Diapers – Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers

Choose which kind of diaper you’re going to be using before your newborn arrives. That way you can have plenty of diapers on hand. On average, newborns go through about 10 diapers a day!

Making Your Decision

Here are some items to think about as you choose what type of diapers to use:

• Cost. The cost of a diaper service is about the same as the cost of using disposable diapers. Laundering cloth diapers at home can save you some money but will take up more of your time.
• Keeping your baby dry. Cloth diapers may be less effective than disposable diapers in keeping wetness away from your baby’s skin. If you do choose cloth diapers make sure that you change them right after they become wet or soiled. You may want to consider using disposable diapers during times when it will be less convenient to change cloth diapers frequently, such as on trips or overnight.
• Leaks. Disposable diapers can be more effective at preventing leaks and for preventing germs from spreading. That is one reason why many child care centers require parents to use disposables instead of cloth diapers.

Cloth Diapers

Just as disposable diapers have become thinner and more absorbent over time, cloth diapers have improved dramatically. They can be purchased in a several different absorbencies and textures, with the typical cloth diaper rectangular in shape with a more absorbent center strip.

These diapers are usually fastened with pins, and it’s important to keep your hand between the diaper and your baby to avoid pinching his skin. Some parents use diaper tape instead. Usually cloth diapers are covered with a waterproof pant to reduce the chance of leaks but you can also find cloth diapers that come with their own outside wrapping.

• Diaper Services. Look for one that will pick up dirty diapers and drop off clean ones twice a week.
• Home laundry. If you decide to wash your cloth diapers at home be sure and keep them separated from other laundry and wash them by themselves after soaking for thirty minutes in a detergent-bleach mixture.

Disposable Diapers

Typically these are a combination of an absorbent core, an inner liner that lies next to the skin, and a waterproof outer layer that prevents leaks. Some diapers are so absorbent that it is harder to tell when your baby is wet, so if you choose disposables make sure to check them frequently.