Cloth Diapers

Some mothers on tight budgets have found cloth diapers to be the perfect way to cut costs. Most mothers will change 7.4 diapers each day. The average cost of disposable diapers is $8.89 for a 56-count package of size 1 diapers, or 16 cents per diaper. Using generic disposables can cost cheaper, though, with some estimates at 50 percent less. Cloth diapers vary in price. For a two day supply for the entire diapering period, the cost can be as low as $100, and averaging around $500. With some of the more expensive cloth diapering systems now available, a cloth diaper crazed mommy could easily spend $1000. While some cloth diapers come in different sizes, some cheaper versions are a one-size fits all that can be used the entire two years. If the diapers are used on subsequent children, their cost drops as well. Cloth diapers, non-lined, are sold in packages of 12 for about $6.78, or 56 cents per diaper. In addition to the cloth diapers you will need plastic pants and diaper pins. An optional product to buy is diaper liners. Liners are designed to line the diaper and then to be thrown away. Cloth diapers will wear out over time, however most will last more than a year.

In addition to saving money, mothers who are concerned about the effects disposable diapers have on the environment have also turned to cloth diapers because they are reusable and recyclable. They are reusable not only in the sense that they can be washed and used again but you can also reuse them with subsequent children. They are recyclable in that once the kids have been potty trained, diapers can be used to dust, polish, and clean around the house or even resold to other mothers.

“It's so soft on my daughter's bottom, and I feel better not putting diapers in the landfill," Cylinda Areno (Logan University 5th Ward, Logan University 2nd Stake, USA) said. My husband says it feels good to not throw a quarter away every time you change a diaper.”

“…cloth started out being about my son's rash and about saving 60 dollars a month that we were spending on disposables," Erin Baxter (Edwards Ward, Lancaster California Stake, USA) said. "Now I've learned so much more. It really isn't as difficult... I love the feeling of knowing I am also doing something good for Mother Earth and saving her from two tons of fecal bombs that will take hundreds of years to decompose.”

Melisa Rechenmacher, Joshua Ward, East Lancaster California Stake, USA, had a unique reason for using cloth over disposable. While she has three children, she has only used cloth for one of them. Her daughter was allergic to the gel material found in disposable diapers. Due to the allergy, cloth was the only choice.

Another mom found cloth diapers were the answers to her son's diaper rash dilemma.

“My son at 4-months-old had chronic diaper rash and it wouldn't go away no matter how often we changed [the diaper] or what creams we used,” says Erin Baxter (Edwards Ward, Lancaster California Stake, USA). “The day we switched to cloth the rash went away and hasn't been back since.”

Cloth diapers are also gentle on the baby’s skin. Cotton diapers allow air to circulate to baby’s skin. They are naturally absorbent and put less friction on the baby’s skin thereby reducing the chances of a diaper rash.

Leesa Johnson, Solomon Ward, South Mesa Arizona Stake, USA, didn’t necessarily turn to cloth diapers for cost or to save the environment or to combat diaper rash, but for a reason that should be considered as well, “Cute diaper covers!!”

Covers are made waterproof or water-resistant materials that help prevent leaks. They are sometimes referred to as "plastic pants." Some companies allow you to personalize the designs and colors. An option not offered with disposable diapers.

“The thing I love about [cloth diapers] is that it is fun! Yes fun!" Kaelynn Sant (Crestview Ward, Richland Washington Stake, USA) said. "My son and I love picking out the perfect diaper. He loves cats, and when ever I get out his kitty diaper, he starts to say ‘meow.’ Or when I take out his dragon diaper, he roars.”

These aren’t your mother’s (or grandmother’s) diapers. Cloth diapering is much easier today than 50 years ago. Some cloth-diapering moms even claim it’s fun. While pickings are slim in department stores and supermarkets, the cloth diaper selection on the Internet is limitless. There are a variety of systems available, from absorbent old-fashioned prefolds, to fitted diapers fastened by Velcro or snaps with a cover made of soft fleece, to one piece systems with an absorbent core and water proof outer layer. Diapers and covers can be found in any print or theme imaginable. Many of these Internet companies are run by work-at-home-moms who offer package deals and are more than happy to help anyone learn the ins and outs of cloth diapering.

Another way that cloth diapers are available is the through a diaper service. They tend to be about the same price per month as buying disposable diapers. Some require the diapers to be rinsed, some do not. The requirements and availability differ from area to area and from company to company.

Leesa adds, “I like the idea of being able to potty train babies a little earlier, since they are aware of being wet.”

