Diapers Q&A - Cloth vs. disposable diapers?

Cloth vs. disposable diapers?

Just wondering if any one has opted for the cloth diapers and or diaper service? How did you like it? Was is cost effective (compared to disposables)? Was it inconvenient or easy? I live in southern CA if that makes a difference, I have been looking into it for economic reasons for our family. I am only 24 weeks pregnant with my first baby, I always thought I would use disposables, however, my fiance suggested maybe we try cloth. Just trying to get some opinions. Thanks... I completely understand that cloth is much much better for the enviroment, and i agree with doing every thing you can to help our environment... however, im gonna be honest... im a first time mom, im fairly young (23), pregnancy seems overwhelming as it is, i dont really think i will care much about the environment while trying to take care of a screaming baby with a wet diaper. I am really looking for what will be practical and cost effective....

Public Comments

I am in California as well. Yes it is cheaper through Tiny Tots. If you get 80 diapers a week wich is the normal amount a new born uses then it will cost 83.00 a month. Disposables are 16.99-18.99 a bag and you use 2 bags a week, I am talking about Pampers Swaddlers. The cloth for me was not convientent at all I didnt like them. They were bulky and the plastic things use to hold them on if you didnt do it correct then the whole diaper would fall apart!! I have a boy and he always seemed to pee out of the top of the diaper, I swear I had more laundry to do than I could handle. I did that for a week and that was enough for me, I use Pampers Swaddlers and I love them. Good luck and congrats.
Cost to Customer I recommend 24 diapers for your baby = average $440.00 The average person spend on disposable diapers = $2,803.20 Environmental Facts... Number of disposable diapering entering landfills each year = 18 billion Number of years disposable diapers take to decompose = 500 Plastic needed each year to make disposable diapers = 82,000 Wood pulp needed each year to make disposable diapers = 1.3 million tons Number of trees needed each year to make disposable diapers = 250,000 Did You Know??? Cloth Vs. Disposable.... Disposable diapers contain several toxins such as: Dioxin: a by product of paper bleaching, which is banned in most countries and is known by the EPA as one of the highest cancer causing agent, and is also known to cause Liver Disease, Immune system suppression and genetic damage in lab animals SODIUM POLYACRYLATE (the small absorbent crystals in the diaper) Inhalation: Causes irritation to respiratory tract. Symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath. Ingestion: Causes irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Eyes: Causes irritation, redness and pain Skin: Causes irritation to skin. Symptoms include redness, itching and pain. Banned from tampons in 1985 because of its link to Toxic Shock Syndrome Has killed children after ingesting as little as 5 grams of it It is also Lethal to cats if they inhale it and dogs if they eat it. "The Joy of Cloth"' Mothering Magazine May/June 1998
Cloth is better for the enviorment but it's so much hassle! I spent £400 ($800) on cloth when my son was born but they don't absorb well, (i've tried about 11 brands by borrowing and samples), they're alot of work when you're out as you have to carry the soiled nappy around all day. Disposable are much much prefurable
Its as simple as this, do you really want to wrap your infants privates in a material that someone elses kid already "went in"? Im sure your not getting just "your diapers" back. And imagine the chemicals there using in mass to clean them all up in!
There are advantages to both...what I would recommend to you is using disposables when baby is young and switch over to cloth later. when babies are little they poop and pee A LOT more than they do as they get older, which makes for A LOT of laundry at a time when you are struggling to get enough sleep and getting used to taking care of a baby. switch over to cloth once the pooping and peeing situation calms down and you are getting sleep and getting into the swing of things. even then you may want to use disposables at night and when you are out and cloth when you are at home. ***If you do decide to try out cloth diapers, you may want to try walmart.com...they sell a 5 pack of all-in-ones for about $40, which is pretty cheap, so you don't have to spend a whole lot before making your decision. They say they fit once baby weighs 5 lbs, but they really don't, baby has to be quite a bit bigger.
I am a first time mum in the UK and have used cloth diapers since my daughter was born 15 months ago. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every minute of our cloth diapering experience! It really pleases me to see a white fluffy diaper or pretty patterned covers - every diaper change is truly a delight! It's truly satifying seeing them blowing in the wind when drying out on the line. Better than a pile of little plastic pooey parcels filling your refuse sacks anyday. As long as you have a washing machine, it's unelievably easy. Drying can be tricky in the UK winter, but I'm sure you have lots of lovely sunshine in Southern CA! I am confident that we are using the best method of diapering for the environment and for my daughter's immediate health. I don't believe that disposable nappies have been in use for enough years for us to understand the true repercussions of wrapping plastic coated chemicals around our childrens bottoms day-in day-out. As for the energy and chemicals used in washing, we just do an extra 60 degree wash every 2 or 3 days, using half the recommended dose of normal wash detergent, plus white vinegar to help with sanitising and softening (it really works!). It is also possible to save hundreds of $ by using cloth and... you'll never run out at midnight!! If you decide to use cloth, just make sure you get plenty of information to ensure you get the right diaper package for you and your family! Good luck with your decision and future motherhood.
Hi there, and CONGRATS I have 2 kids and I started CDing about 5 months ago..trying to save the planet. It's not hard..actually easier if you count not having to go buy diapers every week or take out the enormous pile of garbage they create. I have great All-in-ones that are just as easy as disposables. There is no smell from the diaper pail (I use a dry system, no water) and I wash about every 2-3 days. The thing I like is ...well there are too many to count and I wish I had started with my first! The diapers I use are from www.ecobumz.com. Also check out facebook for cloth diapering groups. I've found that to be a great resource for all the moms who CD, and there are a lot! Good luck, I think its great you're considering this for your new baby.