The Pros and Cons of Using a Cloth Diapering System

In our grandmother's days the only option for diapering their babies were cloth diapers and baby pins. Now more and more women are choosing to use cloth diapers for their babies. Many are choosing to do this because they feel it is better for the environment.While some claim the extra water and electricity outweigh the landfill space used by disposable diapers. The types of cloth diapering systems have changed dramatically since our grandmother's time as well. Now cloth diapers are available with Velcro, ties, buttons, all in one systems, and in a variety of different fabrics and absorbency range options. Diaper services also deliver clean cloth diapers to your home every week in the size that you require. This guide will highlight the pros and cons of cloth diapers so that you can make an informed decision for you and your baby.

Pros To Using A Cloth Diapering System:

1. Cloth diapers save room in landfills. The average baby will produce two and a half tons of used disposable diapers before they are toilet trained.

2. They will save you money over time. The average cost of keeping your child in disposable diapers until they are potty trained is around $1600.00

3. Cloth diapers do not contain the chemicals that disposable diapers do. Many super absorbent diapers contain the chemical dioxide that was removed from tampons because it increased the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.

4. Babies who wear cloth diapers are more likely to be changed the recommend frequency of every three hours. This leads to bacteria in contact with the infant less.

5. Cloth diapers are more breathable than disposable, this can lead to a decreased risk of diaper rash.

6. Children are more likely to notice when they are wet which can lead to them being potty trained at an earlier age. Many disposable diapers have added a cooling sensation to their diapers because kids can not feel when they are wet leaving it hard for them to learn how to be potty trained.

7. If using a diaper service you don't have to go out and shop for diapers, they are brought right to your home.

Cons on Using A Cloth Diapering System:

1. Cloth diapers have a high initial cost. Anywhere from $400.00-$1200.00.

2. Cloth diapers can be inconvenient when traveling, you have to bring the soiled diapers home with you to be laundered.

3. You will have to do extra loads of laundry. This results in more water and electricity being used.

4. Babies can outgrow their cloth diapers, resulting in more expensive diapers being bought.

5. The "ick" factor, of having to dispose of solid waste in a toilet.

6. If using a diaper service you may have to launder the cloth diapers yourself if you run out of diapers before your next delivery.