Considering all the headaches associated parenting a new baby, the consistently modernized design of disposable nappies can offer parents a small sigh of relief. Disposable nappies can be thrown away after a single use, which reduces laundry demands. They are also easy to carry during travel and have a tendency to leak less than cloth nappies. However, not all disposable nappies are of the same quality, and not all of them are suited for every baby.
Function
The basic construction of a cloth nappy is layers of fabric, such as cotton, which absorb liquid and can be rewashed. The majority of modern disposable nappies are also layered, but they are manufactured with single-use breathable materials, moisture guards and a filling of gel that contains leaks until the next nappy change.
Types
Disposable nappies can be purchased in multiple sizes. Newborn nappies are designed for infants within their first few weeks to months of life, depending on size. Older baby disposable nappies are also called "crawlers," as they are designed to accommodate the changing needs of mobile babies. Toddler nappies are typically made of a stretchy material designed for small children who are able to run around. Finally, transition nappies, also called trainer pants, are designed to appear as padded underpants for toddlers who are potty training. In addition to coming in multiple sizes, disposable nappies can be purchased scented or unscented, decorated or non-decorated and formulated for regular or sensitive skin.
Ecological Concerns
According to the Real Diaper Association, an advocacy group created in 2004, about 27.4 billion disposable nappies are used each year in the United States. alone. The Environmental Protection Agency says this means about 3.4 million tons of disposable nappies are dumped into landfills each year. Because disposable nappies may take hundreds of years to decompose, many are concerned about their effect on the environment. BabyCentre UK notes that parents who want to limit the effect of disposable nappies on the environment might consider purchasing eco-disposables, which are made from materials that break down more quickly in landfills.
Cost
SureBaby says parents who plan to use disposable nappies should plan on spending between $1,600 and $2,300 by the time their baby is potty trained. This breaks down to about seven to eight diapers a day, or $80 to $130 per month. Parents who want to save money on disposable nappies should look into purchasing them in bulk and online, but also use coupons and stock up on nappies during store specials.
Considerations
Parents should consider the way disposable nappies fit their child's individual body type. Most disposable nappies come with elastic waistbands and snug-fitting leg holes, but different brands are created with a slightly different form. Experimenting with brands can help parents determine which offers their baby the most comfort and protection.
