When disposable diapers were introduced in the late 1950s, they were definitely regarded as an important step towards effective emancipation among mothers—no more long hours of washing and bleaching terries! However, just because they have such advantages entirely means that these products are all good, as there are actually some disadvantages in using these products that hold true today. Let us take a look at both sides of the coin regarding disposable diapers.
List of Advantages of Disposable Diapers
1. They offer convenience.
Compared with cloth diapers, disposables are more convenient to use. Aside from being widely available in many specialty stores, they are also already available for online purchase. Another element of convenience is that you can just throw them away to the can after removing them, as opposed to cloth diapers that need to be soaked and washed.
2. They allow for quick changes.
Another huge benefit of using disposable diapers is the less time you spend on changing them, which would become lesser as you get used to doing it. As a result, changing would become more practical for you.
3. They can come as hypoallergenic, which is safe for babies.
Whether your baby is suffering from a chemical or allergic reaction to the materials in standard diapers, you can choose hypoallergenic diapers that prevent common irritants as your best course of preventive treatment. However, it is important to keep in mind that, similar to cosmetics, hypoallergenic diapers do not have a controlled definition, and that some manufacturers would try to make claims for such products, while the truth is they could still cause a few adverse reactions.
List of Disadvantages of Disposable Diapers
1. They are expensive in the long run.
Diapers are very expensive, especially when you consider that a baby can use about 7 to 8 diapers in a day on average. Also, the prices of these products can vary according to their types and qualities, which can cause concern and confusion among parents. Many parents even believe that a significant portion of their budget is spent in buying these diapers.
2. They can cause skin rashes.
Skin rashes are a common condition that occurs due to the prolonged use of wet diapers. As you can see, moisture can be a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which are one of the main culprits of this skin condition.
3. They can cause toilet training to be more difficult.
Basically, toilet training should involve certain signals and sounds between the babies and parents, so that children can easily learn to use the toilet for defecation and urination. However, the use of disposable diapers have increased the period of children to be in diapers for a long time, as babies are feeling quite comfortable in diapers and parents are not pushing them for the toilet training.
Overall, you should wisely weigh down the advantages and disadvantages of disposable diapers before you decide on using them for your baby. By doing so, you will be able to ensure the best for your bottom line and for your baby’s.
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.