What to know about disposable diapers 

Disposable diapers are the most common diapers that babies wear. They're made from various absorbent materials and are designed to be thrown away after they become wet or soiled.

Many brands include a yellow wetness indicator that runs from top to bottom and turns blue when the diaper is wet. This can be a helpful feature because it informs parents that it’s time for a change. You can find disposable diapers at pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, and department stores.

Disposable diapers are made with multiple layers of soft, absorbent materials to keep your baby dry and comfortable. While materials vary by brand, common components include synthetic fibers, wood pulp, bamboo pulp, and other absorbent substances. Each brand also has a unique  diaper build with distinct features, such as elastic waistbands, front and/or back wetness indicators, wide leg openings, and tear-away side tabs. Diapers can have a noticeable fragrance and others are fragrance-free.

Some disposable diaper brands are now marketed as more environmentally friendly, with claims of being biodegradable with less of an impact on landfills. Many consumers are also becoming more conscious of the ingredients in diapers. Fortunately, there are options available that are made without harsh chemicals, fragrances, or irritating additives. However, these environmentally-friendly disposable diapers typically come at a higher price point.

Pros

• Convenient 

• Travel-friendly 

• Highly absorbent and protects against leaks and blowouts 

• Widely available

• Easy to use

Cons

• More expensive long-term 

• Waste-producing 

What to know about cloth diapers 

Cloth diapers, which were popular in the 1950s, differ from disposable diapers in that they are reusable. They're typically made from natural materials like cotton, they are generally less absorbent than disposables unless paired with a stay-dry cover. Parents choose cloth diapers because they are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective compared to disposables.

You can purchase cloth diapers from online retailers, eco-friendly specialty shops, or through cloth diaper subscription services. In some cities, local services offer delivery and laundry services for cloth diapers. This may be a helpful option for busy families who want the benefits of cloth diapering without the responsibility of washing them. 

Pros

• Cost-effective

• Less trash

• Soft

Cons

• Less absorbent, with increased risk of leaks, blowouts, and diaper rash 

• More cleaning and laundry 

Are cloth diapers really better for the environment?

The answer isn’t so straightforward. While cloth diapers are reusable and reduce landfill waste, that doesn’t automatically make them the more environmentally friendly choice. The overall environmental impact of cloth and disposable diapers is fairly comparable, with trade-offs on both sides.

Disposable diapers significantly contribute to landfill waste, but cloth diapers come with their own environmental costs. Cloth diapers are made from cotton, which requires a large amount of water and energy to produce. Cloth diapers also require frequent washing, which uses a considerable amount of water and energy. Ultimately, choosing between cloth and disposable diapers comes down to deciding which option aligns best with your family’s values and lifestyle.

Preventing diaper rash: Which diaper is better?

When it comes to preventing diaper rash, the debate between cloth and disposable diapers isn't entirely clear-cut. Each has its pros and cons, and much of the debate centers on materials, absorbency, and skin sensitivity. 

Advocates of cloth diapers argue that disposable diapers contain synthetic materials, fragrances, and other additives that may irritate sensitive skin. However, cloth diapers are generally less absorbent, meaning they require more frequent changes to prevent moisture buildup and skin irritation. “Cloth diapers do not show significant benefits in preventing diaper rash compared to modern disposable diapers,”  Marcy Borieux, MD, FAAP, pediatrician at Summer Health, says. 

Disposable diapers, on the other hand, have come a long way in recent years. “Disposable diapers with superabsorbent materials and breathable outer layers are better for preventing diaper rash, “ Dr. Borieux explains. “These features reduce moisture at the skin level and maintain the skin barrier function, which are critical for minimizing the risk of diaper dermatitis. Additionally, these diapers are often superior in absorbing and reducing skin contact to irritants such as stool and urine, further lowering the risk of diaper rash.”

That said, one potential downside of disposable diapers is that their high absorbency may lead some caregivers to change them less frequently, potentially increasing the time a baby spends in a wet or soiled diaper—which can lead to diaper rash.

