breath away.
Vinegar in your cloth diaper wash. Two sides of the coin:
You may be wondering if the use of distilled white vinegar is
truly essential in your cloth diaper wash. After all, there seems
to be such a good amount to remember as it is, and if you can
cut something out of the routine, vinegar seems to be the most
viable option.
Well, let us give you some of the attributes of vinegar. And, we
are talking distilled white vinegar NOT apple cider vinegar or
any other type of vinegar. (Apple cider vinegar will cause your
diapers to discolor and become dingy looking.) If you use it at
all, you must use distilled white vinegar.
Continued on back page
PAGE 3
REAL DIAPER NEWS
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
RDA receives tax exempt status!
On July 7, we received confirmation that the IRS determined Real Diaper Association to be a tax exempt
organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. What does that mean to you? All first-time and
renewal membership donations made after July 7, 2005 are tax-deductible!
Diaper Rash: Comparing Diaper choices
By Angelique Mullen
Most new parents have experienced changing their baby’s
diaper to find their skin covered in a red, splotchy rash. When
my daughter was two weeks old, she had her first diaper rash.
At the time, we had only used cloth diapers a handful of times.
Not knowing what other options we had, we were also using
disposable baby wipes when we changed her. My daughter’s
rash developed slowly, and eventually became bleeding red.
Every time we changed her diaper, she let out blood-curdling
screams. I sometimes cried with her, frustrated because I did
not know what to do for my sweet baby.
It was at this time that I started going to a new-parent support
group. Another mother looked at my daughter’s rash and
suggested I use cotton and warm water to clean her diaper
area. She was convinced it was the wipes that were causing my
baby’s rash.
At the same meeting, a father in the group raved about the
flannel squares that he and his wife used on their daughter. It
gave me an idea. I went home and cut up an old flannel sheet. I
made about a hundred squares of plain flannel wipes. Wetting
our new homemade wipes with warm water only, we used them
and her rash cleared up in a matter of days.
Diaper rash, also known as diaper dermatitis, is the most
common type of rash in infancy, with most children
experiencing it at least once by the time they learn to use the
toilet.
Why do babies get diaper rash? While there are a variety of
factors that contribute to rash, the most common reason is
excessive moisture against the skin (Boiko, 1997). Usually, a
baby will feel a wet cloth diaper because it can be hard to avoid
the wetness. Cloth diapers are usually changed more often.
Many parents leave disposable diapers on their baby too long.
There is urine in the diaper and bacteria in the urine. When the
ammonia in urine mixes with the plastic, the baby’s skin does
not get a chance to breathe and the bacteria can grow. Babies
who urinate frequently or have diarrhea and frequent bowel
movements can often be more prone to rash. The frequency of
diaper dermatitis decreases as the number of diaper changes
increases. It is not known how much exposure to urine or feces
is necessary to generate irritation, but one study recommended
changing newborns every hour and older babies every 3-4
hours, no matter what kind of diaper they are wearing (Shin,
2005).
There are other reasons for rash, such as food allergies, yeast
infection, skin sensitivity, chafing, and chemical irritation. For
older babies who have started eating solids, diaper rash can
result from the introduction of new foods. Food sensitivities can
develop and change the content of a baby’s stool, increasing
the likelihood of dermatitis. Also, some foods can raise the
frequency of bowel movements, adding another source of
irritation. Changes in a breastfeeding mother’s diet may alter
the baby’s stool, causing rash (Boiko, 1979).
Yeast infection rashes or candidal dermatitis can easily grow in
the diaper area, especially if a baby has been taking antibiotics
for a bacterial infection. Antibiotics kill the bacteria causing the
infection, but they can also kill the bacteria that prevent yeast
from developing. Without these bacteria, the warm, moist
environment of the diaper area makes an ideal breeding ground
for yeast infections (Kazzi).
Babies with sensitive skin are also more prone to diaper rash.
Those with atopic dermatitis or eczema may be more likely to
develop diaper rashes, although they will usually get a rash on
other parts of their bodies, too (Wong, 1992).
Another type of diaper rash is tidemark dermatitis. Tight diapers
or bindings that rub against the baby’s skin can cause painful
chafing (Kazzi).
Some diaper rash may be caused by chemical irritation.
Disposable diapering products, including wipes, are composed
of many chemicals that are likely skin irritants. Residual
detergent, bleach or fabric softener used to launder cloth
diapers and lotions or creams used in diapering can also be
bothersome. (Kazzi). In my daughter’s case, we concluded that
the chemicals in the disposable wipes we were using were
probably causing her newborn rash.
