Diapers: what do parents choose and why?

Self-administered questionnaires about diaper choices and the reasons for such choices were completed by 600 parents of children younger than two years of age attending a hospital walk-in clinic or the private office of one of four pediatricians. Only 2.7% of the parents used cloth alone; another 15% used both cloth and disposable diapers; a further 18% reported having used cloth at some time. Convenience and rash prevention were reasons for choosing disposable diapers. Those who used only cloth washed at home cited cost and rash prevention. Those who used cloth diapers from a service cited convenience and rash prevention. Only 10% of parents received advice about diapers from their physicians, but 70% said they would follow such advice. Primary care providers can point out to parents that disposable diapers are more costly and present environmental concerns.