When it comes to choosing products for our babies, every parent wants to provide their little one with the best of the best. Whether that means the most popular item, the most cost-effective, or the most aesthetically pleasing… there are a lot of things to consider!

In our last article, we took a deep dive into the difference between disposable, biodegradable, and cloth diapers. Now, it is time for us to help you to decide which diapering option makes the most sense for you!

Are you a parent trying to figure out the pros and cons of disposable diapers, biodegradable diapers, and cloth diapers?

If you answered YES, you are in the right place! Let’s go over the considerations to keep in mind when picking the diapering solution that works for you, as well as a detailed “pros and cons” list for each of your options!

Things to Consider When Considering Diapering Options

The solution to what works for each family will be different every time since every family has unique needs and personal priorities. Here are a few things to consider:

• Budget
• Environmental impact
• Product cleanliness
• Clean-up and laundering
• Absorbency
• Convenience
• What is most comfortable for your child

The Pros and Cons of Cloth Diapers

Now that you know what diapering factors to be conscious of, here is some information about cloth diapers:

Pros- Cloth diapers have come a LONG way from the flimsy, cotton flannel fabric squares that our ancestors tied around their hips! Cloth diapers are reusable diapers made of natural fibers that can prevent skin irritation in some babies. Because they are all-natural (unlike their disposable counterparts), these diapers are soft and extra comfortable. 

Because cloth diapers are reusable, they can be used countless times before they bite the dust. This means a one-time investment can supplement your child, and even future children, for as long as the diaper fits!

Cloth Diapers are the go-to option if you are looking for something environmentally friendly. Even with laundering considered, cloth diapers still make less of a negative environmental impact than disposable diapers do. 

Cons- When you think of cloth diapers, you probably have one question that comes to mind right away: how are they cleaned?! The cleaning process of cloth diapers can be quite intricate and time consuming, unless you have Pika, then you just throw the diapers in, push a button and walk away. 

Even though cloth diapers are a great long-term investment, they do require some money up-front to ensure that your baby is equipped with as many cloth diapers as they will need.

Some people have said that cloth diapers are not as absorbent as disposable diapers. While this is certainly a con, some cloth diaper users have said that this has benefitted their child when it was time to potty train, as it helped the child to recognize their excretions earlier on, encouraging them to go in the toilet instead.

The Pros and Cons of Disposable Diapers

When it comes to disposable diapers, one word comes to mind: convenience! Let’s talk about the overall pros and cons:

Pros- When you’re in a pinch, disposable diapers can be picked up from any grocery store, anywhere in the country. Ranging in brands, sizes, and absorbency, the odds are high that after some experimentation, you will be able to find the diaper that suits your child best.

Disposable diapers are easy to pack in the diaper bag or car, and can easily be disposed of and forgotten about once the child has used them to capacity.

Modern-day disposable diapers are extremely absorbent, with some brands advertising up to 12 hours of dryness!

Cons- There is no question that disposable diapers are terrible for the environment. It has been said that every single disposable diaper that has ever been used is still sitting in landfills today. With children using upwards of 1800 diapers per year, the number of diapers polluting the Earth is incomprehensible.

While disposable diapers are non-toxic, some parents are concerned about certain chemicals used in their mass production.

In comparison to cloth diapers, disposable diapers cost more overall. Having to buy a new box every 1-2 weeks adds up very quickly!

The Pros and Cons of Biodegradable Diapers

A branch of disposable diapers, recent technological advances have resulted in biodegradable capabilities in some companies! Here are the pros and cons:

Pros- These diapers hold on to the convenience and other benefits of disposable diapers while lessening the environmental impact caused by them. If you are mindful of the environment but struggle with the concept and process of cloth diapers, these may be for you. 

Cons- Biodegradable diapers tend to lean towards the pricier end of the disposable diaper spectrum, making them less accessible to some families and communities.

Some people don’t trust the “biodegradable” label coming from diaper companies, due to lack of evidence that these diapers are less harmful to the environment than their disposable counterparts.

The Pros and Cons of Mixing and Matching

NEWS FLASH! No one ever said you had to commit to one diapering method! As a parent, you have every right to mix and match cloth, disposable, AND biodegradable diapers to suit your personal needs and convenience. 

No one should ever be judged for the way they choose to diaper their child so long as their child is clean, comfortable, and thriving. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types, brands, and options to determine what is best for you!