If you’re preparing to welcome a new baby into your home, you’re likely thinking about all the choices that come with parenthood—how to nourish, nurture, and provide the best care. One of the first decisions you’ll make is how to diaper your baby, and for many homebirth families, cloth diapers are a natural and eco-friendly choice.
The Waste Problem: How Many Diapers Does One Baby Use?
The average baby will go through 5,000 to 7,000 disposable diapers before potty training. That’s a staggering number—especially when you consider that each disposable diaper can take up to 500 years to decompose. With nearly 4 million babies born in the U.S. each year, the number of disposable diapers filling our landfills is overwhelming. In fact, disposable diapers account for approximately 3.5 million tons of landfill waste annually in the U.S. alone.
Not only do these diapers sit in landfills for centuries, but they also contribute to pollution during production. The manufacturing of disposable diapers requires trees, plastics, water, and chemicals, leaving a significant environmental footprint before they’re even used.
Why Choose Cloth?
Cloth diapering offers a host of benefits, from reducing environmental waste to being gentler on your baby’s skin. Here are some of the top reasons to consider making the switch:
🌿 Better for the Planet
Cloth diapers are reusable, meaning a single set of cloth diapers can last from birth to potty training and even be used for future babies. By choosing cloth, you eliminate thousands of diapers from landfills and reduce the demand for disposable diaper production, which consumes wood pulp, crude oil, and massive amounts of water.
For those concerned about water usage, washing cloth diapers requires far less water over time compared to the water-intensive production of disposables. Plus, modern washing machines make cleaning cloth diapers easier than ever!
💰 Cost Savings Over Time
While the initial investment in cloth diapers may seem high (typically $300-$600 for a full set), it’s far less than the $2,000-$3,000 many families spend on disposables per child. If you use cloth diapers for multiple children, the savings multiply even more!
For budget-conscious families, second-hand cloth diapers, diaper swaps, and affordable brands make it easy to start cloth diapering without a hefty upfront cost.
🩷 Gentler on Baby’s Skin
Cloth diapers are free from the harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances found in disposables, reducing the risk of diaper rashes and skin irritation. Many parents notice that their babies experience fewer rashes and less discomfort with cloth.
🚽 Easier Potty Training
Babies in cloth diapers often potty train earlier than those in disposables. That’s because cloth allows babies to feel wetness, helping them recognize their body’s natural signals more quickly.
🌎 Sustainable Options for Every Family
If washing cloth diapers feels overwhelming, there are hybrid options like biodegradable inserts, cloth diaper services, and easy-to-use all-in-one designs that make cloth diapering simple and convenient.
Eco-Friendly Disposable Options: A Better Alternative to Traditional Diapers
While cloth diapers are the most sustainable option, some families may find that using disposables is the best fit for their lifestyle. The good news is that there are more eco-friendly disposable diapers available today than ever before.
🌱 Biodegradable & Compostable Diapers – Brands like Dyper, Nest, and Andy Pandy use plant-based materials and break down much faster than traditional disposables. Some can even be composted through special services!
🛡 Chlorine-Free & Non-Toxic Diapers – Mainstream diapers contain chemicals like chlorine, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Eco-conscious brands such as Bambo Nature, Eco by Naty, and Seventh Generation offer safer alternatives for babies and the planet.
📉 Lower Waste, Less Plastic – Many sustainable diaper brands use renewable materials, like FSC-certified wood pulp, and avoid petroleum-based plastics, making them a better choice for reducing waste.
While no disposable diaper is truly “zero waste,” choosing an eco-friendly brand can significantly reduce the environmental impact compared to standard disposables.
Making the Switch: Tips for Success
- Start small: You don’t have to go all-in right away! Even cloth diapering part-time makes a difference.
- Find a system that works for you: Pocket diapers, prefolds, all-in-ones—there are so many options to explore.
- Use natural detergents: Gentle, eco-friendly detergents keep your diapers absorbent and baby-safe.
- Consider hybrid approaches: Some families use cloth at home and eco-friendly disposables when out and about. Do what works for you!
A Choice That Aligns with Your Values
Whether you go full cloth, choose eco-friendly disposables, or use a mix of both, every mindful choice helps reduce waste and protect our planet. Making small, sustainable decisions for your baby today creates a healthier world for their future.
Have questions about cloth diapering? I’d love to hear your experiences!
Your midwife, Patricia 💛
Love & Root Homebirth Midwifery and Apothecary 