Cloth vs disposable diapers (nappies)

I'm sure the majority of parents and child carers these days are accustomed to living life with disposable diapers.  I know every job I have worked in (par one many years ago) have used the disposable diapers.  But it appears that with the big green movement comes a revisit to the good old cloth diapers and also an update on design too.

At college we had to learn how to properly fold a cloth nappy and put it on a baby with a nappy pin and a pair of plastic pants and how to clean them properly too.....every nurse spent time in the dreaded 'sluice room'. We were taught the kite fold....as I research this subject there are now many more ways than I realized on how to fold a diaper/nappy.

Someone even dedicated an entire website to it
http://www.howtofoldadiaper.com/

new & improved diaper pants

The classic plastic pants don't seem to be around much either probably due to people avoiding plastics due to health issues.....nowadays there seem to be mostly pants made from a laminated polyester fabric usually known as PUL.  These pants fasten with snaps or hook and loop and a cloth insert is added to absorb moisture of various shapes and sizes ha ha ha.  The pants can be used a few times over before they need cleaning, simply change the cloth pads inside.

Of course there are going to be advantages for both cloth and disposable diapers and it is an individual choice as to what is best for you.  I have a friend who is expecting in September and she is going to be giving the cloth diapers a go but probably use disposables when traveling, that to me seems like an excellent solution.


If you are considering which diapers to use, maybe these advantages of both will help you decide.

Advantages of disposable diapers
-  they are easy to use....it's a one stop shop, no pad, no pants it's all in one
-  they can be thrown away therefore eliminating any nasty smells that may linger
-  no time wasted on sluicing and washing diapers
-  they are easy for travelling
-  they tend to leak less than cloth diapers
-  more readily accepted in day care


Advantages of cloth diapers
-  they are better for the environment, they cut down on a lot of waste
-  they are more affordable over the years that your child will be in diapers
-  they can be used again for younger siblings, making them even more value for money
-  no link to TSS Toxic Shock Syndrome like there has in disposable diapers 
-  studies have shown that babies have less diaper rash in cloth diapers
-  some say it's easier to potty train as they can feel they are wet


P.S.  Did you know there is also a 'diaper cleaning service' available in most populated areas now???  I don't recall that job popping up during career chats at school!

HAPPY DIAPER CHANGING!