Do you “need” dryer sheets for the anti-static? There are fabric softeners that you *can* use that cut down on the static.

I’ve used Seventh Generation dryer sheets. They work fine.

Here are some links I found on Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ReFabulous?section_id=7294134
http://www.etsy.com/shop/zJayne?section_id=5913760

I’m expecting my first so I can’t comment specific to diapers, but I have some extensive experience pursuing the ideal “natural” and “hypoallergenic” cleaning solutions (for my clothes, my house, and myself)!

I was diagnosed with chemical sensitivities, after a stubborn bout of asthma-like crud. A long investigative process suggested salicylates, in particular, and it turned out it was hitting me in several ways: respiratory, digestive, and skin. The skin part wasn’t incredibly obvious until I got rid of it.

I don’t want to run on too long but salicylate sensitivities aren’t a true allergy: it’s not the immune system reacting, but the metabolic system being unable to break down the chemical (so it builds up and gets sorta toxic). So allergy tests and allergy meds often don’t help. I’ve *never* had allergies of any kind.

Salicylates are everywhere: Aspirin, Pepto-Bismol, many foods, herbs (aloe, willow), Beta-Hydroxy acid (cosmetics), benzoates (sodium benzoate, benzoic acid), yellow and red food dyes … they are common preservatives in foods and cosmetics – Even the natural ones! Often the reaction accumulates slowly over time.

In fact some of the natural detergents were the worst offenders. I will be using cloth baby wipes too, because the natural ones bother my skin as much as the rest (it’s the aloe). Seventh Generation, several of the “Free and Clear” brands … Simple Green is a big problem.

I can’t wait to try some of the detergents mentioned here, but I also want to see how my other discoveries work on diapers: Biokleen liquid detergent has been my saving grace on my own laundry, and it is cheap. I “boost” laundry with Oxi-Clean, or with Nature’s Miracle. Nature’s Miracle (an enzyme cleaner with a nice scent) I get at the pet store, it’s amazing on pet messes. I use it to remove perspiration from my polyester shirts, and in a spray bottle instead of Febreeze. Bleach and ammonia don’t always get my litterbox smelling nice, but Nature’s Miracle always does, and it’s non-toxic. I plan to try to prespray diapers with it; I’ve heard of this being done.

Yes it’s great to go cloth to avoid chemicals and go all-natural — but natural things are technically chemicals as well!