Newborn Diapers
The Differences Between Disposable and Reusable Newborn Diapers
When it comes to your newborn, diapers of some sort are a must! Diapers come in two basic forms: disposable and reusable. The main decision comes when you have to decide which type of diaper you want to use. Now, the type of diaper that you choose for your little one depends a great deal on your little one’s physical preferences and tolerability, but also upon your budget.
Disposable diapers are the most commonly used diapers. They can be purchased in bulk packages at the store and are available in a wide range of sizes. Disposable diapers are made up of super-absorbent polymers, elastic (around the waistband and legs), and velcro or adhesive tapes. It sounds rather unpleasant when put that way, but they are really quite comfortable and tidy. Because disposable diapers are so absorbent, they provide the benefit of lasting longer than reusable diapers. Then, of course, there is the largest benefit of all, which is that disposable diapers can simply be thrown away once they become full. Unfortunately, disposable diapers are quite bulky and can mean carrying around a bulky diaper bag. One may also have to try both newborn and 0 – 3 month old sizes in order to find just the right fit for their new addition, as not all newborns can fit into newborn-sized diapers.
Reusable or “cloth” diapers are not without their own benefits. Reusable diapers are quite cheap to purchase and last a long time. It is definitely an economic choice for parents who are finding their diaper budget to be on the short side. Although you might be picturing a square piece of cloth tied together and secured by safety pins, that image is quite unrealistic compared to the actual cloth diapers of today. Reusable diapers are made of all sorts of materials ranging from man-made to natural fibers. The most popular reusable newborn diapers sold today consist of a waterproof and leak-proof outer encasement that makes up the actual “diaper”. It contains velcro or button enclosures and often contain elastic in the areas around the legs and waist. Cloth diapers are also largely available in a “one size fits all” size, which makes finding the right fit a cinch. These diapers have bio-degradable, and sometimes even flushable, liners that can be purchased in bulk packages for under ten dollars. These liners are placed inside the diaper encasement and are simply thrown out or flushed away so a fresh liner can take its place. As you can see, the modern disposable diapers of today don’t even require the tough constitution that diapers of old once required. However, it bears mentioning that there are also reusable liners available which do require washing after every use, but will eliminate the need for purchasing liners every month.
Once factor that might help you make up your mind is your child’s body type. Some babies have ultra sensitive skin that can easily become irritated. Some reusable diapers can hinder the sensitive skin of your baby’s privates from obtaining enough oxygen. This is called allowing the skin to “breathe”. This is where store-bought disposable diapers have the upper hand, because they are so thin and are often made of highly breathable materials. This can really cut down on occurrences of diaper rash. Don’t let this scare you away from choosing reusable diapers, though. There are plenty of cloth diapers on the market that sport patented materials and designs that claim to make your child’s skin less prone to diaper rash. It’s simply a case of doing your homework on the different types of diapers and choosing a type that you believe will best suite your little one.
Finances seem to hit all new parents with the force of a club. Suddenly these new and expensive costs seem to be cropping up everywhere and one of the major ones is for diapers. The typical name-brand package of newborn diapers, say around 125 count, can cost anywhere from $30 – 40. Newborn babies average anywhere between 6 and 12 disposable diapers in one day (depending mostly on whether they are formula or breast fed), which means that a box of 125 will probably last around 11 days. After doing the math, this works out to anywhere from $90 to $120 spent each month on disposable diapers. Using that same logic, one who uses a reusable diaper can purchase a roll of 100-count diaper liners for around $10, which works out to a monthly diaper cost of about $40. That’s a huge cost difference!
The decision of what type of newborn diapers to use is not an earth-shattering decision by any means, but it’s nice for new parents to know that there are options out there. Whether it is the financial appeal of cloth diapers or the convenience of disposable diapers that sways your decision, at least you are able to say that you acknowledged your options and made the best choice for your newborn and your family. Best of luck with your little one!