As soon as parents face the decision of whether to use cloth or disposable diapers for their child, many ask around about experiences with cloth diapers. The internet, with its various forums, is also frequently used to find out about experiences with cloth diapers. In this article, we collect a variety of these experiences.
Are cloth diapers or disposable diapers easier to use?
Experience shows that it depends on which diapers you use. Looking at the various disposable diaper brands, there are only minor differences between the different manufacturers. The biggest difference is between diapers and pull-ups – one is fastened, the other is pulled up.
With cloth diapers, the experience is quite different – there's a suitable diaper for every need. Some parents find it easier to use old washcloths or fabric scraps as diapers and only look for a waterproof cover (all-in-two systems), while others prefer a complete diaper ( Libbie is one such diaper, for example) that functions similarly to a disposable diaper.
Conclusion
- Per cloth diaper l: There are numerous cloth diaper systems available, so you can choose the best one for yourself.
- Against cloth diapers : You have to read up on the systems first.
- Pros of disposable diapers : Hardly any differences in handling between the various disposable diapers.
- Against disposable diapers : No adaptation of disposable diaper systems to individual needs
How long do cloth diapers remain leak-proof?
In fact, cloth diapers are superior to disposable diapers when it comes to extended diapering periods. While disposable diapers do contain superabsorbent polymers that can absorb a large amount of liquid, the once light and thin diaper quickly becomes heavy with urine and sags. Children may have difficulty walking in such heavy disposable diapers and need to be changed more frequently. Many parents try to solve this problem with bodysuits that hold the diaper in place, but frequent diaper changes are still necessary.
Cloth diapers stay in place much better and don't slip down – meaning even a full diaper stays put much better than a full disposable one. Our diapers absorb up to 400ml and can last for about 6 hours; however, it's important to remember that children should be changed every 2 to 4 hours, regardless of whether you use disposable or cloth diapers.
Conclusion
- Per cloth diaper: Cloth diapers stay in place better on the child's body when full.
- Against cloth diapers : Not every cloth diaper system stays leak-proof for the same amount of time.
- Pros of disposable diapers : Superabsorbent polymers theoretically hold a lot of liquid.
- Against disposable diapers : Due to the weight of the diaper, it often slips and sometimes needs to be changed even more often than disposable diapers.
Traveling with cloth diapers or disposable diapers?
It comes down to personal preference. Disposable diapers are easier to take along because they are very thin and can simply be thrown away when you're out and about. Cloth diapers, on the other hand, can't be thrown away; instead, they are collected in a wet bag .
For outings, we find cloth diapers more practical because they stay in place better and leak less often, even under stress. With disposable diapers, stool tends to leak out at the leg cuffs or back, soiling the child's clothes. This is less of a problem with cloth diapers, so you don't have to worry about soiled clothing.
Conclusion
- Per cloth diaper: Cloth diapers are significantly more durable and better suited for use on the go.
- Against cloth diapers : Full cloth diapers must be transported in a wet bag.
- Pros of disposable diapers : Disposable diapers can be thrown away.
- Against disposable diapers : Disposable diapers often leak under pressure and soil the bodysuit or clothing with stool.
Should you use cloth diapers or disposable diapers for rambunctious children?
Experience with both types of diapers shows that it clearly depends on the child. Young children often love pretty patterns and designs and are more easily persuaded by cloth diapers than by disposable ones. For example, if the child is allowed to choose the cloth diaper, they are often more willing to be changed.
Disposable diapers come in pull-up versions for such situations, which can theoretically be pulled up quickly. The disadvantage, however, is that you can no longer change the child quickly, especially when you're out and about. To put on the pull-up version, you have to take off your pants and shoes; with a regular diaper, you can simply pull the pants down, saving time.
Another drawback is that children, from a certain age, are able to remove their disposable diapers independently or pull their penis out of the diaper. This can be particularly difficult when out and about or in bed. The snug fit of cloth diapers prevents this.