As common as it is today, diaper dermatitis is a relatively new
phenomenon. Fred Weiner, a Montreal doctor who studied rash
in the 1970’s, reported that diaper rash was almost unheard of
before the use of rubber or plastic pants in the 1940’s (Weiner,
1979). In an article published in the Journal of Pediatrics in
1959, before the introduction of disposable diapers, only 7.1%
of 1,505 babies in a one-time clinical study had diaper rash
(Tanino, 1959). In a study of diaper rash in the 1980’s, some
twenty years after the invention of disposable diapers, 63% of
1,050 babies had diaper rash at least once in an 8-week period
(Gaunder and Plummer, 1987). The most recent study I
reviewed reported that at least half of all babies will exhibit rash
at least once during their diapering years (Shin, 2005).
Why would wearing disposable diapers lead to higher incidence
of dermatitis? Weiner believed the lack of airflow in a tight-fitting
plastic cover to be one of the main factors for rash. He noted
that babies also developed rash from plastic or rubber pants
(Weiner, 1979).
Disposable diapers are made using a large variety of chemicals
and the manufacturers are not required to disclose these
chemical ingredients. Consumers should be aware of what
chemicals are present in disposable diapers. Ingredients
include polyethylene film, polypropylene plastic, bleached
Continued on page 6
PAGE 4
REAL DIAPER NEWS
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
Local advoCACY (Continued from page 1)
Go to RDA:
• Use “Ask Me about Cloth Diapers” buttons, magnets, Tshirts, and bags to draw attention from those who want to
know more. http://www.cafepress.com/rdassociation
• RDA pamphlet “Cloth Diaper Advocacy” offers some basic
suggestions where you can start your work.
http://realdiaperassociation.org/media.php#pamphlets
Teach the Basics of Cloth Diapering to New Parents.
Do you remember being a new parent? You needed
information. New parents want to know their options. They
want to know what is best for their baby. Gently help them
learn about cloth diapers so they can make an informed
choice about diapers.
these before washing? They will soon have enough
experience that they will help others, but for now, you are
their expert and some parents will need one-on-one support.
Give freely of your experience, and seek more information
when you don’t know the answer.
Seattle, Washington, Leader Maya Keithly has been holding
cloth diapering support meetings since January. For the next
scheduled meeting, about a dozen parents will learn to sew
basic styles of diapers. At a future meeting, Maya plans to
demonstrate washing with lanolin to condition a wool diaper
cover. Maya finds that parents often need support in learning
about washing methods and nighttime diapers. She also
offers a diaper library from which parents can check out
diapers, doublers, Snappis, or other items to see if these
items work for their baby.
Where are you going to meet new parents? You could meet
them casually by talking to pregnant women at the park or
while shopping. Or ask a few parents to drop by. Danielle
Whittaker organized an informal cloth diaper meeting at her
work. She even invited a local cloth diaper dealer to show
new parents the range of diapers available.
Those parents in Maya Keithly’s diapering group are
fortunate. Seattle is one of those rare U.S. cities where
parents can find a variety of cloth diapering support. It is also
the home of RDA business member Baby Diaper Service,
who publishes Northwest Baby and Child, a monthly
newspaper with extensive information and support for
parents.
You might offer to make a presentation to a parenting class
sponsored by a midwife, hospital, or community center. Find
out a little about the parents beforehand, so you can tailor
your approach to their needs. Are they likely to choose cloth
diapers because of the lower environmental impact or
because it is so much less expensive to use cloth diapers?
Whether one-on-one, through published articles, or by
distributing basic information, you can easily offer your
expertise to other parents who need help learning the art of
cloth diapering.
At a parenting class, take diapers to touch and feel. Take your
baby so you can demonstrate how easy it is to use cloth
diapers. Take a big pile of diapers along with a few teddy
bears or dolls so new parents can try it for themselves.
Prepare your remarks or an outline before you go, and test
how long it takes you to cover the material. Be sure to leave
plenty of time for questions.
Take Teaching Action:
• Create your own meeting for new parents. You can often
find free rooms in libraries, churches, and community
centers.
• Put cloth diapering information in new parent packs at
hospitals. If you have a local diaper service, organize a
pamphlet or coupon to go with a pamphlet. If you have a
local manufacturer, they might even be willing to include a
product sample.
