Disposable Planet?

By Shelly Bokman

Disposable diapers constitute a gross part of the world’s landfills (in more ways than one), causing health hazards and environmental problems for future generations (i.e. the babies those diapers are supposed to protect). But there is good news: Today there are more choices than ever before for busy parents who want comfort and convenience but care just as much about their babies’ health and wellness and the world they will inherit.

Most people think that cloth diapering involves a huge piece of cloth that you have to fold, pins that might stab their precious infant and uncomfortable plastic pants. Then there is the smell. And worse still, there is the daunting chore of regularly laundering those dirty cloth diapers. For all these reasons, even the compelling environmental reasons are not enough to get most parents to switch to cloth diapers. Before you turn the page, and count yourself among those parents, you must know that cloth diapering is not what it used to be. 

Environmental Concerns

Well, first of all, let’s look at those environmental reasons. Non-degradable disposable diapers end up in landfills where they sit for decades or even centuries. They require thousands of tons of plastic and hundreds of thousands of trees to manufacture. The urine and feces in disposable diapers enter landfills untreated, possibly contaminating the ground water supply. For years many people have argued that the water, chemicals and fuel required to clean and transport cloth diapers outweighed the environmental impact of disposables. But modern advances in water and energy-efficiency in washing machines and dryers have reduced the environmental impact of diaper laundering.

Health Issues

There are health issues to consider as well. Most disposable diapers contain chlorine. The byproduct of chlorine is dioxin, a carcinogen. John Shiffert, executive director of the National Association of Diaper Services (NADS), points out that dioxin has been found in trace amounts in disposables.

Most disposables contain a superabsorbent substance to keep children dry longer. This means parents leave diapers on longer and increase the chances of diaper rash. When babies’ diapers are changed more frequently (as cloth diapers tend to necessitate), babies are less apt to get diaper rash or need creams and ointments to protect them.

Not Your Grandma’s Cloth Diapers

Modern cloth diapering looks completely different than our grandmothers would remember. There are All-in-One diapers, Pocket diapers, Fitted diapers, Wraps and Covers- all available in wonderful colors and with adorable designs. All-in-one diapers go on and off easily like a disposable and usually fasten with velcro. They are easy to use. Dads and babysitters love them. Some popular brands are Bumkins and Kushies. The downside to all-in-ones is that they are typically not as absorbent as other options and they take longer to dry. 

Pocket/Envelope diapers are probably the most popular cloth diaper today. They have a stay-dry layer that protects the baby's skin, so the baby feels dry when the diaper is wet. On the outside of the diaper there is a waterproof layer. After washing the diaper, an absorbent insert is placed into the pocket or envelope opening. Then the pocket diaper is fastened onto the baby with snaps or velcro. While pocket/envelope diapers typically cost a little more, they do have a high resale value. Because the pocket diapers and the inserts come apart, they dry much quicker than all-in-ones. Some popular versions of pocket/envelope diapers are Fuzzi Bunz and Bumgenius. 

Fitted cloth diapers are diapers with either a snap or velcro closure, but no waterproof outer. Fitted diapers require a cover. There are pull-on type covers or wrap style covers that both work without a problem. Some popular brands of fitted diapers are Kushies and Kissaluvs. The Kissaluvs have a newborn size diaper which snaps down so the umbilical cord does not come in contact with the diaper.

Prefolds and contours are the least modern of the bunch, but they have still been modernized. There are now Chinese, European, Indian, and Hemp prefolds, as well as cotton contours, and organic contours. Prefolds are simply the large pieces of cloth that have been prefolded and sewn so you can use them with little folding necessary. Contours are shaped diapers that have no closures so you need to fasten them with pins, a snappi, or use them in a snug fitting wrap.

Cloth diapers and covers are now more available than ever, thanks to the internet. You’ll find most stores selling modern cloth diapers online. If you want to use cloth diapers but don’t want to deal with washing them, hire a diaper service to do the dirty work. Check the yellow pages, or contact NADS (610- 971-4850, www.diapernet.com) to locate a service in our area.

I used cloth diapers on all three of my children. My diapers were picked up by the diaper service weekly with a fresh batch dropped off, and the cost was more economical than purchasing disposables. The velcro diaper covers I purchased were incredibly cute, and they lasted through all three children and were passed on to a friend. I didn’t have to frantically run to the store because I was out of diapers. I’m not saying that I never grabbed a disposable for a long car ride or a weekend away. I will say that cloth diapers were just as easy for me.

Healthier Disposables

If you are concerned about the environment but want the convenience of disposables there are a few new options to try. Nature Boy and Girl makes a competitively priced, cornstarch-based diaper that can be composted. Tushies.com has a gel-free diaper and SeventhGeneration.com makes a chlorine- free diaper. Or try using flushable cloth diaper liners, made by Tiny Tush (tinytush.com) and other companies, this means only the thinnest--and messiest--part gets thrown away.

Whichever choice you make, realize that you are making a choice, and that it does impact the environment and your child. Being more conscious of our decisions, big and small, means we can all make a positive difference in our communities and the world around us.