As former Surgeon General of the United States C. Everett Koop once said (1990), “Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.” Living in the digital age, more mothers- and fathers-to-be are doing their research. They want the best for their children, and they’re willing to scour the internet comparing brands and reading reviews. One choice parents have to make is whether to use cloth or disposable diapers. When most people think about cloth diapers, they think of plastic pants and safety pins, but cloth diapers have come a long way since our grandparents’ days. They are now made in multiple styles, including all-in-ones, pocket diapers, and fitteds used with covers, just to name a few. They come in all different shapes to fit babies of all sizes, and many use colors and prints to be more visually appealing. Cloth diapers are beneficial because they are cost-effective, good for the environment, …show more content…
A pocket diaper consists of a waterproof backing, usually colored or patterned, and a stay-dry layer with an opening for the absorbent layer. The absorbent “insert” can be made from any absorbent material, but is usually bamboo, cotton, hemp, or microfiber. Multiple inserts can be added and interchanged to achieve maximum fluid retention. A fitted diaper is usually one piece of absorbent material that needs a waterproof cover. Fitted diapers are always natural fibers, as they are in direct contact with skin. Most covers are made from polyurethane laminate (PUL), thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), wool, or fleece, because those fabrics are leak resistant. All-in-one diapers are a combination of pocket diapers and fitted diapers. They have a waterproof shell, fully absorbent insides, and include a pocket for extra absorbency as needed. All-in-one diapers are the closest to disposable diapers because they are all one piece, ready to put on without any added