Disposables Vs. Cloth Diapers
One of the most common misperceptions about cloth diapers is that they are difficult to use and laborious to maintain.
Modern cloth diapers are just as easy to change as a disposable and as easy to maintain as washing a load of laundry.
A few features make modern cloth diapers not only convenient to use but also versatile in their use. Reusable diapers come with hook and loop or snap closures, so you can choose the closure you prefer or easily transition between the two as your baby grows.
With one and two-piece designs with adjustable sizing, you can’t find a more convenient diaper choice. Not only are they easy to put on and take off, but it can also be said that modern cloth diapers contain messes better than disposables thanks to their flexible fit and thicker, more secure elastic around the leg gussets and back.
As far as laundering goes, plan on adding only two or three extra loads to your typical week’s laundry routine. And while washing cloth diapers is about as easy as washing a load of towels, what’s even better about having a reusable diaper stash is that you won’t ever run out of diapers—or worry about that happening. You won’t have to make a trip to the store in the middle of the night or incessantly check various stores for good sales on diapers. You also won’t have to smell or carry trash bags full of dirty diapers to the curb every week. All you have to do is rinse your dirty reusables, put them in the washer, and dry them.
Cloth Diapers are Better for Baby's Skin
The health concerns that many cloth diapering parents associate with disposable diapers have to do with exposure to chemicals that are used in the manufacturing of disposable diapers and skin sensitivities.
The chemical dioxin is used in the production of disposable diapers and is a known carcinogen. Though no research has shown a connection between wearing disposable diapers and effects on the skin, there are some concerns that the gases from disposable diapers might be associated with an increase in Asthmatic symptoms in children. Cloth diapers bring peace of mind to families who care about reducing the number of chemicals in their environment their kids are exposed to.
Ultimately, A Baby’s Skin Is Healthiest When It Is Clean and Dry
Disposable diapers are highly absorbent, which allows them to keep a baby’s skin dry. While this absorbency is great and parents, of course, want to keep their baby’s skin clean and dry, disposables are also expensive. The high price tag can influence parents, sometimes unknowingly, to change their baby less often than every 2-3 hours, which is how often doctors recommended changing a baby’s diaper.
The cost per change is less of a factor with cloth diapers because you can reuse each cloth diaper hundreds of times, thus allowing you to change your baby’s diaper as often as needed to keep his or her skin dry and clear of diaper rashes.
Environmental Impact of Disposable Diapers vs Cloth Diapers
If you're using all-in-one diapers, you only need around 40 for as long as your baby uses them. When they wear out, they can be used as burp towels, washcloths, changing pads, or whatever you need a soft cloth for.
In addition, cloth diapers can be re-sold when your baby grows out of them if they are still in good shape. Many parents are afraid to invest in several new brands of cloth diapers to find out what works best for their children, and buying used diapers is a low-cost option. Using cloth diapers might seem like a daunting, time-consuming task, but actually, they are simple to use, environmentally friendly, and easy on your pocketbook, as well.
Cost of Cloth Diapers vs Disposable Diapers
Almost every decision we make tends to come down to money, and when it comes to the cost of cloth diapers, what you will pay is unquestionably less than the cost of disposable diapers.
Using generic disposables for 2.5 years or longer will cost you more than $1,400. When using a more earth-friendly disposable, expect to pay more than $2,500 during your child’s 2.5-plus years in diapers. In that same timeframe, you can save hundreds to thousands of dollars with a full-time cloth diapering system because your cost can drop to as low as $300 depending on the brand, style, and the number of diapers you get.
What troubles some is having to spend that amount upfront as you build up a supply. But on the flip side, cloth diapers relieve the recurrent stress of budgeting monthly for disposables. Overall, it’s cheaper to choose cloth diapers.