Trying to figure out which diaper to go for; cloth or disposable? Like in all other aspects of parenting, there is no right or wrong answer.
What matters is that you do what is best for your child and family situation.
When it comes to cloth and disposable diapers, the better option is dependent on your preference and convenience, which may differ from person to person.
There are a lot of considerations when it comes to choosing between cloth and disposable diapers, such as:
Cost
Ease of use
- Environmental impact
This article breaks down the various factors that include the pros and cons of both diapers so that you can decide which the better option for you is.
Are Cloth Diapers Better?
The manufacture of cloth diapers has become more sophisticated over the years. These diapers have a learning curve, and one must figure out how to maneuver through them.
Cloth diapers have a significant positive impact on the environment compared to disposable diapers.
Also, with cloth diapers, you need not worry about stocking up on weekly or monthly diaper purchases.
All you need to do is purchase enough diapers to last you a day so that you don’t have to keep the machine constantly running.
Instead of running a load of laundry daily, you will need at least twenty-five cloth diapers for newborns.
When you consider the upfront cost, cloth diapers are generally more expensive than disposable diapers.
Nonetheless, in the long run, you will realize it is a financially savvy option as you do not need to be constantly rushing to the store as with disposable diapers.
The only cost you will incur in the future with cloth diapers is purchasing larger ones when the little one outgrows the existing ones.
With cloth diapers as additional laundry, they consume water and energy that will cause a hike in the bill.
Nevertheless, with spit-ups and messy kids, the bill is likely to go up with or without the cloth diapers.
Moreover, you can save energy by sun-drying them naturally outside instead of using the dryer.
Avoiding the regular use of dryers increases the lifespan of your cloth diapers, as at times, dryers can be damaging.
Another bonus with the use of cloth diapers is that you can use them with future siblings, saving you the cost of purchasing new diapers once again with the arrival of a newborn in the family.
You can also sell the cloth diapers to other parents when your child outgrows them, thus giving a refund on your diaper investment.
Pros Of Cloth Diapers
- A great way to save on costs over time.
- The diapers are usable through different siblings’ generations.
- One can sell the diapers when the child outgrows them.
- Cloth diapers minimize waste disposal in landfills.
- Cloth diapers are gentle on the child’s skin.
Cons Of Cloth Diapers
- Cloth diapers add to the laundry, hence the consumption of more water and energy.
- These diapers are a high upfront investment.
- Time-consuming because of the regular laundering and folding.
- The diaper is not convenient for daycares or babysitting.
Are Disposable Diapers Better?
Disposable diapers seem to be the better option based on convenience; they also have no learning curve and require less time and energy in the clean-up process as soiled diapers go straight to the garbage.
However, dumping these diapers means that you are adding to the waste in landfills, which leads to environmental degradation.
Disposable diapers are more breathable than cloth diapers, but at times, the absorbent chemicals used in their manufacture can irritate the child’s skin.
You may have to go through a series of trials and errors with disposable diapers before you get a suitable brand for you and your baby.
As for the basic requirements, an appropriate disposal diaper should have no leaks, high absorbency, and no irritation on the child’s skin.
There are a variety of disposable diapers on the market that vary in cost, so as much as you go for your perfect brand, ensure it fits your budget.
Pros Of Disposable Diapers
- Diapers are more breathable and absorbent.
- Convenient in terms of day-to-day use.
- It is suitable for travel or when on the move.
- Disposable diapers are babysitter and daycare friendly.
- Variety of picks to select from, so you can always find one that works for your budget.
Cons Of Disposable Diapers
- Disposable diapers are not eco-friendly.
- Over time, the purchase of these diapers becomes costly.
- The manufacturing chemicals can irritate the baby’s skin.
Comparing Disposable and Cloth Diapers
Since you have established the advantages and disadvantages of both types of diapers, here is how they both compare to one another.
Cost
For cloth diapers, varying on the brand and quantity you purchase, the price ranges from $300-$1,000 per child over two years.
On the other hand, the average cost for disposable diapers over the same timeframe, 2 years, ranges between $2,000 and $3,000.
Environmental Impact
Cloth diapers are generally environmentally friendly due to their reusable nature, but they increase water and energy use.
Disposable diapers are not environmentally friendly as they add to landfills even though they do not increase water and energy use.
Ease Of Use
Cloth diapers may have a slight learning curve, come with adjustable features, and require laundering after every use.
On the other hand, disposable diapers are super convenient with no learning curve and are disposable after every use.
Skin Health
Cloth diapers are gentle on the skin and make it less likely for babies to get rashes and discomfort.
For disposable diapers, the manufacturing materials such as dyes and gels may act as irritants, making it more likely for the child to get rashes.
Potty Training
Study shows that children who use cloth diapers are likely to potty train earlier than kids who use disposable diapers.
Cloth And Disposable Swimming Diapers
In the modern world, parents start training their toddlers to swim as early as three months old.
Cloth diapers are reusable swim diapers that can last your child an entire swimming season. Moreover, they have adjustable tabs that grow with your child and are a better fit compared to disposable diapers.
A good fit for your child’s swim diaper is very important, because a pool blowout is not fun.
Cloth And Disposable Wipes
Wipes are essential for diapering, just like diapers. Most of the time, the choice of disposable or cloth diapers tends to influence the choice of wipes.
If you want an eco-friendly option, go for the cloth wipes over the disposable ones. Cloth wipes are also very gentle and free of toxins that cause irritations.
Their reusability is also an essential cost factor, instead of always purchasing disposable wipes. You can also use both or choose whichever works for you.
However, the most vital factor in selecting the type of wipes and diapers is the environmental impact to avoid filling the landfills.
Best Diaper for Baby
Discussing which diaper is best is a never-ending debate as opinions will always differ.
Like in any choice, following the analysis of both diapers and the pros and cons of each, the option that was able to convince you is probably the right choice for you.
Trust your instincts and follow your gut. Remember, you are not restricted to one option, and you can always use both, depending on convenience.
Also, you can change your mind later on after using one of the diaper types for some time.