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Today’s parents have many more considerations when it comes to diapers than just cost. You need to think about your baby’s safety, the environment, and the pros and cons of using cloth versus disposable diapers. Often, the choice is influenced by who is caring for your child during the day, as most daycares and preschools do not allow cloth diapers. Still, there has been an increase in the number of people using cloth diapers for various reasons.
The Environmental and Health Benefits of Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are typically made from cotton or organic materials. Many parents prefer them because they are considered safer for their child’s skin. Several scientific studies have linked chemicals in disposable diapers to cancer, which has caused concern for many parents. Additionally, the chemicals in disposable diapers can cause rashes and irritation to a baby’s sensitive skin. For many parents whose babies have allergies or skin conditions, cloth diapers may be the only viable solution and are sometimes recommended by pediatricians.
If you use cloth diapers to prevent skin breakouts, it’s important to be cautious about the laundry detergent you use. Since cloth diapers are typically white, most parents use detergent and bleach in very hot water to disinfect and clean them. For heavily soiled diapers, you may also need strong biological stain removers. However, some of the products used to wash diapers and baby clothing may actually contribute to allergies in children.
There are also many environmentally conscious families who choose cloth diapers to reduce their ecological footprint. Recent studies suggest that families who launder their own cloth diapers, rather than using a diaper service, may actually help the environment. However, many diaper services use chemicals similar to those used by dry cleaners and consume a lot of energy during the cleaning process, which can diminish the environmental benefits of cloth diapers. On the other hand, disposable diapers are not eco-friendly and constitute one of the largest types of waste in landfills, as they do not decompose. Some high-end companies offer biodegradable disposable diapers, but these come at the cost of lower absorbency.
Cloth diapers can be expensive upfront, especially when purchasing high-quality options. Many standard cloth diapers are sold in dozens, and you’ll also need diapering clips and covers to prevent leaks. The initial cost averages around $300, but it can reach up to $1,500 for organic bamboo cloth diapers. After the initial investment, you’ll only need to replace or upgrade them infrequently, and you’ll be responsible for paying either a diaper service fee or the cost of home laundry products. Monthly costs vary significantly depending on the level of service, ranging from $100 to $500. Over time, you may save a significant amount of money by using cloth diapers, as disposable diapers are expensive. As your child grows, you get fewer diapers in a pack, but the price remains the same, which can raise the per-diaper cost to as much as $0.60. It’s not uncommon for parents to spend $3,000 to $5,000 on diapers, depending on their child’s age and potty training habits. Unfortunately, there’s no avoiding the cost of diapers, whether you choose cloth or disposable.
Parents who use cloth diapers tend to be committed to their choice. They truly believe that cloth diapers are healthier for both the baby and the environment, and they don’t mind the extra work involved in using them. Like anything else in life, once you get used to it, it feels natural. To remain sanitary, cloth diapers require a diaper pail in the home, and you must keep them away from children. The same is true for disposable diapers, though most people simply throw them away without thinking about their environmental impact. Diapering with cloth diapers requires some skill, but it’s easy to get the hang of with practice.
One disadvantage of cloth diapers is that, unlike disposable diapers, they don’t absorb moisture as quickly. This means that diaper changes need to be more frequent. Your baby’s skin may not be as protected because wetness is not absorbed as effectively. However, this can actually be beneficial when potty training. Many children who use cloth diapers are easier to potty train because they learn to associate the feeling of wetness with urgency to use the bathroom. In contrast, children wearing disposable diapers, especially overnight, may not feel “wet” until they’ve already had multiple accidents. It’s a good idea to use disposable diapers during potty training, as they may make the process easier. However, most preschools and daycares still require children to wear pull-ups during the day.
Cloth diapers have been used for centuries. They are a simple, cost-effective solution to the high price of disposables, both financially and environmentally. As more people seek to return to basics and find creative ways to save money, the number of parents using cloth diapers will likely continue to rise. At the same time, there will always be parents who are perfectly comfortable with disposable diapers and appreciate the convenience they offer. This decision doesn’t indicate that one set of parents is better or worse than the other; it simply reflects what works best for each family.
