When it comes to choosing between reusable or disposable diapers, there are many things to consider. Which ones will prevent my child from getting rashes? Are reusable diapers better for the environment than disposable ones? If my son just had a circumcision, which ones should I use? These are very common questions that most parents consider before making a choice. In order to help you with your decision, here is a list of factors that parents usually take into consideration, and have examined the pros and cons for both reusable and disposable diapers.
Environmental Impact
In terms of the environment, both options have an impact. During the manufacturing process, disposable diapers are made using resources like trees and plastics, and once they have been used, they are thrown away and left to collect in landfills. Meanwhile, reusable diapers are viewed as the more eco-friendly choice because they are used more than once. However, it is important to note that washing reusable diapers uses lots of water and electricity, which is also harmful to our planet.
Health
Reusable diapers have a soft and gentle feel, which make them perfect for sensitive skin, but they are not as absorbent as their competition. Disposable diapers have been proven to be more effective in preventing the most common types of diaper rashes, such as irritant dermatitis, which occurs due to the moisture from urine and feces that does not get absorbed, but rather stays stuck against the skin. If you choose to have your infant son circumcised, it is often recommended to use disposable diapers during the healing process due to their effective absorbency. They help keep the area dry and clean, are more breathable and less irritating, and reduce the risk of infection.
Cost
When it comes to cost, reusable diapers have the upper hand. Most parents who use this option usually have around 20 to 30 diapers that they reuse for their child in their diaper-wearing years, which comes out to a general estimate of $300. However, this does not include utility costs, such as the price of water, electricity, and gas for washing. On the other hand, you will inevitably spend more money if you choose to use disposable diapers, where you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $850 per year per year, depending on the brand you choose.
Potty Training
As previously mentioned, disposable diapers are better at absorbing fluids. While this can be a good thing, it can cause problems for potty training. Since they are a lot more absorbent, the baby won’t feel the wetness and will have no desire to move away from diapers. With reusable ones that are less absorbent, the baby will feel the uncomfortable wetness quicker, making it easier for parents to potty train them.
Convenience
For convenience, both options each have their own pros and cons. Most reusable diapers have waterproof bands around the waist and legs that prevent any leaks from getting out, and some are even equipped with Velcro closures for a quicker change time. However, using reusable ones is more time consuming, as they require deep cleaning. Meanwhile, disposable diapers require no cleaning, which saves time, and they offer more sizing options. The downside is that if you’re not careful, the pull tabs can rip while changing, which contributes to wasteful use.
Best For Baby
So, which option is better: reusable or disposable? There is no clear answer, as each one has their own strengths and weaknesses. Each child is different, and only you can decide which one is best for your baby.
