Diaper Decisions: Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers

Before having our first child, my husband and I spent a lot of time debating the pros and cons of cloth diapers vs. disposable diapers. Ultimately, we settled on a mix of the two, and I’ve learned that there’s no “right” choice—they’re just different. For example, cloth diapers certainly produce less waste, but convenience is a big plus when it comes to disposable options.

“Your choice of diaper should be specific to you and your baby,” says Julia Reading, MD, a pediatrician at Providence Medical Institute - San Pedro Pediatrics in San Pedro, California. “And the choice you make isn’t a lifetime commitment. If baby doesn’t react well to cloth or disposable, or even a specific brand, you can easily try something else.”

That said, there are a few key differences between cloth and disposable diapers, as well as benefits and drawbacks to each. Experts break it down, ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Cloth diapers tend to be a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option. However, they require more work—especially in the laundry department.
• Disposable diapers are more convenient and have better moisture-absorbing properties. But they can get expensive, and some parents have concerns about chemical ingredients.
• Ultimately, experts say the cloth vs. disposable diaper decision is personal, and depends on your family’s circumstances and preferences.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers aren’t for everyone—you have to do a lot of laundry, for starters. But there are some definite perks of going this route.

Pros

Many parents choose cloth diapers for being more economical and environmentally friendly. “They might be cheaper long-term, they may have less chemicals depending on the type, thus providing a more ‘natural’ option and they may be better for the environment,” Reading says. She adds that most families she sees who choose cloth diapers do it because they’re concerned about chemicals in disposable diapers. “Cloth diapers often contain more limited and natural ingredients, and this can be appealing for many families,” she says.

Because of their texture, cloth diapers may also make it easier to track if baby’s peed, says Ashanti Woods, MD, a pediatrician at Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Center. “Sometimes it’s not easily determined in disposable diapers without a urine detection line,” he says. He adds that they’re a more “nostalgic,” old-school option—aka what parents did for ages before disposables came on the market.

Cloth diapers may even help with potty training, says Jennifer Schwab, MD, a pediatrician at Connecticut Children’s Care Network and Rocky Hill Pediatrics. “They feel ‘wet’ as opposed to disposable diapers,” she says.

Cons

Cloth diapers can be tricky to use, and they’re not totally waste-free. “They can still cause diaper rashes, and typically use more water waste and detergent consumption with frequent washing required,” Woods points out.

You’ll also typically need to use a waterproof cover on top of your cloth diapers in order to keep baby’s clothes from getting wet or dirty, Woods adds. “More components are needed to achieve the same goal,” he says. Cloth diapers are also more likely to leak, says Reading.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Disposable Diapers

Disposable diapers are the more popular and “easy” option, but they can get expensive and some contain not-so-great ingredients. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Pros

One big reason many families prefer disposable diapers is convenience. “Disposable diapers are readily available, easy to put on and done after use—no washing required,” Woods says.

They also usually have better moisture-absorbing properties than their cloth counterparts. “We know moisture can irritate the skin and has the potential to result in a rash,” Reading says. Some parents also say they experience fewer “blowouts” with disposable diapers.

Cons

If you buy disposable diapers, you know that they can really eat up your budget. Some parents are also concerned about what they contain. “Costs of diapers are going up, and some ingredients used to make diapers aren’t friendly to the environment,” Woods says. And, again, experts—and real parents—often question what chemicals may be hiding in disposable diapers.

Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers: Cost

While cloth diapers require an upfront cost for the diapers and diaper covers, Reading says they’re typically the more cost-saving option. Says Woods: “It depends on who you ask, but perhaps there’s some cost savings with cloth diapers.” A start cloth diaper kit can cost from $50 to $100, depending on the quality of the material. Disposable diapers can cost from around $20 for a 96-count box—on the budget side—to $14 for a 26-pack for a more quality, eco-conscious option. (For reference, baby can go through around five to nine diapers a day.)

But Woods adds there are hidden fees to consider with cloth diapers, including water, detergent, a diaper service (if you use one) and—perhaps a parent’s most precious resource—time. When you factor those in, “the cost savings could be negligible,” he says.

Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers: Environmental Impact

Research says disposable diapers produce 20 times more solid waste than cloth ones. They’re also the third most common consumer item in landfills in the US and take 500 years to biodegrade.

But cloth diapers have a carbon footprint that may be comparable to those of disposable diapers, Reading says. “This impact depends on how cloth diapers are used,” she explains. “The carbon footprint of cloth diapers could be reduced by washing in fuller loads, line-drying them and reusing them for another child.”

The best option for the environment is likely biodegradable diapers, but they’re not widely available and need to be composted properly, Reading says.

Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers Chart

To Sum It Up

Whether to go with cloth diapers or disposable diapers is up to you; it’s a choice driven by what matters most to you including cost, sustainability, convenience and baby’s skin. “Ultimately, this must be a personal decision by the parent,” says Reading. “Parents can be mindful of the pros and cons and monitor their baby’s skin.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.