Some parents swear by cloth diapers, others by their disposable versions. But which is the best diaper for baby’s bottom? For about three years, children wear diapers, in recent years even rather longer. For newborns, they need to be changed up to eight times a day, and later about five times. Over the “diaper years,” this easily adds up to between 6,000 and 8,000 diaper changes. And they weigh a lot: on average, each baby produces a good ton of disposable diaper waste, Stiftung Warentest has determined. Reason enough to think about the packaging of his offspring extensively.
Disposable diaper or reusable diaper?
A diaper should do one thing above all: keep the baby’s bottom as dry as possible. In the moist and warm diaper environment, bacteria and fungi can easily colonize and multiply – a sore bottom or a fungal infection is the annoying and painful consequence. A plus for disposable diapers, say their proponents. Because meanwhile they absorb liquid well and bind it inside. In cloth diapers, the climate is often more humid, but the natural materials allow more air to reach the skin, and that – according to the proponents of reusable diapers – is good for the baby’s delicate skin.
Experts recommend the cotton alternative for sensitive and allergy-prone children. However, the diaper must then be changed consistently and frequently. In many cases, it also helps to simply try out disposable diapers from a different supplier if the baby’s bottom is sensitive.
By the way, the reusable diaper also has a medical advantage: Some newborns are born with a deformity of the hip (hip dysplasia). Orthopedists then recommend a wide diaper, which can help in mild cases and replace a spreader pant. It is also often said that cloth diapers shorten the diapering time by about half a year – because the child is more aware of wetness in them. No matter which diaper – always give your child’s bottom time in the fresh air: let your baby often romp naked in a warm room on a blanket or under a heat lamp.
Diaper service and diaper changing calculator
If you want to use reusable diapers but don’t have the time or inclination to clean them, a diaper service can help – information is available from the Association of Diaper Services. Here you can also find a diaper calculator that determines the cost of disposable and reusable systems individually.
Decision-making aids for diaper purchases
Should the diapering system be fast and convenient? Cost little? Is ecological compatibility one of the most important criteria? A list of priorities helps decide on baby’s ideal wrap.
Disposable diapers
- Are quick and easy to use.
- Are convenient for travel or excursions.
- Keep the baby drier.
- Lie flat and do not hinder the baby when kicking, crawling or walking.
- Can be disposed of in the residual waste.
- Cause ongoing costs.
- The child gets little incentive to change from diaper to potty.
- It is only known to a limited extent, which substances are used in the production process.
Reusable diapers
- The child may get used to the potty faster.
- Make a thick diaper butt, but may support hip development.
- Diapering requires a little practice and a few more handles.
- Need to be washed, dried, sorted and put away.
- The basic equipment is more expensive, then the cost becomes lower.
- Can absorb less liquid.
- Do not exist everywhere and are difficult to clean on vacation.
- Diaper services are not subject to mandatory hygiene regulations so far, so are not controlled by the authorities.