When you are expecting a baby, one of the choices you need to make is the type of diapers you plan to use. The two choices are disposable and non-disposable diapers. Disposable diapers are thrown out after use while non-disposable diapers are washed and reused. There are advantages and disadvantages for each diapering option.
Convenience
Disposable diapers are considered much more convenient than cloth diapers, especially while on the go. You can throw out the diapers after use without the need to carry around soiled diapers. In addition, you don't have to worry about soaking or rinsing off disposable diapers. You are likely to have at least two extra loads of laundry per week if using cloth diapers. A diaper laundry service can be hired to launder the soiled cloth diapers for you.
Location
Since cloth diapering is the less popular option, supplies are limited. Disposable diapers are available through retail stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies. You can find non-disposable diaper supplies at specialty baby stores like Babies R Us or online cloth diaper sites (see Resources). A diaper service can be hired to drop off fresh cloth diapers for you and take away the soiled ones for cleaning.
Cost
Cost is often a concern for parents when comparing disposable and non-disposable diapers. Disposable diapers will cost approximately the same if the parent decides to use a laundering service to clean the soiled cloth diapers. If you wash the cloth diapers on your own, it will cost approximately 50 percent less than purchasing disposable types.
Impact
According to ABC News, the Union of Concerned Scientists has concluded that an estimated 18 billion disposable diapers are thrown into landfills every year. Cloth diapers reduce environmental impact. Since diapers are produced from plastic materials, it can take a long time to break down. A new type of diaper now being produced is G Diapers. This hybrid diaper is said to be more environmentally friendly and uses inserts that are biodegradable. The manufacturer states that you can choose to flush, toss or compost the inserts.
Considerations
When diapering with disposable diapers, you are putting your infant at a higher risk of rashes. Due to the absorbency of disposable diapers, the child may sit for longer periods in a soiled diaper. The rashes can also result from the exposure of dyes, sodium polyacrylate, and dioxin that are included in the manufacturing process of disposable diapers according to the New Parents Guide. Rashes can also occur in babies that use cloth diapers. The most common reason is poor sanitation practices by the caregiver.
