The debate between cloth diapers and disposable diapers is still alive and well!  Which is better for your baby?  Which is better for the environment?  Can I really save that much money cloth diapering my baby? New parents ask these types of questions over and over again, year after year.  So, which is better, cloth or disposables?  The answer to this question is like anything and perhaps not that black and white as it truly is an individual decision. Although, in recent years, there have been a growing number of families choosing cloth diapers over disposables.  Below find just some of the reasons why many families have made the switch to cloth:

– - Financial – It is estimated that disposable diapers & wipes cost approximately $2500 – $3000 per child.  This estimate can be even higher, depending upon when he/she potty learns.  You can cloth diaper a child from birth to potty learning for under $400. That is a difference of $1900!  And this is not just a one-time savings, this is $2100 per child or perhaps even more if you consider that cloth diapers can typically be used for your first child, second child and so on (depending on your wash routine; number of diapers in your stash; etc).   In addition to the amazing upfront cost savings, you can sell your cloth diapers when your little one has learned to use the potty; recouping a good portion of your initial investment.  The total investment in cloth diapering will of course vary for each family, depending upon which diapers you choose, how many you purchase, etc.  But in almost any scenario, you will save money cloth diapering and lots of it!

– - Better for Baby – Cloth diapers are better for your baby for a number of reasons.   Cloth diapers are made of soft, non-chemical materials such as cotton, hemp or bamboo while disposable diapers contain potentially harmful chemicals like dioxin, which has been linked to cancer, birth defects, liver damage, genetic disorders and skin diseases.  Disposable diapers also contain chemicals like TBT, a toxin and absorbent polymer like that found in tampons, which has been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome.  Studies have also shown that disposable diapers may be linked to male infertility and asthma in children as discussed in these articles:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/941174.stm ;  http://www.webmd.com/news/19991018/disposable-diapers-linked-to-asthma-like-conditions-in-mice-news.  In addition to these articles, parents should do their your own research to learn more about the benefits of cloth diapering and the potential concerns and negative impacts of disposable diapers.

– - Better for the Environment – It is estimated that nearly 20 billion disposable diapers are tossed into our landfills each year where they sit undegraded for several hundred years!  The majority of these diapers that consume our landfills contain human waste, which in most states, is illegal to dispose of in our landfills (the law is unenforced as it relates to diapers). There is concern that this human waste could leach out and infest our water with bacteria and diseases.  As you research the impact of disposable diapers on our environment, you will find several studies, typically funded by cloth diapering companies, which state that disposable diapers do not negatively impact the environment, or at least do not do so more than cloth diapers.  Independent research of the same data states otherwise. Some argue that cloth diapering families use large amounts of water to wash their diapers which has a negative impact on the environment as well; however, they neglect to mention that the manufacturing of disposable diapers uses far more water.  It is true that your household will use more water when cloth diapering but there are many important things to consider.  First and foremost, your family will wash far less clothing than a disposable diapering family as cloth diapered babies have few to no “diaper explosions”  from birth to potty learning.  Disposable diapers are well-known for their poo escapes which make a terrible mess of several outfits, sometimes 2-3 or more times a day!  Again, one of the biggest considerations to remember, nearly 20 billion diapers per year!  Check out the following articles for more information on disposable diapers and the environment:   http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php ; http://augustafreepress.com/2009/01/19/earth-talk-the-environmental-impact-of-disposable-diapers/ , as well as do your own research, to learn more about the benefits of cloth diapering and the potential concerns and negative impacts of disposable diapers on our environment.

– - Cloth Diapers look adorable and are so much fun! – Yes, the word fun to describe diapering!  Cloth diapering your baby today is very different from the way cloth diapering was done years ago.  There are so many fun colors and prints available to choose from and a variety of different fabrics and types of diapers; the possibilities for an adorable, eco-friendly bum are endless!

The Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers debate is certain to continue on this year, next year, the year after that and so on.  Our family made the switch to cloth after much research and simply trying a few cloth diapers for a few weeks, before falling in love with the idea of no more disposables!  Do your own research, talk with family and friends, and hopefully you will come to the same decision, that cloth diapering is the best choice for your family too!  Happy Diapering