Why More Parents Are Choosing Reusable Diapers: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Diapering

Before potty training, an average baby uses nearly 6,000 disposable diapers, each containing harmful chemicals like dioxins and phthalates that take up to 500 years to decompose. This leads to persistent soil and water pollution, posing serious health risks to mankind. Now, with over 260 infants born globally every minute, eco-friendly diapering is rapidly emerging as a crucial solution.

This exact problem is why more parents are ditching branded disposables and are choosing cloth diapers as a healthier, more sustainable alternative. In the following sections, we'll explore the manifold benefits of switching to reusable diapers and offer guidance on selecting the best types for your baby's needs.

Cloth Diapers Are Helping The Environment

One of the standout benefits of switching to cloth diapers is their significant positive impact on the environment. Unlike disposable diapers, which rely on plastic and petroleum-based materials sourced through environmentally harmful oil drilling, cloth diapers are made from natural resources like bamboo, cotton, and wool fibers. This shift means avoiding the pollution, climate change acceleration, and wildlife disruption tied to disposable diaper production.

More so, according to the World Economic Forum, disposable diapers rank as the third largest contributor to landfills globally, with over 300,000 diapers tossed every minute — amassing a staggering 3.75 million tons of waste annually! But the nightmare doesn't stop there. These space-hogging diapers release methane, a greenhouse gas that's 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide. If we continue down this path, we're not just fast-tracking climate change; we're setting the stage for long-term environmental havoc that jeopardizes ecosystems and human health alike.

Another way to compare the environmental effect of the two is in terms of carbon footprint. A study from Science Direct has found that almost 700 kt of raw materials are used every year for disposable diaper production —that's like churning out 7 billion A4 sheets of paper or 35 billion plastic shopping bags. More so, this entire process emits a jaw-dropping 2.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gasses each year. To put that in perspective, it's like burning 1.4 million metric tonnes of coal, enough to power 322,000 homes for a year. And to absorb this carbon? You'd need around 20 million mature trees!

While one cloth diaper only necessitates 2.225 gCO2e to produce (equivalent to the carbon footprint of producing 0.1 plastic bags), one disposable diaper accounts for 89 gCO2e (equivalent to the carbon footprint of producing 4 plastic bags). This stark contrast proves that cloth diapers can dramatically reduce household and global waste, making them a more sustainable choice. 

Non Disposable Diapers Present Cost Efficiency

While the initial investment in cloth diapers can seem high, the long-term financial benefits are evident. As analyzed by Accountend, a baby uses about 2,500 to 3,000 diapers in their first year. At an average cost of S$0.34 per diaper, disposable diapers cost approximately S$1,012 per year. Over two and a half years, the average time before potty training, this amounts to roughly S$2,531.

Meanwhile, the average cost of cloth diapers can range from S$405 to S$675 for around 20-30 diapers, generally enough to last until potty training. Even with additional costs for laundry (detergent, water, electricity), estimated at S$270 per year, the total over 2.5 years would be around S$1,013. Cloth diapers offer substantial savings, as they can be reused for multiple times. This makes them an incredibly cost-effective option for families.

Goodbye Rashes With Chemical-Free Cloth Diapers 

Cloth diapers, made from natural, breathable fabrics, help prevent the skin reactions often caused by the chemicals in disposable diapers. Plus, washing them is a breeze with just two steps: pre-wash with detergent, then a longer wash using a heavy-duty detergent, as recommended by Clean Cloth Nappies. 

While it's obvious that cloth diapers need proper care in laundry to remove any detergent residue, they still offer a reliable solution as you oversee what your baby is wearing and what comes into contact with their skin. Essentially, these eco-friendly alternatives are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances chlorine, dyes, fragrances and organic fluorine also known as "forever chemicals”, significantly reducing the risk of rashes and allergies. Many parents notice clearer, irritation-free skin for their little ones and experience peace of mind knowing they are choosing a safer, more natural option.

Choosing The Best Cloth Diaper For Your Baby

Switching to cloth diapers can be overwhelming with so many options available. However, understanding the different types can help you make an informed decision. 

1. Prefold Diapers

Prefold diapers are rectangular pieces of fabric, usually made from highly absorbent cotton, that are folded and placed inside a diaper cover. Their high absorbency comes from the multiple layers of fabric, particularly concentrated in the middle panel. This makes them incredibly effective at keeping your baby dry for extended periods. While they demand a bit more effort to place inside the cover, once mastered, prefolds offer a secure and comfortable diapering solution even for the squirmiest of babies.

What sets prefold diapers apart is their versatility, despite a slight learning curve such as the Trifold, Angel Wing Fold, and Jelly Roll Fold, which make them adaptable for various needs. The Trifold is as easy as folding along the seams and placing it inside the cover; meanwhile, Angel Wing Fold provides a snug fit by fanning out the back edges to wrap around your baby's waist; lastly, the Jelly Roll Fold is excellent for containing runny messes by rolling in the side edges. 

