There are many myths about cloth diapers that circulate mercilessly in parenting circles. If you’re considering cloth diapers, or even if you’re not, this article will help you sort through what is true and what is myth about using cloth diapers on your baby.
Cloth diapers cause diaper rash
This is a myth. Studies completed in recent years have actually showed just the opposite. Diaper rash is caused by many factors, not simply by the skin being wet. In fact, babies who wear disposable diapers, because the diapers feel dry to the touch even when they have been urinated in, are usually changed less frequently than babies in cloth diapers. This actually results in more diaper rash for those babies in disposable diapers.
Cloth diapers are smelly
No diaper smells terrific. However, cloth diapers are no stinkier than disposable diapers. In fact, consider that many people who use disposable diapers purchase a Diaper Genie or other device designed to completely seal off each individual diaper to contain odors. Then take a look at the device most cloth diapering families use to hold their diapers until wash day – a simple bucket or trash can with a lid. No scientific studies have been completed to compare the relative smelliness of the two types of diapers, but the common myth that cloth diapers are smellier than their disposable counterparts does not seem to be true.
Disposable diapers are just more convenient
This myth does have a bit of truth to it. If you use cloth, instead of throwing away your used diapers, you do have to wash them. But you don’t have to wash them by hand – you just toss them in the washer! Most cloth diapering families wash diapers two or three times a week, meaning that they are doing eight to twelve extra loads of laundry each month.
Cloth diapers are hard to use
Cloth diapers do not need to be any harder than disposable diapers. You could make a comparison to driving a stick shift versus driving an automatic. They are different, and the stick shift may have a slightly higher learning curve, but neither is necessarily easier than the other.
Dads don’t change cloth diapers
Most dads I know don’t relish the idea of changing diapers – any type of diaper. (I don’t know many moms who look forward to it either – except some cloth diapering moms. Some of today’s diapers are so cute; it does make diaper changing time fun!) But it’s simply not true that dads do not change cloth diapers. If they can change a disposable, they can change a cloth diaper. Most reluctant dads simply need encouragement, and for their wives to stop hovering and giving advice!
Cloth diapers are too expensive
Cloth diapers are an investment in the beginning. However, they are much, much cheaper in the long run. Many families purchase several dozen prefold diapers for their first baby, and then never have to purchase diapers again, no matter how many children they have. Families who use disposables must buy diapers constantly.