Ultimately, the most important factor in preventing diaper rash is not the type of diaper, but how often the diaper is changed. Regardless of diaper type, leaving a baby in a wet or soiled diaper for too long increases the risk of irritation and diaper rash.

How often should I change my baby’s diaper?

For wet diapers, change your baby’s every 2 to 3 hours (or sooner if it’s a particularly full diaper). For soiled diapers, change them as soon as possible to prevent diaper rash and keep your baby comfortable. Some babies are especially sensitive to the feeling of a wet or soiled diaper and may become fussy or uncomfortable as a result. If your baby seems upset (even after one pee), it’s a good idea to change them to help them feel more comfortable. This level of sensitivity may also influence your choice between cloth and disposable diapers. 

What causes diaper rash?

While infrequent diaper changes are a common cause of diaper rash, several other factors can contribute to skin irritation in the diaper area. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Diarrhea: Diarrhea usually means more soiled diapers, and the increased moisture can irritate the skin. Additionally, diarrhea tends to be more acidic, which can further irritate the diaper area.

• Moisture: Prolonged exposure to moisture from urine or stool can irritate the skin and cause diaper rash. 

• Irritants: Environmental or chemical irritants such as certain fabrics, lotions, body washes, diaper wipes, or laundry detergents can cause diaper rash. 

• Yeast or bacterial infections: The warm and moist environment of the diaper area is an ideal breeding ground for yeast or bacteria, which can exacerbate a diaper rash.

• Tight-fitting diapers: Diapers that are too tight can cause chafing, rubbing, and friction, which can lead to irritation and a rash.

How to treat a diaper rash

Fortunately, diaper rashes are temporary and clear up quickly if you stay on top of treatment. Here are a few ways to treat a diaper rash:

• Regularly change your baby’s diaper and keep the diaper area dry.

• Don’t use wipes, which can further irritate your baby’s skin (instead, use a soft washcloth or gauze pads with warm water).

• Make sure your baby’s bottom is completely dry before putting on a new diaper (disposable or cloth).

• Use a barrier cream or ointment (diaper rash cream) like vaseline or one made with zinc oxide.

• Give your baby plenty of time to roam, diaper- free.

• Switch to fragrance-free diapers.

FAQs: Diapering essentials

Why are fragrance-free diapering products important?

Babies have sensitive skin, which can be easily irritated by chemicals in fragrances. Many diapering products, including wipes and diapers, contain synthetic fragrances that can trigger skin reactions such as irritation, redness, or diaper rashes. If you prefer disposable diapers and your baby has sensitive skin, make sure you purchase diapers made without fragrance. 

Should I use cloth diapers or disposable diapers?

The choice between cloth and disposable diapers ultimately comes down to your baby’s needs and your personal preferences. If you prefer a reusable option and have the time and resources to handle frequent washing, cloth diapers may be a good fit. On the other hand, if convenience, quick changes, and minimal cleanup better suit your busy schedule, disposable diapers might be the more practical choice. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choose what works best for your family.

How do I choose the right diaper size?

Your best bet is to go by your baby's weight. Each diaper manufacturer will have suggested weight ranges for each diaper size. It's a bit of a toss-up for newborns, so try two different diaper sizes to see what works best.

Which diaper is better for potty training?

Cloth diapers can support earlier potty training when paired with elimination communication (responding to your child’s natural signals to use the bathroom) or frequent diaper-free time. Dr. Borieux explains that cloth diapers aren’t as absorbent as disposable ones, children tend to feel wet sooner, which can help them connect the feeling of needing to use the bathroom with actually going. That said, cloth diapers need to be changed more often to keep your child clean and comfortable.

Disposable diapers may not actively support toilet training because they can reduce a child's awareness of elimination, which is an important factor in learning to use the toilet. Dr. Borieux suggests that underwear or training pants can also increase awareness of wetness to support the potty training process. 

If you have questions about your diapering essentials or diaper rashes, reach out to your local or Summer Health pediatrician for support. Summer Health is a pediatric telehealth platform offering 24/7 care, providing answers for everything from urgent concerns to everyday questions about your child’s health.