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What’s better: Natural Fabric v.s. Synthetic Fabrics For Cloth Diapers
June 19, 2017 Stephanie P.

What’s better: Natural Fabric v.s. Synthetic Fabrics For Cloth Diapers

When making a decision between synthetics and natural fabrics for your baby’s cloth diapers it makes things easier to know the pros and cons of each. Here’s a simple guide on the features and benefits of each type of fabric so you can decide what suits you best.

Natural Fabrics
Cotton, bamboo, hemp, silk, wool

Benefits:

  • Natural fibers on the bum.
  • Feels wet on the skin (great for encouraging potty learning).
  • Wash easily (less prone to holding smells, less prone to repelling issues).
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Biodegradable

Drawbacks:

  • Can require pre-washing multiple times before use to remove naturally occurring oils. (Number of times depends on brand).
  • Stains more easily.
  • Feels wet on the skin (can cause rashes for some sensitive babies).

Synthetic Fabrics
Microfleece, microfiber, suede cloth, athletic wicking jersey (AWJ), PUL/TPU

Benefits:

  • Stay dry/wicking effect keeps baby’s bum dry and rash free (the most like a disposable from a wetness wicking standpoint).
  • Microfiber is arguably the most absorbent material (in laboratory testing settings).
  • Microfleece is soft on the bum.
  • Less prone to staining and stains tend to fade more easily over subsequent washes without any treatment.
  • PUL/TPU is water-resistant while still being breathable unlike old fashioned rubber or plastic pants.

Drawbacks:

  • Microfiber can’t be next to the skin.
  • Tendency to hold smells.
  • Slightly more sensitive to poor wash routine (can be more prone to begin repelling or holding smells with inadequate rinsing and detergent ratios).
  • Some babies are allergic to polyester (rarely, but it can happen).

There you have it, a quick and easy guide to helping you decide how to build your diaper stash from a materials standpoint.  Keep in mind that cloth diapers are never an all-or-nothing pursuit.  Most moms at one point or another end up trying lots of different styles, brands and materials to find which diapers they like the best.


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Filed in: Considering Cloth Diapers, Using Cloth Diapers, Which Cloth Diapers Are Right For You
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