Thinking about cloth diapers? I decided that for me, cloth is the way to go. If you are considering it, but not sure if the benefits outweigh the "conveniences" of disposables, hopefully the following will help. Even if you are already convinced, you will be constantly defending your decision to friends and family (unless they are ALL the earth-friendly, 100% supportive type), so these quick facts may help you argue your case! Cloth diapers have so much more to offer than just a cleaner environment. So, happy diapering!
BENEFITS FOR BABY'S HEALTH:
- From 1955 to 1998, diaper rash increased 78% in Americans as 90% of parents made the switch from cloth to disposable.
- Journal of Pediatrics indicate that 54% of one month olds in disposable diapers had diaper rash, 16% were severe. This is compared to the 7% of cloth diapered babies who experienced diaper rash. (Diaper rash is prevented by keeping a diaper clean, it is harder to tell if a disposable diaper is clean because it feels dry, causing parents to leave their children in ammonia ridden diapers for longer).
- According to the Wall Street Journal, babies diapered in cotton diapers potty train a year earlier than those using disposables because toddlers can feel the difference between wet and dry.
- The Archives of Environmental Health, disposables have been linked to the development of asthma in mice. Tolune, xylene, ethylbenzene, styrene, and isopropylbenzene are chemicals that outgas from disposable diapers.
-Archives of Disease in Childhood shows that disposable diapers are linked to male infertility. The plastic is not breathable, keeping testicles too warm, hindering their normal development.
ENVIRONMENT:
- It takes up to 500 years for disposable diapers to biodegrade in a landfill!
- It is illegal to dispose of human feces in landfills. Diapers contain human pathogens and increase the risk of spreading disease. Fecal matter from all diapers should be dumped into the toilet, yet this is rarely done with those using disposables.
- The Real Diaper Association estimates that 27.4 billion disposable diapers are used each year, creating 3.4 million tons of waste dumped into landfills.
- Disposable diapers contain huge amounts of petroleum, chlorine, and wood pulp, which emit toxic chemicals into the air.
- Diapers are the 3rd largest consumer item in our waste system.
EXPENSES:
- Natural Family Online shares that the average family spends about $2700.00 for 7300 single-use diapers for each child. Depending on which form of cloth diapers used, parents can save $1,000-$2,000 throughout a three-year period by using cloth diapers (yes, this includes the extra laundry!). The savings are increased when re-using cloth diapers with multiple children.
-Cloth wipes can save an additional $300-$400 and can be made by re-using soft fabrics like infant receiving blankets.
*An additional note about saving money with cloth diapers! As I searched around, I realized that the upfront cost of the new cloth diapers can be pricey, so I decided to make my own out of flannel, fleece and muslin. I found several patterns available online, but ended up tracing a disposable diaper for my newborn size. I was able to purchase discounted bolts of fabric by using 50% off coupons for JoAnn Fabrics, as well as watching for sale prices. I have currently made 24 diapers for less than $40!
