The comparison between cloth diapers vs disposable diapers has been made every since disposable diapers made their first appearance Just a few decades ago. These days the cloth diaper has changed extensively, and even though disposable varieties are seemingly more convenient, the reusable varieties have also gotten completely revolutionized. The debate about which is the better diaper to use pretty much depends upon personal choice and preference and also financial affordability.
Table of Contents
What cloth diapers have to offer:
Just like disposable diapers, cloth diapers also have double or even triple layers so that they can absorb the maximum amount of fluid and last longer. They are also coming with fiber filled strips that make them even more absorbent than the conventional styles. Some may even come with Velcro strips and thus eliminate the need for bulky safety pins. New and improved diaper services are even available if you do not wish to launder them at home. The cloth diaper reigned supreme back in the day, while disposable diapers were something new, and experimental.
Advantages of cloth diapers:
These unlike disposable diapers even allow for the passage of air and are more roomy than the disposable varieties. The incidence of diaper rash with these cloth diapers is less than disposable varieties since they need to be changed immediately when wet. When rashes occur, they are usually due to improper sanitization of the diapers and not because of prolonged use. Cloth diapers are also hypoallergenic as compared to disposable diapers since they are not made with plastics. Maybe the best advantage of cloth diapers is that they are definitely much cheaper than the disposable varieties. Since they are reusable, you don’t have to keep buying bags and bags full of them to replace the ones that have been used. These are not made of plastic, so they are definitely environmentally friendly and cloth is definitely biodegradable, unlike plastic. These days you can even find flushable liners that you can place inside the cloth diaper, and the new Velcro fastening makes them as easy to use as the disposable varieties.
Disadvantages of using cloth diapers as compared to disposable diapers:
The biggest drawback of using these diapers is cleaning them. Most people cannot afford diaper cleaning services and clean them at home. Cloth diapers need to be thoroughly sanitized and cleaned if you want to avoid causing diaper rash. They need to be soaked in disinfectants for a long time, and then thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. Left over soap or detergent in the diaper or incorrectly sanitized diapers can lead to very bad rashes in babies. Most people switch to disposable varieties due to the hassle of cleaning the reusable kinds. These diapers also need to be changed as soon as they get wet so that also adds to the hassle of handling them. Disposable varieties can, on the other hand, soak up much more wetness than these can.
What disposable diapers have to offer:
Cloth diapers are reusable, while disposable diapers cannot be reused. Even though this is a seemingly big disadvantage as you have to keep purchasing packs and packs of them, they can offer much more ease and comfort as they eliminate the need of washing and drying. They are definitely more sanitary than the cloth varieties as they don’t require you to reuse them and can simply be thrown away. These diapers also have many more varieties and types. They can range from plastic covered diapers to soft paper covered varieties with high tech super absorbent gel material filled in them. They also come with cartoon covered plastics which look very attractive. They can conveniently be thrown away after use, unlike the cloth varieties.
Advantages of Disposable Diapers:
They are also more elastic and more comfortable for the baby as they come with adjustable elastic straps. They are the easiest to use when it comes to convenience as they can simply be put on, and taken off when soiled and thrown away. There is no need to soak them in disinfectant or worry about improper sanitizing like you have to with the cloth varieties. They are definitely more leak proof and can last much longer than cloth ones at any given time. These diapers are definitely more convenient when you are traveling as you don’t have to wash or clean them at all.
Disadvantages of Disposable Diapers:
These diapers are not very environmentally friendly as they are made of plastics and other non biodegradable materials, and are also a major contributing factor in world pollution. They make up a huge part of the waste products thrown in landfills and left untreated. The dyes and gels used in the manufacture of these diapers can cause severe allergic reactions in some babies. The disposable diapers, just like the cloth varieties when left on for a long time can cause a severe rash, but the incidence of rashes associated with cloth diapers is much lower than those seen with disposable diapers. This may be due to the complete seal that these diapers make when put on along with the gel and plastic itself against the baby’s skin along with wetness. The cost of disposable diapers is the biggest drawback of all. These diapers are an added cost for families who may already be struggling to make ends meet. Even though cloth diapers may require non-stop washing and cleaning, disposable diapers can cost a lot if 2 or even 3 children in the same household may require them. Cloth diaper, on the other hand,d can be reused countless times until they start wearing, but disposable diapers cannot be re used at all.
In the end, the final choice all depends upon the choice of the parent and the parent’s affordability. Some babies are allergic to disposable varieties so they have to be given cloth diapers. Care has to be taken when using both diapers, they should be changed often and excellent sanitary practice should be followed at all times when handing both kinds of diapers.
Jean Bell says
We are going through the same thing! My baby’s 8.5 months. Crawling already, pulling himself up, and holding onto furniture as he “walks.” We’ve been waiting for a tooth or two soon or him walking. We’ll get the morning pee and poop, but otherwise throughout the day he’ll mostly arch his back when he hold him over the sink or toilet to pee or poop. He doesn’t signal (at least we haven’t figured out what it is if he does) so we give him the pee and poop opportunity throughout the day (after naps, before and after feeding/meals and after a while of play time). We thought about giving him and ourselves a break, but my husband is insistent we keep trying. Thanks for this post. It’s keeping my hopes up.
Enriqueta D. Underwood says
I use cloth for my period and postpartum, but the first few days postpartum require some disposable pads to prevent leakage. The cloth can really help if your skin becomes irritated with the plastics and after six weeks of use, at some point I can imagine most women become irritated with the non breathable disposable pads. On the other hand disposable is moisture wicking. I have always only used cloth diapers until our 4th child who poops constantly and because of that we have to go back and forth in between cloth and an organic disposable to keep his skin from getting irritated. Diapers are similar in structure to pads that’s why I give that example. I just wanted to leave a comment because I have experience with cloth for myself. I am also blessed with a husband who does not get grossed out by much because of his previous career so he helps without condemning too.
Yumiry Ambriz says
Well I have 5 kids and unfortunately I’m using Cloth diapers with my last baby. I love them. I know some parent thinks that dealing with pops is difficult, but not matters what kinda diapers you used. You have to deal with it. Cloth diapers are most cheaper. And every day they got better. I highly recommend Cloth Diapers.
Michael Erwin says
There’s a big difference if you will use cloth diapers and disposable diapers. It is much cheaper however, you could lessen the work if you’re going to use disposable ones.