Cloth versus disposable diapers: an exploratory study on family habits

To describe features and habits of diaper area care and compare the frequency of diaper dermatitis in infants using cloth diapers with those using disposable diapers.

Questionnaires were administered to families with infants who had not started potty training, to assess the frequency of diaper rash in two groups: babies who use exclusively cloth diapers (CD), and others with exclusively disposable diapers (DD). The hygiene methods of the perineal region and the skin lesions frequency were evaluated. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee.

1389 participants were included, 53 % male, with a median age of 16 (7-24) months, 1269 (91.4 %) in DD and 120 (8.6 %) in CD. Mild diaper rash occurred a few times a year in 47.0 % and 47.5 % in the DD and CD groups, respectively (p = 0.47). Severe diaper rash occurred a few times a year in 13 % and 10.7 % in the DD and CD groups, respectively (p = 0.66). In the DD, the most used hygiene method was wet wipes (61.5 %), whereas in the CD it was cotton/cloth with water (62.2 %; p < 0.001).

Disposable diapers continue to be more used; hygiene habits differ between the groups and the use of cloth diapers did not increase the frequency of diaper dermatitis when compared to the use of disposable diapers.