Deep Dive into Disposables
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Pros • Ease of Use: Since disposable diapers are so common, most
people already know how to use them, so there won’t be a
learning curve for your babysitter, family members or childcare
provider. Plus, the ability to change a diaper and toss it on the fly
is key for many parents.

• Timesaving: No washing or drying is required with disposable
diapers — and less laundry at this stage of baby’s life is a
good thing.

Cons • Chemicals: Disposable diapers are typically made with bleach
and dyes (the dyes are what makes the cute patterns), although
some more natural diapers use less chemicals than others.

“You can’t get rid of all chemicals because that’s what keeps the
disposable diapers absorbent and prevents them from leaking,”
says Albertson.

• Cost: You could easily buy and discard several thousand
disposable diapers before your child learns to use the toilet. Is it
any wonder why the industry enjoys approximately $30 billion or
more in annual revenues?
• Environment: Disposable diapers are said to make up about 50% of
a family’s waste. Approximately 3.6 tons of disposable diaper waste
will end up in landfills, according to a report in the journal Advances
in Technical Nonwovens.

HENFAES / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
ALL THE RIGHT
RESOURCES …
WHEN MOST of us think about
diapers, disposable ones such as
Pampers, Luvs and Huggies are
what come to mind. They are more
popular than cloth diapers, making
up approximately 95% of diaper
use, according to The Green Guide.

“The vast majority of U.S.

parents choose disposable diapers,
at least for some of the time …
especially in the beginning when
baby can have a poopy diaper after
each feed,” says Sharon Mazel,
who co-authored the fourth and
fifth editions of “What to Expect
When You’re Expecting” and
other books in the series.

Disposable diapers allow for
quick, easy diaper changes.

However, with convenience comes
cost. Disposable diapers cost about
$2,500 over the duration of the
time babies are in diapers. If you
want to use disposable diapers that
are more environmentally friendly,
such as those made by Honest or
Seventh Generation, the cost can
be even higher.