When comparing cloth diapers or disposable ones, they certainly both have their own benefits and drawbacks. I personally find both to be very helpful at various times during baby’s development.
For example, it can be convenient to use a health conscious/eco-friendly disposable option during the first couple of weeks after birth while baby expels all the sticky tar-like poo from their little body.
Once that tar-like meconium is out of their system, however, their poop becomes much easier to clean off a cloth diaper. Also, surprisingly enough, breastfed babies have very sweet somewhat pleasant smelling poops! So washing infant diapers really isn’t much of a hardship.
Their diapers do get a little stinkier as baby gets older and starts eating food (or using formula) but by that time mom and dad pretty much have the routine down and aren’t bothered by smelly poos.
One major reason many parents try to avoid disposable diapers is because of the health risks posed by the chemicals used in production touching baby’s skin. Many studies have been done to test for unsafe properties in disposable diapers, and multiple are often present — including several known carcinogens.
If you are interested in learning more about risks posed by disposable diapers and healthier options, check out EWG’s Healthy Living: Guide to Safer Diapers.
If you are looking for a more health conscious, environmentally friendly diaper for the newborn days, I’d suggest choosing a fragrance free, chlorine free option such as Honest or Healthy Baby.
Now, I imagine you really don’t want to have to keep buying diapers for the next two+ years, as diapers become VERY expensive, VERY quickly. Babies tend to go through about 2,500 to 3,000 diapers a year, which is hard on both your budget and the environment.
It costs roughly $1,000 per year to diaper one child, whereas a onetime purchase of about 21 cloth diapers from a higher quality brand such as Nora’s Nursery will cost you less than $300.
Speaking from experience, 21 cloth diapers should be just the right amount to get you through before needing a wash (though more can’t hurt, if you want to add a few sets to your registry)!
Personally, my babies go around wearing only their cloth diapers on warmer days as the patterns are so cute and durable. Also, they last forever! Or at least, a very long time. My daughter is now wearing a combination of new diapers as well as hand-me-downs from her big brother, cousins, and older family members!
Diapers from brands like Nora’s Nursery last from newborn to two years of age, so no need to buy more unless you want to (even for subsequent children). Cloth diapers specifically for newborns or older children are out there too if needed.
When it comes to the day to day using cloth diapers, it’s up to you how you want to use them. One option that helps save funds is to use cloth while at home, and have disposables on hand for when you’re out or on a long trip. I’ve used cloth while on long trips and it’s not too bad! I simply put them in a bag and wash them next time I get the chance.
Cloth diapers come with “wet bags” that are reusable, so you can wash the bag along with your load of diapers and it’s ready to go for next time.
Many parents spray off poopy diapers before throwing them in the wash. You can do this using a laundry sink, an outdoor hose, or a nifty toilet attachment!
I absolutely love my Bidet Sprayer and “Spray Pal” because they’re so easy to use. Just attach the sprayer to your water line going into the toilet, place the diaper in your spray pal, and spray off the diaper right into the toilet! Then drop into your basket and off to the washer it goes.
Regardless of which type of cloth diaper you get, try to follow the directions for washing. Diapers usually last longer when hang dried, but do what works best for you and the brand you have.
It is important that your wash machine is working well — the only time I ever had an issue with my diapers not getting clean enough was when my washer wasn’t functioning well. It was very old and we desperately needed a new one! Our diapers have stayed very clean ever since buying a new machine. ♥️
Thanks for reading! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’d be happy to talk with you.
Sincerely,
Destany
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