Go to RDA:
• For quick start tips, see RDA Advocacy Sheet “Cloth
Diapering Classes.” http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/
pdf/rda_advocacy_classes.pdf
• RDA pamphlet “Cloth Is Best” offers basic information
about cloth diapers, while the pamphlet “Get Real” gives
parents some solid reasons to use cloth diapers over other
options.
http://realdiaperassociation.org/media.php#pamphlets
Support Parents Using Cloth Diapers.
If you have made sure that new parents know how to contact
you, you are likely to get more questions once they are using
cloth diapers. How can I prevent leaks? Do I have to soak
Take Supportive Action:
• If your local food co-op or baby store carries cloth diapers,
ask if you can leave business cards or pamphlets with your
contact information near the cloth diaper display.
• Hold a support meeting and publicize it by city on Craig’s
List or another listing of local meetings:
http://www.craigslist.org/
Go to RDA:
• RDA Advocacy Postcards, based on carefully documented
Diaper Facts, are available in color or black & white in two
sizes. Each postcard gives several strong reasons to use
cloth diapering for Health, Environmental, or Cost reasons.
http://realdiaperassociation.org/advocacy.
php#advocacypostcards
http://realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php
• RDA Advocacy Sheets offer quick tips for starting local
support projects, including getting cloth diapers into local
stores and helping parents sew their own diapers.
http://realdiaperassociation.org/advocacy.php
Make Connections.
Are you the one among your friends who always knows the
answers about cloth diapers? You are probably the person
your friends ask when they need to know where to buy covers
or natural diaper cream. You know the world of cloth diapers,
and you know your local community. Connect them.
Are there other groups where you might make contact with
cloth diapering parents? Are you a member of an attachment
parenting, babywearing, or breastfeeding group? Savannah
Rogers and Melissa Buck found contacts for local cloth
diapering activism through a booth at a La Leche League
conference in Georgia. Their booth was quite eye-catching,
PAGE 5
REAL DIAPER NEWS
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
RDA Business Member Directory
Arizona
Wildflower Diapers
Shannon Doan
www.wildflowerdiapers.com
Scottsdale, Arizona
(888) 677-3228 toll free
California
Bitty Bums
Heather Scheirmann
www.bittybums.com
Simi Valley, California
(805) 527-3936
Blue Penguin
Carol Stewart
www.bluepenguin.biz
Los Angeles, California
(888) 422-2945 toll free
(323) 344-1311 fax
Granola Mamas
Nikki Burns & Heidi Guthrie
www.granolamoms.com
El Cajon, California 92020
(619) 444-6298
Peachie Baby Company
Danielle Stein
www.peachiebaby.com
Rancho Santa Margarita, California
(860) 736-8684 fax
Pipsqueak Diapers
Brit Montrella
www.pipsqueakdiapers.com
Long Beach, California
Sierra Babies
Megan Goldstein
www.sierrababies.com
Walnut Creek, California
Snoogie Snaps
Heather Tremblay
www.snoogiesnaps.com
Los Angeles, California
Colorado
Little Earth
Kimberley Hoch
www.little-earth.biz
Broomfield, Colorado
(720) 887-3540
Righteous Baby
Ann Hall
www.righteousbaby.com
Lyons, Colorado
(303) 823-5980
Connecticut
Papaya Patch.com
Cari Wolverton
www.papayapatch.com
West Hartford, Connecticut
(800) 521-0701 toll-free
(860) 521-0731 fax
District of Columbia
PM Organics
Marie DiCocco
www.pmorganics.com
Alexandria, Washington DC
(703) 627-1512
Florida
In Our Forrest
Jaimee Miller
www.inourforrest.com
Sarasota, Florida
(866) 760-8093 toll-free
Sunshine Diapers
Brenda Wells
www.sunshinediapers.com
Gainesville, Florida
