Cloth or Disposable Diapers?

1. Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are reusable diapers made of cloth. They are washable and are the best choice for a little one, especially as they are devoid of chemicals in most cases.

2. Disposable Diapers

Convenience is another name for disposable diapers. Though expensive to purchase, they are very easy to use and remove the time spent on washing and drying which can be cumbersome, especially for new parents or when both parents are working.

3. Organic Diapers

Organic diapers are manufactured from eco-friendly products such as wood pulp, without the use of latex or chlorine to bleach. As the name suggests, an organic label can make parents feel assured to use something nice and healthy on their baby’s skin.

What Are Cloth Diapers?

Cloth diapers or reusable cloth diapers are made with natural materials, manmade materials, or a combination of both.  An increasing number of parents prefer cloth diapers over disposable diapers due to growing concerns about environmental safety and the health and comfort of the baby. The biggest plus is that instead of disposing of the diaper, you can use it again multiple times, making cloth diapers hugely economical since they are reusable.

Cloth diapers offer the safety and comfort of regular homemade cloth diapers and the comfort of absorbability of a regular diaper. 

You should follow a few safety measures to maintain a proper health and hygiene routine for baby diapers.

• As soon as you see the diaper is wet, change it immediately
• Rinse off the diaper properly after the removal
• Clean and dry the baby’s bottom with a soft, damp wipe
• Apply diaper cream specially designed for diapers
• Put a clean cloth diaper on your baby with the proper size.

Benefits of Cloth Diapers

Some key benefits of cloth diapers for you and your baby include

1. Better breathability
2. Reusability
3. Economical
4. Lesser waste in the landfill
5. Convenient when compared to regular cloth nappies
6. Minimal use of chemicals if at all
7. Soft and comfortable on your baby’s bottom
8. Multiple options of materials to choose from – bamboo, cotton, organic cotton, hemp, fleece
9. Many brands to choose from

Disadvantages of Cloth Diapers

With the huge benefits of cloth diapers, there are many disadvantages of them as well, such as

• You have to ensure the immediate washing off cloth diapers so that they remain good for future use
• They absorb less liquid when compared to regular diapers, which can be inconvenient when you are out and about.
• Washing, sanitizing and drying out cloth diapers can be inconvenient, especially since direct sunlight is needed to properly dry out these diapers.
• Cloth diapers tend to get messy at times and cleaning can be quite a task.
• Cloth diapers can lead to more diaper rashes than regular diapers in some babies due to low absorbency.

What Are Disposable Diapers?

Disposable diapers are made of absorbent materials and are thrown away after a single use as they cannot be cleaned and must be discarded. They seem to be an easier choice and go straight into the dustbin. Of course, they work with more convenience and comfort, but the absorbent chemicals used to make them can be harsh on a baby’s skin. On the one hand, they are an easier choice, but on the other hand, they pose a great threat to the environment.

Benefits of Disposable Diapers

One-time-use diapers are designed to be thrown away and are the biggest selling point for parents. They help to minimize the stress of changing their baby’s nappy again and again.

Here are some of the benefits of disposable diapers.

1. Convenient
2. East to change anytime and anywhere
3. Highly absorbent
4. Easy to use for new parents
5. Time-saving
6. Readily available in the market
7. Available in various sizes.
8. Fewer chances of leakage or spillage keep your baby’s clothes clean

Disadvantages of Disposable Diapers

Here are some of the major disadvantages of disposable diapers.

• Are the leading cause of diaper rashes in babies.
• Can lead to urinary tract infections if not changed regularly
• Are expensive
• Bad for the environment
• Difficult to identify when they need to be changed, especially for new parents.

Are Cloth or Disposable Diapers Better For The Environment?

Cloth diapers are definitely better for the environment when compared with disposable diapers. Cloth diapers involve lesser use of chemicals. Since you will be using each cloth diaper for many uses, a lesser number of them will end up in the landfill when compared to disposable diapers.

Keeping in mind the pros and cons of both diapers, the choice between cloth diapers and disposable diapers is tough. Cloth diapers combine the convenience of disposable diapers and the sustainability of traditional cloth nappies but still require maintenance and time. If you are not sure of which type of diapers best suits your baby you should consider factors like cost of diapers, the health and comfort of the child, the effect on the environment and your lifestyle. Choosing between cloth diapers and disposable diapers is not that easy. So, the parents should make the choice that works best for them and their baby.

FAQ’s

1. Which Diaper is Best For Overnight?

Finding the right diaper for a baby is a trial-and-error process. You may choose a disposable or a cloth diaper, but diaper-changing sessions should be followed properly.

2. How Many Hours Cloth Diapers Can be Used?

A cloth diaper needs a change after 2 to 3 hours and immediately if your child poops. Use the right size diapers as per the age and weight of your baby.