Cloth Diapering vs. Disposables: The Basic Info You Need to Know to Choose
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In this post we go over the basic necessary info for choosing cloth diapering vs disposables, and why there aren’t as many cons to cloth diapering as you think!
Hey Mama! Choosing between cloth and disposable diapers can feel like a major decision for new parents. With plenty of other parenting decisions to make, how can you decide if this is right for your family? What are the pros and cons of each, and which option fits your family best? This guide will help you navigate the key benefits and downsides, with a list of my favorite product recommendations to make your decision easier.
Before we dive into the pros and cons of the cloth diapering lifestyle, I want to share my personal experience with cloth diapering. First, I will address the concern and shock most people have when I tell them that I cloth diaper my babies. While it does seem to be gaining popularity in recent years, there are still an overwhelming amount of people who get serious ick from the idea of changing a diaper and not throwing it directly in the trash. This seems to come from the archaic idea of cloth diapering, and the lack of understanding how far we have come with reusable cloth diapers. I am always so excited to explain how different my experience is from their understanding of the process, and maybe even convert a mom or two just explaining how much simpler the process can be than they expect. But also, the lack of ick!
Second, I will say I’ve got over a decade of experience with cloth diapering, and there are still things to be learned and different ways of doing it for everyone. I started on this journey when I was nanny to my nephew, and my twin sister was my teacher on all things baby and her cloth diapering method. She continued to cloth diaper with her second child, and we converted quite a few mamas into cloth fanatics along the way. I even use some of those same diapers on my own babies! (Sneak peak to one of the cloth diapering bonuses: Yes, they are reusable for multiple kids!) There are plenty of options on the market as far as types of diapers and diaper care products, and there’s almost always a way every mom can incorporate it into their lifestyle. I personally choose to do a combination cloth/reusable diaper method that will be discussed in my Beginner’s Guide to Cloth Diapering- The Combo Method mini course! In the course I will go over different ways to tackle the cloth diapering life, and my own challenge free method step by step. To sign up for updates and early access to this course click below!
For now, let’s just get into the basics. How do you know if this is even for you? First of all, I can say with absolute certainty that every mom can incorporate cloth diapering on nearly every level, in some way. It really is that doable, but there are some preferences that may make a difference. Cloth and disposable diapers each offer unique advantages and challenges. Understanding these can help you choose the best option for your baby and your lifestyle.
Benefits and Downsides of Cloth Diapers
First let’s take a look at the benefits:
- Environmental Impact: The ECO factor: Cloth diapers are reusable and can significantly reduce waste. Period. On any consistent basis, any amount of cloth diapering is saving the planet. According to a study from the Environmental Protection Agency, disposable diapers take up to 500 years to decompose in landfills. Yikes!
- Cost Savings: Although the initial investment can be higher, cloth diapers can save you money in the long run. You can use them for multiple children or even resell them once you’re done. There’s a huge and amazing community online of cloth diapering families that buy, sell, and trade cloth diapers. So, it’s totally common practice!
- Gentle on Baby’s Skin: Made from natural materials like cotton, cloth diapers are less likely to cause diaper rash compared to disposables. As I’m sure you’re aware, it’s becoming more and more prevalent to hear of recalls or just concerns as to the levels of BPAs and other toxic ingredients in disposable diaper products. This threat is basically nonexistent when choosing cloth diapers.
Downsides:
- Laundry and Maintenance: Cloth diapers require regular washing and maintenance, which can be an added step in baby care some parents just don’t want to commit to. However, when you’re already doing a lot of laundry for the family, an extra 2 loads a week (yes, that’s really all it is per child!) is really not that significant. Psst.! I will go into my exact wash routine in my course! (Click to check out my New Mom Bundle for a FREE quick Guide to easy start Cloth diapering, to take the next step in your sustainable diapering journey)
- Initial Cost: The upfront cost for cloth diapers can be somewhat costly, depending on your product preferences, including additional accessories like liners and wet bags. However, when compared to the upfront cost of stocking up diapers and accessories like diaper pails for disposables, there is really not much of a difference. There’s also an option to buy cloth diapers used at a fraction of the cost, which is totally another win for the planet!
Benefits and Downsides of Disposable Diapers
Benefits:
- Convenience: Disposable diapers offer some convenience—no washing, just toss them when they’re used. However, the stink of used diapers compared to cloth is actually much worse, even when you have a special diaper pail. It just doesn’t seem to hide the smell entirely. This may come as a shock, but I’ve never had the same smell in my house with cloth as I do with disposables. In fact I’d argue there’s almost none at all. -
- Absorbency and Leak Protection: Modern disposables are designed for maximum absorbency and leak protection, and you can often change what types of diapers you are using if you just can’t find the right fit for any particular brand. This typically becomes concerning for most parents at nighttime, but you can totally find the right absorbency for overnight cloth diaper wearing for your baby.
Downsides:
- Environmental Impact: Disposable diapers contribute to landfill waste and are less eco-friendly compared to cloth options. Not to mention the added toxic ingredient and BPA’S often found in a majority of disposable diapers, even when they’re marketed to the contrary.
- Cost Over Time: Disposables may add up over time, making them more expensive in the long run. While you have to keep buying diapers until your baby is potty trained, you’ll typically only have to buy a set amount of diapers to last all through potty training with cloth! So, considering every child is different, there’s just no telling how long you’ll be in disposables, meaning more $$ spent.
Making the Right Choice for You
Assess Your Priorities: Consider your priorities such as environmental impact, convenience, cost, and your daily routine. Cloth diapers are eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long term but require regular washing. Disposables offer convenience but come with ongoing costs.
Try a Hybrid Approach: If you’re unsure, you can use a combination of cloth and disposable diapers. For instance, use cloth diapers during the day and disposables overnight or when traveling.
Hint: I’ll show you exactly how to do this in my Course!
If you’re ready to learn more on cloth diapering check out my FREE Guide in my New Mom bundle, which is packed with other FREE printable and editable materials for new and expecting mamas.
Just Subscribe below and you will automatically join the list to early access to my Scrunchy Mom courses!
Budget Considerations: Calculate the long-term costs for both options. While cloth diapers require an upfront investment, they can be more economical over time. Disposables offer convenience but can be more expensive in the long run. Cloth diapering is a frugal commitment I made for my family that contributes to the ability to stay home with my babies!
Practicality and Lifestyle: Consider your lifestyle and how much time you can commit to diaper laundry. Disposables are “hassle-free”, while cloth diapers require regular washing. Though, you either take out the diaper pail bag, or you throw the load in the wash, and refold at the end of the cycle for the next day. It’s not really that much of an added step or concession to make when you consider all of the benefits.
Both cloth and disposable diapers have their advantages and drawbacks. Cloth diapers are environmentally friendly and cost-effective but require a little maintenance. Disposables offer convenience and no guess leak protection but contribute to landfill waste and can be far more costly over time. Choose the option that best fits your family’s needs and lifestyle. Whether you opt for cloth, disposables, or a combination of both, the goal is to find what works best for you and your baby. I absolutely believe in every mom’s ability to make cloth diapering work for their lifestyle and have found the perfect method to easily incorporate a combination approach. Share this guide with your friends, and if you found this guide helpful, and don’t forget subscribe HERE to see my FREE Guide to Cloth Diapering for your next step in the decision-making process, and sign up for early access to my course!
