There are a wide variety of diapers available. However, although there are a variety, they can be categorized into two basic types -- disposable and cloth diapers.

Parents opt for cloth diapers primarily to cut down on costs. Bringing up a baby can be a financially draining affair for many average American parents. Cotton diapers are less expensive, because they can be reused. They are usually manufactured to sustain heavy washing and are thought to be a bit better for a newborn's tender skin. However, using cloth diapers may prove to be extremely time consuming. There is the wonderful choice of opting for diaper services that are widely available across the USA. These services clean used diapers and deliver them. Thus, a lot of time, that would have otherwise gone into diaper-cleaning may be used for better purposes.

Disposable diapers usually cause diaper rash more easily than cotton. Parents wanting to avoid rashes often use cloth diapers that are considered more hygienic for the baby's skin. However, quite a few disposable diaper manufacturers provide dry cover sheets on their diapers that keep the skin dry and protect from diaper rash.

Parents are becoming increasingly conscious of the environment these days, and for this reason, choose to use cloth diapers. It has been said that disposable diapers take up a lot of space in a world that is desperately short of it. Disposable diapers may even become a severe air pollutant if not disposed off properly. Disposable diaper manufacturers refute this claiming that disposable diapers are far more convenient than cloth ones and are no environmental threat at all.

Cloth diapers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. These days one may come across pre-folded ones(extra thick in order to provide the maximum possible saturation), flat cloth diapers(less expensive and dry quickly), contour- shaped diapers(very user friendly and custom made), all-in one diapers(as good as disposable ones with Velcro fasteners) and a host of others. Traditional cloth diapers require diaper pins for fastening(never use over-sized pins as they may harm the baby).

Cleaning cloth diapers is a very important matter because it is detrimental to the baby's health and to the durability of the diapers. Some prefer soaking the diapers overnight in water and baking soda or vinegar to remove odor. Washing may be done without soaking but should always be done separate from other laundry. A mild detergent should always be used, and washing should be in hot and cold water alternatively. While soaking, some prefer using antiseptics and anti- bacterial solutions to make the process more hygienic. Even if parents are looking for lesser expense, hygiene and health should never be compromised. Drying should also be done with utmost care. If using a machine dryer, maximum heat should be used. Drying diapers in the sun is also a very good idea, since sunrays are traditionally known to kill germs. Bleaching should be avoided under all circumstances, since it spoils the diaper and may also affect the baby. While traveling, cloth diapers should be carried in separate airtight bags that can also be used for soiled diapers.

Whatever the case, the primary concern for parents should always be the health of their child. Purchasing the right diaper should ideally depend on the comfort of the baby and not on the spending habits of the parents.