Moms Talk: Diapers

Media Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in the greater Media area. Each week in Moms Talk, our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start this week's conversation about diapers. Please add comments to the comments box below this story and give your own feedback and ideas. And if you have a question you'd like answered for next week, let us know. Also, check out the

Question: Which do you prefer cloth or disposable diapers? Why? Are there any local areas with diaper discounts?

Answer From Momʼs Councilmember Kristin Luther (mother of 2):

I love cloth diapers. I used disposables when I had my first son in 2003, completely unaware that cloth was "still" an option. Just before having my second son in 2009, a friend told me she was going to use cloth diapers once her son was born and I was intrigued. I started doing some research and discovered the enormous potential to save money as well as the significant eco-friendly impact. I have been using cloth on my son for nearly 18 months and I don't regret going cloth for a moment--I have saved tons of money and contributed significantly less to landfills. The extra water used to wash is marginal and you can't beat the solar energy harnessed with help of a clothesline.

There are lots of great cloth diaper retailers online, but if you want a local place to actually see/feel cloth diaper products or talk to a knowledgeable resource, Diaperware/Green Family Living in Aston (Knowlton Rd., a bit past Linvilla Orchards) is a good spot. Just be sure to call first...it's primarily an online business, but the owner, Inge, will be happy to meet people at the store to show/sell products. You can even order from her online and then pick up to avoid shipping. 

Answer From Momʼs Councilmember Robin Fradkin Matthew (mother of 1):

I use disposable diapers, but if I were to have another kid, I'd do cloth. I have always felt guilty about the amount of waste I create with my disposables and I'd definitely like to have more natural fibers against my kid's skin. I also can't stand the advertising on diapers. I cringe every time I wrap a Mickey Mouse-emblazoned Huggies on my toddler and I can't wait until we can stop inadvertently supporting the evil Disney empire. (For what it's worth, we did start out with Seventh Generation disposables, but they leaked and weren't true to size.)

Before my son was born, I was dead-set on using gDiapers, but found that once he was here, I was too overwhelmed with new motherhood to think about swishing and flushing and doing anything less complicated than throwing on a disposable and tossing it when it was dirty. Plus, I kind of fell in love with the little stripe on the newborn size Pampers that turns green when the diaper is wet. I think, though, that with a second kid, since I wouldn't be blazing a fresh trail of parenting, I'd be more relaxed and willing to be more adventurous in the diapering department.