Disposable diapers remain the most popular choice for parents when it comes to choosing how to deal with the messier side of their baby. If you're new to parenting and are choosing a diapering method, here's a look at the pros, cons and costs of disposable baby diapers.
What Are Disposable Diapers?
Disposable diapers have a plastic or otherwise waterproof outer layer, an inner absorbent layer made of wood pulp and sodium polyacrylate (absorbent gel), and an inner non-woven liner that wicks moisture away from baby's skin. Most disposable diapers today have re-usable tapes or Velcro strips so that you can reposition the diaper or check to see if it's in need of replacement. Usually, disposable diapers have some sort of shaping, whether it's elastic at the legs or back, or the cut of the whole diaper, to better fit baby. Different brands fit in different ways.Are Disposable Diapers Easy To Use?
Disposable diapers are probably the easiest diapering method. You simply fasten the diaper onto baby (instructions are rarely needed), remove it when wet or dirty, clean up baby, and replace the diaper. Used diapers are thrown in the trash. There is no washing or storing of used diapers. Simply take out the trash if the diaper pail begins to smell bad. Disposable diapers are readily available in many types of stores, so they're easy to buy, as well.What Do Disposable Diapers Cost?
Assuming that the average baby will use 8 disposable diapers per day for around 2.5 years, that's more than 7,000 disposable diapers used before your baby potty trains. Name brand disposable diapers cost about 30 cents per diaper, depending on where you buy them. Generic disposable diapers and less expensive brands can be found for about 15 cents per diaper. Expect to spend at least $1,000-$2,000 before your baby is out of disposable diapers.Do Disposable Diapers Work?
Finding a disposable diaper brand that works for your baby is the key. Leaks can be kept to a minimum as long as the diaper fits well and you change your baby often enough. The absorbent gel in disposable diapers actually allows them to hold a lot of liquid. Don't push the limits and you'll have fewer leaks. Many parents find that cheaper generic disposable diapers leak more often, sometimes from the cheaper "cloth-like" outer layer. Not all brands will work for all babies, though, so if you choose disposable diapers, experiment to find a brand that works well for your baby.Disposable Diaper Pros
Disposable diapers are incredibly convenient. They require almost no learning curve. They're readily available all over the world.Disposable Diaper Cons
The cost of disposable diapers over time adds up! Babies may not feel the wetness and cry because of it as soon in disposable diapers, because of the liner that wicks away moisture. Sitting in a wet diaper could lead to rashes, though. Some parents worry about exposure to the chemicals used in making disposable diapers, such as bleaches and plastics. Disposable diapers are low on the scale of eco-friendly choices.What Is The Environmental Impact Of Disposable Diapers?
Making disposable diapers means cutting down a lot of trees. Bleaches and plastics used in making these diapers also adds quite an environmental impact. The 7,000 diapers average diapers per baby end up in the landfill, too, which poses a problem since disposable diapers can take hundreds of years to fully break down. It's estimated that about one-third of all landfill trash is disposable diapers. Instructions say to flush solids from the diaper before tossing in the trash, but most ignore these directions. This means baby poop is getting into the soil and water around landfills, and eventually, to us.
