Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers: An Honest Comparison
Pros, cons, costs, and environmental impact.
It's a heated debate. Here are the facts.
Disposable Diapers
Pros: Convenient, no washing, highly absorbent, widely available.
Cons: Ongoing cost ($2,000-3,000 over 3 years), landfill waste (500 years to decompose), chemical exposure concerns.
Cloth Diapers
Pros: Lower long-term cost ($500-1,000 total), reusable for multiple kids, less waste, softer on skin.
Cons: Upfront investment, more laundry, learning curve, water/energy use, daycare may not accept.
The Middle Ground
Many families use cloth at home and disposables for outings/travel. Or eco-friendlier disposables (Honest, Dyper) as a compromise.
Bottom Line
Neither choice is wrong. Pick what works for your lifestyle, budget, and values.