Cloth Diapers

By Elizabeth Avilés, APRN-CNM | Baby Catcher, PLLC

I am constantly thinking about how we can support women and babies in the most gentle, natural, and empowering ways possible from pregnancy, to birth, and into postpartum life.

One beautiful choice that aligns so well with the philosophy of supporting families in the most gentle, natural and empowering way from pregnancy, birth and into postpartum life is cloth diapering.

Many families feel intimidated with worry it will be complicated, messy, or time-consuming. But what I’ve seen over and over again with my Baby Catcher mamas is this:

Once they begin, they fall in love with it.

Cloth diapering is not just about diapers. It’s about intentional living, caring for your baby in a low-toxin way, saving money, and honoring your family’s values.

Why I encourage my families to consider it.

Gentle on Your Baby’s Skin

Your baby’s skin is delicate, absorbent, and still developing.

Many disposable diapers contain:

• fragrances

• dyes

• absorbent chemical gels

• plastics

Cloth diapers, on the other hand, are made of simple, breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or hemp.

This means:

• fewer irritants

• better airflow

• less diaper rash

• and less exposure to unnecessary chemicals

For babies with sensitive skin or eczema, this can make a huge difference.

A Beautiful Choice for the Earth

The average baby will use thousands of disposable diapers before potty training.

That’s a lot of waste sitting in landfills for years.

Cloth diapers:

• are reusable

• can be used for multiple children

• can be resold or repurposed

• significantly reduce your family’s environmental footprint

For families who value stewardship, simplicity, and sustainability, this is a powerful way to live those values.

Saving Your Family Money

Let’s be honest—babies can be expensive.

Cloth diapering is one of the few areas where you can save thousands of dollars over time.

A good cloth diaper stash can:

• last from newborn through toddlerhood

• be reused for future siblings

• eliminate the need for weekly diaper purchases

• Give families a sense of freedom in not having to run to the store for diapers.

Supports Awareness & Earlier Potty Learning

One of the lesser-known benefits of cloth diapering is that babies can feel when they are wet.

This:

• increases body awareness

• supports earlier potty learning

• pairs beautifully with elimination communication (if that’s something your family is interested in)

• It’s another way to stay connected to your baby’s natural rhythms.

Fewer Blowouts & Better Containment

Cloth diapers often provide a better fit around your baby’s body.

That means:

• fewer messy blowouts up the back

• better containment

• less laundry from outfit changes

• And yes—cloth diapering families still have laundry, but they often have less clothing mess overall.

Soft, Comfortable, and Beautiful

Cloth diapers are:

• soft

• breathable

• flexible

• They don’t have the stiff, plastic feel of disposables.

• And let’s be honest—they are so cute.

• Beautiful colors and prints make diapering feel joyful and personal.

Beautiful colors and prints make diapering feel joyful and personal

Encourages Connection and Intentional Care

Cloth diapering invites you to slow down.

Each diaper change becomes an intentional moment of:

• connection

• eye contact

• gentle care

It fits so naturally with the kind of present, intentional motherhood that many of my Baby Catcher families are striving for.

A Natural Extension of the Birth Choices You’re Already Making

Many of my clients choose:

• home birth

• low-intervention care

• holistic pregnancy support

Cloth diapering fits beautifully into that same mindset.

It’s one more way to say:

“I want to be thoughtful about what touches my baby’s body.”

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect

I always remind my mamas:

You don’t have to do cloth diapers 100% of the time to receive the benefits.

Some families do:

• cloth at home, disposables at night

• cloth part-time

• or transition slowly

Every little bit helps.

Final Thoughts from Your Midwife

Cloth diapering is not about being perfect.

It’s about:

• choosing what aligns with your values

• caring for your baby in a gentle way

• and creating a lifestyle that feels right for your family

If this is something you’re curious about, I’m always happy to:

• answer your questions

• recommend brands and styles

• or help you get started in a simple, manageable way

You are capable.

You are intuitive.

And you are allowed to choose what feels best for your baby.

With love and support always,

Elizabeth Avilés, APRN-CNM

Baby Catcher, PLLC

Midwifery • Homebirth • Women-Centered Care