One of the biggest milestones us parents prepare for is the first day our little’s start their daycare journey. It’s one that takes a lot of preparation, planning and decision making when it comes to what things you want them to have with them for their first big day. You make sure they have their extra clothes bagged, their belongings labeled and their favorite blanket or object to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.
When it comes to diapering, there is more than just the one option to consider. There are lots of pros and cons to weigh when we think about packing disposable vs reusable diapers and we’ve compiled those here for you to help you make the decision that’s right for you and your family between disposable or reusable diapers for daycare.
Disposable or Reusable Diapers for Daycare:
Pro’s of packing reusable diapers:
- Environmentally friendly!
Using reusable diapers both at home and at daycare can greatly reduce the environmental footprint of you and your family. Using something that is reusable vs something you toss after each use is much healthier for the planet. - Considerable cost difference!
While cloth diapering can cost money at the beginning when you are building up your collection, it will definitely save you money in the long run when you’re not having to continuously buy a new box of disposable diapers every time you run out. - Easier for transitioning into potty training!
A lot of daycares will help you when it comes to potty training your little one and a cloth diaper can actually help with this transition. The material used in a reusable diaper can occasionally feel a bit more uncomfortable once wet or soiled which allows your child to know pretty quickly when they need to be changed or when they need to use the washroom.
Con’s of packing reusable diapers:
- Some daycare’s have policies against it!
While there is nothing completely barring the use of reusable diapers at daycare, some actually have policies in place that say they do not allow them. This can often be due to lack of resources, staff etc and it’s always a good thing to verify prior to starting with your daycare provider. - The concern of misuse/losing them!
While cloth diapers can be easier on the pocket over time, they are an investment when you are first starting your cloth diaper journey. There can definitely be more opportunity for them to be damaged or lost when it comes to packing them for daycare and that is something to consider. - The portability factor!
When it comes to packing cloth diapers, you will also need to make sure you pack proper storage materials for the soiled diapers. Most providers will not have a proper laundry system set up to deal with them immediately, but this is also something that you can speak to them about before starting your journey and choosing the right provider.
Disposable or Reusable Diapers for Daycare:
Pro’s of packing disposable diapers:
- Much more convenient!
Soiled diaper? A quick change and tossing the diaper immediately is all that is needed when it comes to disposables. This is extremely convenient when it comes to the busy day of a daycare provider. - Fewer diaper changes (typically)!
Disposable diapers tend to be much more absorbent due to the materials used in them. This typically leads to lesser diaper changes throughout the day. - Easy to replace/restock when running low!
Cloth diapers can be both pricey to replace and harder to find. Disposable diapers can be found basically anywhere making them an easy thing to pick up when it comes time to restocking your stash at daycare!
Cons of packing disposable diapers:
- More expensive!
In the long run, disposable diapers can definitely be a bit more hurtful on your wallet. Every time they need to be restocked, you are looking at anywhere between $30-$50 for a box that doesn’t typically last very long. - Less durable and sturdy!
Depending on the individual doing the diaper changing, disposable diapers can be a bit trickier when it comes to fastening them. They often rip which can make them unusable before even using them. - Not as environmentally friendly!
For every disposable diaper you toss, a cloth diaper can be washed and reused over and over again.
Who do we think is the winner when it comes to packing diapers for daycare?
DISPOSABLES!
While cloth diapers definitely win in both the environmentally friendly and cost efficient categories, the convenience of the disposable is much easier when it comes to sending your child to daycare. A great idea is to use cloth diapering when you’re home and carry disposable’s for when you’re on the go and everyday use at your care provider. It’s important to confirm with the team no matter what route you decide to take so that you can ensure all proper measures are in place with your choice of using either cloth vs disposable diapers.
Before you send your little off for their first day, make sure to have them fully prepared with Mabel’s Daycare Label pack! 