Conclusion
- Per cloth diaper: Cloth diapers have beautiful designs and are preferred by children over the relatively uniform disposable diapers.
- Against cloth diapers : There are no comparable cloth diaper pants yet.
- Pros of disposable diapers : Pants sometimes make dressing easier.
- Against disposable diapers : For pull-ups, trousers and shoes have to be taken off, and disposable diapers are easier for the child to take off (when out and about or in bed).
Wash or throw away? Which is more annoying?
Parents' experiences vary greatly here as well. While some prefer to take their clothes to the bin several times a day, others are happier with washing them in the washing machine.
The fact is: disposable diapers smell worse. Stool in disposable diapers very quickly spreads a very unpleasant odor that can permeate a room. With cloth diapers, the stool is conveniently shaken into the toilet, thus minimizing odors. Wet bags, in which cloth diapers are collected, are also odor-neutral, so the cloth diapers can be stored for several days without the same unpleasant smell as disposable diapers.
If you want to reduce laundry, you can choose complete systems where you only have one cloth diaper that you can hang over the clothesline in one piece - washing cloth diapers can therefore be very easy and quick.
We prefer washing to throwing away because you only need to wash about every three days and with Lybbie diapers it's really hardly any effort.
Conclusion
- Per cloth diaper: Cloth diapers are stored odor-neutrally in the wet bag for up to 3 days.
- Against cloth diapers : Cloth diapers need to be washed.
- Pros of disposable diapers : Disposable diapers do not need to be washed.
- Against disposable diapers : Disposable diapers quickly become smelly and must be taken outside at least every day.
Constantly buying diapers
Cloth diapers are clearly superior to disposable diapers in this respect. With cloth diapers, you only need to wash them to get fresh diapers, whereas with disposable diapers, you have to go shopping – and it's much more likely that you've miscalculated and have to make a quick trip to the supermarket on a Saturday. It's also important to always buy the right size, as disposable diapers don't grow with the child. Many cloth diapers, including Lybbie, can be individually adjusted to the child using snap systems and can therefore last the entire diapering period.
Conclusion
- Per cloth diaper: Cloth diapers never run out and grow with the child.
- Against disposable diapers : Disposable diapers need to be bought regularly and children outgrow the diaper sizes.
The cost of disposable diapers and cloth diapers
Cloth diapers may seem expensive at first glance, but they are significantly cheaper than disposable diapers. Disposable diapers are not washable, so the money spent is essentially "thrown away." Depending on the diaper manufacturer, diaper costs can amount to around €2,000 per child. Cloth diapers are reused, saving money over the entire diapering period: depending on the system or manufacturer, cloth diapers cost around €500, and the diapers can even be resold or used for other children. This further reduces costs.
Conclusion
- Per cloth diaper: Cloth diapers cost significantly less over the entire diapering period (approximately €500).
- Against disposable diapers : Disposable diapers are very expensive and can cost up to €2,000.
Conclusion
Experience shows that cloth and disposable diapers always depend on the individual using them. Some people use a combination of both, primarily using cloth diapers but switching to disposables on vacation; others use only cloth or only disposable diapers. Here's a brief comparison of the two:
| cloth diaper | disposable diaper | |
| Hold on to the child | It fits very well and doesn't slip. | It slips when the diaper is full and therefore hinders the child's movement. |
| handling | Different systems for every need | Two systems: Pants and diapers |
| Diapering interval | Different (Libbie has a high absorbency) | Superabsorbent polymers absorb a lot |
| Wash | Every 3 days | Can be thrown away |
| Odor | Wet bags prevent odors from escaping; stool is shaken into the toilet. | Odors develop very quickly and diapers need to be taken to the trash can frequently. |
| Availability | Cloth diapers are always available thanks to washing. | They need to be repurchased regularly. |
| Cost | Cost-saving (approximately €500 depending on the system) | Costly (around €2,000 depending on the brand) |
