Diapers are a necessity for all parents, but with so many choices on the market, it can be hard to decide which type to use. Some new parents feel like they have to make a big decision between using cloth or disposable diapers. Cloth or disposable? Cotton or cellulose? Low cost or convenience? How do you know which kind of diaper will work best for you and your baby?
Both cloth and disposable diapers have their advantages and disadvantages, so it can be hard to decide which one to use. Some parents choose disposable diapers because they are more convenient or easier to get, while others choose cloth diapers because they are more ecological or healthier.
In this article, we’ll discuss some reasons why parents choose cloth diapers over disposable ones.
They are reusable and are believed to be more environment-friendly
One of the reasons parents often turn to cloth diapers is that they are more environmentally friendly than disposables—or at least they are believed to be. Disposable diapers undoubtedly create more waste in landfills: a baby will probably use between 5,000 and 6,000 of them before they are potty trained. A 2014 Environmental Protection Agency study found that 7 percent of all nondurable waste in landfills is composed of disposable diapers.
Simultaneously, disposable diaper supporters argue that laundering diapers takes a lot of water and electricity. The detergents used can pollute the waters, and some even argue that diaper delivery trucks use up natural resources of gas and oil and contribute to air pollution.
The discussion surrounding the impact of disposable and cloth diapers on the environment is far from black and white. The conclusion you reach in this Diaper War hinges on what environmental elements you consider most important. Depending on the situation, cloth diapers aren't always more environmentally friendly, but if you're careful about how you get them and wash them, they are likely to be.
Disposables and cloth diapers both come with their own benefits for you, your baby, as well as the environment. Consequently, what you choose to do relies heavily on which advantages you value most: convenience, affordability, or comfort.
Better skin health for your baby
Cotton is not only more comfortable for babies, but it is also healthier for them. It is the fabric of choice for use directly on the skin. Unlike disposables, which are made of paper pulp, plastics, and “superabsorbent” chemicals, cotton is natural and does not cause irritation.
Generally, babies who use cloth diapers experience diaper rash less frequently than those who use disposable diapers. The inability to tell how saturated a disposable diaper is can lead to babies sitting in their own urine for extended periods of time. Studies show that diaper rash is most often caused by prolonged exposure to urine. However, cloth diapers make it obvious when the baby is wet.
Additionally, cloth diapers make it easier to monitor your baby's urinary output. If you're worried about how much food your baby is consuming, cloth diapers will make it simpler to keep track.
Moms who have switched to cotton from disposables have countless testimonials to attest to the comfort and health of their babies.
Cloth nappies are a massive money saver
Disposable diapers can be a huge expense, but exactly how much they cost varies greatly depending on the brand, whether you buy them online or in a store, and the package size. However, there are ways to save money on diapers, and by being mindful of the cost, you can keep your baby comfortable without breaking the bank.
When you invest in cloth diapers, you have to spend a little more money at first.
Let’s look at the Cutie Patootie Starter Pack which includes 24 FlexiNappies, 24 Organic Bamboo Cloth Wipes, a Pail Liner, a Wet Bag and a Clutch Changing Mat.
On average, you will spend around $748* to build a stash of 24 diapers that will be reused and can last up until the child is potty trained. It's worth considering that most parents don't start potty-training their child until they are 2-3 years old. In the 2.5 years leading up to that point, most babies have an average of 8 diaper changes per day. That's 7,300 changes per baby. Imagine that.
So in the long run, cloth diapers are more economical. Check out our FAQs to see the price comparison between cloth diapers and disposable diapers.
*Price quotes in Canadian Dollars, Tax excluded
The bottomline
The benefits of using cloth diapers over disposable ones in terms of cost, health, and environmental impact are refreshingly clear:
- Cloth diapers can be better for the environment
- They are healthier for your baby
- Cloth diapers are more cost-effective
- They are cute!
You may still be wondering why don’t everyone use cloth diapers If the health, cost, and environmental reasons are so convincing.
The answer is that many people are afraid that cloth diapers will be too difficult to use. And those fears are founded in some truth: even the best modern cloth diaper systems require a little more work than using disposable diapers. Most of the extra work is in the laundry that you need to do every 2-3 days, but it's worth it knowing you're not sending your baby's dirty diapers to the landfill.
At the end of the day, do what is best for your family. The choice between disposable and cloth diapers depends on your personal preferences as parents. You may still be stuck at the moment, but we understand that there is always a learning curve whenever using something new.
The Cutie Patootie Family is happy to have a quick chat with you if you still have some questions! Feel free to send us a message here. We’re excited to speak with you!
