Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers - Costs, Sustainability, Health

Photo by @olivia_greige

 

Many parents face the decision of whether to use cloth diapers or disposable diapers for their children. To help you with this decision, we have compiled the advantages and disadvantages of both options here.

Cloth diapers vs disposable diapers – which is the better option? Cloth diapers are more cost-effective in the long run and are immediately more environmentally friendly, as they are reusable and produce less waste. Disposable diapers, on the other hand, are perceived as a convenient solution but require constant repurchasing and burden the environment. Since modern cloth diapers like Judes are just as easy to use as disposable diapers, cloth diapers are the better option.

Advantages and disadvantages of cloth diapers vs disposable diapers

Factor	Cloth Diapers	Disposable Diapers
Cost	Advantages: One-time purchase Reusable and can be used for multiple children High resale value Disadvantages: Higher initial investment	Disadvantages: Ongoing costs More expensive over the entire diapering period
Sustainability	Advantages: Reusable Less waste Lower carbon footprint Disadvantages: Carbon footprint can be slightly higher depending on the manufacturer	Disadvantages: Large amounts of waste Long decomposition time Higher CO₂ emissions in production
Health	Advantages: Fewer to no chemicals Gentle on the skin Reduce skin irritation	Disadvantages: Contain harmful chemicals High risk of skin irritation Possibly later potty training due to lack of wetness feedback
Application	Advantages: Easy to use Adjustable to the size of the baby Disadvantages: Depending on the brand, possibly a bit more effort	Advantages: Simple to put on Disadvantages: Single-use product Constant repurchasing Confusing sizes
Time Investment	Advantages: No repurchasing due to reusability With an appropriate washing routine, significantly less time-consuming than disposable diapers Disadvantages: More complex systems can take more time	Advantages: Quickly changed Disadvantages: Daily trash disposal Regular repurchasing necessary

 

Cloth diapers offer many advantages that disposable diapers cannot compete with. In the following article, we delve into the details and compare:

• Cost
• Sustainability
• Health
• Ease of use
• Time Investment
• Additional Factors

With this, we want to help you make the right decision for you, your child, and our planet, and to be able to justify it.

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

What costs can you expect for cloth diapers vs. disposable diapers?

A child needs about 5,000 to 6,000 diapers until they are potty trained. This number naturally varies depending on the child and diapering habits, but it provides a reference point to compare the costs of cloth diapers and disposable diapers. In the following example, we assume a child will be in diapers for 3 years. However, it's important to remember that children who wear disposable diapers become potty trained significantly later than cloth-diapered children.

Disposable diapers cost about €0.32 per piece. With an average demand of 7 diapers per day, the cost amounts to €2,451 over 3 years. Since children who wear disposable diapers often become potty trained later and frequently need diapers beyond their 3rd birthday, the costs can be significantly higher.

The initial cost for a complete set of Judes cloth diapers is between €1,140 and €1,460. Additionally, there are costs for detergent and water, which amount to approximately €100 per year. Such a set covers the entire diapering period and can subsequently be used for other children or sold at a fair price (about 70% of the original price). Even though the initial investment is higher, the costs are significantly lower than using disposable diapers.

 

Cost Comparison

Cost Factor	Cloth Diapers	Disposable Diapers
Purchase Cost	€1,140–€1,460	€0
Ongoing Costs	approx. €100 per year	approx. €817 per year
Total Cost Over 3 Years	approx. €1,440–€1,760	approx. €2,451

Our comparison price is based on standard disposable diapers available in retail stores.

With disposable diapers, besides the standalone diaper costs, there are also costs for wet wipes, diaper pails, refill cassettes, and other accessories, which further increase the total expenses. We did not consider societal costs such as waste disposal and environmental pollution in this calculation.

Due to the shorter diapering period, reusability, and high resale value, you can save up to €3,000 or more per child with cloth diapers.

Photo by @madame.vio

Are cloth diapers or disposable diapers more sustainable?

Sustainability plays an increasingly important role in our lives – including when choosing diapers. Cloth diapers and disposable diapers differ significantly in terms of environmental impact. While cloth diapers are reusable and reduce waste, disposable diapers are single-use products that generate large amounts of waste.

