Why I Chose Cloth Diapers: A Sustainable and Healthier Option for My Family
Seventeen years ago, I began using cloth diapers for my children when they were newborns. My main motivation wasn’t necessarily to save money, but to avoid the harmful chemicals found in disposable diapers and reduce the massive environmental impact they have. Every month, over 20 billion disposable diapers are used in the U.S. alone, and more than 300 million diapers are thrown away each day. These diapers can take up to 500 years to decompose in landfills, creating a long-lasting environmental impact on our planet.
Studies have also shown that children tend to be potty trained faster when using cloth diapers because they can actually feel the wetness, unlike disposable diapers, which absorb moisture away from the skin.
That said, I’m not here to judge how others choose to parent. My goal is to share some facts and alternatives that could help make a positive difference for both our planet and future generations. There are plenty of benefits for parents who make the switch to cloth diapers, and the process is really not as difficult or unpleasant as it might sound.
My Experience with Cloth Diapers
I want to be honest and share the reality of how I approached cloth diapering. While I used cloth diapers about 90% of the time, I didn’t cloth diaper 24/7. There were times, especially at night, when I used disposable diapers just to get some sleep. As a new parent, sometimes the balance of practicality and environmentalism requires flexibility. After all, it’s important to remember that perfection doesn’t exist in parenting, and the key is to find what works best for your family.
That’s why I’m writing this blog—not to promote an all-or-nothing approach, but to let you know that there are options available, and you can make a positive impact in small ways. Whether you cloth diaper most of the time or just part of the time, it’s about doing what feels right for your family and finding that balance. Parenting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about making informed choices that align with your values while taking care of yourself and your baby.
Environmental Impact and Financial Benefits of Cloth Diapers
Each year, more than 3.5 million tons of disposable diapers are added to landfills in the U.S. alone. The materials used in disposable diapers, such as plastics and super-absorbent gels, take centuries to break down. Meanwhile, the average baby will go through around 6,000 to 8,000 disposable diapers in their first two years, contributing significantly to the growing waste problem.
In contrast, cloth diapers can be reused for many years, and are much more environmentally friendly. Cloth diapers are often made from natural fibers like cotton, Linen bamboo, or hemp, and can last through multiple children, making them a long-term investment.
How Much Can Parents Save?
Cloth diapering can be a significant financial saving. The average cost of disposable diapers for one child over the course of two to three years can range from $1,500 to $3,000. On the other hand, the upfront cost for cloth diapers is typically around $300 to $500 (depending on the brand and quantity purchased), and these can last through multiple children.
Considering the environmental and financial benefits, making the switch to cloth diapers is a win on many fronts.
Chemicals in Disposable Diapers
Disposable diapers often contain several harmful chemicals that can come into contact with a baby’s sensitive skin. Some of the chemicals commonly found in disposable diapers include:
Dioxins – Toxic byproducts of the bleaching process that have been linked to cancer and reproductive issues.
Phthalates – Chemicals used to make plastics more flexible, which can interfere with hormone production and are linked to developmental issues.
Fragrances – These can contain allergens or irritants and may contribute to skin sensitivities or respiratory problems.
Sodium polyacrylate – The super-absorbent gel that is used in disposable diapers, which has been linked to toxic shock syndrome in some cases.
By choosing cloth diapers, you avoid exposing your baby to these harmful chemicals, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re taking a safer, more natural approach.
A Simple Guide for First-Time Parents to Cloth Diapering
If you’re considering cloth diapering, here’s a simple guide to get started:
Choose Your Cloth Diapers: There are several types of cloth diapers:
Pre-folds: Rectangular pieces of fabric that need to be folded and fastened with pins or a diaper cover.
All-in-ones (AIOs): Diapers with built-in absorbency and waterproof covers, just like disposables.
Pocket Diapers: Diapers with a pocket where you insert absorbent inserts.
Fitted Diapers: These are similar to AIOs but need a separate cover.
How Many Diapers Do You Need?: A typical stash for one baby is around 20-30 diapers. This will give you enough to last between washings.
Washing Cloth Diapers:
Pre-rinse: After each use, rinse the diaper to remove waste.
Wash: Use a gentle detergent and wash your diapers in warm water. Avoid fabric softeners or bleach, as they can reduce absorbency.
Drying: You can air dry or machine dry your diapers, but air drying is gentler on the fabric.
Diaper Covers: If using pre-folds or pocket diapers, you’ll need a waterproof cover to prevent leaks. These can be reused multiple times before washing.
Cloth Wipes: Consider using cloth wipes, which are a natural complement to cloth diapers. You can make your own wipe solution or buy pre-made options.
Cloth diapering is about making choices that work for your family, not about being perfect. While it offers environmental and financial benefits, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Finding balance is key—whether you cloth diaper full-time, part-time, or just occasionally. Every small step counts towards a healthier planet and a safer future for your child. Explore your options, do what feels right, and know that every effort matters.
Here are some cloth diaper brands owned by small businesses:
Esembly Baby: Offers try-it kits
Forever My Babies: A Black-owned brand that donates diapers to families in need and supports social justice initiatives
Pooters: A Black-owned cloth diaper business
Shine Cloth: A Black-owned cloth diaper business
Little MuffinCakes: A Black-owned cloth diaper business
Nappy Bunz: A Black-owned cloth diaper business
Other cloth diaper brands include:
bumGenius: Offers one-size, one-piece diapers made of 100% organic cotton
GroVia: Offers a hybrid diaper with snap-in liners that can be reused
Gerber: Offers affordable, traditional cotton prefold diapers
Thirsties: Offers a Duo Wrap cover that can be used with prefolds
LKC and Me: A brand that focuses on sustainability, quality, and innovative design
Ruvanti: Offers 100% cotton, flat-fold cloth diapers
“Thank you so much for this post! I’ve been on the fence about cloth diapering, but your advice really helped clear things up. This is very helpful & insightful. I feel so much more confident about giving it a try now. Appreciate all the time and effort you put into this—it's exactly what I needed to get started!”