The Many Benefits of Using Cloth Diapers

Not too long ago, cloth diapers were the norm. Until the invention of disposables, they were the only option. As disposable diapers came on the scene, most parents came to view cloth diapers as more trouble than they were worth. In fact when people think about cloth diapers, many people still imagine the old flat diapers that had to be fastened with pins. However, cloth diapers have come a long way! Cloth diapers these days are elasticized, fitted, snug, breathable, waterproof, and also come with practical velcro-like closures and snaps. Nowadays, their ease and convenience matches that of disposables. As you'll read below, cloth diapers are also cheaper, healthier, and better for the environment.

Economical

As with most anything in life, reusing is cheaper than buying new, and diapers are no exception. On average, a baby uses 6,000-8,000 disposable diapers before he or she is finally potty trained. That equates to $3,000-$4,000 per child. Once the disposable diaper is soiled once, it must be thrown away. In comparison, a parent can purchase a three year supply of cloth diapers for about $300-$800 that can be used on successive children. Even with electricity, water usage, and detergent costs factored in, cloth diapers will save a parent an average of at least $2,200 per child.

Beneficial to the Baby’s Health

If the savings are not enough to sway a parent, they should also consider the health effects. Dioxin, a chemical linked to cancer, birth defects, liver damage, and skin diseases is a by-product of the paper-bleaching process used in disposable diaper manufacturing. Disposable diapers also contain Tributyl-tin, a pollutant known to cause hormonal problems in humans and animals, and polyacrylate, the same product removed from tampons because of their link to toxic shock syndrome. Cloth diapers are free of many of these chemicals found in disposable diapers.

Environmentally Friendly

Additionally, there is the environmental factor to consider- roughly 18 billion disposable diapers go into America's landfills every year. Once there, it takes hundreds of years for each one to degrade. In fact, disposable diapers are the third largest waste product, trailing only newspapers and beverage containers.

The cloth diaper options available today are every bit as convenient as disposables, and they are an investment in the health of our children and the health of our planet. There is no time like the present to make the cloth diaper leap.


At Dainty Baby, we carry a selection of baby cloth diapersfrom top brands like FuzziBunz BumGenius, Bummis Tots Bots and Thirsties, as well as wet bags, cloth wipes and anything else you need to start using cloth diapers. One excellent cloth diaper option is the brand new Fuzzibunz Elite One Size 2013 These cloth diapers feature quick dry fleece that keeps baby feeling dryer for a longer period of time. They also feature two absorbent microfiber inserts, a longer rise for better fit and a wider crotch so you can double stuff the diapers.  Additional snaps have been added to the waist, creating a design that has a better fit and fewer leaks. The diapers adjust to fit babies from 7 to 35 pounds. Best of all, this new design comes at the very same low price as their original One Size Fuzzibunz diapers. They are also adorable!