Disposable Diapers Vs. Non-Disposable
Though disposable diapers have been the norm since the 1980s, the advent of newer styles of cloth diapers has sparked a resurgence in the use of cloth to diaper a baby. Parents, though, might wonder if this choice is the right one for them, and whether or not the benefits are worth the initial investment.
Other People Are Reading
-
Identification
-
Cloth diapers and disposable diapers are both used to absorb a baby's urine and feces. Disposable diapers can be thrown away after one use. Their ingredients include petroleum, polypropylene, polyethylene, processed wood pulp, absorbent gelling material and perfume. Cloth diapers are made from cotton, bamboo, flannel, velour, hemp or fleece, depending on the type and brand.
Types
-
Disposable diapers vary by brand, but all of them are generally shaped the same way. Simple disposable diapers have a basic plastic cover, and more expensive brands have a cotton feel or cartoon characters to appeal to older toddlers. Cloth diapers come in several different style and colors, including flats, prefolds, contours, fitteds, all-in-ones and pockets. Cloth diapers without a waterproof layer require a diaper cover, which is usually made of polyurethane laminate, fleece or wool. Those searching for a middle ground can also choose hybrid diapers. These diapers have a washable outer layer with a flushable absorbing layer.
-
Considerations
-
According to the New Parents' Guide, cloth diapers have evolved and aren't as leaky or unattractive as they used to be. Many parents also wonder if cloth diapers might be a cheaper option. The New Parents' Guide says that inexpensive disposable diapers cost approximately $50 to $80 a month as of 2001, and the cost to launder one's diapers can vary based on an area's utility costs. Also, cloth diaper users have the initial expense of purchasing diapers. While expensive diapers might cost as much as $25 per diaper, Jennifer Margulis, author of "The Diaper Dilemma," says that frugal parents can still buy one to three dozen prefolds and two or three covers in the baby's size. Also, cloth diaper users can reuse their diapers for subsequent children.
Benefits
-
Some children are sensitive to soaps, and might have fewer rashes with disposable diapers. In addition, if they're not washed properly, cloth diapers might contain buildup that could hurt a sensitive baby's skin.
On the other hand, Margulis claims that the chemicals found in disposable diapers are more likely to cause the average baby to experience diaper rash. The New Parents' Guide says that the "Journal of Pediatrics" reported that 54 percent of newborn babies who used disposable diapers had a diaper rash in their first month.
Theories/Speculation
-
Traditional disposable diapers contain dioxin, which can be toxic for the baby and environmentally hazardous, Margulis says. The World Health Organization claims that dioxin has serious consequences for developing fetuses.
Proponents of disposable diapers claim that cloth diapers also have an environmental impact, as they must be washed. The New Parents' Guide, however, says the water used to launder diapers in the home is akin to four or five toilet flushes.
-
References
- Photo Credit Baby playing in Diaper image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
