The great debate: Disposable or washable diapers?
Coralie Mabouledecouche
The big debate: disposable or reusable diapers
Choosing between cloth and disposable diapers is a real dilemma for new parents. Should you prioritize the simplicity of disposables or the durability of cloth diapers? At Ma Boule De Couches® , we believe it's not about pitting the two against each other, but about finding a balance between comfort, environmental responsibility, and parental peace of mind.
Summary
| Criteria | Disposable diapers | Washable diapers |
|---|---|---|
| Waste produced | 900 kg to 1 tonne per child | Reusable, zero waste |
| Cost over 3 years | €1,500 to €2,000 | €400 to €700 |
| Composition | Plastics, perfumes, lotions | Oeko-Tex® certified fabrics without additives |
| Sustainability | Single use | Reusable and transmissible |
Disposable diapers: advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
- Practical: they are thrown away after use;
- Rapid absorption and “dry” effect;
- Available everywhere (supermarket, pharmacy, subscription).
Disadvantages
- High cost: up to €2,000 over 3 years;
- 1 tonne of non-recyclable waste per child;
- May contain perfumes and chemical agents.
Reusable nappies: advantages and disadvantages
Benefits
- Eco-friendly: only 20–25 diapers for the entire baby's journey;
- Economic: investment pays for itself in a few months;
- Healthy: without endocrine disruptors;
- Comfortable: breathable materials, custom fit.
Disadvantages
- Requires washing and drying;
- Initial investment;
- Less practical when travelling without planning.
Environmental impact
The lifecycle of disposable diapers consumes far more natural resources than that of reusable diapers, which can be reused hundreds of times. On average:
- Disposables: 11.8 million L of water for production;
- Washable: 44,000 L of water for three years of maintenance;
- Waste generated: 1 tonne for disposables versus 5 kg of textiles for washables.
Cost of disposable vs. reusable diapers
- Disposable items: €1,500 to €2,000 over 3 years;
- Washable: €300 to €800 depending on the range;
- Savings: up to €1,500 per child.
Baby's health and comfort
Chemicals and the risk of irritation
- Disposables: solvents, phthalates, perfumes, absorbent gels;
- Washable: cotton, bamboo, hemp or modal certified Oeko-Tex® Class 1.
Comfort and fit
- Disposable: thin, lightweight, practical for travel;
- Washable: bulkier but breathable and adjustable.
How to choose between disposable and washable diapers
- Lifestyle: fast pace → disposable; calm organization → washable;
- Budget: washable = sustainable investment;
- Ecology: washable = up to 80% less waste;
- Flexibility: the washable + disposable combination is often ideal.
Tips for optimizing cloth diapers
- Allow 15 to 20 layers for smooth rotation;
- Wash at 40–60 °C without fabric softener;
- Use a washable, stay-dry effect liner to simplify cleaning;
- Soften naturally with white vinegar or citric acid;
- Air dry to preserve the fibers.
The best brands to know
- My Diaper Ball® : the first ultra-thin, adjustable and 99% leak-proof washable diaper , made from Oeko-Tex® Class 1 certified materials.
- The Brand with Less : French disposable nappies, without perfume or chlorine, for a healthy and practical compromise.
- Love & Green and Little Big Change : natural alternatives to disposables, but with a heavier ecological footprint.
👉 The right balance? Combining the two worlds : Berceau washable nappies for everyday use, and healthy French disposable nappies for travel or unexpected situations.
Conclusion
Comparing cloth and disposable diapers shows that neither solution is perfect: cloth diapers are eco-friendly and economical, while disposables are practical and quick. The future lies in a well-considered combination . By choosing Ma Boule De Couches® , you're opting for a French innovation: thin, adjustable, leak-proof cloth diapers that protect your baby's skin and the planet.
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