Cotton Diapers Vs. Disposable Diapers

There are many important decisions to make when it comes to caring for your new baby, one of which is diapering. With a push toward green parenting, more parents are choosing cotton diapers for their newborns. Because of this, there is large debate as to which type of diaper (reusable or disposable) is the best kind to use. As with any product, there are advantages and disadvantages to each, so it's important to consider the pros and cons as they relate to your personal needs and lifestyle.

Convenience

Disposable diapers were made for convenience. Being able to take your baby on outings without having to worry about leaks and the fact that one only needs a trashcan for disposal is a huge selling point for disposables. However, the accessories that come along with cloth diapers have come a long way in recent years. The diapers themselves are made of three panels, with the middle panel being extra thick for absorbency. This, combined with a diaper cover, makes the diapers very secure and no more likely to leak than disposables. The diaper covers are velcro-fastening, so there is no need for diaper pins. If you don't choose to use the cover, you can still use diaper pins or clips to hold the diaper in place.

Cost

With nearly everyone watching their wallets these days, cost is definitely a considering factor in cloth versus disposable diapers. Many people assume that cloth diapers are the cheaper choice, but this isn't necessarily true. If you plan to launder these on your own, then the only cost to cloth is the original purchase of the diaper and the water and detergent bills. However, if you belong to a diaper laundering service, you can expect to pay up to $100 every month. This includes a weekly exchange of dirty diapers for a fresh supply. This makes cloth diapers only slightly cheaper than disposables, assuming you change your newborn every two hours.

Baby Friendly

Babies have fragile skin, and if your baby's skin is extra sensitive, what you put against their hide is very important. There are disposable diapers made for sensitivity, and these can be great for sensitive-skinned newborns. Having a diaper that is free of dyes, chemicals and fragrance is something to consider when making your decision. Cloth diapers are cotton, a comfortable and breathable material against your baby's skin that helps potentially harmful ammonia to evaporate.

In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. Make a list of the things that are important to you in a diaper, then choose the type that best foots the bill. If there are things you like about each, don't be afraid to use both (cloth when you're home, disposables when you're out). Choose what is most comfortable for you and your baby and you can't go wrong!

Environmental Considerations

It is said that over 18,000,000,000 diapers are disposed of in landfills every year. Each one of these will take over 500 years to decompose. So there's really no debate here; cloth diapers are obviously better for the environment. Being able to reuse them means they don't take up space in landfills like their non-biodegradable counterparts. However, biodegradable disposable diapers are becoming a popular choice among eco-friendly parents, but they are more expensive than regular disposable diapers.

Sources:

"Diaper Guide," Consumer Reports.