Articles Index

Now, who doesn't like a good read?  Cloth diapering has taken a back-seat to disposable usage for far too long.  We believe that if more people were informed on all different aspects of cloth diapering they might be disillusioned by the disposable diaper industry and consider the alternative, cloth diapering their babies.  Here we hope to compile articles that reflect our desire to be a positive expression toward the excitement of cloth diapering and natural family living.

Are you a writer?  Are you a WAHM (Work-At-Home-Mom) or SAHM (Stay-At-Home-Mom) with a desire towards motivating other families through the written word?  Do you have a story to share with regards to your personal cloth diapering experience?  If so, please submit your article or idea for review.  

Check out our articles below by clicking on their titles - we have included a wee bit of a blurb from each article to give you a smidgeon of what's inside.

Consider writing for The Diaper Hyena™ in trade for banner advertising! Go here for more information on submitting articles.

 

For the Love of Cloth

Diaper Covers: Why Wool's Cool - by Heather L. Sanders ::  "I have learned and experienced that just as with nearly every other fiber, wool has many variations.  Select wools can provide a soft, lush, highly effective waterproof layer that is surprisingly easy to maintain and launder."

Why I Choose Cloth - by Angelique Mullen ::  "Before my daughter was born almost two years ago, I had every intention of using cloth diapers. As a frugal, environmentally sensitive person, I thought reusable diapers were the most eco-friendly and cost effective choice on the market. My husband agreed, and we established an order with the local diaper service company, bought a diaper pail and some covers, and waited for our baby to be born."

Hemp - A Viable Choice for Cloth Diapering - by Amie Nguyen ::  "Most people think of hippies, drugs, or an old Cheech and Chong movie when they hear the word 'hemp.' Although these references may be somewhat correct, they are only small pieces of the cannabis sativa plant history."

Disposable Diaper Rash: A Cloth Diaper Testimonial - by Heather Zenzen ::  "Grace was two days old when she came home from the hospital. During one of the many diaper changes that day, we noticed a red rash on her little butt. So, we broke out the diaper rash ointment and applied it. That was the beginning of a long and agonizing experience with diaper rash."

The Nitty Gritty of Cloth Diapering

Washing Machine Care: Because what goes in must come out! - by Heather L. Sanders :: "When you feel the need to ask - "All Right . . . who threw the fish in the washer?" then you know it is time for some proper washing machine hygiene.  Why?  Because with everyday use, be it sweaty socks, gym shorts, undies, musty towels, food-ridden dish rags, all-day-wear clothing and/or cloth diapers (nappies), your washing machine will develop a build-up that needs to be removed.  As with any well-used appliance, your washing machine's care is an absolute necessity to keep it in good working condition and to keep your family's laundry smelling fresh." 

Cloth Diapered Children and Day Care Providers - by Heather L. Sanders :: "On the brim of the ongoing debate regarding whether cloth or disposables are better overall for children, there is the less discussed concern regarding whether the use of either system is healthiest for all concerned (the children attending the day care and its workers).  Based on the same precautions and respecting the same concerns of advocates for disposable diaper usage in day care systems, some of today’s modern cloth diapering systems can easily be incorporated right alongside disposable diapers without deviating from a routine or compromising the health of any involved."

Out and about with Cloth Diapers - by Heather L. Sanders ::  "Think cloth diapering can't extend beyond the front stoop?   Well, think again . . . it is just as easy to carry cloth in your diaper bag as it is to carry disposables and you don't need a life-size duffle to manage it.  A compact diaper bag will hold more than you can imagine and do it nicely and neatly."

Washing and Caring for Cloth Diapers and Covers - by Heather L. Sanders :: Okay, so you've researched the type of diapers that you want and have purchased them . . . you may even have them tucked away or neatly folded into your baby's diaper closet, changing table, bins or wherever.  Now the questions linger about the storage of soiled diapers between washings.  Thoughts like, "Should I use a wet or dry pail?" or "What do I do with the diaper before throwing it in the pail?"

Our "In House" Cloth Diaper Washing Routine - by Heather L. Sanders :: 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.

Vacationing With Cloth Diapers: Will you try them on the road ... in a plane? - by Heather L. Sanders :: "This reminds me of my favorite Dr. Seuss book.  I can hear the familiar rhyme slightly altered . . ."Would you, could you on the road?  Just as in your own abode?"  Or how about "Would you, could you on a plane?  So luxurious and humane!"

Washing Cloth Diapers "On-The-Go!" - by Heather L. Sanders ::  Thinking of going on a family camping trip?  Do you wonder if you can carry cloth on your vacation?  Well, YES YOU CAN!  Not only that . . . it is much easier than you think!  Many of us feel that cloth diapering is something we can only do at home, but that isn't the case.  We don't pack disposable panties for ourselves when we are on the road, so why should we do it for our children?  A disposable is still a disposable - yes, it may seem convenient, but can you call the healthiest alternative for your child an 'inconvenience?' 

