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Cloth Diapers
VS
Disposable Diapers
Both cloth diapers and disposables have advantages, but which is really better? While disposable diapers offer ultra convenience, are they really worth the price you pay? I’m not only talking about the financial aspect, but also the environmental impact as well as the effects on your baby.
Disposable diapers contain toxic chemicals like sodium polyacrylate, which can absorb a hundred times its weight in liquid. (This is the same chemical that was removed from tampons in 1985 due to its involvement in toxic shock syndrome.) No studies have been done on this chemical and it’s affects on babies skin. Disposables also contain other chemicals from the bleaching process as well as chemicals in the plastic. Perhaps these toxins and long durations of babies skin in a moist environment play the main role in creating diaper rash. These chemicals are also known to cause allergies in young children. Environmentally speaking, compared to reusable diapers, throwaways generate SEVEN times more solid waste when discarded and three times more waste in the manufacturing process. (Mothering, Sept./Oct. 2006). They may be throw-away, but they’ll be around for decades to come.
Using cloth diapers can not only save you a ton of money but also help solve problems such as rashes, allergies, leaky messes and environmental waste. Cloth diapers are easier to use and clean than those of yesteryear. They can easily be laundered in your own washer, and hung out to dry .. or put in the dryer. Choosing the right diaper can be overwhelming as there’s an array of options out there today. Take some time to look around and see what’s available. I recommend organic. Cloth diapers that aren’t organic may have pesticide residue in the cotton. (Cotton is the highest pesticide sprayed crop.) Plastic diaper covers also contain toxins and off-gas from their petroleum based chemicals used to make them. For organic diapers look at brands such as Ecobaby, Little Beetle or Under the nile. An all-in-one diaper such as Fuzzi Bunz offers a decent alternative as well. Another way to save money on cloth diapers is to click on the link below and search through Ebay. They generally have lots of new and used diapers for a little less money, plus you can always resell them when you’re done using them so they end up costing you virtually nothing. www.ebay.com
Cloth diapers offer huge benefits over disposables but there yet may be a better alternative altogether.
Read about being Diaper Free!
Breastfeeding,
/Babywearing,
/Circumcision,
/Attachment parenting,
/Crying,
/Discipline,
/Co-sleeping
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