A parent’s guide to picking the perfect diaper

The arrival of a baby brings with it many questions and choices to consider. One of these revolves around the type of diaper parents want to use—cloth or disposable.

Since the type of diaper chosen by new parents will impact various aspects of their lives, such as budget, their baby’s comfort, the environment, and lifestyle, it can be helpful to compare the two options to determine which is more suitable for them.

Environmental impact

Both cloth and disposable diapers have different levels of impact on the environment.

Disposable diapers

• Made with materials that may not be environmentally friendly
• Decompose very slowly (over several hundred years)
• Generate a high volume of waste (several thousand diapers per child)

Cloth diapers

• Produce less waste at the end of their lifespan
• Require water and energy for washing
• Reduce the carbon footprint over the long term

Cost

Both types of diapers involve an investment, whether short-, medium-, or long-term.

Disposable diapers

• Have a high long-term cost
• Require recurring purchases (weekly or monthly)

Cloth diapers

• Involve a higher upfront cost
• Have lower recurring costs
• May be eligible for subsidies from certain municipalities

Convenience and practicality

Les couches lavables et les couches jetables comportent quelques différences au niveau de la facilité d’utilisation. Il peut même être pertinent de faire une alternance entre les deux Cloth and disposable diapers differ in terms of ease of use. A hybrid approach can be a good compromise, such as using cloth diapers at home and disposables while travelling or away from home, balancing convenience and sustainability.

Disposable diapers

• Ready to use, easy to put on and dispose of
• Ideal for travel, outings, or even at home

Cloth diapers

• Require regular maintenance (washing, drying, folding)
• Demand an adjustment period and good organization
• Need to be available in sufficient quantity to handle unexpected situations

Baby's comfort

Baby's comfort should always come first when choosing a diaper.

Disposable diapers

• Suitable for sensitive skin due to hypoallergenic materials
• Provide optimal comfort with advanced features like fast absorption

Cloth diapers

• Made from natural fabrics (cotton, bamboo, hemp) that are gentle on the skin
• May have less effective absorption, leading to leaks if not properly fitted 

Parent involvement

Depending on their lifestyle, the level of involvement required from parents varies with the type of diaper. It’s important to choose a type that fits into your daily routine to simplify the adjustment and ensure your baby’s comfort throughout the day.

Disposable diapers

• Require minimal effort as they are discarded after each use
• A practical choice for busy, time-pressed parents

Cloth diapers

• Require time for washing and drying
• Call for some organization during diaper changes

Diaper styles

The variety of models differs across categories. While this is a personal choice, some parents enjoy having specific patterns or colours on their child’s diapers. 

Disposable diapers

• Often unisex
• Increasingly available in various designs and styles
• Difficult to personalize

Cloth diapers

• Come in a wide range of patterns, colours, and styles
• Offered by ethical and eco-friendly brands
• Adjustable to grow with the child

Long-term use and recycling

Environmental concerns are top of mind for some parents.

Disposable diapers

• Designed for single use
• Rarely recycled (depending on the municipality)

Cloth diapers

• Generally recyclable or compostable (depending on the brand and material)
• Can be reused for future siblings, passed down to friends or relatives, or sold to other families

Each type of diaper has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Disposable diapers can be costly over time, produce significant waste, and occasionally cause irritation, but they’re easy to use and highly absorbent.

On the other hand, cloth diapers require a significant initial investment, regular maintenance, water and energy for washing, and good organization from parents. However, they’re reusable, recyclable, and help save money in the long run.

It’s important to consider factors like lifestyle (home-based vs. frequent travel), environmental impact, budget, the baby’s comfort, and the parents’ flexibility to make the right choice.

Combining both options based on specific needs and circumstances is also possible.

Ultimately, it’s a personal decision that each family will make for themselves.

Text written in collaboration with Vie de Parents.