Discussing the Differences

Diaper Drama - by Heather L. Sanders :: "Almost 4 years ago I was a fledgling, uninformed consumer . . . stuffing my diaper bag and baby's changing area with neatly piled, thin (but oh, so absorbent) disposable diapers.  I didn't even give it a second thought . . . ignorance is bliss, right?  Well, I used to think so."

• Scene 1 :: Costs
• Scene 2 :: Dryness and Rashes
• Scene 3 :: Cloth Diapers and Your Child's Health
• Scene 4 :: Environmental Impact of Diapers

Soap or Detergent? - by Heather L. Sanders :: Just what is the difference between soap and detergent?  The SDA (Soap and Detergent Association) logically states: “To understand what is needed to achieve effective cleaning, it is helpful to have a basic knowledge of the soap and detergent chemistry.”  Now, this is not going to be a lesson in Chemistry – hopefully, you’ve already made that rite of passage in high school and/or college, BUT we do want to give you a bit of basic knowledge regarding the difference between soaps and detergents.

Baking Soda or Washing Soda? - by Heather L. Sanders :: One of the main questions that we get asked regarding laundry is about the usage of Baking Soda and/or Washing Soda.  There is much conflicting information across the diapering sites and diapering boards online.  Many are concerned that Baking Soda will build-up on their diapers, in their washing machines or even, eat away at their diaper's fibers.  There is also confusion about the difference between Washing Soda and Baking Soda, why either should be used and which one should be used (if at all) in laundering cloth diapers.

Environmental

Go Cloth! Frugal and Green Friendly uses for Cloth in your Home - by Jennifer Liptrot :: "The marketing world has convinced us that we need to buy disposable products to make our lives easier, simpler and to spend money on their products. But we need to rethink that, "un-brainwash" ourselves and reduce, reuse and recycle. So let's take a look around the house and see what disposable products can be replaced for cloth."

Baby-Wearing

Choosing to Advocate Babywearing: Countering the Mainstream- by Anna Noack-Brown :: Making the choice to parent in ways that are different to the "mainstream" is never easy. Choosing to wear your baby is an awesome thing for both baby and parents, but it can draw curious looks, and questions from those around you, including family members, and even complete strangers! 20th Century, western parents were conditioned to believe that picking up and holding your child too much would "spoil" the child and create "clinginess". It's hard to look beyond that view, and realize that baby-wearing spans history and cultures.

Miscellaneous

Breastfeeding - by Heather L. Sanders :: Meeting baby's basic sustenance needs and the benefits therein.  At some point in your pregnancy the question will come up, "So are you planning on breastfeeding?"  It may be a daunting question if you are a new mother.  It can be overwhelming with all there is to learn and consider before making the decision to breastfeed or not.

Farm Share: Community Sponsored Agricultural Farm - by Vicki Borah Bloom :: Thursday afternoon. It's the usual routine. I take Rhys out of the car, still groggy from a late afternoon nap, and put him in the big stroller, the one with the basket under the seat. “Time to get the vegetables!”, I sing to him as we climb up the hill to a small barn next to a suburban house. Some people would have used this space to park their cars, but there's no car in there – just crates of produce, picked that morning at an organic farm not too far away.

The Question/The Answer - Anonymous Submission :: "A colleague asked, what do you make of this comment by a customer? "Anyone else have trouble buying diapers now that you know how much fabric costs? I look at the diaper and go 'Man that wahm probably has about $3.00 worth of fabric into that diaper and she's selling it for 20 dollars,' and then I can't make myself buy it!"

 

Article Submission

Are you a writer?  Are you a WAHM with a desire towards motivating other families through the written word?  Do you have a story to share with regards to your personal cloth diapering experience?  If so, please read the following guidelines regarding article submission. --------------------------------------------------------------------- :: Length - We aren't worried about it - take as many or as few words as you need to say what you need to say! :: Content - Well, we are The Diaper Hyena™ - which narrows the subject matter somewhat, BUT there are many subjects that easily compliment cloth diapering . . . we're talking babies here! *grin*  If you think yours does and would fit in well with our focus, then by all means submit! ::  Credit - What is yours is yours.  Any original article submitted to The Diaper Hyena™ remains yours and yours alone.  Just as we will respect your copyright, please extend the same for others.  For all article(s) submitted, we require the appropriate citations be made for any and all references/sources.  Bottom line - give credit where credit is due.  Not sure about copyright?  Here is  A brief Intro to Copyright . :: Graphics - Images are welcome to 'flavor' an article.  These can be sent via email (.jpg or .gif ) or snail mail .  Please do not mail-in any original artwork or photos that need be returned. :: Exclusivity - From time to time we will run articles that can be seen at other sites for their sheer information value to our readers. However, any WAHM that would like to submit an article that is exclusive to The Diaper Hyena™ - as in, not found elsewhere online - will receive a FREE 3 MONTH 468x60 TOP and BOTTOM banner in our banner rotations if the article is accepted.  We will also include a short bio (to the tune of a few sentences) with a link to the WAHM's place of business for the duration that the article remains in our Article Index.  Want to know more?  Need an Idea? - Want to write an article for submission, but not certain what we are looking for in the way of content?  Contact us and we would be glad to throw some ideas your way!