Disposable diapers are made of plastic, cellulose, and chemicals such as superabsorbent polymers. Their production is energy-intensive and causes high CO₂ emissions. Additionally, disposable diapers take centuries to decompose. They are often treated as hazardous waste and incinerated, but even this process leaves behind a toxic residue. This residue is then stored in disused mines and continues to harm the environment.

In our article "Diaper Fabric: These are the materials used for diapers", you can learn more about why disposable diapers are so problematic for the environment and our children.

Sustainability Comparison:

Factor	Cloth Diapers	Disposable Diapers	Eco Diapers	Judes
Water Consumption	2000–3000 liters per year	4500–5500 liters per year	3000–4000 liters per year	1500–2000 liters per year
Energy Consumption	20–30 kWh per month	40–50 kWh per month	30–40 kWh per month	15–25 kWh per month
Carbon Footprint	200–300 kg CO₂ per year	550–700 kg CO₂ per year	300–400 kg CO₂ per year	100–150 kg CO₂ per year

(Sources: ScienceDirect, Disposable Baby Diapers, Environment Agency)

Are eco-friendly disposable diapers a sustainable alternative?

Eco-friendly disposable diapers are partially made from biodegradable materials and reduce environmental impact compared to disposable diapers. They decompose faster and often contain fewer harmful chemicals. However, they are still single-use products that generate waste and consume resources during their production. Due to the chemicals contained, they are also disposed of in the same way as disposable diapers, as they do not decompose 100%. Thus, while eco-friendly diapers are somewhat more sustainable than disposable diapers, they cannot compete with the reusability of cloth diapers.

How Judes optimizes the sustainability of cloth diapers

Judes are made from high-quality, sustainable materials and are completely free of chemicals. We use soft, breathable fabrics that protect the delicate baby skin and support its natural regulation.

In addition, we want to make it easy for parents to choose the sustainable path. Our diapers are designed to be easy to handle and require minimal maintenance. They are easy to wash and care for, making their use intuitive in no time.

Advantages of Judes at a glance:

• Sustainable materials: We use environmentally friendly and durable fabrics that are biodegradable or recyclable. With Judes, you save tons of waste and actively protect our planet.
• Ease of use: Our diapers are easy to put on and take off. Flexible cuffs and the innovative Velcro fastener ensure a comfortable and secure fit – at any age.
• Water and energy consumption: Judes are manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner. They also allow for efficient washing with minimal water and energy consumption.
• Cost: Due to their reusability and high resale value, you save money in the long run. The constant repurchasing of disposable diapers far exceeds the one-time purchase cost of Judes cloth diapers over time.
• Health: Judes are made from soft and breathable fabrics, reducing the risk of skin irritation and allergies.

Early potty training: According to our study, children who are diapered with Judes become potty trained up to a year earlier than children who are diapered with disposable diapers. The reason for this is the natural wetness feedback that children feel in Judes. They feel when they have relieved themselves and can understand and control their bodily processes earlier.

Photo by @isabelplett

Do cloth diapers offer health benefits over disposable diapers?

Cloth diapers are a healthier choice for your child as they are free from the harmful chemicals found in disposable diapers. They are made from natural, breathable materials and significantly reduce the risk of skin irritation.

• Non-toxic: Cloth diapers do not contain harmful chemicals like dioxins and phthalates.
• Breathable: The natural materials allow the skin to breathe, reducing the risk of skin irritation and supporting the skin’s natural regulatory ability.
• Reduced allergy risk: By avoiding synthetic materials, fragrances, and lotions, the risk of allergies is minimal.
• Moisture feedback: Your child can feel the moisture when they relieve themselves. This helps them to understand their body faster and become potty trained earlier.

You can find detailed information in our article: Why cloth diapers are healthier.

Skin Compatibility

Cloth diapers are particularly skin-friendly due to their natural materials. They are made from soft, breathable fabrics and significantly reduce the risk of skin irritations. While disposable diapers contain irritating substances such as chemicals, fragrances, or lotions, cloth diapers entirely avoid these.

