Cloth Diapers

From LoveToKnow Baby

The debate over cloth diapers versus disposable diapers continues to rage among manufacturers and parents. Which one should you choose? Before you make a snap decision, you might be interested to know that there is a wider variety of cloth diapers than many people are aware of.

Cloth Versus Disposable

If you've talked to proponents of either cloth or disposable diapers, you might have discovered that they are emphatically in one corner or the other. Choosing cloth over disposable or vice versa continues to be an ongoing debate, and new parents may choose their baby's diapers without ever considering the alternatives. There are pros and cons to using either type of diaper. Considering the fact that your baby will need approximately 6000 diaper changes in her lifetime, the choice is a serious one.

Positives

There are actually several reasons why parents sing the praises of cloth diapers. The pros are many, and if you read all of them, you might be inclined to make the switch!

Cheap, Cheap, Cheap-That's right! Disposable diapers can put a dent in your weekly budget. Although you may have to factor in laundry detergent and more laundry use, any way you look at it, cloth diapers are cheaper, and they'll save you money.
Hand-Me-Downs-Although you'll pay more initially for cloth diapers, keep in mind that they can be used over and over again. In fact, you can use them again when you add another little one to your family!
Easier Potty Training-Are you already dreading potty training? It's something you can't avoid if you have toddlers. Many parents believe that potty training comes a little easier to those children who wear cloth diapers simply because they can feel the moisture and become uncomfortable when they wet themselves.
No More Diaper Rash-While implying that babies who use cloth diapers never experience diaper rash is a bit of an exaggeration, the soft cotton material is more breathable, making the occurrences of diaper rash less frequent.
Save the Landfills- Many proponents of cloth diapers use this argument repeatedly. It's true, however, that disposable diapers don't decompose easily. When you consider how many babies there are in just the United States, that's a lot of diapers in landfills across the country!

Negatives

Not everything is perfect concerning cloth diapers, however. There are cons, and those who favor disposable diapers are quick to point the negatives out!

Travel Hazards- Let's face it. Using disposables when you travel is certainly more convenient.
Daycare Bans-Most daycares will not allow children to use cloth diapers. We can all understand why!
Messy Options-You will have a lot more laundry to do unless you hire a diaper service.

Types of Cloth Diapers

We may remember the diapers of the past that had to be pinned with a diaper pin. There's been many babies who've probably experience a pin prick or two as their moms tried to diaper their wiggly bottoms. Times have changed, however, and so have diapers.

Today, many cloth diapers fasten with velcro, eliminating the need...and risk... of diaper pins. There are a variety of features to be found in cloth diapers.

Flat Diapers-These aren't as popular as the prefolded diapers simply because they require a little more work, and they usually must be fastened with diaper pins. They do dry quicker though.
Prefold Diapers- These diapers are already folded and are typically thicker in the center, offering baby more protection.
Fitted Diapers-These diapers are becoming more and more popular among parents. They usually have elastic around the legs, and the outer material may be decorated in a cute design. Many of these are made from organic material.
All-In-One Diapers-Since many cloth diapers must be used with a protective cover, all-in-one diapers offer a convenient solution. They are actually a diaper and cover made together, and they typically fasten with snaps. They are absorbent and washable, making them a popular choice among cloth diaper lovers.