The Best Reusable Diapers

One of your first big decisions as a new parent will be choosing how to diaper your baby. You can choose to use cloth diapers or reusable diapers, or you can choose a single use disposable diaper. There is no doubt that disposable diapers are convenient, but they are also expensive. It is estimated that diapering a baby in disposable diapers can cost between $1,500 and $2,000 before your child is potty trained. And if you choose the new “eco-friendly,” biodegradable and chlorine free disposables the cost will be even higher.

Cloth diapers can be considerably less expensive, but there is an initial start-up cost which can be anywhere from $150 and up, depending on the diapering system you choose.

Typically you will need to buy the cotton diapers, waterproof diaper covers or outer shells, fleece inserts which are added to provide extra absorbency when needed, and flushable liners which help remove waste and eliminate the need to rinse the diaper before placing it in the diaper pail. All of these supplies need to be purchased up-front, but the savings can be hundreds of dollars and this savings is even greater when you use the diapers for multiple children.

Reusable Diapers

Many people can’t get past the idea of those old cloth diapers of years ago. Today’s cloth diapers require no pins or rubber pants. They fit snug and are virtually leak-proof. These new cloth diapers use snaps or Velcro closures to make adjusting and securing the diaper as easy as using disposables. And if you still can’t decide, there’s the environmentally friendly “green” gdiaper. These g diapers have the best of both worlds and you can choose the reusable g cloth diaper or the “go green” biodegradable diaper.

If you want to make cloth diapering as convenient as possible, consider buying enough reusable diapers to last two to three days, this way you won’t feel like a slave to your laundry room. With a sufficient supply of diapers on hand, you can wash them every couple of days without running out. This is especially important when you are purchasing newborn diapers, your new baby will go through a lot of diapers those first few months and you may not feel like washing diapers every night. Buy enough cloth diapers to give yourself a little breathing room.

With reusable diapers you can choose unfolded, pre-folded, fitted, all-in-one or pocket diapers. An all-in-one diaper is exactly as its name implies, it is a reusable diaper that has a waterproof outer cover built-in. All-in-one diapers are extremely convenient and make diaper changes a one-step process. Many all-in-one diapers are adjustable to fit newborn through toddler and can be used until your child is potty trained. The FuzziBunz diapers are adorable and come in a large array of colors. A pocket diaper consists of a waterproof outer covering of polyester or nylon with a built-in pocket in which you place the cotton diaper or liner. Like the all-in-one diaper, pocket diapers typically have Velcro tabs or several rows of snaps for a quick, snug adjustment.

Depending on the age of your baby, you will probably need two to three dozen diapers, about a dozen waterproof covers, and any inserts or liners you might want. If you are using an all-in-one diapering system, you will only need the diaper, inserts and liners. When starting cloth diapering, it is often the most cost effective to purchase a start up set which will include the basics to get you going. Most parents will choose to add to this set so that washing diapers every night isn’t a necessity.

One concern many parents have is that cloth diapers are too labor intensive, this really isn’t the case at all. It wasn’t so long ago that most people thought recycling was too much work, now it is considered common practice across most demographics. Once you get into the rhythm of diapering and laundering with reusable diapers, it won’t seem like a bother at all. In many cases, using cloth diapers is more convenient. No more late night trips for disposable diapers!

Remember, choosing to use cloth diapers on your baby is not an all or nothing situation. If you choose cloth diapering, you can still use disposables when going out for the day, or traveling. Also, most daycare centers will not allow cloth diapers, but you can still use reusable diapers in the evenings and on weekends. Whatever diapering system works for you and your family will be the best for your baby.