(352) 335-2093
Georgia
Better for Babies
Leah Carter
www.betterforbabies.com
Carrollton, Georgia
(678) 481-7265
Wallypop
Sarah Reid
www.wallypop.net
Des Moines, Iowa
(515) 274-4676
Maine
Buzzie Bee
Jennifer Moore Temple
www.buzziebee.com
Rockland, Maine
(207) 542-0505
Humanity Infant and Herbal
Cheri Fennell
humanityinfantandherbal.com
Augusta, Maine
(207) 626-0433
Mother of Eden: Make a Difference
Program
Corrie Sweeney
moeconsultant.com/corrie43
Buxton, Maine
(207) 929-6697
Massachusetts
Zannadu
Joanne Sarkar
www.zannadu.com
Framingham, Massachusetts
(508) 292-1669
Ella's Diapers
Melissa Moody
www.ellasdiapers.com
Jonesboro, GA
Michigan
Tree City Diapers
Molly Ging
www.treecitydiapers.com
Ann Arbor, Michigan
(734) 623-2088
Idaho
One Stop Diaper Shop
Jessica Wiseman
diapershop.com
Rigby, Idaho
(866) 264-1656 toll-free
Minnesota
Tots and Bottoms
Bree Norlander
www.totsandbottoms.com
Saint Paul, Minnesota
(888) 804-8687 toll-free
llinois
Diaperco.com
Marcy Moorhead
www.diaperco.com
Sterling, Illinois
(866) 342-7390 toll-free
(815) 625-6755 fax
Nevada
Little Lamb Organics
Jessica Hannon
littlelamborganics.com
Las Vegas, Nevada
(702) 645-3506
(702) 658-4284 fax
Iowa
The Stork Wearhouse
www.thestorkwearhouse.com
Des Moines, Iowa
(515) 255-1671
New Jersey
DiaperPin
Jennifer Liptrot
www.diaperpin.com
Oldwick, New Jersey
(908) 872 4407
PAGE 6
New York
Dara and Scott
Tiffany Johnson
www.DaraandScott.com
Watertown, New York
(315) 489-1494
REAL DIAPER NEWS
Time For A Change
Nicole Cameron
www.time-for-a-change.org
Stow, Ohio
(866) 229-8797 toll-free
Fuzbaby
Lori Taylor
www.fuzbaby.com
Buffalo, New York
(800) 597-0561 toll-free
(716) 833-9337 fax
Oregon
Granny's Ark
Julie Claunch
www.grannysark.com
Beaverton, Oregon
(503) 997-5065
Firefly Diapers
Lori Taylor
www.fuzbaby.com
Buffalo, New York
(800) 597-0561 toll-free
(716) 833-9337 fax
Pennsylvania
Baby Naturale
Marlene Dunwoody
www.babynaturale.com
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
(877) 714-6287 toll-free
Terra Cotton Diaper Services
Victoria Peter
www.terracotton.com
Rochester, New York
(585) 978-9081
DiaperWare.com
Inge Brunner
www.DiaperWare.com
Moylan, Pennsylvania
(888) 848-8740 toll-free
North Carolina
Our Natural World
Laura Johnson
www.diaperchangingparty.com
Warsaw, North Carolina
(910) 293-7673
Ohio
Mother and Child Creations
Tonya Dutton
motherandchildcreations.com
Findlay, Ohio
(419) 423-7302
Precious Beginnings Diapers N’ Things
Amy Rapp
www.diapersnthings.com
Pataskala, Ohio
(888) 247-4533 toll-free
(614) 367-0718 fax
Jack's Magic Beanstalk
Heather Meyer & Jenni Tellers
jacksmagicbeanstalk.com
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(877) NurseMe toll-free
Rhode Island
A.F.E.W. Natural Changes
Stacey Grant
www.afewnaturalchanges.com
Smithfield, Rhode Island
(401) 233-1895
Tennessee
Cloth Diapers N More
Amanda White
clothdiapersnmore.com
Knoxville, Tennessee
(877) 231-9735
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
Texas
Li'l Bambino
Ashley Henry
www.lilbambino.com
South Padre Island, Texas
(956) 772-9185
(956) 761-3960 fax
Vermont
Green Mountain Diapers
Karen Amidon
greenmountaindiapers.com
Vernon, Vermont
(802) 254-7361
(800) 330-9905 fax
Virginia
Nurtured by Nature
Kristen Gallagher
www.nurturedbynature.net
Sterling, Virginia
(571) 238-9282
Washington
Baby Diaper Service
Mark Stief
www.seattlediaper.com
Seattle, Washington
(800) 562-BABY toll-free
(206) 767-0179 fax
Cloth Diapers by Sara
Sara Thompson
www.clothdiapersbysara.com
Blaine, Washington
(360) 371-2405
Canada
The Diaper Hyena
Kim Becker
ww.thediaperhyena.com
Sherwood Park, Alberta
This list is current as of 8/3/05.
