What is the Diaper Genie, how does it work, does it really keep odors out, and do you need one for your baby nursery?
Diaper Genies -- You've seen them in the baby stores, and some of your friends probably have them. If you ask your friends, they'll either tell you how they love it and couldn't live without it, or that they hate it and what a waste of money it was. So what is a Diaper Genie, how does it work, and why do they inspire such a love/hate response? And more importantly, is it right for you?
The Diaper Genie is a tan cylinder, about 18" tall. It has a flip-up lid and you put in a (replaceable) carton of Baggies. To use the Diaper Genie, you take baby's messy diaper, put it inside the Diaper Genie, twist the lid, and close the top. The twisting motion seals off the diaper into a little sealed section of the long baggie, which falls to the inside bottom of the Diaper Genie. It's still connected to the baggie, though, and when the Diaper Genie is full, you pull out the entire chain of diapers through the bottom of the Diaper Genie and put them in the trash. These resemble a long string of sausages, with each diapers individually sealed in it's own little compartment.
The idea behind the Diaper Genie is that it is an odor-free and convenient way to dispose of your diapers. In general, this is very true. The twisting motion that keeps each diaper individually isolated in its own little "sausage" also locks in the scent, so that when you lift the lid to put in the next diaper there is almost no odor. Even better, there is almost never a strong "diaper pail" odor in the room.
It's also very convenient, especially if your garbage is more than a few steps from the baby's room. Stinky diapers that would have to be carried through the house (each time) can be stored inside the diaper genie, until it's time to empty the Diaper Genie. At that point you put the whole chain of diapers in a large garbage bag and dispose of it in your outside trash!
So why do some people hate their Diaper Genies? There are several reasons, including odor, cost and convenience. Let's look at each of these, so you can decide for yourself.
Odor - the Diaper Genie is supposed to isolate the odors and keep the nursery smelling daisy fresh, right? Well, this is partially true. The diapers smell is contained within the tiny sausages inside the Diaper Genie. Unfortunately, the plastic casing of the Diaper Genie, over time, absorbs some of these odors and can eventually become extremely pungent! To combat this, you should rinse out the inside of the Diaper Genie at least once a month with a soap and bleach mixture. A good guide is to do this each time you have to empty it, then let it dry completely before replacing the plastic liners. In addition, you can put a stick-on deodorizer on the inside of the canister to help keep down the smells!
Cost - the Diaper Genie typically runs about $25, and the disposable liners are about $5 each. This is more than a typical diaper pail, plus the recurring disposable costs. If you don't mind running outside with each diaper, this cost might not be worth it to you, especially if you're on a really tight budget. Be aware, though, that many "odor-free" diaper pails can be very stinky when opened!
Convenience - The Diaper Genie is a blessing if your outside garbage and nursery are geographically distant. If you have a two story house or apartment, or even a large one-story home, you may find that the benefits of being able to dispose of wet and stinky diapers right in the nursery is worth it. If you do most of your baby-changing downstairs, or take your trash out several times a day, this might not be an issue for you. Look at the logistics of your home, and be realistic about your patterns and constraints. If you're alone during the day, especially if you are nursing, you may find that the convenience of disposing of a messy diaper without leaving baby's room is worth it. For some people, though, this is not an issue and logistically the Diaper Genie is just not necessary.
If you do buy a Diaper Genie, look at the refills carefully. The older models had a more narrow mouth (where the diapers are inserted) on the top. The newer models in the stores today have a wider mouth, making it easier to insert a large or messy diaper. The wide-mouthed refills have pink trim; the older style refills have blue trim. Each type is labeled appropriately.
You can expect to pay about $25 for a Diaper Genie, although they are often found in resale stores for far less. Be sure to read the instructions carefully, and wash out the inside of the canister at least once a month with hot water with soap and bleach to prevent odor buildup inside.
Hopefully this article has helped you understand a little more about what Diaper Genies are, how they work, and if one is right for you!
