The debate surrounding disposable diapers hasn't gone away since they were introduced. Thirty years ago, mothers had to choose between cloth and disposable diapers; today, they have to choose between cloth and disposable or reusable waterproof diapers.
Which option you choose will depend on your priorities: affordability, environmental impact, or convenience. It is quite possible that you will use different kinds of diapers depending on the circumstances of your life. Let's solve it together.
Your priority is saving time
I. Disposable ultra-absorbent diapers are the clear winner. For starters, they do not need to be changed every time the baby pees; they remain dry for two to three passes. Second, they do not have to be washed. Simply throw them away.
II. Reusable diapers, especially when used with liners, can also withstand more than one urination. However, there will be a need to schedule time for cleaning the liners and diapers.
III. Cloth diapers should be changed immediately because the baby is moist and unpleasant after peeing. The baby's clothes may also need to be changed. Throughout the day, a large amount of laundry is collected. And you can't leave the house with these diapers.
Your priority is saving money
I. Cloth diapers, especially if you sew them yourself, are the cheapest option.
II. Reusable diapers are the most expensive. Waterproof diapers, priced between $10 and $20 per piece, are ideal for babies aged 0 to 2 years old and have adjustable snaps. Two packs of six to eight diapers should be adequate for the duration of infancy.
III. Disposable diapers are sold in large packs. On average, they cost 29 cents each. However, you use approximately 5 to 10 diapers per day. If you used 6,000 diapers in the first two years, it would cost around $1,740.
Your priority is the environment
If every baby uses 8-12 diapers each day, 3.5 million tons of non-degradable trash will end up in landfills each year [1].
However, reusable and cloth diapers need regular washing, the use of synthetic detergents, and, since we're talking about the baby's skin, thorough rinsing — such high water consumption causes virtually as many environmental problems as landfills [1]. Diapers made of cotton, a highly moisture-intensive crop, must also account for the amount of water consumed in the manufacturing process [2].
So we can't decide which type of diapers is the most environmentally friendly.
Photo: shutterstock
