A new parent, when thinking about a parenting method and decorating the nursery, should take the time to decide on whether she will use cloth or disposable diapers. The debate for disposable vs. cloth diapers rages on between parents, environmental advocates and consumer groups. The only way to decide which is right for you and your baby is to compare the two types of diapers side by side and find out which will work best with your family's lifestyle and ideals.
Price
A large box of diapers costs up to $20, as of 2010, and will last around three weeks, depending on the size of diapers, the amount in the box, and the frequency of changing. Supposing that your little one is in diapers for two years, that could add up to $2,000 notes "Consumer Reports."
Cloth diapers are more expensive initially, but once you've purchased all of the supplies, you no longer have to worry about weekly trips to buy more. A collection of 50 commonly used fitted diapers with covers costs roughly $1263.46, with the cost of laundering extra, estimates DiaperDecisions.com. Many parents choose to sell their cloth diapers when through with them, so some find they can make a portion of their money back.
Convenience
Most moms prefer disposable diapers because of how convenient they are. When you change your baby, you only need to roll up the diaper and discard of it in the trash. They are easy to use on the go, as they stash in your purse and you can change baby anywhere you find a flat surface, providing it's sanitary.
Cloth diapers may not be as convenient. Each diaper change means rinsing the diaper and sending it to be laundered or laundering it yourself. While out and about, you may find yourself rinsing a diaper in a public restroom, or carrying a dirty diaper in your bag until you can get home.
Eco-Friendly
Disposable diapers are not eco-friendly. Because they are thrown in the trash, they are left in landfills around the country. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that it takes 500 years for a diaper to disintegrate while in a landfill. Biodegradable diapers do exist, but are fairly new and often expensive. They usually consist of a cloth diaper cover with a biodegradable liner, that is smaller and made of materials like cornstarch that break down more easily when in landfills.
Cloth diapers are the clear choice for the environmentally conscious. While it will use energy to keep them laundered and clean, cloth diapers are reusable and stay in your home without being sent to the landfill.
Health
Some babies may have sensitive skin, and break into a rash when using certain disposable diapers. Pediatricians might recommend cloth diapers to a baby whose skin is too sensitive for disposable diapers. Disposables contain sodium polyacrylate, which can irritate baby's sensitive skin.
Most cloth diapers are made of bleached cotton, an organic fabric that is compatible with baby's skin. Of course, any diaper can cause a rash when it isn't changed frequently enough, points out TheNewParentsGuide.com.
Comfort
Disposable diapers are generally more absorbent than cloth diapers, meaning your baby feels drier for longer. On the other hand, it may be hard to tell when your baby is wet while he's wearing disposable diapers, warms FamilyEducation.com, so it's important to check and change often.
It is easy to tell when a cloth diaper is wet. Even with a rubber pant protector over the cloth, the diapers aren't as absorbent. This can result in more frequent changes to male sure that your baby stays clean and dry.
