Whether you're considering the environmental impact or interested in financial savings (or both!), you’re here because you're curious about cloth diapers and how they might work for you and your family!

Fortunately, helping parents make informed choices is kind of our thing, so today we’re pleased to share the 4 S’s of cloth diapering — Savings, Sustainability, System, and Style.

Did you know disposable diapers have been on the market in North America for less than 80 years? So, it wasn’t all that long ago that cloth diapers were all the rage. With more and more parents considering the long-term impacts of cloth vs. disposables, we think it’s fair to say that cloth diapers are making a bit of a comeback!

So, let’s get into the 4 S’s you may want to consider in your cloth diaper decision.

Savings

Let’s start with dollars and cents...because let’s face it, everyone wants to know how they can save more money. Well, by going with cloth diapers, you certainly can save!

While purchasing cloth diapers upfront will be an investment, parents should weigh the initial cost of cloth diapers versus the long-term costs of disposables — especially since the average child will go through 7,000 disposable diapers before they are potty-trained! 

Not only will the value of cloth diapers last until your child is ready for potty parties, when your child no longer needs them, they can be reused, making the cost savings even higher! If you don't plan to have any more children, you may want to consider selling your cloth diapers to recoup some of your costs and pass on the savings to others!

Sustainability

One of the more significant arguments in favour of cloth diapers over disposables is the sustainability factor. Again, not only can cloth diapers be used for multiple children over time, but they will not take up as much space in a landfill (try to imagine what 7,000 diapers actually looks like).

While the environmental impact of using more water in order to wash cloth diapers should also be considered, over time, the impact of having disposable diapers (that don't break down) take up landfill space is more significant.

System

Having a system that flows will be key for your cloth diapering journey. Here are some tips for keeping your system running smoothly:

• Consider making a central station with all your supplies and diaper pail — this will help make changes a cinch. 
  
  
• When going out, be sure to carry a wet bag for the soiled nappies.
  
  
• When it comes to washing, keep a regular schedule.  Alternatively, consider hiring a local diaper laundering service to save yourself even more time and energy (which is usually in very short supply, especially during those first few months).

Just like any aspect of parenting, once you have settled into a routine with cloth diapering, it will easily become second nature.

Style

Style is certainly another factor to consider when diving into cloth diapers. There are two main systems to decide between — an all-in-one option (where the full diaper must be changed and washed), or the pocket with insert option (where the diaper shell can be reused, as long as it’s not soiled, and just an insert is replaced during changes). Knowing your family’s routines and systems will give you an idea of which option will be best for you.

You may also want to consider between a one-size diaper (that will grow with your baby from infancy to toddlerhood, with a series of adjustable snaps) or buying cloth diapers according to your child’s current size.

Find Out More

At the end of the day, even if you give cloth diapering a go, but still use disposables occasionally, a little change goes a long way, especially for areas like your savings and the sustainability of our planet.

Have more questions about cloth diapering? Come see us in-store or reach out to us for more!

*This information was taken from the 40 Weeks to Forever Podcast. Season 2 Episode 7: Don’t be Trashy
Guest: Tara McKenna - From The Zero Waste Collective blog and author of Don’t Be Trashy: A Practical Guide to Living with Less Waste and More Joy