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Baby Cloth Diapers vs Disposable Diapers - Pros and Cons of Each

Updated on July 30, 2015
Time for a diaper change!
Time for a diaper change! | Source

Are Disposable Diapers Better?

Discussing the pros and cons of cloth diapers versus disposable diapers is a newer topic, as many years ago, there was no choice. Disposable diapers came around in the 1940s, although many mothers continued to use cloth diapers for many years after that.

The introduction of convenient, disposable diapers must have seemed a godsend for many mothers who were tired of dealing with messy, cloth diapers. Still, with renewed interest in cutting costs and reducing waste (pun intended) in the environment, cloth diapers are making a comeback.


A much better cloth diaper than the diapers of old....
A much better cloth diaper than the diapers of old.... | Source

Are Cloth Diapers Coming Back?

Many mothers used to make their own cloth diapers. I remember my mom’s homemade diapers, cut to fit, and then pinned on with huge safety pins. The cloth was thin, unlike the new, multi-layered cloth diapers of today, so it was necessary to then put a thick plastic panty over the whole thing to hold in everything that came out…so to speak.

How Does a Diaper Service Work?

Over the years, cloth diapers have improved, and there are diaper services that will even pick up dirty diapers and deliver clean ones. If you’re trying to save money by using cloth diapers, using a diaper service will defeat that purpose. Using cloth diapers can be much cheaper than using disposables—IF you launder the diapers yourself. Some mothers feel it’s worth the extra money to hire a diaper service or to simply buy disposables to avoid the hassle of dealing with cloth diapers at all.

How to Clean Cloth Diapers

For instance, if you don’t use a laundering service, you have to rinse the diapers and store them somewhere until you have a load to wash. How do you keep the smell away? Some mothers, after dumping out the contents, toss the soiled diapers into a large container of water and detergent to soak there until they have a load to wash.

For those who don’t have a washing machine at home, cloth diapers probably aren’t even an option, as you’d have to wash them by hand (gross) or let them smell up the whole room by the time you take them to a laundromat.


Going green with cloth diapers drying outside on the line!
Going green with cloth diapers drying outside on the line! | Source

Should You Choose Cloth Diapers to Go Green?

Another reason some mothers choose cloth is in an effort to go green. Disposable diapers don’t decompose. Imagine all those dirty diapers in a landfill! On the other hand, a lot of energy goes into continual laundering of cloth diapers, whether you clean them yourself or have a service do it for you. While considering the effect on the environment is important, there are other factors to consider.

Are Cloth or Disposable Diapers Better for Diaper Rash?

Some mothers claim that there is more of a chance of diaper rash with disposables because the fabric doesn’t breathe as well. Furthermore, since cloth diapers get soaked more easily, they have to be changed more frequently, which also cuts down on the chance of diaper rash. However, changing more frequently is a con, as cloth diapers have a reputation for drooping and leaking, more so than disposable diapers. There are other mothers, too, who report that their babies get diaper rashes with cloth, too, no matter how often the diapers are changed.

Today’s cloth diapers, though, have evolved from those of old. There are newer— more expensive—cloth diapers with high-quality pre-folds and Velcro covers. With these types of diapers, there are no droops, no leaks, and no need for safety pins. Quality cloth diapers may be an expensive investment up front, but they are becoming much easier to use.


Which Diapers Are More Convenient?

Another factor to consider is convenience. For working moms, there’s the time factor, and even if mom is committed to using cloth diapers, who is going to deal with the cloth diapers when mommy is away? There is a lot to consider when deciding between cloth or disposable diapers.

It seems that it all comes down to money, time, and tolerance. Which option is more affordable for you? Do you have time to mess with continually laundering cloth diapers? And can you tolerate dealing with the nasty part of cloth diapers? But can you afford continually purchasing expensive disposable diapers? Regardless of which camp you’re in regarding cloth versus disposable diapers, you can save on both types with Diaper Coupons at Diaper.com. Shopping online with online coupons will help you save on diapers, diaper bags, baby wipes, and even nursery items. Peruse their site for your choice of diapers and any other items you might need for your baby.

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