As we all know, disposable diapers can be expensive. Definitely not great for our environment as they take years to decompose. So what's the other option? Cloth diapers. I know. I know. I rolled my eyes to thinking about the amount of hours I would be hanging out in the laundry room washing cloth diapers when my first son was born. In all reality, those hours are probably not much more than the hours that are spend washing clothes the first few months when our newborn is born. So curiosity got the best of me and I just had to find out more information. I, personally, reached out to Mariah Kaiser as she is the cloth diaper expert in the central WI area! I will say, after the information that Mariah gave me, I am highly considering doing cloth diapers for my next little one! Here is what Mariah revealed to me about The Cloth Option:

What is The Cloth Option?

The Cloth Option (TCO) is a nation-wide non-profit organization with a goal to end diaper need for all. We are 100% volunteer run and a significant portion of our distributed cloth diapers are obtained through donations.

How does it work?

Our volunteers receive locally and shipped donated cloth diaper items, prep them (strip when necessary and sanitize always), and then package them up for families who apply to our program. We then provide any and all technical assistance a family may need through their cloth diaper journey, as long as they reach out to us for help/questions. 

Who do they contact if interested/ want to get started?

The easiest way to get started with a loan is to apply online:  https://www.theclothoption.org/apply

If there are specific questions they can reach out to info@theclothoption.org for any needed clarifications; there are no income requirements for our program

How many cloth diapers do they get?

 The quantity of cloth diapers received is dependent on the age/weight of your child in need of diapers, packages range from 10-20 cloth diapers, our goal is to supply you with 1-2 days of diapers, allowing time for washing.

Cloth diapers come in a range of sizes: newborn, one size, and extended size. Newborn diapers are sent for babies under 3 months age and less than 10lb, one size diapers are sent for babies over 3 months and generally fit best from 10-35lb. Extended size diapers are distributed on a medical need basis and will fit up to 55lb. 

How do they get more?

Because cloth diapers are reusable with washing, you don’t need more on a regular basis! For some families, our program supplies their entire diaper stash, for other families, they use our diapers as they slowly grow their own stash. This allows them to know what styles and materials they prefer for their little one!

Training on how to put one on?

If a family has no experience with cloth diapers, they are encouraged to reach out to their assigned advocate to review their package once they receive it. This helps to ensure they know what they’re using and how to use it for the best success! 

Washing tips and tricks?

It is incredibly important to know your water hardness so that you can use a laundry detergent that will work appropriately in your water to get diapers clean. Almost all cloth diaper related diaper rashes are a result of improper washing of diapers, and once the washing routine is corrected the rash resolves. It is also important to make sure your washing machine is full enough for appropriate agitation to take place (but also not too full!). 

If you have stains that you want to get out of your diapers, drying them in the sun helps! 

Want to know more? Feel free to reach out to me personally by email: youaretheworlddoula@gmail.com or going to The Cloth Option website: info@theclothoption.org