Whether you choose to use cloth diapers or disposables, always go for organic diapers. I remember when my son was born I was so overwhelmed with new responsibilities and information that I was too tired to think of diapers and how safe they are for my baby. Actually, I could never ever imagined that a baby product could be so stuffed with toxins. Especially when it is about a product that is in contact with the baby 24 hours a day.
Relax and take it slowly! Even if you have started with diapers that are not safe, it is never late to switch. Read about the risks behind the conventional diapers, look around what other mommies are saying, what organic diapers they are recommending and then go for the best your baby or toddler deserves.
Organic Diapers – Chemicals Used in Conventional Diapers
There are synthetic chemicals used in both disposable and cloth diapers.
Synthetic Chemicals in Disposable Diapers
Dioxins – Some diapers may be chlorine bleached. After that diapers get a snow white color that actually appeals to all parents making associations with clean, pure and natural. Yes, but dioxin, which is a byproduct of the chlorine bleaching process is far from that. It is a carcinogenic chemical that accumulates in the body and can be responsible for decreased immune system, reproductive and developmental problems.
Sodium Polyacrylate (SAP) – SAP is a skin irritant gel that absorbs the moisture inside the diaper. It was once present in tampons but was banned due to causing Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Other chemicals that can be found in disposables:
- inks used for the cartoons;
- lotions to coat the diaper liner;
- some have fragrance too to mask the fecal or chemical odor.
Synthetic Chemicals in Cloth Diapers
Surprised? Cloth diapers can be made of fabrics that are heavily treated with chemicals too. There are two types of fabrics the modern cloth diapers can be made from:
- natural fabrics (usually cotton, hemp, wool and bamboo) or
- synthetic fabrics.
In both cases, there are heavy chemicals involved. Pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers are used to grow natural fibers. E.g. Cotton is the most pesticide-intensive crop grown on the planet! On the other, synthetic fabrics are made from petrochemicals.
There are many debates on whether or not chemicals found in cloth diapers affect our kids’ health. Short-term issues (allergies, eczema) are easier to predict than long-term ones. Actually, it is the behavior of the chemicals that is unpredictable when in contact with urea and ammonia. The sanity of the urine is also a factor that makes studies even more difficult to say whatever with absolute certainty. My opinion of a mother is that I don’t want to play Russian roulette with my kid. The only way to prevent our little ones from unnecessary chemical exposure is to use organic diapers.
