Which is the better choice, the disposable or cloth diaper? It is a question that new parents have been asking themselves since Pampers took the world by storm when it launched in 1961. While each type of diaper has its own merits, there have been considerable advances in cloth diapers in the last decade and a half that make them more attractive to users of the disposable option.
In addition to being a great environmentally friendly option, cloth diapers are more technologically advanced and convenient to use than ever before.
Cloth is the Environmental Option
According to the Clean Air Council, in the United States alone, 570 diapers are thrown in the garbage per second. That comes to 49 million disposable diapers that are added to landfills every day. In contrast, a high-quality cloth diaper can be laundered and reused a minimum of 100 times, thereby significantly reducing the energy burden that goes into diaper production as well as reducing waste.
While it is true that energy is used in laundering the cloth diapers, the amount is minute compared to what goes into the production of disposable diapers. For example, the Clean Air Council estimates that each disposable diaper consumes nearly 100,000 tons of plastic and 800,000 tons of tree pulp. Moreover, these disposable diapers take between four and five hundred years to decompose in landfills around the world.
Cloth is the Chemical-Free Option
According to the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia, the inner layer of a disposable diaper is treated with chemicals such as sodium polyacrylate, dioxin, and dyes. These chemicals can trigger allergic reactions in babies.
More serious health affects have been studied and while there is no conclusive evidence to date, it appears as though the chemicals released in disposable diapers could lead to long-term health effects such as asthma.
Cloth Diapers are More Economical
The Clean Air Council claims that a household will spend an average of $2,000 on diapers before their child is potty trained. Whereas, cloth diapers run on average between $300 and $800. They last for years, and can be used at no additional cost for subsequent children. Additionally, they have a high re-sale value and according to the Real Diaper Association can be sold for a minimum of 50 percent of their original cost.
Cloth Diapers are User-Friendly
The cloth diapers of today are much more advanced than those used by previous generations. These days, cloth diapers are as easy to use as their disposable counterparts. Requiring no pins or special rubber pants, cloth diapers come in every style and fabric imaginable. Often cloth diapers have a fitted waterproof cover sewn on to ensure wetness protection and many of these have Velcro or waist snaps that are quick and convenient to use.
Washing cloth diapers is also simpler than people think. If a baby is only receiving breast milk, the steps are simple. Toss the soiled diaper into a dry pail, and when then pail is full, put the dirty diapers in the washer and dryer on a regular cycle. The only drawback is that if a baby is formula-fed or is eating solids, the diaper will have to be held over a toilet bowl to remove the waste.
However, the bowel movement usually slips right off the diaper and can then be added to the dry pail. For those people interested in the cloth diaper option, but not in the clean-up, there are alternatives available. Professional diaper services will pick up dirty diapers and deliver fresh ones.
Cloth Diapers May Help Potty Train
Although there have not been studies proving that cloth diapers contribute to faster and smoother potty training there are countless testimonials. Many parents, baby blogs, and diaper associations swear that children learn to potty train better if in cloth diapers. The theory is that disposable diapers absorb wetness into the lining, so children are not aware that they are wet.
With cloth diapers, babies are more aware of the sensations associated with wetness, and are more likely to be able to channel that understanding into proper potty training habits.
There are many reasons for parents to use cloth diapers. Not only are they eco-friendly, they are also chemical-free, easy to use and affordable. Additionally, it may be easier to potty train a baby using cloth diapers.
Resources:
Clean Air Council. Waste Facts and Figures (accessed May 2, 2010).
Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia. Guide to Less Toxic Products (accessed May 2, 2010).
Real Diaper Association (accessed April 30, 2010).
Richler Investing Consulting Services. “Disposable Diaper History" (accessed May 1, 2010).
Brooke Cromar - Brooke Cromar has over a decade of experience working on green issues and environmental politics. Her knowledge and skills have been ...
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