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In the world of diapers there are relevant health and environmental reasons to switch from disposables to reusable cloth. Cloth diapers are better for skin health because they are breathable, gentle to sensitive parts and chemical free. Switching to cloth diapers from disposables also reduces the frequency and severity of irritating and painful diaper rashes. In addition, your choice to use cloth diapers can also make a positive impact on the environment and save you money.

Many people choose to use disposables for their perceived ease of use, with no idea what they actually contain. Disposable diapers contain many components that consumers are unaware of. Some brands contain: petrolatum, stearyl alcohol, cellulose fiber, SAP gel and perfume.  Eco friendly disposables are often made without chlorine, fragrances, or latex, but most have sodium polyacrylate (SAP), a synthetic absorbent gel. 

SAP gels, although listed as non-toxic, are linked to increases in childhood asthma, decreased sperm counts and increased scrotal temperature among boys. One study found that on average, the in-plastic temperatures were approximately 1.8°F higher than in cloth. The babies in cloth had cooler recorded temperatures.

The name disposable diapers is a little deceiving.  Information, from the Real Diaper Association, shows the impact disposables have at the landfill.  Over 27 billion disposable diapers are estimated to be consumed annually in North America of which, over 92% end up at the dump. Estimates say it may take 500 years for a disposable diaper to fully decompose. Disposable diapers in the top three single items in landfills today. In a house with one in diapers, disposables make up 50% of the total household waste. Disposables are also expensive; you can expect to pay $2000 on average per year on diapers.

Cloth Diapers are now available in revolutionary designs.  Snap and Velcro closures have eliminated a need for pins, making cloth diapers easy to manage. Today's choices are simply to fasten and don’t require any folding.  Give some thought to switching part or all of your routine to cloth today.  Cloth products are available for all ages and all sizes.