The flu kept our family busy over the past few weeks. I am happy to report we are back to normal and I am back to writing in the wee hours of my morning again! :)
Luckily, I am past the diaper stage with my children. My boys proudly wear organic cotton briefs from Hanna Andersson. I am not kidding, they won't wear anything else (not even undies with fun characters like Cars or Thomas trains...). And I feel good that they are wearing 100% organic cotton against their private parts and not cotton treated with 100 different chemicals!
Anyways, with my brother's child on the way, I started to think about diapers again and the options available these days. If you go cloth, you might be considered a real hero for the environment and your child. If you are not ready to go cloth, there are two other good options 1) chlorine-free, latex-free disposables (Seventh Generation or Whole Foods 360 brand), and 2) flushable diapers (Gdiapers). Yes, I said flushable diapers. They are actually pretty cool (and Julia Roberts loves them! Need I say more?!!!).
I would like to say that we used cloth diapers, but we didn't. We were blessed with twins and the thought of washing diapers for two babies didn't appeal to me during my state of perpetual stress. We used Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers until I learned about the non-chlorine disposable options and ended up trying and loving Seventh Generation's non-chlorine diapers and training pants. They are great non-toxic diapers! They fit great, they don't leak AND they are chlorine-free, hypo-allergenic, fragrance and latex-free. I don't like the idea of chlorine next to my child's privates. Dioxin the by-product of chlorine is considered a serious health risk including impairment of immune system and is a known human carcinogen. Also, chlorine can cause rash or skin irritations. So why risk it with your little one's skin and health? I have found the chlorine-free diaper price to be very competitive with the commercial brands.
If you choose a disposable version like Whole Food's 360 brand or Seventh Generation, then you are choosing a more environmentally friendly product. If you choose the flushable like Gdiapers or cloth options, you are close to heroism.
The problem with modern plastic disposable diapers aside from the risk of dioxin contamination and skin irritations, modern disposables (like Huggies or Pampers) generally consist of a waterproof exterior made from non-woven polypropylene or similar plastic. It takes approximately 500 years for a disposable diaper to break down. That means every one of the 18-23 billion diapers sold annually goes directly into a landfill somewhere in America. The diaper will sit there over for 500 years trying to break down AND contaminating earth, drinking water supply, wetlands, and streams with its toxic output.
Flushable diapers (Gdiapers) are a good alternative to cloth because the diapers (or pads) break down whether you flush them or not. Flushable diapers. Wow, I can't believe these diapers exist! And I have to say after hearing about them and seeing them in person at Whole Foods - I would definitely try them! They are sooooo cute - little bloomers that come in different colors. Your child will be the talk of the mothers group when everyone sees your child's "green" diapers! But seriously, this is a pretty neat idea - think diaper covers with disposable inserts (like menstrual pads) that you can flush! If you are interested, check out Gdiapers. So if you don't think you are up to washing cloth diapers or using a cloth diaper service, why not try the flushables?
Chlorine-free disposables are a good alternative to modern disposables - better for your child. Because they are chlorine free - they have a wonderful brown color vs bleached white. The interesting thing I learned from reading a package of Seventh Generation dispoable diapers is that you shouldn't throw away the diaper with fecal matter in it, instead you should scrape it into toilet before throwing into your garbage. What? Why? If you leave solid waste in that disposable diaper it adds significantly to the toxic soup in our environment, it is a health and environmental danger, carrying human pathogens and increasing the risk of the spread of disease. So a bit of work and ick factor, but it's worth it. I have to say after using chlorine-free diapers and training pants, my boys NEVER EVER had redness, diaper rash, or any irritations - just beautiful baby soft skin!
So if think you don't have options when it comes to diaper duty - think again! If you haven't tried the non-chlorine diapers, try those first and if you dare to go further maybe the flushable or cloth diapers are on next for you. If you try these alternatives to modern disposables, you will earn your crown of diaper do-good ness! And your kids will be healthier for it too! And isn't that worth it!?
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