Make the Switch to Modern Cloth Diapers

Disposable diapers were developed by Marion Donovan in 1950, and they are the most common method of diapering used today. Have you ever considered making the switch from disposable diapers (nappies) to modern cloth nappies (diapers)? Do you think it would pose a problem or be an inconvenience?  If so, let’s take a look at the advantages of using modern cloth diapers over disposables.

Advantages

• They are generally made from bamboo or hemp, which is cheaper to grow than cotton, uses less water and no fertilisers.
• They are more absorbent than cotton, so your baby can be changed less often.
• They are economical. Buy a set and they will last you for months.
• No nappy pails are needed; simply leave them until you are ready to wash them.
• Disposable liners are available in both plastic and cloth, to obviate the need to shake out the diapers.
• They are more environmentally friendly.
• Whether you choose all-in-ones, fitted cloth diapers or and pocket diapers, they are made to fit your baby and are usually fastened with Velcro or snaps.
• They are easy to wash, use only half the normal soap powder (excess will cause them to smell), no bleach, no hot water, simply wash them as usual (hang them in the sun to dry for sterilisation).
• They are attractive, affordable and can be worn with “Baby Legs” (leg warmers) which show them off without sacrificing comfort.
• They are made with plastic liners, so there will be no ‘leaking’ problems.
• There are also pre-folded modern cloth diapers which make an easy, comfortable fit for your baby.

Disadvantages

• They need to be washed and hung to dry, so they take a little more care to use.

Advantages of Using Disposable diapers

• They are easy to use and easily disposable.

Disadvantages of using disposable diapers

• They may seem economical, but once used they are discarded, so the costs add up over time.
• They are bad for the environment, as they take over 400 years to break down.
• Countless landfills have numerous amounts of disposable diapers.
• The carbon cost for production alone is higher than for the entire life cycle of modern cloth diapers.

It is obvious that the benefits of using modern cloth diapers far outweigh the drawbacks.  It is therefore easier to make a healthy, conscious decision towards a better environment for our children and to having more money in our pockets.