Many mothers wonder what kind of diapers to use. When it comes to preventing diaper rash, there is no convincing evidence that cloth nappies are better than disposable nappies or vice versa.
First, you have to know what are the difference between cloth diapers and disposable diapers.
Cloth diapers vs. disposable diapers
Cloth diapers vs. disposable diapers, which one is best? Find out how each compares when it comes to comfort, price, convenience and more.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to your personal preferences.
Says Laurie Belosa, MD, a board-certified pediatrician at Tribeca Pediatrics in New York City. “I don’t think one is superior to the other, I think that there are pros and cons to both of them, and it just depends on the family and what they’re comfortable with.”
There’s no huge difference between cloth diapers vs. disposable diapers here, as long as you change baby’s diaper when it’s full.
There are a few unique benefits of cloth diapers.
1. Health and Comfort:
- Cloth diapers: Sometimes can be more comfortable for babies. It is all-natural—there are no chemicals in them.
- Disposable diapers: Potentially more sanitary, beacuse when your baby soils a cloth diaper, you have to clean that waste. a dirty diaper to the toilet offers plenty of chances for a big mess.
2. Price
- Cloth diapers: Are much less expensive than disposables because you’re not buying diapers all the time. Also keep in mind that you can reuse cloth diapers on any new siblings that come along.
- Disposable diapers: One-time use. Disposable diapers are designed to be thrown away. That’s their biggest selling point for most parents. Instead of having to clean and wash a reusable diaper or rely on a diaper service, you can just wrap a disposable diaper up, put it in the diaper pail, and stop thinking about it.
3. Convenient
- Cloth diapers: The amount of laundry in your future. need to be washed every day to avoid stink and staining issues.
- Disposable diapers: Can get thrown away and you can move on with your day.
How to use cloth diapers
Since there is no better nappy, use what works for you and your baby. If one brand of disposable diapers is irritating your baby's skin, try another one.
If the laundry soap you use on cloth diapers seems to be causing a rash, switch products.
Whether you use cloth nappies, disposables, or both, always change your baby as soon as possible after the nappy is wet or soiled to keep the bottom as clean and dry as possible.
How to wash cloth diapers
If you use cloth diapers, careful washing can help prevent diaper rash. Washing methods vary and many routines work well.
The key is to clean, disinfect and remove soap residue. Here are effective ways:
- Soak heavily soiled cloth nappies in cold water.
- Wash diapers in hot water with a mild detergent and bleach. Bleach kills germs. You can also add vinegar to the wash cycle to get rid of unpleasant odors and rinse away soap residue.
- Rinse the nappy twice with cold water to remove traces of the chemicals and soap.
- Avoid using fabric softener and dryer sheets as they may contain fragrances that may irritate your baby's skin.
References