Before the baby comes, you agonize over the details. Breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding, choosing baby clothes, and diapers. Here is a brief primer on cloth vs. disposable diapers.
Cloth Diapers
Advocates of cloth diapers point out that modern cloth diapers are almost as convenient as disposables. There are cloth diapers with snaps, velcro closures, pocket cloth diapers, and so on. You will also need liners for extra absorbency, and diaper covers to help prevent leakage. All-in-one cloth diapers have a liner and a waterproof outer layer built into the design, and to the credit of cloth diapers companies, the style and design have improved remarkably.
Cleaning Cloth Diapers
The greatest obstacle with cloth diapers is the maintenance. Cloth diapers need to be washed before they’re used to increase absorbency, preferably soaked between washings, and require special washing instructions to ensure their cleanliness after soiling. Add to this that cloth diapers do get detergent build-up and need to be stripped occasionally. This may sound like a lot of work but once you’re in the groove its cake.
My Favorite Cloth Diapers
Every baby is different just like every diaper is different. Essentially, you get what you pay for. I have played around with quite a few brands and after two kids, I’ve settled on some favies. Here are a couple options for you all to try out if you’re considering going the cloth diaper route.
GroVia Hybrid Diaper Shell, Hook & Loop Shell (Ballot)
The Grovia diapers come in a variety of closures. At first, I was a snap only mom and now I love velcro. Its so much easy to secure with a wiggly baby.
SoftBums Omni One Size Cloth Diaper 3 Piece Set (Ocean)
Another favorite of mine are SoftBums. They are easy to use pocket diapers that come in a variety of exclusive prints but mostly are solid colored diapers.
Kawaii Baby – One Size Pocket Cloth Diaper
Of you all know I have to have a Hawaiian brand in the mix. Kawaii Baby diapers are by far the cutest prints available. They even make training pants for your toddler who’s ready to potty train.
Bambino Mio, Miosolo All-In-One Cloth Diaper, Onesize, Bumble
The newest cloth diaper on the scene for me is Bambino Mio. These diapers hands down are the softest diaper thus far. I will probably stock up for the next baby.
Cloth vs. Disposable
The allure of organic cotton against your baby’s delicate skin is enough to turn any mom or dad into an instant cloth diaper fan. The soft, natural feel of cloth not only feels better to your baby, but it means less diaper rash, right? As it turns out, skin irritation most often caused by moisture is the biggest culprit in diaper rash. Although rash can occur from plastic liners or a diaper fitting too snugly, the largest cause of irritation is from babies left in urine soaked diapers too long. No matter which diaper you choose, cloth or disposable, the best way to prevent diaper rash is by making sure your baby stays clean and dry, and that means changing your baby frequently.
As it turns out, skin irritation most often caused by moisture is the biggest culprit in diaper rash. Although rash can occur from plastic liners or a diaper fitting too snugly, the largest cause of irritation is from babies left in urine soaked diapers too long. No matter which diaper you choose, cloth or disposable, the best way to prevent diaper rash is by making sure your baby stays clean and dry, and that means changing your baby frequently.
Environment
One advantage cloth diapers have over disposables is that they take up zero space in our landfills. Before you start to feel guilty about the mountains of dirty diapers you think you’re creating every day, what cloth diapers lack in creating landfill waste, they make up for in energy costs and water usage. For me, it’s a trade I’m willing to make as I find it more environmentally friendly than the alternative. However, I am 100% for eco-friendly disposable diapers that I have listed below.
Made with natural and renewable resources, Babyganics are my go to disposable diaper. They are plant based and have no chlorine in them. Instead, Babyganics uses 100% natural NeoNourish antioxidant Seed Oil Blend to help nurture and support your baby’s skin.
Seventh Generation Baby Diapers
Seventh Generation diapers are ultra absorbent and hypoallergenic meaning they’re free of lotions and fragrances. The core of their diapers are chlorine free as well and made with wood pulp that is sustainably sourced. They are FSC® certified, which helps to protect the world’s forests and the animals who depend on them.
The Honest Company – Eco-Friendly
Honest Diapers are a little different than those mentioned above. You can grab these at the store or you can set up a subscription to get them as often as you’d like for a steal of a deal. Honest diapers are plant based and also sourced with forest sustainable pulp.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line in diapering is expense and convenience. Using cloth diapers has become easier, and using a diaper service makes it easier still. No matter which option you choose to go with, your little one’s bum is sure to thank you.
I’m not a Mom so I’m not an authority on this at all. That being said if I ever do have kids I would at least like to try to cloth diaper!!
I started with disposables and then switched to cloth. Then I used both part time. Now I am back to disposables for a variety of reasons. I advocate for cloth diapers, but sometimes disposables are the better option for a family.
I’m an environmentalist and I’m all for cloth diapers in spite of the maintenance. I didn’t realize that there were biodegradable diapers. That is great!
I used cloth diapers when my kids were babies. These ones are much nicer, though. Nice designs.
My sister used cloth diapers because of cute and unique design, and she saved a lot of dollar as well.
Cloth diapers have come a long way! I think these are really easy to use and convenient for parents to clean up. You’re absolutely right about which to choose though, it’s always up to the parents and what they think would be great for their budget and their baby.
There are so many great choices out there! I used cloth diapers, but also used disposables. It was just a lot easier to use disposables when we were traveling and really busy. But I will say cloth diapers have come a long way!
It is really cool that you are offering up this information. It can be really hard for moms to decide!
You’re a goldmine for new parents! Going to share your blog with family. I am the only one who doesn’t have a kid yet among my siblings, yet I have all the answers, and they keep bugging me why. Can’t hide your blog much longer. LOL! =D
THose look very cool, I love the fun prints!
I’ve used disposable diapers on both of my babies–it’s just easier for me. But, I do think that the patterns and fabrics on cloth diapers are adorable!
What a great resource. It can be such an overwhelming decision for new moms!
As a brother of a one-year-old little boy, I have learnt much from your post.
First, you make me understand how good and convenient cloth diaper does to kid’s skin so that’s fitted to be used.
Second, it’s clearly stated in your post that cloth diaper makes our environment less polluted.
But to me, disposable diapers are still easy-to-use and in busy case, we all should use cloth diapers rather than disposable diapers.
The designs on cloth diapers are SO cute these days! When my kids were little cloth diapers were really ugly and bulky and no one really wore them.
I am searching for those information because my sister gonna have a baby. I think cloth diapers are really good for babie` skin. I love this post and thanks for sharing!
We always went with disposable more than anything else.
This is I should prepare when I get pregnant again Instead of diapers and the design are so cute plus I can save huge instead of buying Disposable diapers.
I dont have kids yet but I think I am highly interested in cloth diapers. These are super cute with great designs.