I've been debating the use of cloth versus disposable diapers since I found out I was pregnant. Don't worry, not EVERY post on this blog is going to be about baby stuff from here on out. But, it is a very real concern for us twenty-somethings.
You've probably gathered that I try to be healthy, clean and green with most things that I do. Whether it's eating, buying appliances or choosing my cleaning products. But I'm not an extremest. I simply choose the healthier/greener option when possible (and realistically affordable) and try to do my part as a conscious human being. Having said that, can my conscious handle producing tons of diaper waste? Will I be okay with throwing away diaper after diaper knowing it will end up in a landfill? I'm not so sure... And how will buying all those disposables ultimately affect my wallet?
Just like many other decision I'll be facing when stepping into parenthood, I'll have to determine what option works best for my budget, my lifestyle, and my baby. Below are some of my thoughts on the subject. I'd love your feedback and experiences!!
Cloth Diapers
In a perfect world I'd be able to toss the dirty cloth diapers in a bag, leave it on my front door for the laundry service and come home to clean diapers! No waste and very little hassle. The truth of the situation is that diaper services can be expensive not to mention we don't even have one in the Bluffton, SC area. Therefore, soiled diapers would have to be dipped in the toilet to be rinsed, and then tossed in the diaper pail. Laundry would have to be done more frequently to keep the pail (and the rest of my house) from getting too funky. So my already overwhelming laundry load just grew exponentially. The upside here is that my brand new washer does have a sanitizing cycle perfect for diapers. SCORE!
Another perk to opting for cloth over plastic is that cotton is more breathable to the baby's skin and can really help cut back on diaper rash. The cotton should also be free of irritating fragrances and chemicals that, quite frankly, do concern me a bit. I wouldn't want to put something plastic on my skin everyday. I just picture a sweaty toosh under that disposable diaper. Doesn't sound too comfortable.
The final thing that has me leaning toward cloth diapers is that it can save you a TON of money. That's only if you stick with it, however. (Investing a bunch of money in cloth diapers and deciding you don't want to deal with it after a while will end up costing you MORE money). I read a great article online that breaks down the costs of both disposable and cloth diapers. The average person, shopping one of the leading diaper brands in a typical bargain store can expect to spend around $2700 on diapers. Please keep in mind that this is a very general number, as some children are in diapers longer, some shorter, etc.
The average cost for cloth diapering, including energy and water costs for washing 3 times a week, is anywhere from $1300 to $2500 depending on the brand of diapers you choose and how many you buy. Around 36 seems to be the number that is recommended for cloth diapers, and I'm sure I'd be closer to the $1300 range.
In a perfect world I'd be able to toss the dirty cloth diapers in a bag, leave it on my front door for the laundry service and come home to clean diapers! No waste and very little hassle. The truth of the situation is that diaper services can be expensive not to mention we don't even have one in the Bluffton, SC area. Therefore, soiled diapers would have to be dipped in the toilet to be rinsed, and then tossed in the diaper pail. Laundry would have to be done more frequently to keep the pail (and the rest of my house) from getting too funky. So my already overwhelming laundry load just grew exponentially. The upside here is that my brand new washer does have a sanitizing cycle perfect for diapers. SCORE!
Another perk to opting for cloth over plastic is that cotton is more breathable to the baby's skin and can really help cut back on diaper rash. The cotton should also be free of irritating fragrances and chemicals that, quite frankly, do concern me a bit. I wouldn't want to put something plastic on my skin everyday. I just picture a sweaty toosh under that disposable diaper. Doesn't sound too comfortable.
The final thing that has me leaning toward cloth diapers is that it can save you a TON of money. That's only if you stick with it, however. (Investing a bunch of money in cloth diapers and deciding you don't want to deal with it after a while will end up costing you MORE money). I read a great article online that breaks down the costs of both disposable and cloth diapers. The average person, shopping one of the leading diaper brands in a typical bargain store can expect to spend around $2700 on diapers. Please keep in mind that this is a very general number, as some children are in diapers longer, some shorter, etc.
The average cost for cloth diapering, including energy and water costs for washing 3 times a week, is anywhere from $1300 to $2500 depending on the brand of diapers you choose and how many you buy. Around 36 seems to be the number that is recommended for cloth diapers, and I'm sure I'd be closer to the $1300 range.
Disposable Diapers
This is the most convenient diaper you can choose. You simply throw it away when you're done. The manufacturing and disposal of these diapers creates 2.3 times as must waste as cloth diapers, however. The average baby will go through over 7,000 diapers that will end up in landfills. It is unknown how long they take to decompose.
Conclusion
I really haven't come to a conclusion on this yet. Is convenience more important than being able to recycle and my baby's comfort?
Also, does it make sense to use disposable diapers in the beginning, when the baby's poop is mostly liquid, and then switch to cloth later? I've read in some blog posts that cloth diapers may have to be broken in a bit to prevent leaking. I know I definitely don't want runny poop leaking everywhere!
I'd love some tips and advice on this subject if you can offer any. It's definitely something that Doug and I will be thinking long and hard about over the next few months.
Hmmmm,
ReplyDeleteWonderful blog and soooo glad you are who you are. I think I should move to S.C. and open my own diaper service!!!!
But since I cannot do that.... I will just say that I used cloth diapers (which now have velcro -so you do not have to worry about diapers pins opening). I do agree that disposable diapers are in order for the newborn. Newborns eat about every 4 hours (which is why puppies are not a good idea when babies are coming).... This amount of diaper washing can be discouraging to a new mom and may be discouraging. Once the baby starts sleeping through the night, cloth diapers are the best for the same reasons you mentioned. So proud that you and Doug are considering not only your baby and finances, but also the environment. <3
I also made my own baby food and put it in ice cube trays, then zip lock bags. It was very easy and I knew that the fruits and veges were fresh and had no additives! :)