Cloth nappies versus disposable nappies

The cloth nappies versus disposable nappies debate:

When it comes to cloth nappies versus disposable nappies, I suppose that it goes without saying that we at Ecobots are likely to come down on the side of cloth nappies.  Still it would be foolish to say that there were no advantages to disposables and no disadvantages to cloth.  There are things that you need to consider on both sides when it comes to cloth nappies versus disposable nappies.

Advantages of cloth nappies

1. Cost – Cloth nappies win hands down when it comes to cost.  Although they can be expensive to set yourself up with initially, in the long run you will save save save.  Especially as you won’t be paying extra to throw nappies away.
2. Natural – Disposable nappies use various chemicals to lock moisture away, some babies can react quite badly to these, and long term we don’t know what the health implications of using chemicial filled plastic nappies are.  Cloth nappies like Ecobots are made from natural, breathable cotton.
3. Cute factor – A baby in nothing but a cloth nappy or nothing but a disposable nappy? For my money in the cuteness stakes the cloth wins hands down.  In summer, a cloth nappy can actually be part of your babies outfit.
4. Environment – There have been reports that suggest that cloth nappies aren’t that much better, but really when you look into it, cloth wins this one hands down too.  No nappies to throw away, no chemicals, no transport and fewer resources used to produce the nappies. Reusable is always going to be the better option.
5. Reliability – I have to admit that when I first thought about using cloth when pregnant with my oldest child, I thought that disposables would be more reliable.  I’d seen all of those adverts on TV  for years, but experience has shown me that actually a well fitting cloth nappy with the right amount of boosters is far more reliable than a disposable nappy.

Advantages of disposable nappies

1. Ease of use – There are that many types of cloth nappies out there, and some seem to be complicated to use.  Disposables are easier on this front, they all work in exactly the same way and are ready to use right out of the packet. Personally though I find the extra work of cloth nappies to be minimal.
2. No washing – Obviously you don’t have to wash disposable nappies.  On the other hand, the extra washing that you might get from those explosive poos that disposables don’t seem to hold in. might mean that you do a bit more washing that you might expect.
3. No carrying dirty nappies around – Many people who use cloth use disposables while out and about or away on holiday.  There’s no reason why you have to of course, but some people like to be able to dispose of a soiled nappy rather than have to take it home.
4. Fit of clothes – Modern clothes are often not cut to fit over bulky cloth bottoms.  If you choose cloth you may find that you need to go for different styles, or go up a size.  Disposables are usually a much trimmer fit.
5. No initial outlay – Disposables are only bought as you need them, so there is no initial outlay when setting yourself up.  When faced by the other costs when getting your baby equipment together, it may seem cheaper to go with disposables even though it will cost you far more in the long run.

 

Cloth nappies versus disposable nappies

Of course in the cloth nappies versus disposable nappies debate, there are other things to take into account.  More than anything what will work for your family and fit into your lifestyle.  There is not necessarily an outright winner, although for us, we see far more advantages to cloth when it comes to cloth nappies versus disposable nappies.