2. Fitted Diapers

Fitted diapers offer a contoured shape similar to what disposables give you, with elastic around the legs and waist, providing a snug fit that is excellent at preventing leaks. These diapers are intuitive to use and require no folding, which is a significant advantage for new parents. However, fitted diapers are, by virtue of how much more difficult it can be to make, more expensive than prefolds and still require a separate waterproof cover, which could be wool or PUL. Their design does make them highly effective in keeping leaks at bay, which can be invaluable if you have a heavy wetter, for nighttime or for long outings. Plus, they can be thrown into the dryer without worrying about them deteriorating over time!

3. Pocket Diapers 

Pocket diapers feature a sewn-in pocket for inserting absorbent pads made from natural materials like hemp, cotton, or bamboo. The pocket lining is typically crafted from microfleece or athletic wicking jerseys (AWJ), providing a stay-dry surface against the baby’s skin. This design allows for adjustable absorption, making them a versatile choice for both daytime activities and overnight use. These cloth diapers are user-friendly and quick to change, much like disposable ones. Most brands that sell pocket diapers also offer inserts, or you can fold a prefold for maximum absorbency. The main drawback here is the extra step of stuffing and unstuffing the pockets for washing —however, if your baby has multiple caregivers, gets all squirmy wormy on the changing table or needs customizable absorbency (we’re looking at you boys!) then this could be a very viable option for you. 

4. All-in-One Diapers

AIO diapers combine an absorbent layer and a waterproof cover into one piece, making them the option that’s closest to disposables for most caregivers. They are similar to disposable diapers in their simplicity, with no additional pieces or steps required, which is especially useful for babysitters. However, these diapers have longer drying times due to their integrated layers and come with a higher upfront cost. They also have limited customizability, which may not suit parents of heavy wetters. Despite this, many parents find their ease of use worth the investment.

5. All-in-Two Diapers

AI2 diapers consist of a reusable cover and detachable absorbent inserts. This setup is convenient because the covers can be reused multiple times before washing, while only the inserts need frequent changing. AI2 diapers are customizable in terms of absorbency, akin to pocket diapers, but the drawback is that inserts are only attached by snap buttons and may shift and/or require adjustment. While they offer a bit more complexity as you have to snap them first, once you memorize it, it will be very easy to wear on the baby.

6. Preflats & Flats

A flat diaper is a cost-effective, traditional cloth diaper made from a single large piece of fabric, usually a cotton blend. Flats are incredibly versatile, fitting babies of any size with customizable absorbency and coverage. You need diaper fasteners or pins to secure the flat on your baby, plus an outer waterproof cover. While they require some practice for the folding techniques, flats are prized for their affordability, ease of washing, and quick drying times.

On the other hand, pre flats are innovative hybrids of flats and prefolds, featuring two layers of absorbent materials like stretch bamboo and cotton. They dry as fast as flats and are almost as easy to secure as prefolds, with minimal folding required. Preflats offer flexibility and are perfect for busy, budget-conscious parents who want a sustainable diapering solution. They combine the simplicity of flats with added structure, making them easier to fit and use, especially for new parents.

Tips for Choosing the Best Cloth Diaper

• Consider your routine. 

If you prefer simplicity, All-in-One diapers might be ideal despite their higher cost. On the other hand, for a cost-effective and customizable option, prefolds or All-in-Twos may suit you best.

• Assess your baby’s absorbency needs. 

Look for diapers with adjustable absorbency to accommodate different scenarios like nighttime or long outings. Pocket diapers and AI2s offer flexibility in absorbency levels, making them suitable for various situations.

• Think about ease of use. 

If other caregivers or daycare providers will be changing diapers, convenience should be your priority. Choose all-in-One or pocket diapers to make the process simpler for them.

• Evaluate drying time. 

If air drying is your preferred method, consider prefolds or pocket diapers, as other diapers can take longer to dry. This can be an essential factor if you live in a humid climate or want to minimize energy use.

• Check for size adjustability. 

Many cloth diapers come with adjustable snaps or Velcro to grow with your baby. Make sure to test the fit to avoid leaks or discomfort and ensure that the diaper will last through different stages of your baby's growth.

• Look at your budget. 

Initial investments can vary, but it might be beneficial to buy a mix of types to find what works best before committing to a specific style. This ensures you get the best product worth your money while meeting your baby's needs effectively.

Conclusion: Making the Switch 

Switching to cloth diapers presents numerous benefits—from reducing environmental impact and saving money to enhancing your baby's skin health. While the transition can seem daunting at first, many parents find that cloth diapers quickly become a manageable part of their routine.

If you are contemplating making the switch, you may start by trying out a few different types to see what fits best with your lifestyle and your baby's needs. The positive changes for your family and the environment are well worth the effort.