Cloth diapers or disposable diapers? Every new parent have to ask themselves this question when their first baby is born. Here are 8 distinct advantages of modern cloth diapers. Let’s take a look.

Cloth Diapers Are A LOT Less Expensive

Cloth diapers require a relatively small initial investment, and they can be used over and over again. Even your second and third child can re-use the diapers you purchased during your first pregnancy. The costs of cloth diapers sits more in the maintenance part, they need to be cleaned every day, and this would mean a couple of extra runs per week on the washing machine, but other then that they are cost efficient.

A quality disposable diaper will set you back 30 cents per piece and will last only 6-8 hours. Your diapers will cost close to $60.00 per month. That’s almost $720.00 per year. Whereas a set of quality cloth diapers will last many years and will cost less than $30.00 in their initial purchase. Besides, all-in-one cloth diapers are one size fits all and can be used for a newborn up to 2 years old (or 14kg). For a more in-depth idea of how much you can save, see Cost Savings Calculation.

Cloth Diapers Are More Comfortable than Disposable Diapers

Often the disposable diapers are bulky unless you buy the expensive slim lines. If folded properly the cloth diaper can be extremely comfortable for kids wearing them. And modern materials and fibers like the Raf Raf organic bamboo and cushy microfleece have become so much more comfortable and convenient that the kid will hardly notice his cloth diaper. If you have to choose, would you prefer paper or cloth on your bum? See Explaining the Raf Raf Cloth Diaper System.

Cloth Diapers Prevents and Reduces Nappy Rash

Many parents who provide disposable diapers for their kids have them run around in dirty ones longer because of the costs involved in changing to a new diaper and because disposable diapers are getting more absorbent. The downside of this is that even though it feels dry to the touch, bacteria and ammonia components linger on the baby’s skin for a prolonged period, thus increasing the risk of nappy rash.

For moms using cloth diapers, they can change the cloth diapers as often as they can. This maintains the cleanliness on the baby’s bum and also enhances the child’s comfort. In fact, studies have shown that disposables contain toxic chemicals which could cause nappy rash. See Dangers of Disposable Diapers.

Cloth Diapers Encourages Early Potty Training

Kids who wear cloth diapers are more inclined to be potty trained earlier as they can feel the dampness of the cloth diaper and gradually understand that they have peed. On the other hand, disposables which contain the super absorbent gel sodium polyacrylate absorb so well that children don’t feel any wetness at all, thus delaying their ability to understand this natural body process.

Cloth Diapers Are Kinder to Baby’s Skin

Compared to paper disposables, the soft materials of modern cloth diapers like organic bamboo and microfleece provide dry, cool and wearing comfort for our precious little ones. Plus they do not contain toxic chemicals like dioxin and sodium polyacrylate in disposable diapers, which are extremely harmful to baby skin. To understand more, read Dangers of Disposable Diapers

Cloth Diapers Play a BIG PART in Saving the Earth

This is a big plus. A study in the United Kingdom done by the Environment Agency which is a government institute declares in their study that reusable diapers are 40% more environmentally friendly than reusable diapers. The study shows the burden the throw-away disposable diapers on the environment, because of the production and materials – plastics, artificial colors – used, and the extra waste disposed to the environment in the form of landfills, which leads to greenhouse gas emissions and climatic repercussions. See Save the Earth.

Cloth Diapers Are Easy to Wash and Maintain

Contrary to what most people think, modern cloth diapers are made such that they are easy to wash and maintain! What is required is 3-4 more wash loads per week; the cloth diapers and inserts can be easily machine washed. For more precise instructions on the 5 steps to wash your cloth diapers, see Wash and Care Instructions.

Cloth Diapers Are More Fashionable

Haha, this is cute. The truth is, cloth diapers come in a larger variety of colours and designs than any disposable diaper brand. Yes, Huggies Movers just brought out their latest Jeans design, with back pocket. But which 2 year old carries his wallet or mobile phone around? Our customers are giving us their suggestions for colours and designs, thus we’ll be coming out with more and more designs, so keep a close watch. See Raf Raf Store.

All said, disposable diapers or reusable cloth diapers is a choice every parent has to make for themselves. But be wise, think about the massive costs saving, the comforts for your child and the benefits we can contribute to secure a cleaner, greener and safer environment for our next generation!