If you’re a new parent—or even a seasoned one—you’ve probably asked yourself this question at least once: Should I use cloth or disposable diapers? At first glance, disposable diapers seem super convenient. You use them, toss them, and move on. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll realize that cloth diapers bring a lot more to the table than just being old-school.

We get it—life with a baby is busy enough. Choosing to add laundry into the mix might sound like a wild idea. But the benefits of cloth diapers go beyond just saving money or reducing waste. They’re better for your baby’s skin, kinder to the planet, and surprisingly easy to manage once you get the hang of it.

In this article, we’ll break down why cloth diapers are better than disposables—not just from an eco-conscious perspective, but from a practical, budget-friendly, and baby-friendly angle too. We’ll look at side-by-side comparisons, break down real advantages in a list format, answer your burning questions, and wrap it all up with key takeaways.

Let’s dive in and get honest about diapers.

Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers: A Side-by-Side Breakdown

Here’s a handy table to give you a clear view of how cloth diapers stack up against disposables across several important categories.

Feature	Cloth Diapers	Disposable Diapers
Cost Over Time	Lower in the long run	Higher due to repeat purchases
Environmental Impact	Minimal waste, reusable	High waste, landfill contribution
Skin Sensitivity	Natural fabrics, fewer chemicals	Contain absorbent gels and perfumes
Convenience	Requires washing & prep	Easy, just toss and go
Absorbency	Good, but may need boosters overnight	Very absorbent for long periods
Potty Training	Often quicker due to moisture feel	Slower, as baby stays dry longer
Design Options	Customizable, lots of cute prints	Limited variety
Initial Investment	Higher upfront cost	Low upfront, ongoing cost
Long-Term Use	Can be used for multiple children	One-time use only
Average Diaper Use per Child	~20–30 diapers total	~6,000–8,000 diapers per child

Key Takeaway: Cloth diapers may require more upfront effort and a bit of a learning curve, but they quickly become cost-effective, baby-friendly, and sustainable in the long haul.

Top Reasons Parents Are Switching to Cloth Diapers

Let’s break it down. If you’re still on the fence, here’s a solid list of reasons why cloth diapers are gaining popularity among modern parents—and why they might be the right choice for you too.

Big-Time Money Savings

Cloth diapers can save you thousands over the course of diapering one child. You only need 20–30 diapers total, and you can reuse them for future siblings. Disposables? You’re looking at thousands of dollars for 2–3 years of constant buying.

Better for Baby’s Skin

Babies have super sensitive skin, and disposable diapers often contain chemicals like chlorine, dyes, fragrances, and SAP (super absorbent polymer). Cloth diapers use natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, or hemp, which are gentle and breathable—reducing diaper rash and irritation.

Earth-Friendly Choice

Each baby in disposables contributes about one ton of diaper waste to landfills. That waste doesn’t decompose for hundreds of years. Cloth diapers drastically reduce your family’s environmental footprint, especially if you line-dry and use eco-friendly detergents.

Easier Potty Training

Cloth diapered babies tend to potty train earlier. Why? They can feel when they’re wet, which builds body awareness sooner. Disposable diapers wick away moisture so well that some kids don’t connect the dots until much later.

No Late-Night Diaper Runs

Once you’ve got your cloth stash, you’re set. You never have to worry about running out of diapers in the middle of the night, running to the store in a panic, or blowing money on last-minute purchases.

Adorable Styles & Custom Fit

Let’s be honest—cloth diapers come in ridiculously cute patterns. You can mix and match colors, pick fun prints, and even coordinate with outfits. Many also offer adjustable sizing to grow with your baby.

Healthier for the Long Haul

Studies have suggested a possible link between long-term exposure to disposable diaper chemicals and hormonal issues, though more research is needed. Still, for many parents, it’s reason enough to stick with cloth just in case.

Built to Last

Cloth diapers don’t just last through one baby—they can last through multiple kids, saving money and waste again and again. Some families even resell their stash when they’re done.

Personal Control Over Products Used

With cloth, you control everything—what detergent you use, what fabrics touch your baby’s skin, how you clean and care for them. There’s something empowering about that.

Reusable for Other Purposes

Old cloth diapers can be upcycled into burp cloths, cleaning rags, or car seat protectors. No waste, just more usefulness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cloth Diapers

Let’s tackle some of the most common questions parents have when considering the cloth diaper route.

Isn’t it gross to deal with poop in cloth diapers?

It’s not as bad as you think. With a little practice, it becomes second nature. You can use flushable liners to catch solids, and a diaper sprayer attached to your toilet makes cleanup easy. Plus, breastfed baby poop is water-soluble—it just washes right out.

Do cloth diapers leak more than disposables?

When used properly, cloth diapers don’t leak any more than disposables. In fact, because you can customize the fit and absorbency, some parents find them even more reliable—especially with overnight inserts or boosters.

How many cloth diapers do I really need?

A full stash is typically around 20–30 diapers if you plan to do laundry every 2–3 days. If you’re part-time cloth diapering, you can get by with fewer.

What types of cloth diapers are there?

There are several styles:

• Prefolds: Old-school flats that need a waterproof cover.
• All-in-ones (AIOs): Super easy, like disposables, but reusable.
• Pocket diapers: Have an insert pocket for custom absorbency.
• Hybrids: Combine cloth with disposable inserts.

Each type has pros and cons, but once you try them out, you’ll find your favorites.

What about daycare—will they use cloth?

Some daycares are totally on board with cloth diapers, especially if you provide an easy-to-use style like AIOs or pockets. It’s worth having a conversation with your provider early on.

Is the water and energy used to wash cloth diapers bad for the environment?

When done efficiently—washing full loads with eco-friendly detergent and line-drying when possible—the environmental impact of washing cloth diapers is much lower than the long-term impact of thousands of disposable diapers in landfills.

Why Cloth Diapers Might Just Win You Over

Choosing between cloth and disposable diapers isn’t just a diaper decision—it’s a parenting lifestyle choice. And while disposables may seem easier on the surface, cloth diapers come with a mountain of long-term benefits.

They save money. They protect your baby’s skin. They help the environment. They can even encourage earlier potty training. And yes—they’re pretty darn cute too.

Once you get into the rhythm of cloth diapering, it becomes just another normal part of your daily routine—kind of like washing bottles or folding baby clothes. There’s a bit of a learning curve, sure, but once you’re over it, the rewards are well worth it.

If you’re still not sure, you don’t have to go all-in from the start. Try cloth part-time—just at home, for example—and see how it feels. Many parents who dip their toes in end up making the full switch once they realize how doable it really is.

So whether you’re in it for your wallet, the planet, your baby’s well-being, or all of the above, cloth diapers offer a powerful alternative that’s worth considering.