The Bottom Line

Convenience:

With the newer style of cloth diapers that are on the market, disposable diapers are not much more convenient that cloth diapers. Disposables do require fewer changes because of the super absorbent materials; but taking into consideration the increased risks of rash and the extra impact on the environment, your decision should be made with much thought.

• The new multiple layer, Velcro fastening cloth diapers are just as easy to put on and take off as disposables.
• Cloth diapers do not need to be presoaked, or even rinsed out (solid poop should be shaken off in the toilet).
• Flushable liners can be used with cloth diapers that let you lift the soiled liner off the cloth and flush the liner and the poop down the toilet. If you don’t use liners, you can just dump the older baby’s solids down the toilet.
• Cloth diapers usually only add about 2 extra loads of laundry a week to your schedule.

Summary:

It all comes down to this...is the perceived challenge of cloth diapering worth doing your part to help minimize our mark on the planet? After reading the cloth vs. disposables debate one needs to decide if costs being close to the same; is keeping untreated human waste out of the landfills, having better health for your little one, potty training earlier, and no guilt over the excessive waste generated from disposables...worth it?

For many of us it is an open and closed issue...easy to make and stick to. For others, it really takes some thought on the issues...

1) Cloth is much more bulky...isn't it?

Cloth is more bulky...especially as you first get started. If you start when your baby is newborn, there is more diaper than baby it seems! Your baby will grow into the diaper and there are options like using doublers for babies under 6 lbs. without the pre-fold. As you become an "expert" diaperer, the bulk tightens up and you'd be surprised how many babies wear cloth and you cannot tell!

2) Doesn't cloth diapering take more time?

Actually no. Now my husband can even change a cloth diaper in the amount of time it takes his friend to change his daughter's disposable. As with any skill, it takes time to hone and improve it. Once you get the hang of it you can change a cloth diaper in your lap with speed and agility.

3) Cloth diapers stink worse than disposables?

No. Disposables actually get a funny smell to them when they are wet from all the chemicals and gels in them. A wet cloth diaper should have no smell other than what your baby puts in the diaper. Breastfed babies poo has nearly no smell and a good way to keep solid poo diapers from smelling is to put them in a "wet-bag." These can be laundered or use a plastic bag when you are on the go.

4) Cloth diapering is more of a hassle and so much less convenient than disposables...isn't it?

Well, it can be less convenient if you look at the pure act of changing a baby and throwing the diaper away. I have found that it is AS convenient since my son doesn't need rash treatment every time I change him...a true time saver. Additionally, it all comes down to your state of mind. When I look at having to take dirty diapers home to launder or diaper service vs. throwing them away and them not biodegrading for 500 years or changing my baby every 2 hours or so vs. my baby sitting in his own pee and poo for hours because he doesn't feel wet yet...I absolutely feel that cloth diapering is as convenient.

The choice between the different types of diapers available is a matter of personal preference while taking into consideration all of the topics from the environment and health concerns to cost and convenience. There really is no one best type of diaper that is good for every baby. Deciding to use cloth or disposable diapers depends on your lifestyle, personal preference, finances and your concern for the environment. Some parents combine the two, using cloth at home and disposable when they are going to be out all day. The choice that is right for you and your baby may be different from the one that's right for your friend and her baby. The best thing to do is know the advantages and disadvantages between cloth and disposable diapers, talk with your doctor, discuss it with your wife or husband and make a decision on what you think is best for your baby.

Whichever diaper you decide on now, you may find that your baby develops diaper rash more frequently later or has some type of allergic reaction. This could be sensitivity to your choice. If this occurs, don't fight it, just switch. Try a different type of diaper, a different brand or go from cloth to paper or vice versa. If your baby ever shows signs of having a reaction to a diaper you should always notify your doctor. The reaction you might be seeing could just be a small rash, but it could be a more severe allergic reaction. Your doctor can tell you exactly what it is and what you should do.