When it comes to diapers, the big question is: whether to use cloth or disposable ones. The choice is especially tough when you are new to this topic and you need to decide between the two. Researching various forums and blogs can give you a lot of useful information.
In our article we gathered valuable information to help you make the best decision. We analyzed both type of diapers considering such issues as: baby's health, your lifestyle, finances and concern for the environment. Here, then, is a rundown of the four most important factors when choosing the best diaper for your baby.
Convenience
When you travel disposable diapers are the best choice. After you use them, you just throw them away rather than carry them around until you can wash them.
Unlike the cloth diapers of our parents' or grandparents' time where you basically had to have a degree in diapering, these days cloth diapers have replaced safety pins with Velcro or snaps, and have waterproof bands around the legs and removable linings.
Cloth diapers aren't as absorbent though, so you'll have to change them more frequently. But many cloth diapers have flushable liners which means you can just remove the soiled liner and throw it away.
Health & Comfort
When it comes to health and comfort, the cloth diapers seem to be a better solution. One of the reasons is that tightly fitting disposable diapers can make detecting wetness more difficult.Sitting in a wet diaper is uncomfortable and is likely to cause a rash. It becomes especially important with small babies. For the best comfort of your baby, you should change her diapers frequently, usually 8-12 times per day.
Disposable diapers may contain dye, chemicals or cause allergic reactions. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), some chemicals found in diapers, like dioxin, are known to cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys, and others have been linked to toxic shock syndrome and allergies. Also, the fragrances added to some disposables can cause headaches and rashes.
Price
The price of disposable and cloth diapers are about the same. In both cases it will be approximately to per month - when using a diaper service.
When you decide to wash the cloth diapers yourself, you can save some money. In this case the cost will be about to per month. Please note however, that it will cost you extra time and effort to do it yourself.
Environment
It takes approximately 80,000 pounds of plastic and 200,000 trees per year to produce disposable diapers-and that's just in America. Soiled disposables that lay in landfills may also contaminate ground water.
Some people will point out that cloth diapers negatively affect the environment as well: the amount of water and energy used to wash them is just as detrimental to our resources. The dirty water that drains into the sewer systems are usually treated at wastewater plants, which overall is much more environmentally friendly than discarding soiled disposable diapers into a landfill.
Conclusion
We have compared health, convenience, price and environmental factors. Considering all of them, it seems that the cloth diapers are a better choice: if you wash them yourself and do not travel too much.
Disposables may be the better choice for convenience when you are out and about all day.
