Have you ever brought up a conversation about your baby's cloth diapers with your friends? I'm sure they loved the design, compared to a boring disposable diaper a cloth diaper is like a work of art. They probably gave some excuse of why they would never try them. Following are the worst excuses for not going cloth, and how to dispel them.

Cloth Diapers Stink

(Photo by Sweat feet foot odor)

Well not more that any other diaper does. And not even close to my husband's feet! A good diaper pail with a good liner keeps odors down, I recommend Kissa's Antibacterial Pail Liner, White for the liner, and Safety 1st Simple Step Diaper Pail for the pail. If smell ever really gets so bad that you wish you had a detachable nose, a couple dashes of baking soda does the trick. I don't recommend any air fresheners or ozone depleting solutions, baking soda is cheap, effective and natural.

You Have to Use Diaper Pins

This myth is passed down from our Grandparents. There have been many technological advances within the past 20 years, and you really down need to use pins. There are mothers that take pride in using them, but they really aren't necessary. There are many options out there that have replaced pins, like a Snappi for a super clean fit, or use only a Bummis Diaper Cover bumGenius FuzziBunz the list is endless.

They Will Give Your Baby Diaper Rash

This myth is a dozie... So there's this crazy person out there that wrote this book, "What to Expect your First Year". Page 23 says that cloth diapers actually cause diaper rash. There are countless cases of cloth reducing diaper rash, and doctors even recommend switching to cloth diapers if diaper rash becomes a big problem.

You Have to Use an Expensive Diaper Service

For parents that live in apartments or just don't have easy access to a washing machine, they might think they have to use an expensive diaper service.  Again, a myth perpetuated by What to Expect the First Year.  There are a lot of diapering services out there that end up being cheaper than disposables. Check out Real Diaper Industry to find a diaper service in your area.

Cloth Diapering is Bad For the Environment

A study done by the Environment Agency in the UK found that cloth diapers are as bad for the environment as disposables because of the frequent use of washing machines and dryers.  This notorious study has since been updated, and states that the way the cloth diapers are washed make a big difference. So those of you that are cloth diapering because you want to save carbon, the updated study recommends that you:

• Line drying outside whenever possible.
• Tumble drying as little as possible.
• When replacing appliances, choosing more energy efficient appliances (A+ rated machines are preferred).
• Not washing above 60°C (140°F).
• Washing fuller loads.
• Reusing nappies(diapers) on other children.

(source environment-agency.gov.uk)