Cloth Diapers are a Green Alternative to Disposables

Many parents are becoming more aware of the world their children will grow into, and are making greener choices in how they raise them. In Athens, mothers and fathers have several options for finding out about cloth diapers, and even getting the chance to try some before buying them. Here are some places to find cloth diapers:

 A Small Green Footprint

Sandy Cederbaum is the owner and operator of this online store. It has offered natural and organic products for feeding, clothing, playing with and, yes, diapering babies and toddlers since 2006. Customers can make appointments to stop by Cederbaum’s house and learn all about cloth diapering products and how to use them. She focuses on cloth diapers that are made of only organic fibers, instead of containing plastic like many modern cloth diapers.

She says that many parents find diapers with plastic coverings easier to use, but she believes avoiding them is an even greener choice. The store sells diapers made of cotton and hemp and diaper covers made of wool, which repels water and has anti-bacterial properties. The store also focuses on products made mostly in the U.S., to lower the carbon cost of shipping. You can check out the store on the web or and contact Cederbaum at 706-227-9116.

Full Bloom Pregnancy and Early Parenting Center

220 N. Milledge Avenue

706-353-3373

Open Tuesday - Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-3p.m.

Director and founder Pat Nielsen carries a range of cloth diapers, baby carriers and other natural parenting items like nursing bras. The store carries several brands including Tiny Tush, Mother-ease, Kissaluvs, and Imse Vimse. All the brands are made in the U.S. or Canada except Imse Vimse, which is made in Sweden. Nielsen said she chose these brands because they are high quality and will last through more than one child. You can come into the storefront during business hours to touch and feel the diapers and get demonstrations on how they work.

The Natural Baby

160 Tracy Street Unit 2, Suite 14

706-705-1309

Open by appointment

Whether you want the convenience of all-in-ones or fitteds, or the economic advantage of pre-folds, The Natural Baby has it all. Owner Rebecca Almy opened the store in Watkinsville a year and a half ago. Recently she moved into a Tracy Street warehouse, from which she operates an online operation. The storefront is open to the public by appointment.

Almy has used cloth diapers on her 26-month-old son and 8-month-old daughter since they were born. Her son now uses reusable training pants.

Her goal is to provide parents with the widest selection of diapers possible. She carries her favorite brands, such as Kissaluvs, as well as some of the most popular brands around, like Bum Genius. She offers a test run program where parents can put down a deposit and take home a few diapers for three weeks to see which they like best.

“We want people to be able to experiment,” she said.