The concerning substances in disposable diapers include:

• Dioxins: Produced during the bleaching of cellulose and can be harmful to health.
• Phthalates: Often used in the production of plastics and are known for their negative hormonal effects.
• Superabsorbent Polymers: Can dry out the skin and cause irritations as they absorb and lock in all liquids.
• Fragrances: Can trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation.

Although eco-friendly disposable diapers are often touted as a healthy alternative, they can still contain harmful chemicals – albeit in smaller quantities. It is important to carefully check the ingredients.

Potty Training

Another advantage of cloth diapers is that they promote natural potty training. The wetness feedback helps children develop an awareness of their bladder and bowel activities more quickly, which leads to them becoming potty trained faster than children who wear disposable diapers. They, by contrast, provide a constant feeling of dryness, thereby delaying this developmental step.

Early understanding of their own bodily functions and needs can improve your child's mental health. Your child will learn to recognize and communicate their needs. With your support, both your bond and mutual trust, as well as self-confidence, can be strengthened.

Other features to consider when choosing between cloth diapers and disposable diapers

Application & Time Investment

When choosing between cloth diapers vs disposable diapers , other features besides cost and sustainability also play an important role. Below we compare application and time investment:

Cloth Diapers:

• Easy to put on: Judes are as easy to put on as a disposable diaper. The Velcro fastener and flexible cuffs allow the cloth diapers to perfectly adapt to the shape of the child’s body.
• Care: The only time investment for cloth diapers is in washing and drying. Even here, Judes make it particularly easy: They are washed at 60 °C and can then be dried in the dryer. Thus, they are immediately ready for use again. You can also add regular laundry to your cloth diaper wash cycle.
• Reusability: After washing, Judes are immediately ready for use again. There is no need to regularly purchase new diapers.

Disposable Diapers:

• Disposal: As long as there is a trash can nearby, disposable diapers can be disposed of immediately after use.
• Repurchasing: Disposable diapers need to be repurchased regularly, which can be very time-consuming in the long run.
• Trip to the trash: Every used disposable diaper needs to be taken out to the trash, and the trash bag must be taken out daily, which takes up valuable time.

Hygiene

A common misconception is that cloth diapers are less hygienic. In fact, they are significantly more hygienic than disposable diapers. They are regularly washed at high temperatures, giving germs no chance, and they promote your child’s hygiene awareness through early potty training.

Detailed tips on how to wash your cloth diapers gently and hygienically can be found in our blog.

Cloth Diapers:

• Regular washing: Every 3–4 days at 60 °C to avoid odors and bacteria buildup
• Poo Paper: Hygienic disposal of stool with Judes diaper liners.
• Diaper bag: Our innovative wet bag ensures hygienic storage until washing. It is breathable and thus prevents the formation of odors. For washing, you open the diaper bag and put it in the machine. There is no need to touch each used diaper again, as the bag is designed to let the diapers tumble out on their own during washing.

Disposable Diapers:

• Disposal: Quick disposal, hence no germ buildup due to storage.
• Odors: Tend to exhibit unpleasant odors, especially if not disposed of immediately after use.

Humid interior: The inside of disposable diapers provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, making frequent changes absolutely necessary.

Photo by @isabelplett

Judes: the simple choice for cloth diapers

At Judes, we prioritize offering a diaper that is not only environmentally friendly and cost-efficient but, above all, simple. Our diapers are designed to be intuitive to use and to make parents' daily lives easier. Simultaneously, they promote your baby's health, development, and well-being.

Judes consist of two parts: an absorbent inner diaper and a waterproof outer cover. They offer up to 12 hours of reliable protection, making them ideal for overnight or long car rides. The flexible cuffs not only ensure a comfortable fit but also prevent leaks. One Judes cloth diaper can replace hundreds of disposable diapers, and with only two sizes, you're covered for the entire diapering period.

