Cloth Diapers: Why They Deserve Your Attention
With ready access to information and modern conveniences, it’s surprising that cloth diapering still carries a negative stigma.
There is no doubt that disposable diapers, like water bottles or sandwich bags, have an added level of convenience for families, especially on the go. However, for families with steady routines, cloth diapering can be just as easy.
Reusable diapering today is much different than many people remember. Not only can modern parents find cute prints and avoid accidentally sticking their baby with a safety pin, but they'll find a myriad of different styles of diapers - with plenty of options available to suit your diapering journey. With pocket nappies, all-in-one diapers, and fitted ones, safety pins, and plastic pants are a thing of the past.
Why cloth diapers are awesome
Money saving: Cloth diapering is a lot like shopping at Sams or Costco- there is a larger up-front cost, but when you tally the cost per use, the savings are substantial. Depending on how large of a diaper stash you want to keep, the up-front cost can range from $100-$600. The cost of diapering one baby using disposable diapers for 2 years can be anywhere from $1400 to $2000. Cloth diapering one child will likely save you $600+ dollars, and an extra $1500 per additional child.
Good for the baby’s skin: Unlike disposable diapers, cloth diapers are breathable. Most reusables are made using cotton, athletic wicking jersey, mock-suede, or polyester, which are soft, breathable, and durable materials. Cloth diapers do not have chemicals that might react with the baby’s skin when they pee or poop on the diaper.
Baby’s comfort: All diapers can become sticky when wet because of the body heat and moisture. However, cloth diapers allow for airflow, making them dry faster, keeping the baby’s skin dry. When their skin is dry, they stay comfortable and less prone to getting a diaper rash.
Environmentally friendly: Each year, disposable diapers create about 3.5 tons of waste. Cloth diapers require fewer resources to make compared to disposable diapers. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, using cloth diapers is a great way to do it.
Concerns about cloth diapering:
“I don't want the extra laundry"
Cloth diapers are washable, meaning you have to wash the poop off instead of throwing it away. Washing cloth diapers is as easy as throwing your load in as you would with any other laundry, only you don’t have to fold cloth diapers. You can put them in a basket and pick one when you need it.
"You need to change your baby more often"
Depending on the type of insert you use, cloth diapers may not be as absorbent as disposable diapers. This may seem like a negative, but it's actually a positive! Because your baby will be able to feel the moisture more than they would with a disposable diaper, they are able to alert you to needing a change, avoiding diaper rash, and it actually encourages them to potty train sooner than children who use disposable diapers.
"They are not convenient for outings"
There is definitely a perk to being able to throw away a diaper while you're out running errands. However, many diaper sets come with reusable wet bags, like you might put a swimsuit in after the beach, made specifically for soiled diaper containment. They come in fun patterns and depending on which brand you get, can contain smell and leaks really well.
It’s important to note that cloth diapering is not for everybody - and there's no shame in whether you choose cloth or disposable diapers. If you have never used them before, you should start with a few before deciding you buy a whole bunch of them. You can also decide to be a part-time cloth diaper parent which works great for some families.
What has been your experience with cloth diapering?
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