When it comes to what’s best for babies, the choice of diapers is included in the priority list. Some parents stick with cloth diapers while others find it an inconvenience for them. The issue on what type of diaper to use remains a debatable topic among parents. Here are the benefits and setbacks of cloth diapering.
List of Pros of Cloth Diapers
1. It comes with a myriad of choices and prevents rashes on babies.
Supporters of using cloth diapers like the fact that these products are available in different materials like cotton and flannel which make it easier for parents to choose which material is best for their infants. Moreover, since they are from natural materials as opposed to disposable diapers which can cause rashes on babies, cloth diapers are not irritating on the skin since they are soft.
2. It is environment-friendly.
Advocates and environmentalists prefer the use of cloth diapers over over-the-counter disposable diapers because these diapers are washable so there is no need to add to the tons of garbage disposed by households. They say that this is good for the environment and minimizes pollution. Tons of disposable diapers are being thrown on a daily basis all over the world and by using diapers made from cloth, the problem of garbage disposal is somewhat addressed.
3. It is cost-effective.
Unlike its alternative, cloth diapers are less expensive since they can be used over and over again. Moms who prefer these diapers contend the views of those who say washing cloth diapers is a lot of work. They say that on the contrary, it is easy to wash. One just has to know how to go about it and have a wash day for the used ones.
List of Cons of Cloth Diapers
1. It is an added expense on water and electricity bills.
People who are not comfortable with using cloth diapers say that babies can get wet and will need diaper changing often. This means having to do more laundry which may not only take more time but also result to more consumption on supplies, water and electricity.
2. It can be cumbersome to use cloth diapers at night and outside the home.
Parents who are not fans of cloth diapers say that they would rather use disposable diapers at night and when they have to leave the home with an infant or baby because some kids get wet several times a day and this can be a lot of work unlike the convenience they have using diapers they will just have to throw. The same goes for instances when they need to change their child’s diaper in malls or public places. They also added that cloth diaper can be bulky and take much space.
3. It is hard to carry dirty diapers in bags.
Critics of cloth diapers say that another setback of using them instead of disposable ones is the inconvenience of having to put wet and smelly piece of cloth inside the bag. And although some have inserts, these linings can be too large if the infant is just small. Some also find it hard to use snaps unlike disposable diapers which are easy to put on.
Conclusion
Cloth diapers have improved over the years and there are still many parents who use or have gone back to using them. However, there are also those who prefer disposable ones. With the pros and cons of both, it might be wise to use both depending on where and when the need arises.