Whether it's about the baby’s diapers, sleep troubles, or their first sneeze, for every decision related to the child, first-time parents are extra cautious and tend to refer to the internet. They consider social media and the information available over the internet as omniscient.
But, hello, this information is not always altruistic. Rather, you are the best decision-maker for your baby! For instance, when it comes to deciding between cloth diaper and disposable ones, The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Environmental Protection Agency prefers not taking any official stance. This means it's up to moms and dads to decide what route is best for them and their babies.
Cloth diapers are made up of materials such as cotton, terry cloth, or flannel. Many people prefer that they are eco-friendly. The initial cost might seem to be pretty high, but since they're reusable, it turns out to be cheaper in the long run. However, you will have to sacrifice all the supermarket deals and sales available on disposable diapers!
Reusable cloth diapers use neither dyes nor gels, which can irritate your baby's skin. They also do not use plastic, which is a huge threat to the environment. The American Public Health Association, for instance, points out that disposing of human feces in landfills can introduce any of 100 different viruses, including polio and hepatitis, into groundwater. Yikes!
According to a survey conducted in 2016, parents who were between the age group of 25 and 35, married and had an annual household income between $50,000 and $70,000 preferred using cloth diapers. The majority of folks were introduced to the reusable route through friends and family but they were also willing to spend $35/diaper. Moms predominantly shifted to reusable diapers from disposable ones because of the cost-benefit. Even more, if you are ready to spend a bit extra, you can also get stylish diapers that are both organic and hand-made.
Does that mean disposable diapers are dying out slowly? Statista says revenue in the baby diapers market for 2019 amounts to 6.188 million in USD. The market is further expected to grow by 0.5% per year (CAGR 2019-2023).
These statistics mean disposable diapers are here to stay, and with its ease of use and the no-cumbersome process, parents are going to use it for years to come. Unlike cloth diapers, they are not messy and less time-consuming. Being more absorbent, they also don’t need to be changed often. Likewise, by keeping the baby dry, it also protects their skin from rashes. Most parents prefer disposable diapers when they are travelling, as they don't have to carry the soiled diapers back home.
As we said, no parenting technique is perfect – it's the bare truth behind the great diaper debate also. What suits your baby and your pocketbook is the best option to be used, regardless of what other mommies do. You do you, mama!