Reusable diapers, criticized for years as old-fashioned and ineffective, are making a comeback as environmentally aware and cost-conscious parents calculate the benefits of joining the cloth diaper movement. Gone are the safety pins, plastic pants and sagging fabrics of yesteryear. Instead, manufacturers use Velcro, multiple layers and flushable liners to improve the look, feel and effectiveness of reusables. Considering the cost and environmental impact of thousands of diapers per child, many parents opt for diapers that leave a smaller carbon footprint.
Environmental Benefits
Caregivers who choose reusable diapers are making a conscious effort to keep thousands of diapers and human waste out of landfills. Disposable diapers add 1 to 2 percent to municipal solid waste, notes the American Academy of Pediatrics. According to the New Parents Guide, "Roughly 5 million tons of untreated waste and a total of 2 billion tons of urine, feces, plastic and paper are added to landfills annually" by disposable diapers. Untreated waste from disposables in landfills also endangers groundwater when contaminants leak into the water supply.
Lower Cost
Using cloth diapers also makes sense from a financial perspective. Families with multiple children can use the same diapers for each child. Even taking into account start-up supplies, water usage for laundering, electricity for drying, and laundry detergent, washing and reusing cloth diapers is often more cost-effective than buying expensive disposable diapers. A diaper service representative interviewed by ABC News estimated that his company washes three days of a household's diapers using the same amount of water as one toilet flush.
Health Impact
Many people prefer using natural cotton diapers for their children rather than manufactured disposables. Because cloth diapers hold moisture closer to the skin than disposables, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends changing cloth diapers quickly after they become wet or soiled to avoid diaper rash. Many parents willingly make this adjustment to avoid exposing babies to dyes, dioxins and fragrances in disposables that can cause allergic reactions.
Advances
Reusable diapers have come a long way since their initial widespread use before disposables were invented. Savvy manufacturers have added double or triple fabric layers for better absorbency and to better protect babies' sensitive skin. In addition, consumers can buy a removable, fiber-filled strip that picks up additional liquid. Even the large safety pins that could be tricky to use on squirming toddlers have been replaced by stylish Velcro fasteners or snap covers. Parents also can choose prefolded or fitted diapers in colorful patterns.
