When my pregnant daughter told me her and her husband were considering using cloth diapers instead of disposables, I thought she was crazy. Why go through all that poopy mess and endless washing and bleaching when you can just wrap it up and throw it away? I thought I’d better do my due diligence as a new Grandma and investigate the pros of cloth diapers.
Better for the Environment
Disposable diapers account for 3.4 million tons of landfill waste per year. That statement alone should be enough to persuade you, but also consider they are filled with chemicals, gels and dyes that can eventually leak into our environment. Cloth diapers will use a bit more water and electricity to clean but if you have a high efficiency washer or use a diaper service that is designed for that purpose, it will be better for Mother Earth in the long run.
Cost Effective
Cloth diapers where the initial investment might be upwards of $300-$500, depending on the type can last from birth to potty training and if well taken care of, can be used for subsequent children. A disposable diaper, being a one-time use option, can cost upwards of $2000 for that same period.
Easier to Potty Train
Modern day cloth diapers are made from a variety of materials, everything from cotton flannel and terry cloth to bamboo and unbleached hemp. All soft against your baby’s tush and where perhaps not quite as absorbent as disposables, your little one can feel when their wet and this uncomfortable feeling can lead to wanting to learn to use the toilet at an earlier age.
So taking all these things into consideration, I can see where a young expectant couple might choose the “retro” approach and choose cloth over disposables. At first, I just couldn’t see past the convenience of disposables, but with the best interest of my new grandchild in mind, I now see the advantages. And as a bonus, they come with Velcro, no more pins!
Sharon Ogle 