Cloth Diapers Versus Disposable Diapers For Malaysian Mothers
Choosing baby diapers is not just a matter of balancing cost and quality. Malaysian mothers’ choice seems to be between reusable cloth diapers and disposable diapers.
What are the benefits if you were to compare cloth diapers versus disposable diapers?
Firstly, cloth diapers are made of two or three very absorbent cloth layers, and may have Velcro to fasten them rather than a traditional safety pin. They have to be laundered either at home or by a diaper service.
The simplest disposable diaper is made of paper with a plastic outer covering. Some of the most popular disposable diaper brands in Malaysia are Pampers, Huggies, Mamy Poko, Drypers etc.
The most advanced type of disposable diapers has an absorbent gel, elastic legging, and attractively printed plastic outer covering. The downside of this type of diapers is the high cost.
Parents worry about babies getting diaper rash. Diapers, wet with urine, and left in contact with the skin for long time can cause rashes. Soap, chemicals or dyes that the baby may be allergic to may also cause rashes. Some dyes, and super absorbent gels used in disposable diapers can be extremely harmful.
There are also reports that certain fragrances used in disposable diapers cause dizziness and rashes on babies. If the plastic tabs to fasten the diapers are stuck on the skin of the baby, they might cause the baby’s tender skin to be torn.
There is also the danger of babies pulling out bits of the plastic cover of the disposable diaper and stuffing them into their noses or mouth, causing them to choke.
The problem of rashes on baby’s skin can also be caused by cloth diapers if they are not changed frequently.
One must also keep in mind that irrespective of the type of diapers used, some babies seem prone to develop diaper rashes while others may not. Diaper rashes can be avoided by taking care to change the diapers, of any kind frequently.
Disposable diapers are made to hold a lot of urine and so may not be changed them often. Cloth diapers on the other hand have to be changed as soon as they get wet. But they have to be cleaned properly to be safe for reuse.
Disposable diapers are more expensive than cloth diapers on the long run. But cloth diapers have to be laundered and this adds to the additional workload for caring mothers. With Malaysian hot and humid weather, drying the cloth diapers outdoor would not be a problem.
There are some concerns that the water used for laundering cloth diapers contribute to water pollution. However, water carrying diaper waste enters the sewage system and is treated by the Jabatan Bekalan Air to make it safe.
Disposable diapers on the other hand, do burden the earth with their solid wastes. Nonetheless, disposable diapers are very convenient. Modern cloth diapers are easy to use, easy to launder and are definitely cheaper on the long run. If you are a mommy, choosing the right type of diaper for your baby is your decision. So choose wisely.
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