Cloth Diapers: Advantages And Disadvantages?
Disposable diapers have been the first choice for parents over the past few decades. However, there is another option that is not only cheaper but also much more environmentally friendly. It’s about classic cloth diapers that were once used by our mothers and grandmothers and are now a bit more modern.
Then discover more about different types of cloth diapers and their advantages and disadvantages.
Types of cloth diapers
In terms of size, there is practically no difference between cloth diapers and disposable diapers. Both types are classified according to the baby’s age and weight. However, we can also classify cloth diapers as follows:
- Flannel: These diapers are extremely soft and usually come with buttons or a clip together to secure them in place.
- Foldable diapers: These consist of several layers, which increases their absorption capacity. They are a little thicker than the other types.
- Flat or Shaped: The flat diaper is a simple piece of fabric that is held together with clips on the back. The shaped diaper is similar but has a curved shape to better fit the baby’s body.
- Adjustable diaper: its shape is very similar to that of disposable items. These diapers have an elastic waist and zip.
- Refillable: This curious model includes an opening to add the absorbent piece. The main advantage of this type of diaper is that it dries faster than others.
All of these models have one feature in common: They are equipped with a protector that prevents dirt from getting on the clothing. Like ordinary diapers, these are also available in different sizes and with different types of fasteners.
Benefits of cloth diapers
The most important advantage is the price: cloth diapers are cheaper than disposable diapers, the price of which has increased significantly in recent years.
Of course, you have to pay a little more to buy them first. But since you can use them over and over again, they are much cheaper in the long run. You only need 30 to 40 cloth diapers until your child no longer needs them.
In addition, these diapers are very useful in preventing skin irritation in babies, especially newborns. One reason for this is that they contain fewer chemicals. They also cause less friction because they are softer.
However, they need to be changed more often because they absorb less fluid.
There is another benefit that is not directly related to your child’s health. Cloth diapers are much more environmentally friendly!
Experts estimate that a baby will use over two thousand pounds of non-degradable material in the form of diapers until he has control of his bladder. This is exactly what you can avoid with cloth diapers.
Disadvantages of cloth diapers
Logically, the biggest disadvantage of cloth diapers is that we have to wash them regularly. Contrary to what you might think, they can be reused with just a little water and neutral soap.
It is not necessary to use any type of specialty detergent, especially bleach.
But here we come to a controversial topic. In a world where water is becoming increasingly scarce, should we use it to wash diapers? This question is being talked about more and more in the diaper debate.
In addition, diapers that are not provided with a good absorbent material lose more moisture and generate waste. Then almost all of the baby’s clothes need to be replaced. Most of the time, the baby also needs a bath.
In comparison: cloth diapers and disposable diapers
Disposable diapers are very practical and more absorbent than cloth diapers. While they are expensive, it is also true that they stay dry longer.
The disadvantage of disposable diapers is related to their impact on the environment, as we mentioned earlier. This can be seen both in their manufacturing process, in which many natural resources are consumed, and afterwards. In comparison, the consumption of water to wash cloth diapers appears to be less harmful to the environment.
It is also currently impossible to recycle disposable diapers, although methods are being developed to do so. The breakdown is extremely slow.
In short, it all depends on preferences, personal circumstances and costs. Parents choose whatever option they think is best for their child. With cloth diapers we can safely save money and take care of the environment. But at the same time, we need to spend more time and effort keeping diapers clean and changing our baby more often.
