Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

Whether to use disposable or cloth diapers is a controversial issue. Disposable diapers have become extremely popular in our country. However, disposable diapers use valuable natural resources and after one use are thrown into already overflowing landfills. Let's compare disposable diapers with cloth diapers.

• Rashes. The rates of diaper rash from both kinds of diapers are about the same.
• Pins. Disposable diapers don't require diaper pins. But you don't need diaper pins for cloth diapers either if you buy diaper covers with Velcro straps.
• Convenience. Disposable diapers are very convenient. They make it easier to travel with a baby and they help day care centers be more efficient. Also, super absorbent disposable diapers do not leak.
• Cost. The average cost of disposable diapers is about 20 cents a diaper. Cloth diapers from a diaper service cost about 12 cents a diaper. If you wash your own diapers the cost is about 3 cents a diaper after the initial purchase. A diaper service will save you over $500 per child. Washing your own diapers will save you over $1200 per child.
• Wetness. If you are breast-feeding you may want to know how often your baby wets so that you can determine whether your baby is getting enough breast milk. It is easy to know when a cloth diaper is wet. It is more difficult to know when a disposable diaper is wet.

If you have a washer and dryer, you may want to use cloth diapers. You will need three to six dozen cloth diapers as well as several diaper covers or plastic pants. You will also need a diaper pail for storing dirty diapers until wash time. (Regardless of the type of diaper you use, you should scrape bowel movements into the toilet for sanitary reasons.)

Which kind of diaper should you use? You may want to take advantage of both options. Use cloth diapers when you are home. Use disposable diapers when you are traveling or as a backup if you run out of clean cloth diapers. Use disposable diapers when your child has diarrhea because they prevent leakage of watery stools. Some parents prefer disposable diapers at night because they are leak-proof. During the first 2 or 3 months of an infant's life, when most mothers are exhausted by new baby care, consider using a diaper service rather than washing diapers yourself. You will find that modern diaper services are efficient, provide excellent sterilized diapers, and pick up dirty diapers once a week.