There are some items that your baby will need from day 1, and if you are an expecting parent, it is advised to shop for these items by the 8th month of your pregnancy to be better prepared. A diaper is one such item that your baby will need from the moment they are born. Thus, deciding whether to keep a stock of disposable diapers or build a stash of cloth diapers is a decision you will need to make early on. 

This article by SuperBottoms will help you understand the difference between disposable and cloth diapers and determine which is best for your baby.   

Choosing the right kind of diaper is a big responsibility because it is a product that will be in constant touch with your baby's delicate skin. Your baby will end up using disposable or cloth diapers till the age of around 3; thus, making the right choice is all the more vital. 

What Are Cloth Diapers?

You might think that baby cloth diapers are a modern and new concept. And up to a certain extent, it is true. Modern Cloth Diapers are a new-age product that provides the comfort of cloth and the convenience of disposable diapers. It is a sustainable alternative for disposable diapers that can take up to more than 400 years to break down and decompose completely. 

What are Disposable Diapers?

As the name suggests, disposable diapers are one-time-use baby diapers that are thrown away in the trash after use. To make them leakproof and absorbent, unlike cloth diapers where layers of cloth are used; disposable diapers are loaded with chemicals and have layers of plastic to avoid leakages. It takes nearly 400+ years for disposable diapers to decompose; thus, they end up in landfills, polluting the environment. 

Comparison Between Disposable & Cloth Diapers

What a parent chooses ultimately depends on their comfort and parenting philosophy. This section of the article will help you understand the significant differences between a disposable and a cloth diaper.  

1. The Cost Factor

Looking at the per unit price of a disposable diaper vs. a reusable diaper, the disposable diaper seems to be the cheaper option at one glance. But, due to the nature of the product, a disposable diaper is a one-time use product, while good quality cloth diapers such as SuperBottoms UNO can be rewashed & reused up to 300 times. Thus, in the longer run. Cloth diapers are a more economical, pocket-friendly, and budget-friendly option for parents looking to save some money on diapers. 

2. The Environmental Impact

As mentioned in a section earlier, it takes more than 400 years for a disposable diaper to decompose. Disposable diapers were popularised less than 100 years ago, meaning every disposable diaper that has reached a landfill is still there, waiting to decompose and pollute the earth. Thus, many conscious and mindful parents are choosing sustainable and eco-friendly cloth diapers over disposable diapers lately. 

3. Absorbency & Leakage

Disposable diapers look leaner because they contain a single layer of stuffing loaded with chemicals that convert pee into gel, thus leading to less leakage. But these chemicals also lead to skin rashes & other health-related issues in babies. On the other hand, cloth diapers are nothing but layers of cloth stitched together that absorb the pee better than any chemical & lead to fewer leakages & kids get to sleep peacefully instead of waking up frequently for diaper changes. 

4. Baby's Skin & Comfort

If appropriately washed & changed frequently, baby cloth diapers can almost never lead to a diaper rash situation in babies. Cloth diapers are skin-friendly and most suitable for delicate baby skin. 

5. The Look Factor 

Who needs the boring white disposable diapers when you have 100s of cute and adorable prints to choose from with cloth diapers? SuperBottoms UNO offers baby-friendly designs that you can flaunt on your baby's bum and pair with any t-shirt or dress to make your baby look adorable.  

The Bottom Line

The choice is obvious and straightforward. Traditionally, cloth has been used for babies' diapering needs for ages and is considered the safest and most comfortable diapering option. Modern cloth diapers provide comfort and safety to baby's delicate skin while also making it convenient for parents to wash & use them. They can be upcycled or passed on from one baby to another, making it a long-term diapering solution. They are economical, skin-friendly, eco-friendly, and they give you the assurance of cloth over plastic & chemicals!  

FAQs

Q1 – How difficult is it to wash & maintain cloth diapers?

Ans – Maintaining & washing your baby's cloth diaper can be a breeze if you do it right. Most cloth diapers are machine washable, so you do not have to worry about disposing of solid waste. You can store dirty diapers in a pail or a wet bag or wash them before you throw them in the wash. To keep your skin from getting irritated, use a gentle detergent with no softeners, additives, or smells. Wash them regularly with warm water and rinse them to eliminate stains and odours. If you have a dryer, you can use a liner or a low-heat dryer to make it last longer. You can have clean, fresh diapers for your baby with some care and attention.

Q2 – My baby is exclusively using cloth diapers. How many cloth diapers do I need to stock?

Ans – Super Bottoms UNO is an all-in-one diaper system. So, if you have decided to go ahead with SuperBottoms UNO, 16 diapers are all you need. When using the system, you do not need to burn a hole in your pocket or make special storage space. Super Bottoms UNO has excellent absorbency and adaptability. You can easily change your baby's diapers and have enough to meet your child's needs. Consider factors such as washing frequency and drying time to determine the right number of diapers for your child and exclusive use.

Q3 – My baby has a diaper rash. Can I still use a reusable diaper while she is sleeping? 

Ans – Yes, in fact, when babies are in a rash situation, doctors advise against disposable diapers. A reusable diaper is more comfortable, breathable, and safe for the skin when your baby has painful rashes.