Disposable diapers, while convenient, have long reaching consequences for both the environment and your child. Here are some alternatives.
Disposable diapers, while convenient, have far-reaching consequences for your baby and for the environment. The current statistics on disposable diapers are staggering. Did you know that it takes about 500 years for a disposable diaper to degrade? Did you know that the average child will use 5000-7000 disposable diapers before becoming toilet trained around 2 ½ years of age? Did you know that nearly 18 billion disposable diapers end up in landfills every year?
Disposable diapers weren't always the most common option. For many years after they were invented, disposable diapers were mainly considered a luxury item and used for special occasions, trips, doctor visits, etc. Most people used cloth diapers covered with some type of plastic pant to prevent leaks. However, they were not foolproof, and they were difficult to store for cleaning later at home. Enter the disposable diaper. Disposables are now the choice for people who can't afford a pricey diapers service, must place their child in daycare where disposable diapers are a requirement, or simply don't want to mess with the hassles of cloth diapers.
While thought to be a wonderful convenience item for busy parents, disposable diapers are now linked to many problems for our babies. Use of these diapers are linked to asthma, birth defects, skin problems, cancer and male infertility. They also promote diaper rash and can be choking hazard if a baby manages to tear off a piece of plastic. The bleach used to bleach the paper parts of the diapers releases dioxins, thought to be one of the most toxic substances in the world. Not to mention the environmental hazards we are creating by manufacturing, using and throwing away these billions and billions of disposable diapers.
The good news is that there are alternatives to the disposable diapers. Many people don't want the hassle of using cloth diapers, so some really innovative disposable options have recently come onto the market. More and more parents are becoming concerned about the environmental and physical effects of the common disposable diaper and are seeking out ecologically friendly alternatives. Most of these diapers are made forma renewable source and can be composted or are flushable. They styles vary, but most consist of a fabric pant in which can be inserted a disposable liner that can be changed when soiled or wet. The liners are waterproof and cost a great deal less than regular disposable diapers. The liners are often made from organic cotton or bleached with non-chlorine bleach only. These liners are latex-free and fragrance free. By purchasing several pairs of the outer pants and then using the liners, parents can save money and know that they are using a product that will not harm their precious baby or the environment. They are also extremely convenient. The liners is simply flushed or tossed away and a new one inserted. So busy parents can still have the convenience of disposable diapers in a much healthier way.
So really, the choices regarding diapers have become much easier. These ecologically friendly disposable diaper companies can be found online or by looking in your local community. These alternative disposables are cheaper, better for your child and much kinder to the environment. As a parent, I say, try them out. You have nothing to lose and peace of mind to gain.
