Cloth Vs. Disposable Diapers - Pros And Cons

Parents today have many choices for their babies. One is the decision to use cloth or disposable diapers for their newborn. It is calculated that your new baby will spend in excess of over 30,000 hours in a diaper, which produces up to over 7,000 changes in diapers in the first year alone. Research shows that 80% of baby diapering in this country is by disposable diapers, coming to 18 billion diapers in use per year. Those used diapers have to go somewhere. So, when youre making the decision for whats best for your family, your baby, and your wallet, you need to weigh the benefits and challenges of both types of diapering.

Here are some pros and cons of cloth versus disposable diapers.

Cloth Diapers - Pros
- May be less diaper rash because they are more absorbent
- Cheaper because theyre reusable and washable
- Extras are good for burps and/or spit-ups
- Better for the environment because youre not adding to the landfills
- Made of cotton, so no chemicals against your babys skin
- Can be stored and used for the next baby
- Thought to aid in potty training because the child is aware of the wetness against their skin
- When baby is out of diapers, the cloths they make good furniture polishing cloths

Cloth Diapers Cons
- More leaks due to heaviness, even with plastic panties over them
- Use pins which can stick the baby, although Velcro tabs are available for cloth diapers
- More laundry, heavier loads, more water, and more soap being dumped into the environment (plus your washer can retain the smell of poo and pee)
- Fees for diaper service, if you chose to use them
- Odors arent contained as well
- Very hot in summer weather, which can cause diaper rash
- Most daycares require disposable diapers

Disposable Diapers Pros
- No diaper pins to stick the baby
- Less leaks because theyre tight, fit, and snug
- Easy to use and find in stores
- Easy to dispose
- Lighter, especially in hot weather
- Good for overnight to prevent accidents and uninterrupted sleep
- Easy changing solution when out in public/away from home
- Most daycares require disposable diapers
- Comes in various sizes for different ages

Disposable Diapers Cons
- Can harm the environment by adding more to the landfills
- Can be more expensive to purchase over time
- Garbage has to be emptied regularly due to smell and can add expense
- Plastic and chemicals against babys skin
- Chances of diaper rash are higher
- Thought that its harder to potty train because the child isnt used to feeling the wetness

About the Author:

Criss White writes about family and baby topics. To check out some baby shower game ideas, visit Baby Shower Ideas.

Note: You can reprint this article in your ezine, blog, or website as long as the credits remain intact and hyperlinks remain active and do follow.

Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Tags: Diapers

, disposable diapers

, cloth diapers

, baby

, babies

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