Accredited Real diaper Circle leaders
Maine
Christy Perce
Newcastle, Maine
Thepercefam@earthlink.net
New York
Melissa Corbett
New York, NY
macorbett@mac.com
Utah
Amanda Rathbun
Provo, Utah
Acrathbun@hotmail.com
Corrie Sweeney
North Waterboro, Maine
geocities.com/corrie43
corrie43@yahoo.com
Tennessee
Danielle Whittaker
Antioch, Tennessee
mrsdaniellewhittaker@yahoo.com
Washington
Maya Keithly
Everett, Washington
www.oceanasoul.com/rda.htm
realdiapers@gmail.com
To see complete descriptions of our business members and Circle Leaders,
go to: www.realdiaperassociation.org/directory
PAGE 7
REAL DIAPER NEWS
with diapers pinned on a clothesline against a blue sky
background. Their contact list forms the core of the future
Atlanta area diaper advocacy group.
RDA business member Brenda Wells of Gainesville,
Florida, the local “Diaper Lady,” invited her Sunshine
Diapers customers to a picnic earlier this Spring. She
wanted to get together with the large number of great local
parents she had met, and she took the opportunity to tell
those gathered about Real Diaper Association and
encourage cloth diaper users to become cloth diaper
advocates.
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
As new parents prepare for baby, friends and family
members will also offer advice. Health care providers need
to know about the effect of diapering options on a baby’s
health. Local waste officials need to know the facts
concerning disposable diapers and solid waste. Social
services need to know the best options for low-income
diapering.
Local Leader Danielle Whittaker was concerned that
standards for local daycare facilities were not allowing use
of cloth diapers. So, Danielle decided to educate those
who write the standards. She wrote to state and county
commissioners as well as the Tennessee Department of
Human Services.
Which issue is most important in your community? You
know best what is the need in your community. Find that
issue, and get to the heart of it.
Take Education Action:
• Write a list of compelling cloth diapering facts and offer it
to your town newspaper along with a list of contacts for
local cloth diapering parents and businesses.
• Make a note of all objections you hear to cloth diapering
and make a solid plan of action to address them directly.
Families enjoying a cloth diaper picnic in Gainesville, Florida.
Help the people you know to know one another. Help them
learn what they can to do support cloth diapering.
Take Connecting Action:
• Ask a local store to carry cloth diapers. Offer contact
information for local manufacturers or for national
companies that offer diapers wholesale. Make it easy
for them to say yes by anticipating their questions and
providing good answers when you first approach them.
RDA Advocacy Sheet “Cloth Diapers in Local Stores”
offers some tips.
• Have you met other experienced cloth diapering parents
in your area? Ask them to join you in becoming local
advocates. Support one another in your advocacy as
well as supporting others in their cloth diaper use. The
first RDA leader, Maya Keithly, told us, “I adore the
satisfaction of seeing a parent become an advocate, I
am amazed at how responsive the public now is.”
Go to RDA:
• RDA Local Resource Directory will show you whether
you have RDA leaders or business members in your
area. Help others find them and use their expertise.
Offer to help.
http://
realdiaperassociation.org/directory/
Educate the General Public about the Benefits of Cloth
Diapers.
Parents who will diaper their babies are not the only people
who need to know that cloth diapers are still a great option.
Go to RDA:
• For general cloth diapering education, choose RDA
pamphlet “Get Real” or advocacy postcard “Why Choose
Cloth Diapers? Here are a few reasons.” New parents
need to know “how” and “how many.” The non-parents
in your community may need to know “why.” Health,
environment, and cost. Let them know. http://www.
realdiaperassociation.org/pdf/GetReal.pdf
http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/advocacy.
php#advocacypostcards
• When you need more information than you have access
to, contact RDA. Tell us what support you need in your
local work. We want to help.
Since early Spring, I have taken the opportunity to talk and
write to many RDA members actively advocating cloth
diapers in their local communities. The dedication and
creativity of our members takes my breath away. The
centralized organization of RDA allows members to pool
ideas and build on the ideas and experience of others. The
strength in cloth diapering advocacy, though, happens
when each one of you speaks to others about your own
experience. Please share your stories with us, and we will
share the stories with other RDA members.
One of the simplest things you can do to start is to make
yourself visible with a button or T-shirt. After the last Italian
Folk Dance at the New England Folk Festival, Marie
DiCocco reached into her “Real Diapers, Real Babies” tote
bag to pull out the RDA brochures she had printed. The
cloth-diaper curious dancer’s main question was, How do I
find cloth diapers today? Marie sent her away with several
brochures and the address of the RDA website. One more
person asked about cloth diapers. That’s what we’re here
for.
