The Pros and Cons of Cloth Diapers vs. Disposables
If you’re one of the many parents wondering what the pros and cons of cloth vs. disposable diapers are, then rest assured you’re not alone. While each has its own advantages and disadvantages, it’s always best to know what you’re getting into before you decide. Cloth diaper design has changed a lot in the last decade, and for the better. This article will provide you with information on the pros and cons of each, so that you are more informed and can make a decision based on your needs.
Advantages of cloth diapers versus disposables – Pro Cloth
It is estimated that about 5 million tons of disposable nappies end up in landfills each year. What started as a simple approach for parents to conveniently and easily diaper their babies has inadvertently become a global nightmare for already shrinking landfill spaces. Not to mention, these diapers can take several decades to break down. This statistic alone is enough for parents to opt for cloth diapers. For those who are concerned about the environment, cloth is a significantly more planet-friendly option, and many parents feel strongly about this when the subject of cloth vs. disposable diapers comes up.
Unlike disposable diapers, cloth versions are made with only cotton and don’t continue to unnecessarily burden landfills. Occasionally, a baby may be allergic to the fibers in disposable brands. They often contain the chemical dioxin, which the EPA has shown to cause nervous system damage, kidney damage, and has also been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome. The disposable versions also contain dyes and perfumes, which can even cause allergic reactions or headaches in parents and caregivers. Cloth diapers are free of dyes, perfumes, and chemicals, and are much gentler on a baby’s delicate skin.
Cloth diapers can be used 80 to 100 times each, and companies are making these diapers easier on parents, too. They now come in a variety of stylish prints and solid colors and include snaps or Velcro straps instead of the oversized safety pins, which is important for parents who fear poking their babies’ skin. Cost is also another important factor for parents. Adding a new addition to the family is already an expensive undertaking and buying roughly $25 or more a week worth of diapers is not something many new parents look forward to. In contrast, cloth diapers can be expensive at first, but save a lot more money down the road.
Cons of Cloth Diapers vs. Disposables – Disposable Pro
Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers The main reason many parents opt for disposable diapers is that cloth diapers need to be stored and then washed in the washing machine. Some parents find this task time consuming and disgusting, at best. The convenience of throwing away diapers is very appealing to a busy family. Similarly, disposable diapers are easier and more convenient for parents whose babies and toddlers are cared for by someone else during work hours. In fact, some daycare centers will only accept, or prefer to use, the disposable version; however, this trend is starting to fade in some areas. Disposable diapers are also better for leak protection and occasionally require fewer diaper changes. Diaper manufacturers are constantly finding new ways to improve their disposable brands and make them less prone to leaks, which is a huge plus for many parents. They are also much easier to use when traveling and changing in public. An extra bag would need to be carried around to dispose of the cloth, whereas a disposable diaper can simply be thrown in the trash.
For those parents who would like to change into clothes, the extra time and electricity needed to wash them is not worth the extra effort or money. This is especially true when both parents work full time and funds are tight. Although many areas now offer diaper cleaning services, these services also cost more money than some people are willing to spend. Many parents who have tried both versions also report that their babies have less chafing from disposables; however, parents who use cloth diapers report that their versions also cause fewer rashes. Both sides are still debating this issue when the topic of cloth vs. disposable diapers comes up.
Facts and Opinions on Cloth Diapers
The cloth diaper has come a long way in the last decade. As more and more people realize the effects of disposable diapers on the environment, manufacturers are making cloth versions easier to use and more fashionable. The original cloth diapers were typically white and used large safety pins to keep them in place. A set of plastic and vinyl panty liners was placed over the top of the diaper. Leaks were a common occurrence, as were frequent changes. Today’s cloth diapers are radically different. Now they come in a variety of patterns and colors for boys and girls. Like disposables, they come in enough sizes to fit the baby and offer better protection against leaks. Versions that use safety pins are still available, are relatively inexpensive, and are often found anywhere that sells baby gear. Some versions now offer Velcro straps or small snaps that easily adjust to the size and tummy of the baby. In addition, manufacturers now offer all-in-one cloth diapers, which include the panty liner already in place. Because so many parents are moving toward cloth diapers, there are now companies that offer diaper pickup, cleanup, and delivery service. They will come to your door, pick up dirty diapers and drop off new, clean, folded diapers for a fee. This service is especially convenient for families who work long hours, or even for those parents who just don’t want to deal with washing them. Cloth diapers can be used for other purposes such as cleaning up masses and also as a burp cloth. They also make great dusting rags after their use as a diaper has expired.
When it comes time to potty train, many parents enjoy the ease of using a washcloth. Children tend to be more aware when wet in cloth diapers, which makes it easier for them to tell their parents when they’ve used the bathroom and makes the transition to the bathroom much faster. If the child’s skin is too dry as with disposable diapers, then potty training can be more of a challenge because the key to proper toileting is the child’s ability to identify when she has just used the toilet.
Disposable Diapers Facts
The first disposable diaper was introduced in 1948 and today accounts for 80 percent of diaper use in the US. For the first three decades, the diaper accounted for 0.3 percent of US municipal waste. In 2006, this figure jumped to 2.1 percent of US municipal waste. These numbers led to several conversations in favor of banning them; although it was considered, neither ban came to fruition.
The Cabbage Patch Kids were the first design placed on standard white diapers in 1986. Since then, the designer diaper has included characters from Disney, Sesame Street, and everything in between. By the year 2500, the first batch of 21st century diapers will have finished breaking down.
Choosing whether to use cloth or disposable diapers is a personal decision. No one should make a parent feel guilty for choosing one over the other. You may find, as other parents have, that swapping cloth and disposable diapers is the best of both worlds. If you decide that disposable items are best for you and your family, you may want to keep a couple of cloth packs on hand in case of an emergency or if you run out of clothes in the middle of the night. Now that you have the pros and cons of cloth vs. disposable diapers, the choice may be easier to make.