At GoGo Natural we carry products made of the following natural fibers: Organic Cotton, Wool, Hemp, and Bamboo. Each fiber has unique attributes depending on your needs; let us briefly explain some of the differences as they pertain to diapering.
Organic Cotton:
Cotton is the fiber we all know and love for its softness and durability. Cotton is farmed more than any other crop for clothing, making it a very cost effective material choice. Going one step further in terms of purity and sustainability, Organic Cotton is an increasingly popular choice amongst the environmentally conscious. Regulated as a food crop by the FDA, Organic Cotton has a very strict set of rules governing its farming and production. Even Organic Cotton imported from other countries must meet the same chemical free standards, as implemented by the USDA in their October 2002 ruling.
Wool: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wool
Wool is a favorite for cloth diaper covers (and breast pads), because of its natural water absorbency and wicking abilities (greatly reducing dampness). Lanolin, which occurs naturally in animals, provides the water repellency that greatly reduces any buildup of odor. Even though it is a heavier fiber, breathability helps to regulate temperatures, making it a suitable choice for both warm and cold climates.
Hemp: http://naihc.org/index.html
Hemp has gained much notoriety in the environmental and sustainability movements in recent years, and for good reason. Hemp fibers have an amazingly supple feel that is also extremely durable. The durability comes from its long fibers, making it perfect for cloth diapers that will be re-used for several babies. Other properties that are excellent for usage in cloth diapers include absorbency, breathability, and antimicrobial qualities. Try Hemp clothing out and you’ll see why it has been a staple materials crop for centuries.
Bamboo:
Bamboo is a new material for most people, but it is gaining quick favor in the diapering world for several reasons. Bamboo fibers have a wonderful silky feel, with a gorgeous sheen, making it perfect for cloth applications. Bamboo, similar to Hemp, has strong fibers making it long lasting, another plus for re-usable cloth diapers. Lastly, Bamboo has some of the best anti-microbial qualities, making it one of the top choices for cloth diapers. From an environmental and sustainability standpoint, Bamboo gets high marks. It is one of the fastest growing plants, allowing it to regenerate quickly.