Real Diaper Association is the dreamchild of Lori Taylor, who
wrote this story. She is Chairperson of the RDA Board of Directors
and owner of Fuzbaby and Firefly Diapers.
PAGE 8
REAL DIAPER NEWS
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
Diaper Rash (continued from page 3)
paper pulp, petrolatum, stearyl alcohol, hot melts (glue),
elastic, cellulose tissue, and perfume. There are also super
absorbent polymers (SAP), sometimes called absorbent
gelling material, that keep the diaper from leaking. SAP has
been known to cause skin irritations and severe allergic
reactions including vomiting, staph infections and fever. The
use of super-absorbent polymers was banned from tampons
in 1985 due to links to toxic shock syndrome. When wet, this
gel can escape through the liner and end up in direct contact
with a child’s skin (Landbank, 1991).
In disposable diapers, there are also traces of dioxin and
tributyl-tin (TBT), two highly toxic chemicals. TBT is known
to cause hormonal problems in humans and animals
(Greenpeace, 2000). Dioxin is a by-product of the bleaching
process. Dioxin is a carcinogenic chemical, listed by the
EPA as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals. It is
banned in most countries but not in the U.S (Greenpeace,
1994).
Considering this list of ingredients, it might be expected that
research would show a higher incidence of rash and allergic
reactions in babies wearing disposable diapers. How do
researchers view the connection between diapers and
dermatitis? What type of diapers cause more rash?
During the first 20 years that disposable diapers were on the
market, they were composed of cellulose fluff as an
absorbent. In the mid-1980s, sodium polyacrylate (SAP) gel
began to replace cellulose fluff. SAP is able to absorb liquid
in excess of 80 times its weight. For a few years after SAP
diapers were introduced, they were sold alongside the old
cellulose disposables without SAP. Eventually, throwaway
diaper manufacturers stopped making “non-SAP” disposable
(Shin, 2005). Today, unless you buy eco-friendly
disposables in a natural food store, all disposable diapers
contain SAP.
The pro-disposable studies claim that super-absorbent
polymers themselves are the reason fewer babies get rash
with this type of diaper. Most pediatricians seem to believe it
also. They claim that diaper rash is due to excess skin
moisture, and the SAP in disposables wick the moisture
away from the baby’s skin (Boiko, 1997). On closer
inspection, it appears that many of the studies favoring
disposable diapers are influenced by the manufacturers,
who either sponsor the research or adjust the way in which
the results are presented.
The dozens of studies I surveyed appear to favor the use of
disposable diapers for rash prevention. Also, most
pediatricians seem to believe that disposable diapers are
superior to cloth when it comes to keeping babies dry and
rash-free (Boiko, 1997). In fact, studies and medical
professionals in favor of cloth diapers are hard to find. Why?
If disposable diapers put harmful chemicals next to babies’
skin, it would make sense that throwaway diapers would
cause more rash. The reasons may be economic and
political.
Fred Weiner was an early exception to the tendency to favor
disposable diapers. Dr. Weiner, the Montreal doctor
previously mentioned, studied 146 infants who appeared for
their one-month checkup. He reported that babies wearing
disposables had 20% more incidences of diaper rash than
babies wearing cloth diapers with plastic pants, and three
times more than babies wearing cloth alone. He did not,
however, gather information on the frequency of diaper
changes or the overall health of the babies, which could
have been a factor in the development of the rashes. He
also did not blind his study, which means that he knew which
parents used cloth and which ones used throwaway diapers.
Regardless, he came to the conclusion that disposable
diapers were not allowing the babies’ skin to breathe, and
airtight fitting diapers should be avoided (Weiner, 1997).
Another study (supported by a grant from Johnson and
Johnson) in 1982 also failed to demonstrate superiority of
disposable diapers. Unlike previous studies, this was
“double-blinded,” which means that not only were the
examiners of the rash unaware of what kind of diapers the
participants were using, the mothers of the infants studied
were not aware they were participating in a study about
diaper rash. This eliminated any bias by parents or the
examiners toward a particular diapering system. The study
was also controlled to some extent by standardizing skin
care. No specific recommendations were given with respect
to laundry practices or the frequency of diaper changes. The
results showed that there was no significant difference
between cloth and disposables when it came to diaper rash
(Stein, 1982).
Diaper rash can be a problem for some babies, but what
diapers offer the best protection?
