Cloth vs Disposable Diapers How To Choose The Best
To Dispose or Re-use? That is the Question.
Today’s cloth diapers are just as easy to use as disposables, but are so much better for baby, your budget and the environment.
Cloth vs Disposable Diapers – Reasons to Choose Cloth
All parents want to do what is best for their child, but many might not be aware of the short and long-term consequences of their choice when they’re in the middle of the cloth vs. disposable debate. When you also consider the benefits to families, community, and the world at large it’s easy to see why cloth diapers win the cloth vs disposable debate.
Cloth vs. Disposables – Cloth is Comfortable
Many parents get so caught up with budgetary and environmental concerns that they forget to consider comfort when they’re debating cloth vs. disposable diapers. We believe comfort is one of the most important reasons to choose cloth diapers! Cloth diapers are made from cushy, breathable fabrics like velour, microfleece, and cotton knits that surround your little one with softness. Many cloth diapers also have moisture-wicking inner fabrics to provide a stay-dry feeling on baby’s bottom. Have you noticed what disposable diaper commercials advertise? “Cloth-like” outer layers – they know that cloth is most comfortable too!
Cloth vs. Disposables – Cloth is Economical
Disposal diapers are the biggest “hidden” cost on a family’s budget. Overall, using cloth diapers is more economical than disposables. Although setting up a cloth diaper stash is a big investment at first, you will save money in the long run because cloth diapers will last for years. Not only do cloth diapers last, they get better with age because the more you wash them the more absorbent they become. Depending on the cloth diapering system you choose, you can save from $500-$2000 from birth to potty learning by choosing to use cloth instead of disposable diapers. The Cost of Cloth Diapers by Diaper Decisions compares the cost of cloth diaper systems vs. the cost of disposable diapers. In addition, cloth diapering items can be saved for future children – try that with disposables!
Cloth vs. Disposables – Cloth is Healthful
The fabrics used in cloth diapers allow for increased airflow inside the diaper which helps prevent diaper rash and keeps baby cooler. Before the invention of the disposable diaper in the 1960s, diaper rash in babies under 4 months was almost unheard of. Once parents were purchasing disposable diapers with all the accompanying chemical content, babies were changed less frequently, causing more diaper rash, and babies are suffering more skin allergies and irritations. Disposable diapers contain chemicals, paper, plastic, and have been reported to cause allergic reactions among other serious health problems. Cloth diapers are a more natural choice and are available in organic fabrics that are either untreated, or minimally treated with chemicals. Children’s Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC) HealtheHouse has more information about the health implications of cloth vs disposable diapers.
Cloth vs. Disposables – Cloth is Environmentally Responsible
Disposable diapers leave a trail of waste and pollution from manufacture to disposal. Disposable diaper packaging instructs parents to dump solid waste into the toilet and flush it away, but most parents aren’t aware of that. In addition, cloth diapering products can be used until their diapering life is over then made into rags, and will eventually decompose and return to the earth.
Cloth vs. Disposables – Cloth is Simple
Many parents debating cloth vs disposable diapers think that cloth diapers are too much work. This is not true – modern cloth diapers are very easy to use and to care for! Most types of cloth diapers have elasticized legs, waists and adjustable closures so they work just like disposable diapers. But unlike disposables, cloth diapers are available in a variety of fabrics to fit your child’s needs and your preferences.
Cloth vs. Disposables – Reasons to Use Disposables
There are some occasions where families choose to use disposable diapers. In the grand scheme of things, using a disposable diaper occasionally isn’t the end of the world. Consider Disposables for:
· Disaster: Families who have prepared a Disaster Preparation Kit often pack disposable diapers and wipes instead of cloth. Although they can’t be reused, in the case of a disaster there may not be water or electricity for washing cloth diapers.
· Emergency: The cloth vs disposable debate is probably the furthest thing from the mind of families facing a premature birth, serious illness, severe accident, or other emergency.
· Hospital Stay: If a family member is in the hospital and life is topsy-turvy it may be easier to use disposables until things calm down and get back to normal. This is especially true if diaper changes will be handled by a variety of people – you wouldn’t want your precious cloth accidentally thrown away!
· Illness: Some families choose to use disposables when their child has nasty poo caused by illness, antibiotics, or when it’s necessary to use diaper cream or a topical medication that isn’t good for cloth diapers.
· Vacation: Even dedicated cloth diapering families sometimes opt to use disposables for long vacations. Although it is possible to wash cloth diapers, there may not be enough time to do it. Camping families may choose disposables over cloth for long trips if water is scarce.