Pros and Cons of Cloth Diapers

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Cloth Nappies

Nov 8, 2009 Katrena Wells

A look at the advantages and disadvantages of using cloth diapers or nappies.

According to Catherine B. Hanks’s article “Disposable Diapers” on the Chemistry Explained: Foundations and Applications web site, approximately 80% of people in a survey use disposable diapers while the rest use cloth or a cloth/disposable combination. While many cloth diaper advocates enjoy financial savings and find cloth diapers to be more environmentally friendly, others determine that cloth nappies are not very convenient.

Pros of Cloth Diapers

Many people decide to use cloth diapers because they are more environmentally friendly. Cloth diapers are considered more “green” products because they are laundered rather than sent to a landfill after use.

Cloth diapers can save a significant amount of money overall. Cost savings depends on many factors such as:

Type and number of diapers purchased
Frequency and type of laundering
Growth of the baby and how early he or she potty trains
Whether or not additional babies who are born use the same diapers

Handmade cloth diapers typically save the most money, especially if materials around the house are used. Special fabrics, such as PUL, can provide needed water resistance, but these fabrics cost more and may not be available in local stores.

Waterproof diaper covers can be used with homemade cloth diapers and store-bought diapers that are not water-proof. Less expensive diaper covers (like Gerber) come in packs and pull on like underwear. Others open and close similar to a disposable diaper (like Diaperaps).

Parents who purchase used cloth diapers may enjoy added savings. Purchasing new cloth diapers may also translate to significant savings when looking at diaper use overall.

Energy-efficient washers and line drying can save money on laundering costs. Those who purchase larger numbers of cloth diapers minimize the frequency of washes per week. Pocket diapers dry faster than prefolds and AOIs.

Babies who potty train early may delight parents with added savings because larger diaper sizes may not be needed. Significant savings result by re-using them with later children. Those who re-sell cloth diapers can recoup some of that initial investment.

Some children who have sensitive skin or are allergic to disposable diapers may particularly benefit from cloth diapers because they can be made with material to which the baby is not sensitive. Babies who are hard to fit may benefit from custom-designed cloth diapers that can address their special needs.

People who enjoy sewing may get satisfaction from designing cloth diapers. Store-bought cloth diapers and covers are available in a wide variety of colors and prints. Different styles of cloth diapers may suit various needs, including prefolds, all-in-ones (AIO) (like BumGenius), and pocket diapers (like Fuzzibunz). Diaper services help some people by decreasing the work load.

Cons of Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are not as convenient as disposable diapers and require an investment of time. Disposable diapers are now easy to put on, easy to remove, and are simply tossed after use. Cloth diapers must be laundered. If six to twelve cloth diapers are used each day, this can result in a significant investment of time.

Traveling with cloth diapers may be undesirable for some due to laundering needs. Some daycares and babysitters may feel uncomfortable changing cloth diapers. Parents may choose to switch to disposables when traveling or when someone else is providing care.

Cloth diapers are not available in stores in every area. People who prefer to view and assess a product before purchase may find it difficult to choose between sizes and types of cloth diapers available. Many parents may hesitate to invest in cloth diapers if they are unsure that the size or style will work well for them.

Some cloth diapers may leak more than disposables. Other kids may not like the feel of the cloth diapers. Although materials like fleece absorb liquids well, they may become uncomfortably warm.

Accessories may add to the cost, such as:

Covers
Pins
Products to ease the cleaning process
Wet pails
Wet bags

Pros and Cons of Cloth Diapers

People who choose cloth diapers enjoy savings that might exceed $1000, but the initial investment may be overwhelming for some, especially for those who do not have a chance to evaluate the diapers before purchase. Because cloth diapers require an investment of time and may not be convenient when traveling, some parents may choose to use a combination of cloth and disposables. Using a couple of cloth diapers each day can have a positive impact on the environment, which may help those babies when they grow up.

Readers are welcome to post comments about their own experiences with cloth diapers. Readers may also wish to read:

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The copyright of the article Pros and Cons of Cloth Diapers in Infants & Toddlers is owned by Katrena Wells. Permission to republish Pros and Cons of Cloth Diapers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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