We are often asked the question, “Do cloth diapers need to be changed more often than disposable diapers?” Our initial response is, “Yes, cloth diapers need to be changed more often.” However, the response really should stand for any type of diapering, including disposable diapers.
Why should cloth diapers be changed more often?
Cloth diapers are not as absorbent as today’s disposable diapers. In our opinion the answer is only yes because parents have become accustomed to infrequent diaper changes due to today’s disposable diapers being made too absorbent. When disposable diapers use Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) like sodium polyacrylate, they can dry out a baby’s delicate skin, causing rash and other problems.
Most people wait too long before they change a baby’s diaper.
The truth of the matter is that infrequent diaper changes are not healthy for your baby. Prolonged exposure to urine and feces will not allow the skin to protect itself from the many causes of irritations. The urine and feces combine and intensify the action of stool enzymes, inflaming the skin. Once the outer layer of skin has been damaged, it is easy for microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria to attack.
So, the answer is yes, you do need to change cloth diapers more often than most people change disposable diapers. But, all types of diapers should be changed more often.