For example, two studies conducted in 1987 found that
babies wearing diapers with absorbent gelling material had
significantly less rash than babies wearing home-laundered
cotton diapers. One study compared three different
diapering systems -- two types of disposable diapers as well
as home-laundered cloth. However, the study did not control
how the cotton diapers were used or laundered. No mention
is made of the type of cotton diaper or the type of cover used
(plastic or wool). Detergent was not standardized or
measured, and there is no note of how often diapers were
PAGE 9
REAL DIAPER NEWS
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2
washed. The authors even admit, “No attempt was made to
control or change the diaper care or the skin care habits of the
participating families.” (Campbell et al, 1987).
done on the health effect of SAP on infants and other chemicals
that are present in throwaway disposable diapers. We need
unbiased research that examines all angles of rash and the role
of diapers. Until then, change your babies frequently and keep
There are other problems with this study. The participants using their bottoms clean. Diaper rash is ultimately under the control
the two types of disposables were blinded, meaning that those of the primary caregivers.
who were grading the rash and taking measurements did not
know what diapering product was used on that particular baby. Sources:
However, the cloth-diapered group was not blinded. If
researchers had biases against cloth diapering, this could easily Allsopp, Michelle. Achieving Zero Dioxin: An emergency
have influenced their conclusions. A leading disposable diaper strategy for dioxin elimination. September 1994. Greenpeace.
company sponsored the study.
Boiko, S. (1997). Diapers and diaper rashes. Dermatology
Nursing. 2/1/1997.
Another study done on diaper maintenance in 1989 compared
seven brands of reusable diapers of various types (cotton,
Borkowski, S. (2004). Diaper rash care and management.
birdseye, terry, flannel among others), four types of
Pediatric Nursing, 11/1/2004.
“conventional” disposable diapers (the kind without SAP), and
five types of disposables with SAP. Again, the diapers with SAP Campbell, R. et al. (1987). Clinical studies with disposable
were found to be better at keeping the skin dry. There was no
diapers. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 17:
difference found between cloth diapers and conventional
978-987.
disposables when it came to dryness (Wilson, 1990).
Gaunder, B. and E. Plummer. (1987). Diaper rash: managing
This study, however, was not conducted on babies. They used and controlling a common problem in infants and toddlers.
college-age volunteers who did not wear diapers, but instead
Journal of Pediatric Health Care. 1: 26-34.
wore, on their arms, square patch samples cut from the diapers.
Greenpeace. New Tests Confirm TBT Poison in Procter &
Each diaper patch was loaded with synthetic urine made from
Gamble's Pampers: Greenpeace Demands World-Wide Ban of
distilled water, sodium, chloride and a nonionic surfactant.
Participants had to wear the patches of fake urine for two hours. Organotins in All Products. 15 May 2000.
The moisture absorbed by the patch was recorded. How
Kazzi, A.A. Pediatrics, Diaper Rash. eMedicine, http://www.
relevant can this be if it is not measured on a baby’s skin?
emedicine.com/emerg/topic374.htm
I do not find that the question of rash and diaper systems has
been adequately addressed by the research. I am not satisfied
with the generalizations of researchers and pediatricians.
Although many doctors might disagree, it seems risky for babies
to spend years with throwaway diapers papered to their
bottoms. While there are a variety of factors that contribute to
rash, the most common reason is excessive moisture against
the skin. Cloth diapers tend to be changed more often. Usually,
a baby will feel a wet cloth diaper because it can be hard to
avoid the wetness. On the other hand, many parents leave
disposable diapers on their baby too long. There is urine in the
diaper and bacteria in the urine. When the ammonia in urine
mixes with the plastic, the baby’s skin does not get a chance to
breathe and the bacteria can grow.
The Landbank Consultancy Limited. A Review of Proctor &
Gamble's Environmental Balances for Disposable and Reuseable Nappies. July 1991.
It may be that previous studies don’t provide satisfactory
answers because they don’t consider advances in design of
both cloth and disposable diapers. The old studies comparing
conventional, cellulose disposable diapers and “old-style” cloth
diapers are worth learning from, but they are not relevant to
today’s diapers. Disposable diaper manufacturers have
significant financial resources to spend on research and
development, and are constantly trying to prove with science
that their products are superior to cloth diapers. As a result,
their diapers have changed. Cloth diapers, also, have changed
dramatically since the days of plastic or rubber pants that did
not let babies’ skin breathe. Today, parents use a wide variety
of cloth products, including all-in-one and pocket diapers. Some
parents do not use plastic of any kind to diaper their child,
preferring to use only wool covers over cotton diapers.
