Cloth diapers have long been a topic of controversy, due to many people being unfamiliar with their advantages and disadvantages.
This blog will explain the pros and cons of cloth diaper in order to provide comprehensive information for those choosing between disposable or cloth.
Advantages of Using Cloth Diapers:
1. They Are More Environmental Friendly:
According to a recent study done by the EPA, American families create 1.1 million tons of diaper waste annually.
That is about 25 pounds of diapers per child per year. Disposable diapers take 500 years to decompose and cloth diapers take about three months.
One of the main reasons that parents choose disposable diapers is because they are more convenient:
However, reusable diapers are easier to use than disposables, which have an average of 20 parts and come in plastic bags with plastic handles that usually end up in landfills.
Cloth diapers are more eco-friendly because they, in fact, can be reused many times.
Another good reason to use cloth diaper is that they save money and they require very little maintenance.
2. More Economical:
Cloth diapers are much less expensive than disposable diapers, especially when you consider the number of times they can be reused.
Diapers in general have many hidden costs, such as adding extra laundry or using more water to wash cloth diapers versus disposables (the average family uses between 1500 and 1800 disposable diapers before potty training).
According to a Consumer Reports study, an average baby will use about $1,500 worth of disposable diapers; and while cloth diaper may cost more upfront, using them saves money in the long run.
3. Can Be Reused:
In addition to being environmentally friendly, cloth diapers are also cost-saving and can be reused. With Cloth Diapers you never run out of diapers and all you have to do is wash them.
This means that you will only have to buy the number of diapers that your child needs, rather than buying a new diaper when it gets dirty.
Moreover, because cloth diaper can be reused you don’t have to worry about buying disposable diapers ever again.
You can reuse your cloth diapers until the ones you bought for your baby get too dirty or worn out and then just buy a new set
4. Reduces Skin Reactions:
In some cases, cloth diapers are much better for babies and can even reduce skin reactions.
Disposable diapers contain many chemicals including the dyes and fragrances used to keep them smelling fresh, as well as chemicals that keep them from sticking together, and these things can cause skin problems for your baby.
However, the dyes used in cloth diapers have no negative effect on babies’ skins.
Cloth Diapers also do not contain extra layers or liners which may contain many irritants.
Disadvantages of Using Cloth Diapers:
1. You Need to Wash Them More Frequently:
Cloth diaper need more upkeep than disposables and require additional laundry.
This is the primary drawback to using cloth diaper; however, you can use diaper liners that you throw away and therefore make it easier.
2. They Are Difficult to Use in Public Places:
Disposable diapers are very convenient for public use since you can dispose of them immediately when they get dirty.
Cloth diapers are not always easy to take along or dispose of since they require a washing machine.
3. They Are Difficult to Use for Parents Who Work Full-Time:
For mothers and fathers who are away from home all day, reusable diapers may not be the best choice.
However, this is where diaper liners come in handy since they can provide a degree of protection against diaper rash while making the task of changing easier.
Also, you may want to consider if there are any diaper services available near your workplace.
4. Need to Deal with Baby Poop:
Changing your baby’s diaper in public can be a real pain, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t worth it.
The reason to use cloth diaper is that they are easier to clean and can make the task of changing a diaper or potty training much less unpleasant for you.
They may seem like an inconvenience, but in reality, they are more convenient than disposables.
Conclusion!
Cloth Diaper may seem like a burden, but in fact, they are great because they are environmentally friendly and save money.
If you want to give them a try, make sure to do some research on cloth diapers and see if they will be a good fit for your family.
As a mother of four very energetic children, Emilia knows how chaotic motherhood can be. She’s learned a lot of lessons along the journey so far and loves sharing the tips & tricks she’s picked up over the years with anybody else on the same life path.