If you are one of the many parents who are wondering what the pros and cons of cloth vs disposable diapers are, then you can rest assured knowing you are not alone. While each has itsCloth vs Disposable Diapers own advantages and disadvantages, it is always best to know what you are getting yourself into before you decide. The design of the cloth diaper has changed quite a bit over the last decade, and it has done so for the better. This article will give you some information on the pros and cons of each, so that you will be more educated and can make a decision based on your needs.

Pros of Cloth vs Disposable Diapers – Pro Cloth

It is estimated that close to 5 million tons of disposable diapers make their way into landfills each year. What started out as a simple approach for parents to conveniently and easily diaper change their baby has inadvertently turned into a global nightmare for the already dwindling landfill spaces. Not to mention, it can take several decades for these diapers to decompose. This statistic alone is enough to turn parents to the cloth diaper. For those who are concerned with the environment, cloth is a significantly friendlier option for the planet and many parents feel strongly about this when the topic of cloth vs disposable diapers comes up.

Unlike disposable diapers, cloth versions are made with only cotton and do not continue to unnecessarily burden landfills. Occasionally, an infant may be allergic to the fibers in disposable brands. They often contain the chemical dioxin, which has been shown by the EPA to cause nervous system damage, kidney damage, and it has also been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome. The disposable versions also contain dyes and perfumes, which may even cause allergic reactions or headaches in parents and caretakers. Cloth diapers contain no dyes, perfumes or chemicals, and they are much gentler to an infant’s delicate skin.

Cloth diapers can be used between 80 and 100 times each, and companies are making these diapers easier for parents, as well. They now come in a variety of stylish prints and solid colors and include snaps or Velcro straps as opposed to the over-sized safety pins, which is important for parents who are afraid of pricking their infant’s skin. Cost is also another important factor for parents. Adding a new addition to the family is already a costly venture and purchasing roughly $25 or more a week in diapers is not something many new parents look forward to. Conversely, cloth diapers can be expensive up front, but they do save significantly more money down the line.

Cons of Cloth vs Disposable Diapers – Pro Disposable

Cloth vs Disposable DiapersThe main reason many parents opt for the disposable diaper is that cloth diapers must be stored and then washed in the washing machine. Some parents find this chore to be time consuming and disgusting, at best. The convenience of throwing the diapers away is very appealing for a busy family. Similarly, disposable diapers are easier and more convenient for parents whose infants and young children are in the care of someone else during working hours. In fact, some daycare centers will only accept, or would rather use, the disposable version; however, this trend is starting to fade in some areas. Disposable diapers are also better at leak protection and occasionally require fewer diaper changes. Diaper manufacturers are constantly coming up with new ways to improve their disposable brands and make them less prone to leaks, which is a big plus for many parents. They are also much easier to use when traveling and changing in public. An extra bag would need to be taken everywhere for cloth disposal, whereas a disposable diaper can be simply tossed in the trash.

For those parents who would like to change to cloth, the time and extra electricity it takes to wash them is not worth the effort and extra money. This is especially true when both parents are working full time and funds are short. Even though 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 claim their infants have less diaper rashes with disposable; however, parents who use cloth diapers claim that their versions cause less rashes too. Both sides still debate this topic when the subject of cloth vs disposable diapers arises.

Cloth Diaper Facts and Opinions

The cloth diaper has come a long way in the last decade. As more and more people are coming to the realization of the disposable diaper’s effects on the environment, manufacturers are making the cloth versions easier to use and more fashionable. The original cloth diapers were typically white and used large safety pins to hold them in place. A set of plastic and vinyl underwear liners were placed over the top of the diaper. Leaks were a common occurrence as well as frequent changings. Today’s cloth diapers are radically different. They now come in a variety of patterns and colors for both boys and girls. Like disposables, they come in enough sizes to fit the infant, and they offer better leak protection. The versions that use the safety pins are still available, relatively inexpensive and are often found anywhere that sells baby items. Some versions now offer Velcro straps or small snaps that easily adjust to an infant’s growing size and belly. Moreover, manufacturers now offer all-in-one cloth diapers, which include the underwear liner already attached. Because so many parents are moving toward the cloth diaper, there are now companies that offer diaper pickup, cleaning a delivery service. They will come to your door, pick up any dirty diapers, and drop off fresh, clean and folded diapers for a fee. This service is especially convenient for families who work long hours, or even for those parents who just do not want to deal with washing them. Cloth diapers can be used for other purposes like cleaning up messes and use as a burp cloth, as well. They also make great dust rags after their use as a diaper has expired.

When the time comes to potty train, many parents enjoy the ease of using cloth. Children tend to be more aware when they are wet with cloth diapers, which make it easier for children to tell their parents when they have used the bathroom and makes the transition to the toilet that much faster. If the child’s skin is too dry as with disposable diapers, then potty training may be more of a challenge because the key to proper toilet use is the child’s ability to identify when they have just used the bathroom.

Disposable Diaper Facts

The first disposable diaper was introduced in 1948 and today accounts for 80 percent of diaper use in the U.S. During the first three decades, the diaper accounted for 0.3 percent of America’s municipal waste. By 2006, this number jumped to 2.1 percent of America’s municipal waste. These numbers led to several talks in favor of banning them; although considered, no ban ever came to fruition.

The Cabbage Patch Kids were the first design placed on the standard white diapers in 1986. Since then, the designer diaper has included Disney characters, Sesame Street and everything in between. By the year 2500, the first batch of diapers from the 21st century will have finished decomposing.

Choosing whether to go with cloth or disposable diapers is a personal decision. No one should ever make a parent feel guilty for choosing one over the other. You may find, as other parents have, that interchanging between both cloth and disposable diapers is the best of both worlds. If you do decide that disposables are the best for you and your family, then you might want to keep a couple of cloth packages on hand in case of an emergency or if you run out 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.

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