Factor	Judes	Other Cloth Diapers
Sustainability	Very high, as Judes are made from environmentally friendly materials	Possibly less sustainable depending on materials used
Simplicity	Very simple, easy to put on like a disposable diaper, adaptable to body shape with Velcro fasteners and cuffs	Often more complex, as more parts are needed, and different inserts need to be combined, or even folded
Quality	Very high, certified, and free from harmful substances	Quality and freedom from harmful substances may vary
Cost	Cost-efficient over the entire usage period, high resale value	Varies greatly by brand, usage, and quality
Durability	Very durable, suitable for multiple children	Often less durable
Maintenance	Simple and efficient	Some brands require special washing methods or additional steps in maintenance

With Judes, you make a conscious and sustainable choice that brings numerous benefits to you and your baby. Our system makes diapering easy and intuitive while acting environmentally friendly and saving costs.

My Cloth Diaper Experience as a Mom of Two Kids

As a mom of two children who were entirely cloth diapered, I can only highly recommend this from the bottom of my heart. When we first got the essentials for our first baby, we were shocked at how expensive disposable diapers are, considering how long you need them. Since we already preferred to live sustainably, we looked into cloth diapers. At the beginning, we had our doubts: Can this really work? Do they hold up well? Isn't it gross? But after a short time, we realized we had made the right decision.

After just a few days, cloth diapers were easily integrated into our daily routine, and I almost felt sorry for the moms in my circle who had chosen disposable diapers. Unlike them, we never had a problem with leaking diapers or diaper rash. Even overnight and on long car rides, our cloth diapers held up. When we had to use disposable diapers for a short period during a vacation, we were consistently dissatisfied. Not a day went by without a leaking diaper, and after just a few hours, there were already sore spots in the intimate area.

I can also dispel the myth that cloth diapers restrict movement. Both of my children started rolling over, crawling, and walking independently at 11 months.

My favorite advantage is probably the wetness feedback. Both children showed early on when they needed to relieve themselves, so we introduced hand signals and always had a potty nearby. Ultimately, both decided at 14 months that the diaper phase was over. I was surprised at how well they could assess their needs because the accidents we had could be counted on one hand. Other children in our circle wore their disposable diapers almost all until over their third birthday.

I am happy with our decision and can't imagine doing it any other way. Our cloth diapers were a one-time investment that accompanied two children in succession. And we were still able to sell our set for more than 50% of the original purchase price when we were finished with them.

Conclusion: Cloth Diapers vs Disposable Diapers

Whether cloth diapers or disposable diapers are right for you depends on various factors that need to be considered individually. Here is a summary of the key points:

• Cost: Cloth diapers are more cost-effective in the long run, as they are reusable and avoid the high ongoing costs of disposable diapers.
• Sustainability: Cloth diapers are more environmentally friendly since they produce less waste and are made from sustainable materials. Disposable diapers produce high amounts of non-biodegradable waste.
• Health: Cloth diapers are more skin-friendly as they are non-toxic. Disposable diapers may contain potentially harmful substances that cause skin irritations and allergies.
• Ease of Use and Time Investment: Cloth diapers can be just as easy to use as disposable diapers. They even save time since the trash doesn't need to be emptied daily, and new diapers do not need to be bought regularly.
• Hygiene: Cloth diapers are more hygienic since they are regularly washed at high temperatures, which effectively kills germs.

FAQ

Are cloth diapers more sustainable than disposable diapers?

Yes, cloth diapers are more sustainable because they are reusable and produce significantly less waste. They are made from environmentally friendly materials and have a lower CO₂ footprint.

What makes disposable diapers so harmful to the environment?

Disposable diapers are made of plastic and cellulose, which require a lot of energy and resources to produce. After use, they end up in landfills and take several hundred years to decompose, significantly contributing to the waste problem.

Are there sustainable disposable diapers?

There are eco-friendly disposable diapers that are partially made from biodegradable materials and contain fewer harmful chemicals. However, they are still single-use products and produce toxic waste, albeit in smaller quantities than conventional disposable diapers.

Why are cloth diapers more cost-effective than disposable diapers?

Cloth diapers have higher initial costs, but they are reusable and can last for multiple children. This eliminates the need for continuous repurchasing, which is necessary with disposable diapers, leading to significant savings in the long run.