Cloth Diaper Depot

One topic of great interest to most new Moms is: what's the best way to deal with that mountain of dirty diapers your new baby generates every day? The question applies whether you're a modern mom who's into the very latest "high-tech" disposable diapers, or a traditionalist who wants only the most pure of natural fabrics touching her baby's delicate skin. Never fear! No matter which diapering option you prefer, there are some fairly painless strategies for handling this aspect of caring for your new baby.

To some degree, how you deal with diapers will depend on your budget. The least expensive solution is a simple, lidded diaper pail or trash can ($10.00 - $15.00) lined with ordinary plastic or trash bags. With either cloth diapers or disposables, sprinkling baking soda on the bottom of the pail, and on top of each new diaper as it's added, will help a lot with unwanted odors. Deodorizing disks stuck inside the lid can also be useful, and a low-tech foot pedal opener adds convenience. A more costly (and less environmentally-friendly) tactic is popping each soiled diaper directly into a zipper-type plastic bag. Buying in bulk at big box stores will bring down the cost somewhat.

On the other hand, as an alternative to the simple diaper pail, many major baby brands offer high-tech "diaper disposal systems" ranging in price from $25.00 to $50.00. Popular shower gifts, these are advertised to "neutralize" unpleasant smells in your baby's nursery. To accomplish this, some designs automatically wrap each disposable diaper in its own "odor-proof barrier." Others flip a diaper - disposable or cloth - into an odor-proof container below. Some require special accessories or liners (which can become pricey), and others accommodate ordinary plastic bags. Some feature "one-handed operation" while others offer "hands-free use." Some have a small holding capacity and would need to be emptied daily; others hold up to 30 diapers. In some brands, diapers come into contact with the diaper pail itself, while other models seem more sanitary, since diapers touch only the liner. Several have built-in odor-filtering systems using activated charcoal. Powered models use either an electrical cord (potentially hazardous to prying fingers) or are battery-operated (with batteries needing frequent replacement.). Some designs may be unexpectedly noisy (for example, those with motors for filtering odors, or those that encase diapers in plastic or flip them into a container), so these may present problems if placed in baby's room.

According to experienced parents, some diaper disposal systems are easier to use than others, and are actually more successful at controlling odors. So it would be wise to read online product reviews and consult with other new parents before you make a purchase. In any case, when shopping for diaper containers, make sure you understand how everything works, and ensure that the one you choose is comfortable to use. Levers and buttons should operate smoothly, and cutting edges and other hazards should be secure from curious toddlers. Consider how easy it would be to keep the container and any mechanisms clean. Accessories, refills and liners should be readily obtainable.

No matter which diaper disposal system you choose, some thoughts apply across the board:
o Always empty solid waste into the toilet before placing a diaper into the pail.
o Don't let any diaper container get too full before emptying it.
o To help control odors from the container itself, wash out the pail periodically with bleach, and use a disinfecting spray when changing liner bags. Some Moms place a dryer sheet directly under each new bag. (Be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions.)
o For a change of pace, try some diaper odor-eliminating sprays. They come in apple, berry, floral and other fun scents.
o Keep in mind that however tolerable (or intolerable!) diaper odors are when your new baby is breast- or formula-feeding, they're likely to get worse once you introduce solid foods.

Having said all that, take heart! The whole "diaper stage" lasts on average only about 30 months. Rest assured that you will quickly become a pro at dealing with those messy little moments in your adorable new baby's life.

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Author: Oscar Pico
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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