Modern Cloth Diapers
Smart, Simple, and Green
Expecting a baby and dread the thought of buying and throwing away so many disposable diapers? Learn why a growing number of families are choosing modern cloth diapers!
Recent innovations in cloth diaper design and styling have brought about an explosion in the marketplace. Parents now find that the cloth diaper of the past, often considered bulky and cumbersome, has been upgraded through the use of new materials and construction techniques. Modern cloth diapers are as easy to use as a disposable diaper and come in a broad range of trendy prints, colors, and fabrics.
Cloth diapers are attracting growing interest as families look for ways to reduce their expenses during these challenging economic times.
- The average infant will go through 6,000 diapers during their first two years of life, and more if potty training comes later, which is typical.
- The average cost of a disposable diaper is around 25 cents. Name brands cost a little more and generics cost a little less.
Using these figures, parents can expect to spend anywhere from $1,600 to $2,000 + for disposable diapers.
- The average costs of new modern cloth diapers will run from $400 - $700 depending upon the types of diapers purchased.
- Many modern cloth diapers can be reused for another baby or sold to recoup some of the initial costs.
- By cloth diapering one child, many families can expect to save $1,000 or more. Total savings become even more substantial if the diapers are reused for a second child.
The resurgence of cloth diapers has also been brought about by the growing desire of parents to find green products and integrate more sustainable practices into their lifestyle. In addition to creating less solid waste, the sustainable mindset of ‘reuse’ instead of ‘dispose’, which cloth diapering fosters, is critical as we try to raise a new generation of “green minded” individuals.
- Over 27.4 billion disposable diapers are consumed each year in the U.S.
- Scientists estimate it takes between 250 to 500 years for one disposable diaper to decompose.
- 1 baby will produce 1 ton of trash over 1 year when using disposable diapers.
- Over 300 pounds of wood, 50 pounds of petroleum feedstocks, and 20 pounds of chlorine are used to produce disposable diapers for one baby each year.
Other parents choose to cloth diaper to promote their baby’s health. Modern cloth diapering is one way to reduce a baby’s contact with chemicals such as the super absorbent polymer (SAP) absorbent gel found in disposable diapers.
- Modern cloth diapers are made using highly absorbent natural fibers such as bamboo, hemp and organic cotton instead of chemical SAP.
- Modern cloth diapers are more breathable than traditional latex disposable diapers, keeping baby cooler, and encouraging more frequent changes, which both help prevent diaper rash.
- Infants and toddlers in modern cloth diapers will often potty train earlier because they are more aware of being wet.
Using modern cloth diapers is much simpler than most people think, and often work even better than disposable diapers! Because modern cloth diapers are made using “real” elastic, many parents find that they contain poop much better, while the ability to add extra absorbency means they often work better than disposables at night and with babies who are heavy wetters.
By using modern cloth diapers, you will keep more money in your wallet, have less of an impact on the planet, and keep your baby dry and comfortable —all by adding just a couple extra loads of laundry a week. With so many benefits within easy reach, it’s one change you won’t regret making!
All statistical information was gathered from the Real Diaper Association.
