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| How Do I Choose Between Cloth And Disposable Diapers? |
There are many advantages and disadvantages to using either cloth or disposable diapers for your newborn. For most parents it comes down to how you evaluate and answer a few simple questions.
By carefully weighing out your answers to these questions, you can assess whether cloth or disposable diapers are best for you and your baby. |
| Evaluating The Cost Of Cloth Versus Disposable Diapers |
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Possibly the greatest concern for parents when evaluating the choice between cloth and disposable diapers is the monetary cost. When evaluating the cost of the disposable diaper of your choice, consider that the average number of diaper changes per day is eight in the first couple of months. For many parents this conservatively means you'll be spending approximately $50 per month on diapers. Many diaper services that drop off and launder your diapers for you will also cost approximately the same amount. One way to save money is to purchase your own cloth diapers and wash them yourself. If you choose to use disposable diapers, try buying them in bulk at a warehouse club (Costco, BJs, Sam's, etc.) to save money. |
| Evaluating The Ease Of Use Of Cloth Versus Disposable Diapers |
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Another important aspect to consider in the debate over cloth versus disposable diapers is the ease of use of each. Some people feel disposable diapers are easier as they can hold more urine, requiring fewer diaper changes throughout the day. However, cloth diapers have become much easier as well, offering Velcro tabs instead of diaper pins and flushable liners that limit the amount of stool that ends up on the diaper itself. For traveling, the most convenient option is definitely disposable diapers as you do not need to store and carry the dirty diapers. |
| Evaluating Skin Rashes That Can Be Caused By Cloth And Disposable Diapers |
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Skin rashes from diapers are most commonly caused by a baby's skin being exposed to urine or stool for too long a period of time. However, some disposable diapers also contain chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that have been shown to cause rashes in babies. Additionally, sodium polyacrylate--which is added to disposable diapers to increase absorbency--has been linked to toxic shock syndrome and allergic reactions in babies. While cloth diapers do not contain any chemicals or fragrances, they can still cause rashes if they are not changed frequently as they usually are not as absorbent as disposable diapers. It is also important that cloth diapers are cleaned and sanitized correctly; otherwise, this can also lead to skin rashes. |
| Evaluating The Effects Cloth And Disposable Diapers Have On The Environment |
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Another major consideration for parents when choosing between cloth and disposable diapers is the effects they have on the environment. It is estimated that 18 billion disposable diapers--which are mainly composed of plastic and wood pulp--are added to our landfills each year; besides that, 82,000 tons of plastic and 250,000 trees a year are used in disposable diaper production. One eco-friendly alternative when choosing disposable diapers is to opt for a biodegradable brand that contains limited amounts of plastic. As for cloth diapers, critics say that the extra water and energy that has to be used to continually wash the diapers is equivalent to any environmental damage caused by disposing diapers in the landfills. While both types of diapers will likely add to your carbon footprint, there seems to be more convincing research suggesting that disposable diapers leave behind greater damage long after your baby has grown into an adult. |
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