Disposable diapers or cloth diapers? The great savings that cloth diapers represent may make you think that they are the best option. However, you should also know their disadvantages before choosing them.
For some years, many mothers have decided to opt for cloth diapers as they are a cheaper and more environmentally friendly solution than disposable ones. This option has some advantages, indeed, but also disadvantages that you should take into account when choosing which diapers to use for your baby. Find out!
Cloth diapers
Before the advent of disposable cellulose diapers, cloth diapers were used. Now, years later, many women choose to recover the use of this type of diaper for two main reasons: being reusable and not for single use, they are more respectful with the environment and, in addition, they are much cheaper.
Indeed, although at the beginning you have to make a significant expense to acquire them, the fact that they are washable and reusable represents a long-term saving.
On the other hand, the “ecological” diapers, that is, the cloth ones, are also perfectly adjustable and hypoallergenic. They are made from natural fibers, so do not think of the diapers of yesteryear: they are relatively easy to wash and do not pose any hygiene problems.
However, in addition to advantages, they also have some disadvantages. Therefore, so that you are clear before deciding, here are the advantages and disadvantages of cloth diapers.
Advantages of cloth diapers
Healthy for baby
The first of the advantages of this type of diapers is that they are healthy for the baby. Indeed, they are made from 100% natural products such as cotton or bamboo, so the risk of irritation to your delicate skin is minimal. In this sense, babies who use cloth diapers have a lower rate of dermatitis.
More comfort
Since they are natural and breathable fabrics, their use in hot weather allows the child’s skin to breathe, avoiding sweating and excessive heat. On the other hand, do not forget the comfort: the feel of the fabric and its softness cannot be compared to that of disposable diapers.
Ecological
By using cloth diapers, we take care of the environment. Indeed, we are all aware that the amount of waste and waste we produce exceeds our planet. Also, disposable diapers, even if they are biodegradable, take about 7 years to decompose. Imagine, therefore, the grain of sand that you will be contributing.
You save a lot
As we said earlier, cloth diapers are great savings in the long run. Indeed, although acquiring them in the beginning is more expensive than buying a disposable pack, the fact that they can be reused will mean that you will not have to spend a considerable amount each week to buy them again. Do your accounts!
On the other hand, it may be that you get someone to leave you the ones they have already used with their children or that you “inherit” them. This way, your wo not even have to make the initial investment.
They can be decorated and personalized
They are not for single use and, in addition, they are made of fabric. Therefore, you can make them embroideries, prints, etc. Also, those that are sold in the market usually come with beautiful, original and very funny designs. You can even put them on to match the clothes they wear.
Disadvantages of using ecological diapers
Require more work
As they are reusable, you will have to wash them, let them dry and store them folded before using them again. Of course, this is not as comfortable as wearing and throwing, of course. In addition, you will have to be aware of when to put the washing machine so you do not run out of diapers.
On the other hand, you must take special care when washing them because, if not done well, they can generate odors and problems. Also, it is better to use neutral detergents and avoid the use of bleaches and other types of disinfectants that could irritate the baby’s skin.
Changing them when you are away means having to keep them dirty
While with disposable diapers it is enough to throw them into the container and put others, when you are away from home and you have to change the cloth diaper, you feel obliged to keep it in a bag until you return home and can wash it.
If it is a short time, it is surely not a problem. However, if you are going to be away for a long time, or want to travel, they can become quite an unpleasant hassle.
In some nurseries they don’t accept them
In many nurseries and kindergartens, they are unwilling to deal with cloth diapers. It is logical, on the one hand, that they do not assume washing them or storing them somewhere dirty until you pick them up.
For this reason, many nurseries simply do not accept them, and force parents to use disposable diapers as a condition for admitting their little ones.
As you have seen, there are many really interesting advantages to opting for cloth diapers. However, the disadvantages are also weight, so you should take them into account before choosing. Yes, you decide.
