The invention of disposable diapers must have seemed like a miracle to moms just a couple of generations ago. But more environmentally conscious parents are now turning back to cloth diapers — though there’s nothing old-fashioned about the latest options.
Long gone are the giant safety pins, square cotton cloths and heaps of laundry. Instead, parents can choose from a variety of reusable diapers — some with Velcro closures or snaps, others with small, flushable inserts — that can be emptied and thrown in the washing machine.
What's more, diapers have evolved into fashion accessories. Available in a variety of patterns and colors, they add a splash of personality peeking out from waistbands and frilly dresses. These diapers range from $10 to $20 each and most need to be replaced as your baby grows.
If you’re a traditionalist, cotton flat-fold diapers (the kind grandma was weaned on) are still available, and cost considerably less — about $1 each. There are lots of
folding methods for these, and they should be fastened with safety pins and covered with a wool or plastic diaper cover to prevent leaks.
Cloth diapers can easily be cleaned in your washing machine, though you may have to work a little harder to keep them white. This is the cheapest way to go, at a monthly cost of $25 to $60. You can also outsource the job to an eco-friendly diaper-cleaning service at a cost of about $50 to $80 a month, about the same cost as buying disposable diapers.
If you're too squeamish for reusables but are still concerned about the environmental, disposable brands like
Earth’s Best and
Seventh Generation are chlorine-free and are produced using fewer chemicals. And there’s no need to feel guilty about choosing disposables; the debate continues about which is the more eco option, since disposables contribute to landfills but reusables require wash loads of water and detergent.