Cloth Diapers Better For the Environment Says Pro-Cloth Diaper Researchers
New parents are always looking for eco-friendly baby products and one of the simplest ways parents can become environmentally friendly is by switching from disposable diapers to cloth diapers.
Cloth diapers are usually made of 100% cotton or a cotton-poly blend income in two styles, the old-fashioned plain white cotton cloth which requires large safety pins or diaper pins to fasten the diaper to itself so it will hold whatever mess a baby makes.
The other kinds of cloth diapers are new and usually come in bright colors with Velcro fasteners so as not to accidentally stick the baby with a sharp object such as a safety pin. These newer style cloth diapers typically contain an outer layer that resembles the old-fashioned “plastic panties” or “rubber pants” that help to keep messes from spilling outside the diaper.
The debate about disposable diapers center around the chemicals used to manufacture these ‘convenience diapers’ and whether or not they are harmful to babies in the form of rashes, headaches, dizziness and from time to time the little bit older babies and toddlers can remove these disposable diapers themselves and put the pieces in their nose or mouth, which could pose a dangerous choking hazard.
Sodium polyacrylate, which is a super absorbent gel, and dioxin, a byproduct of bleaching paper is a major concern for many parents who are concerned for their child’s safety. In the past, sodium polyacrylate has been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome, allergic reactions and very harmful and potentially lethal to pets. According to the EPA – Environmental Protection Agency – some of the dioxin and dyes is known to cause damage to the central nervous system, the liver and kidneys. The Food and Drug Administration or FDA has received numerous reports that the fragrance in disposable diapers causes headaches, rashes and dizziness. Problems reported to the Consumer Protection Agency include chemical burns, noxious chemicals and insecticide odors.
In order to keep their babies bottoms drier, many parents use diaper inserts which help draw away wetness and moisture. Some of these diaper inserts are disposable and others are washable.
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