CLOTH DIAPER, DIAPER COVER, and.. BIODEGRADABLE DIAPER!?! Part One

    Yes, you read it right. For years, the debate has been centred around DISPOSABLE DIAPERS VERSUS CLOTH DIAPERS. The ever-growing green revolution, however, has sparked innovation in social entrepreneurs worldwide whose passion has now given birth to a third alternative – biodegradable diapers and diaper accessories. Before we go into that, however, let me run through the concept of diaper covers which have been around for quite some time, but have yet to gain enormous popularity in the Philippines.


DIAPER COVERS

    Diaper covers are a perfect match to the ubiquitous Curity lampin from Divisoria. They do away with the need for diaper pins and clips making it easier to put the diaper on – especially at that stage when baby already loves to roll over or reach for something on the bed! Here’s good news for parents based in the Philippines – diaper covers from DIAPERAPS and THIRSTIES are already available in the country.  For those who are based in the US or Canada, these have been in the market for years now. For those of us who are here in the Philippines, however,  (and especially for new parents) the first question that comes to mind is “how exactly does it work?” Check out this video of a review of one the covers of Diaperaps. After every wetting, just wipe and soap the inner lining (which is waterproof), then you can reuse 2-3 times before laundering. In the Philippines, look up The Baby Theory to know how to avail of Diaperaps diaper covers. Procreations store inside Crossings in Shangri-la Mall (along Edsa) carries this brand. The designs and styles of the cotton blend diaper covers available in the Philippines through this channel do not comprise the entire line, however. For those based in or ordering Diaperaps straight from the US, other product offers include an “infant size” which makes room for the umbilical cord, and organic cotton covers (as shown in the video) - which are a perfect match to their fitted hemp organic diapers (shown above). For your babies who love dipping in the water, Diaperaps offers swim diapers too!

For those interested in THIRSTIES diaper covers who are based in the Philippines, Pinoybaby Store carries Thirsties Duo Wraps and Thirsties Diaper Covers. The Thirsties Duo Wraps comes with an adjustable rise design, allowing you to spend for only two sizes from baby's birth until potty-training.

The Thirsties Diaper Covers is designed for chunkier babies and for nighttime double stuffing. This is great for those who want to do away with disposable diapers completely - even at nighttime.  Pinoybaby Store has a 7-day return (for store credit) policy, if you happened to order the wrong size or color. It also offers free shipping (within the Philippines) for orders above Php2,000. Also available at the Spoiled! Store in Goldland Millenia Suites, Ortigas. For those ordering from the US site of Thirsties Diaper Covers, the entire product range (Duo Diaper, Pocket AIO V2, Fab fitted covers, including accessories) is available.

    gDiapers, by Jason and Kim Graham-Nye of Australia,  offers a line of really cute gPants. Various colors are available like this girly girl ruffle little gPants with white ruffles made out of vanilla bean fabric. The use of this fabric (left-overs from the vanilla bean gPants) showcases the wonders creativity can  play in making eco-friendly products both useful and attractive. For Filipinas who are consummate rewards, points, and rebates-seekers, check out their gThanks rewards program. gDiapers supports the Blue Butterfly Campaign, with a portion of the sales of its products. gDiapers also recently partnered with Green Shipping  to offset the carbon footprint entailed when shipping products. Shipping is only within US or Canada, however.  

For Filipinos who proudly don their Christian faith on their apparel, Faith Baby offers a collection which you will surely find adorable. A clothing line of faith inspired babywear based in Beaumont, California, Faith Baby brings you Ruffled Baby Bloomer Diaper Covers made of woven poly cotton blend. For this yuletide, they came up with a cute Christmas Candy Cane design. For every item of this particular design that is sold, Faith Baby will donate $3 to Compassion. Pair it up with their “Jesus is the reason for the season” Baby tee, and your baby girl is all set to pose for a beautiful Christmas memento - be it under a tree or on Santa's knee!

     In Part Two of this topic, I will discuss the other innovations on the cloth diaper that is sure to make your Christmas bright.

     For more reviews on other products for babies and toddlers, check this site.