This should be considered when comparing price between the two. The sooner you’re able to potty train your child, the sooner you’ll be able to stop paying for diapers. With new Pampers Feel and Learn® disposal training pants, though, this might no longer be an argument. The new disposal training pants claim to allow children to feel wet similar to cloth diapers.

These are some really great benefits, but there are also a few drawbacks to consider.

One of the biggest complaints is that using cloth diapers require too much work. Although, Leesa Johnson is using a diaper service, her husband is worried about the inconvenience of cleaning. With disposables all you have to do is take it off and toss it. Cloth diapers require almost daily laundering to meet supply and demand.

Let's face it, no one wants to clean a dirty diaper if you don't have too. On top of daily laundering, some mothers find cloth diapers really hard to clean. And when it comes to “poopy” diapers, some moms think it just too messy.

When asked what she dislikes about cloth diapering, Carla Veinot (Yarmouth Branch, Dartmouth Novia Scotia Stake) said, “Honestly, just the poopy ones, the toddler ones to be more specific, but the way I look at it, its something you deal with when you have a child in diapers.”

“It's not as gross as I thought it would be," Serenity Chandler (Alma Ward, Fort Worth Arkansas Stake, USA) said. "Even though I was committed to doing it, I was afraid it would be nasty…There is absolutely no smell. It's so nice!”

Most cloth-diapering moms keep their diapers in a dry diaper pail. With a few sprinkles of baking soda, there is virtually no smell.

Another concern is the inconvenience when traveling or going out. You don’t have the luxury of having a sterile pail available to toss your soiled diaper in. Many mothers are also concerned about leaks, since a cloth diaper doesn’t offer that extra protection like disposables. Some moms like Leesa opt to use cloth diapers exclusively at home and disposables when going out.

Cloth diapers aren't completely environment-friendly, however. Consider the amount energy and water it takes to clean cloth diapers. Some say this can be seen as a drain on the environment. One estimate of washing diapers for one child would be $5 a month.

One of the most obvious advantages of disposable diapers is the convenience. They can be used anywhere, anytime, and you don’t have to worry about laundering them.

Another advantage may not be so obvious and that is cost. When considering the cost of labor for home laundering or a diaper service, it may be cheaper to use cloth diapers. It may also be cheaper to use disposable diapers when you consider the cost of fashionable cloth diapers that come in varying styles (flat, fitted, all-in-ones) and designs. Also, there are many generic-brand diapers that cost as much as 50 percent less than their name-brand counterparts. Also, since disposable diapers are more absorbent than cloth, they don't have to be changed as often, thus using less diapers than cloth.

Finally, although cloth diapers can reduce risk of diaper rashes, disposable diapers have been found to decrease the risk of spreading infections, especially in daycare settings.

According to a study featured in the the Journal of Pediatrics (Sept 1979) of one-month-old infants found 54 percent of those using single-use diapers had rashes, 16 percent of those were categorized as severe. Alternately, only 18 percent of those using cloth diapers had rashes and none of them were considered severe. But even cloth can cause rashes if they are not changed enough or properly cleaned. (See side bar.) Chemicals in the disposal diapers such as sodium polyacrylate, a chemical found in the absorbent gel or dioxin, which is a byproduct of bleaching paper, can cause allergic reaction for some babies. Proctor and Gamble, the largest disposable diaper manufacturer, did their own study and discovered that diaper rashes had increased from 7.1 percent to 61 percent with the use of their own diapers. A wet disposable diaper feels deceptively dry to the touch, and the plastic casing prevents “breathing,” trapping water and ammonia in the diaper, right next to baby’s skin.

There are also long-term effects to be considered. According to her article“Diaper Drama,” Heather L. Sanders says some of the harsh chemicals found in disposables have been known to cause disease in lab animals and cause toxic shock syndrome, and recently Mothering Magazine reported on a study finding a link between disposable diapers and asthma. In addition, the temperature inside a disposable is much higher than inside a cloth diaper, and some medical experts suggest this could be linked to infertility in males later in life.

The environmental debate between cloth and disposable diapers is ongoing. It is estimated that Americans throw away 18 billion disposable diapers a year. They can be biodegradable, however, but only if they are exposed to air. Disposable diapers in landfills contain raw sewage which can contaminate local water supply. Many parents might be surprised to find disclaimers on diaper packages instructing solid waste to be rinsed from disposable diapers and flushed down the toilet.

Ultimately, parents must base their decision on their own individual likes and dislikes. If cost isn’t an issue, then you may decide to go with disposable diapers. If your baby has sensitive skin, then you may prefer the gentleness of cloth diapers. The choice is yours. And if necessary you can change your mind or opt for both. Basically, that’s what matters most, no matter what you decide, you have a choice