The debate over cloth vs. disposable diapers continues as parents try and find the best option for their newborn baby. There is a wealth of information and no shortage of opinion on this subject. But what are the facts? And what should a parent choose?
The trend of going green is translating into the baby goods and manufacturing industry. Baby stores are focusing more and more on organic baby items. How do diapers play into this debate? Cloth diapers and cloth diaper services are becoming a popular baby gift. Options for cloth diapers have changed. Many are now multilayer, more absorbent, and have easier fastening systems. There are convenient services that collect the dirty diapers and deliver clean ones. Cloth diapers tend to be less irritating and cause fewer diaper rashes. Disposable diapers have also improved. Many contain super absorbent gels that keep moisture away from skin and reduce leakage. Some are now made with biodegradable materials which contain no plastic and can be gentler on the skin.
Both cloth and disposable diapers have some drawbacks. If not properly cleaned, cloth diapers can cause rashes from any remaining bacteria. Cloth diapers, despite being made from breathable fibers, can sometimes cause skin irritation if not changed fequently. They can leak and be inconvenient for travel and use in public places. Disposable diapers have issues as well. Disposable diapers can result in prolonged dampness and need to be changed appropriately. Some contain sodium polyacrylate, an absorbent gel, which pulls moisture away from the skin, but can lead to skin sensitivities.
The cost of disposable vs. cloth depends on whether or not you use a service. The cost of utilizing a service and using disposable diapers is roughly the same per month; savings is only gained if you launder the cloth diapers yourself.
That brings us to the question of environmental impact: do cloth diapers really make a difference? Advocates of disposable diapers would argue that the water and energy used to clean cloth diapers negates any positive impact on the environment. On the other hand, many environmentalists cite the lack of biodegradability, untreated waste in landfills, and potential groundwater contamination as reasons enough to use cloth diapers. They further claim that disposable diapers that say they are biodegradable contain materials that need to be exposed to the elements in order to fully decompose, which does not happen in land fills.
What this all boils down to is personal choice. Parents need to make the choice that is right for them and the best fit for their child and their lifestyle. Perhaps this means a combination of cloth and disposable. And what works for one child might not be the same for a sibling. Most importantly, when exploring baby items and the like, parents should educate themselves and be aware of the different diaper options now available.
Baby clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton are recommended to give a new born baby a healthy start. Consumer demand has given cotton clothing its share of space in baby shops today. It has become the hottest baby gift of the decade because we have become more educated and concerned about our wellbeing. Aside from drastically reducing exposure to irritants, cotton is simply a more comfortable choice in kids apparel. Parents understand that while they are dressing their child more wisely, they are also helping to create a healthier environment for their families to live in.
Let’s quickly clarify exactly what organic baby clothes are. This means that the fibers from which they are made has been grown without fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Only herbal insect deterrents are used and weeds are removed by hand. There is no artificial coloring or bleach added. This doesn’t necessarily mean that everything has mundane shades because there are natural coloring techniques. A common misinterpretation is that anything marked 100% cotton is organic — not so.
Baby gear made of naturally grown bamboo is also quite popular today. It’s a bit confusing when something that looks so woody like bamboo is actually made into blankets, socks, pajamas and sheets. Bamboo fibers are actually extremely soft and feel and handle much like silk. A baby gift made from bamboo is considered very upscale and is always is appreciated. Christening gowns made from this fashionable fiber have taken precedence over all itchy and harmful synthetics. Pieces of furniture made of sustainable bamboo are also unique baby gifts.
Organic baby clothes made of hemp fill every trendy baby shop. Hemp grows rapidly and doesn’t require any wicked poisons to do so. This is one type of vegetation that actually enriches the soil instead of draining it of all the nutrients. It’s produced into a strong fiber through an environmentally friendly process and then into many baby items. Hemp is biodegradable and also mold and mildew resistant. A textile made from a cotton and hemp blend has also helped fill the racks of baby stores.
New baby gifts made of organic wool presents another eco friendly option, but isn’t wool’s only good point. It is naturally fire resistant and doesn’t house dust mites like most other types of coats and bedding. Wool regulates body temperature and therefore keeps baby comfortable through the night. It absorbs moisture and insulates even when it has become damp. Wool is a wise choice for anyone with skin sensitivities.
Every little effort we make contributes to having a big impact on the overall picture. Hopefully these steps will evolve into a way of life for us. If we raise our children to be organic they will pass their natural ways of living on to future generations. We must all put our minds where our hearts are and our hearts where our dreams are. Enjoy growing your organic new born baby. It would be detrimental to your health if you didn’t love the life you live.
