Cloth vs Disposable Diapers for Twins: Which is Best?

Cloth vs disposable diapers for twins: What are the pros and cons?

Now that you got the news that you’re expecting twins and have quickly realized that some expenses are unavoidable like diapers.

So what do you do?

What diapering route should you choose? Do you choose cloth diapers or disposable diapers?

What are the pros and cons of using either cloth or disposable diapers for your twins?

So if you’re here because you want to get some information on the advantages and disadvantages of using either diapering route.

Then you’re at the right place.

We are going to talk about the good, the bad, and the reality of using cloth vs disposable diapers.

So let’s get right into it.

This post is broken down into 2 sessions:

• Pros and cons of cloth diapering
• Pros and cons of disposable diapers

Advantages of cloth diapering

Environmentally friendly

Look we are all killing the environment slowly with everything that we consumed and we do.

If you think about the number of babies that are being born every day and in your case you have twins…

that’s twice the diapers = twice the waste.

So if you love the environment and are concern about where all those dirty diapers end up at then consider going the cloth diapering route.

Chemical-free

Cloth diapers are probably the most natural you’re going to get. As much as they make disposable diapers that are chemical-free and with natural ingredients.

They still have certain ingredients that might cause some form of sensitivity to your twins.

Because cloth diapers are chemical-free they are also more gentle on your twin’s skin.

You don’t need to deal with nasty diaper rashes and raw bums that are sometimes caused by disposable diapers.

So if you have twins that have very sensitive skin this is a great alternative to even the more natural-based disposable diapers.

Reusable

The fact that you get to use and use that diaper over and over again.

And if you learn to wash them properly and take care of them right you could even use them for other kids.

Cheaper

Disposable diapers are pretty expensive and talking about twins the price goes up even more.

Who doesn’t want to save some money when twins can get pretty expensive fairly quickly.

This was one of the big factors that drew me into wanting to try cloth diapers.

The price.

Once you have all the supplies, and the right amount that you need that’s it. And if you’re using cloth diapers you’re probably also using reusable wipes.

Therefore you’re now saving money on wipes.

Yes, they do sell different cloth diapers and it all depends on what type you get, how many you get per twin, diaper liners, etc.

All of these will determine the upfront cost but if you put everything on a balance you could probably recoup that cost much quicker than if you would buy disposable diapers.

Resell

I recently learned that you can actually sell and/or buy cloth diapering second-hand.

So not only you get to save some money but then you get to get some of that money back by selling the cloth diapers once you don’t need them anymore.

Yes, please. You can use that money for other twin items you will need eventually.

Multipurpose

The great thing about cloth diapers is that you can pass them down to other siblings.

You can even use them for other things such as:

Burp cloths, drying racks, etc.

I actually recommend all mamas to get cloth diapers to be used as burp cloths…

Why?

Because they are way more absorbent than those super thin towels they sell as burb cloths.

Earlier potty training

Babies can feel the discomfort of pee and poop much easier with cloth diapers.

Because of that it will be much easier to want to get out of diapers.

This will save you money and time in the long game.

Cons of cloth diapering

not convenient

This is the number one reason I decided not to use them with my twins. Plus my twins were going into daycare.

Some of the inconveniences with cloth diapering are:

• There is a bit of a learning curve and research you need to do

• If you go back to work and need childcare they might not accept them

• Endless laundry

• poop galore

• Constant diaper changes

• ETC

For some, this could be fun and easy but for others doing all of these things can be a pain.

Washing

You’re going to be doing a lot more laundry. And with twins that laundry goes up even more.

With laundry comes more detergent and possibly an increase in your water bill and electricity bill.

And if you don’t have a washer and drier at home then you have to deal with a constant public laundry mat.

Absorbent

Cloth diapers aren’t as absorbent which means you need to change your baby’s diapers even more.

Even if you use thicker pads your twins will need more diaper changes.

Harder to be on the go

Being out and about with twins is hard enough especially when doing it alone.

Now add the fact that you’re using cloth diapers. That adds a whole another set of challenges.

You can’t just change a diaper and toss it. You need to bring appropriate bags and supplies to keep those dirty diapers safe while out and about.

And even with the right gear, your diaper bag might still stink.

Poop galore

Because you reuse cloth diapers there is no other way than to come in contact with poop.

You will need to scoop that poop out and flush it down the toilet.

So at some point, you might end up with poop all over you.

Not saying that with disposable diapers you can’t get poop on you.

but the likelihood is a lot smaller. Since you’re literally not having to scoop it out.

Creams

Something to keep in mind with cloth diapers is using any sort of cream or diaper barrier.

Especially something like Desitin that’s super thick.

Remember you will need to wash these diapers and having creams can make those diapers stinky and make whatever cream you smear hard to come out.

Benefits of disposable diapers

Convenience

I would say convenience is probably the #1 factor in choosing disposable diapers.

They are ready to go. No need to assemble anything and once you need to change your twins they are easy to take off and dispose of.

Absorbent

Some disposable diapers have an absorbency of up to 12 hours. Not that you would leave your baby with a dirty diaper that long.

But it just goes to show that you don’t need to change as often or need “extra” pads to provide absorption.

Having a high level of absorption is great because it prevents moisture. When moisture gets all over your baby’s skin it can lead to irritation and possible diaper rashes.

Easy to buy

Everybody and their mama sell disposable diapers.

These days you can find disposable diapers online, in stores, in the middle of nowhere. Even some convenience stores have disposable diapers.

Sizes

Disposable diapers have many different sizes to fit your twin’s needs as they grow.

The diaper chart makes it so much easier to find the right size for your twins.

Cons of disposable diapers

Cost

At first cloth diapers can be expensive since you’re buying so many of them upfront but eventually, disposable diapers surpass it due to the fact that you constantly have to buy them.

You can’t just stop buying them. The only time you get to stop buying disposable diapers is when your twins are potty trained.

Chemicals

Disposable diapers have some form of chemicals. Some can be harsher than others.

And some of those chemicals can cause diaper rashes and sensitivities to your twins.

Wasteful

Every time I throw a diaper away I feel sick to my stomach.

Where do the diapers end at? How are they hurting the environment?

With twins, you will go through a lot of diapers. Especially during that newborn stage.

And at times you might feel like all you’re doing is adding more to the many other causes that are slowly killing our planet.

Which is better diaper or cloth?

This is a personal choice. I provide you with the pros and cons of both. Now it’s up to you to put both choices in a balance and figure out what works best for your family.

The point is for you to have the necessary education and support in order for you to make the best decision for you and your twins.

Last words for advantages and disadvantages of cloth and disposable diapers for twins

In the end, only you can make the final decision on what’s best for you and your twins.

I’m here to support you and provide you with the good and the bad from both.

I went through the same process right before I had the twins.

We ultimately chose disposable diapers because hello convenience plus my babies were going to daycare.

Fast forward to the year of COVID-19, I would have totally used cloth diapering since I’m now home with the kids.

However, how can we predict a pandemic?

So honestly I’m an advocate for both. I have only used disposables but you can’t go wrong with either.

If it’s easier weigh out the pros and cons of cloth vs disposable. Think about your lifestyle, budget, and your ultimate goals.

Whatever your choice know that is the best decision for you and your twins.

I would love to hear about your journey with either. So let me know in the comments if you have chosen to use cloth diapers or disposable and why?

Other twin related articles

• A letter to the new mom expecting twins
• Cloth diapering twins: Everything you should know about
• The best wipes for twins
• The best diapers for twins
• How many diapers for twins?
• How to survive newborn twins
• How to get twins on a schedule

Are cloth diapers better than disposable diapers?