Why should consider using cloth diapers?

Environmental reasons
Many parents initially look at cloth diapering for environmental reasons—and with good cause!
Disposable diapers are the third most common consumer product in landfills today. A disposable diaper may take up to 500 years to decompose. I haven't met the scientist who stood there and waited for the diaper to turn into dirt—but that's the theory. A biologist told me that landfills aren't meant to be friendly towards decomposing waste. Due to toxic waste and ground water contamination problems, most landfills are simply sealed capsules that don't allow any air or light to penetrate (both are needed for decomposition to occur).

One baby in disposable diapers will contribute at least one ton of waste to your local landfill. Amazing!!


Economic Reasons
Other parents are interested in cloth diapering because disposable diapers are expensive!

Disposable diapers can cost an average family, diapering an average baby, up to $2000 over the course of 2 years (that is assuming that your child potty trains at two).

Budget can play a large role in determining what kind of cloth diapering system to purchase.


Health Considerations
A baby can be sensitive or allergic to the ingredients used in disposable diapers. This sensitivity is usually displayed through a constant battle with diaper rash.

If you are in this situation, it is important to make sure that you purchase a cloth diaper that won't exacerbate your child's sensitivities. First, and most importantly, ask your pediatrician or allergist about what the baby is reacting to. If needed, an information sheet about the ingredients in disposable diapers can be obtained from the diaper manufacturer at the request of your pediatrician.

Using your pediatrician's advice, you should be able to choose the right cloth diapering system. If you aren't sure about a particular product, call the retailer or the product's manufacturer to resolve any questions before making a purchase.


Editorial provided by Jennifer Labit of Cotton Babies, Inc.