Advantages And Disadvantages Of Cloth Diapers
Faced with the popular disposable diapers, we find another cheaper option that is environmentally friendly: these are cloth diapers. Once used by our mothers and grandmothers, they were redesigned for the present day.
We detail below their different types and what are their advantages and disadvantages.
Types of cloth diapers
In terms of shape, there is practically no difference between cloth diapers and disposable diapers. The two types are classified into different categories according to the age and weight of the baby.
Apart from that, we can divide the types of cloth diapers according to material:
- Flannel: is extremely soft. Usually comes with buttons for fastening.
- Folded: its main feature is that it consists of several layers, which increases its absorption capacity. They are a little thicker than the other types.
- Flat or shaped: the first is simply a piece of fabric secured with staples to the front. The other, in turn, is similar, but has a more curved shape to better adapt to the body.
- Fitted: its shape is very similar to a disposable diaper. It has an elastic waistband and a clasp.
- Refillable: this curious model has a space to add a pad. Its main benefit is that it dries faster than the others.
All these models have a common feature: they come with a cover whose function is to prevent necessities from coming into contact with the clothes. Like diapers, they also come in various sizes and different zipper designs.
Advantages of Cloth Diapers
First, there is an aspect that cannot be ignored about these baby items: they are cheaper than disposable ones. Anyone who is a mother knows that the price of disposable diapers has increased considerably in recent times.
Certainly, cloth diapers require a bigger investment at the beginning, but the fact that they can be reused ends up outweighing their value. In the end, instead of buying hundreds of disposable diapers, you can buy just 30 rags until your little one learns to use the toilet.
In addition, these diapers are very useful to combat skin irritations in little ones, especially in newborns. This is because they contain less chemicals, cause less diaper rash because they are softer and, because they absorb less, they are changed more often during the day.
Furthermore, there is another great advantage that is not precisely related to the child’s health. By using cloth diapers, we make a huge contribution to the environment. It is estimated that a baby can use more than two thousand kilos of diapers, that is, non-degradable material, until they learn to go to the bathroom.
Disadvantages of cloth diapers
The main disadvantage of these parts is that, of course, you have to wash them frequently. However, contrary to popular belief, it only takes a little water and mild soap to make them usable again. It is not necessary to use any special detergent, much less bleach.
On this subject, a controversial point arises. In a world where water is increasingly scarce, is it worth using this natural resource to clean diapers? This question is gaining more and more space these days.
Likewise, cloth diapers that do not have a good absorbent do not prevent the baby’s needs from leaking out. As a result, you will need to change almost all of your clothes, and in addition, your little one will probably need more showers.
Cloth diaper versus disposable diaper
The aspects we just discussed about cloth diapers contrast with the characteristics of modern disposable diapers.
These, in turn, are characterized by being very practical and super absorbent. The item greater absorption leads to two characteristics that we must analyze: although their price is higher, it is also true that they last longer.
The main weakness has to do with the ecological part, as mentioned earlier. This is clear both in its manufacturing process, in which many natural resources are consumed, and in its treatment.
Disposable diapers are impossible to recycle, and although methods are being developed for this, their decomposition is extremely slow.
In short, it all comes down to a matter of preferences, circumstances and value for money. Each mother must evaluate and choose the option that is most convenient for her case.
On the one hand, we can save money and take care of the environment. And, on the other hand, it is necessary to be more attentive when the babies are using the same diaper.