Weiner, F. (1979). The relationship of diapers to diaper rashes
in the one-month-old infant. The Journal of Pediatrics, 95: 422424.
Seymour, J.L. et al (1987). Clinical effects of diaper types on the
skin of normal infants and infants with atopic dermatitis. Journal
of the American Academy of Dermatology, 17: 988-997.
Shin, H.T. (2005). Diaper dermatitis that does not quit.
Dermatologic Therapy, 18: 124-135.
Stein, H. (1982). Incidence of diaper rash when using cloth and
disposable diapers. The Journal of Pediatrics, 101: 721-723.
Tanino, J. et al. (1959). The relationship of perinatal dermatitis
to fecal pH. The Journal of Pediatrics, 54: 793-800.
Wilson, P.A. et al. (1990). Diaper Performance: Maintenance of
Healthy Skin. Pediatric Dermatology, 7: 179-184.
Wong, D.L. et al. (1992). Diapering Choices: A Critical Review
of the Issues. Pediatric Nursing, 18: 41-54.
It seems clear that now is the time for new research on diaper
rash. In order to ever find an adequate answer to this issue, we
need a new study on diaper rash that is independent of
disposable diaper manufacturers. It needs to be blinded and
controlled with standardized laundry practices, a variety of cloth Angelique Mullen is a mother, an RDA founder and activist, and a
diapers and covers used, and an equal number of diaper
former school teacher. She lives in Daly City, California with her
husband and three year-old daughter.
changes performed. Independent research also needs to be
NATIONAL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
Real Diaper Association
P.O. Box 156887
San Francisco, CA 94115
http://www.realdiaperassociation.org
Email: publications@realdiaperassociation.org
Real Diapers for Real Babies
Remember to renew your membership!
August 11 marks the first anniversary of the Real Diaper Association website going live. Now is the time to renew your
membership. Renew by going to: http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/directory/member/index.php or mailing a check to the
address above. Email us at webmaster@realdiaperassociation.org for more information.
Washing Routine (Continued from page 2)
''Heads-Up"': The reasons to use vinegar:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Vinegar will help neutralize the ammonia that forms over time
in wet cloth diapers.
Vinegar lowers pH, helping detergents to function more
effectively
Vinegar helps eliminate soap residue/film build-up.
Vinegar deters the setting-in of stains.
Vinegar can help keep colors from bleeding.
Vinegar can cut down on lint.
Vinegar is a natural fabric softener and static cling reducer.
"Tails": The reasons to NOT use vinegar:
•
•
In some areas with 'hard water,' there is a chance that
vinegar can mix with trace minerals in your water supply,
causing your diapers to smell acrid once urinated upon. In
which case, you would want to cease using vinegar in your
diaper pail/wash.
If you notice a build-up of residue on your diapers or your
diapers are not as absorbent AND YOU HAVE NOT been
using fabric softener sheets in the dryer or any detergent with
fabric softeners built-in, temporarily cease your use of
vinegar. In this situation, vinegar might not be the culprit, but
•
once there is a build-up on your diapers, they will need to be
'stripped' before you should continue regular usage of
vinegar.
If you notice that your diaper covers are getting stinky,
vinegar may be the culprit. Many of today's diaper covers
have some polyester in them and polyester easily holds in
smells. Vinegar's acidity can react to baby's acidic urine and
together, they can release a very acrid smell.
Vinegar is usually the solution to a good amount of more
unnatural substances used in your cloth diaper wash. Just be
aware that TOO MUCH of any good thing IS TOO MUCH. We
recommend that you use no more than 1/2 cup of distilled white
vinegar in any wash cycle. A good way to watch out for this is to
get a fabric softener ball. Fill it 1/2 to 3/4 full of vinegar and pull
the top. Throw this into your Hot Wash/Cold Rinse cycle and it
will open up in the rinse cycle. This ensures that you use it in
the right cycle and also ensures that you don't use too much.
Heather Sanders has created and sold two cloth diapering businesses.
She is one of the RDA Founders, a board member, and webmaster.
Heather lives in Texas with her husband and three children.
Article submissions:
Real Diaper News accepts article submissions for upcoming issues. We are interested in articles about the history of
diapering, the science of diapering, specific issues in cloth diapering, and local cloth diapering advocacy. Articles should be
about 600-1200 words long. Submissions can be sent to publications@realdiaperassociation.org or the address listed above.
For more on our submission guidelines , please visit: http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/article-submissions.php