Cloth Diapers Vs. Disposable

Environment

• One of the hottest issues in the diaper debate is the impact on the environment that each type of diaper can have. Many people assume that cloth diapers are more environmentally friendly because they do not create the municipal solid waste that disposable diapers create. On the other side of the debate is the argument that cloth diapers require far more energy and water for the laundering process in addition to fuel costs for a diaper service. There is no conclusive evidence to prove that one method is "greener" than the other. For those using disposable diapers, the environmental impact can be lessened by selecting a biodegradable variety. Cloth diaper users can reduce their impact by laundering the diapers at home instead of using a service.

Cost

• Cost is an important factor for many families when it comes to selecting care products for their babies. The cost of disposable diapers compared to the cost of cloth diapers through a diaper service is roughly equivalent. The cost of cloth diapers can be minimized by laundering the diapers at home for those who have the time and energy to do so. Disposable diapers, on the other hand, can often be purchased on sale or with manufacturer's coupons. Brands such as Huggies and Pampers include special codes with their products which allow users to accumulate points that are good for free products, discounts and other goodies.

Convenience

• One of the biggest arguments in favor of disposable diapers is their convenience. These can be easily disposed of anywhere. They don't need to be changed as often which can often help children sleep for longer stretches during the night. Many child care facilities require parents to use disposable diapers when the children are with them.

Cleanliness

• While both disposable and cloth diapers will keep children clean for a brief period of time, cloth diapers have a greater tendency to leak. They must be covered with a plastic diaper cover and even this may not be able to contain the moisture. If cloth diapers are not changed promptly, babies can get a diaper rash from prolonged exposure to the wet diaper. Disposable diapers are not without their problems, however. The chemicals used in many disposable diapers can cause rashes of their own and some children may be especially sensitive to this type of irritation.

Compromises

• Parents who can't make up their mind about whether to use disposables or cloth diapers have some options in the way of compromises. Using cloth diapers during the day and disposable diapers at night is a convenient way to meet in the middle of the debate. Some families may also choose to use disposable diapers during the first few weeks when babies have more dirty diapers and then switch to cloth when the child needs to be changed less often. Parents can also choose reusable diapers that have a flushable liner, which incorporates a bit of both worlds.