We all know that a child is typically in diapers for three years, and their skin is in constant contact with diapers. When we talk about disposable diapers, we have to reckon with 4,500–6,000 diapers that are thrown away after a single use and end up being stored or incinerated. In contrast, we only need 25 cloth diapers to use cloth diapers completely and load a washing machine every two to three days.
Since the diapers stay on the child around the clock, can we freely choose which materials are directly against the bottom?
The answer is: Yes!
On the one hand, we unfortunately don't know exactly what's in disposable diapers because manufacturers aren't required to list the ingredients on the packaging. On the other hand, every cloth diaper has a label that lists all the materials: for example, we can choose between cotton and bamboo viscose, and decide whether natural fibers should be in direct contact with the skin or whether we prefer a stay-dry effect.
Okay, but cloth diapers are more expensive than disposable diapers!
No! Disposable diapers look cheap because we only ever buy a few packs: it's simply a form of installment payment, but in the end they are very expensive. Cloth diapers can sometimes be bought secondhand and can also be used for a second child.
A cloth diaper consultant can show you many different materials and models; you can touch and compare them and find the best solution for your child. Finally, you can rent a trial pack to try the diapers directly with your child.