What You Need To Know

Who knew that “the diaper question” could be so complex, depending on your needs and priorities? Given that your baby will be wearing them pretty much 24/7, here are a few guidelines:

AVOID 

• Chlorine and its derivatives are used to bleach wood pulp for disposable diapers, baby wipes and many other products. During this process, chlorine can release a byproduct known as dioxin. Dioxin can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. It can also impact the immune system and is a known carcinogen (a substance capable of causing cancer).
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), meaning they get into the air and then into your body when you breathe them in, are often found in disposables. These may impact the reproductive, immune and neurological systems as well as trigger possible skin irritation, nausea and headaches.
• Fragrance, which is usually a cover-all for ingredients manufacturers don’t want to list, can include phthalates, which are endocrine disrupting chemicals. Exposures to phthalate are linked to reproductive health and neurodevelopment problems, liver cancer, birth defects, asthma and allergies.
• Tributyltin (TBT) is a biocide that can help destroy bacteria but is particularly harmful to marine life (and diapers, sadly, end up in waterways too). Plus, it can be a skin irritant. Because it doesn’t biodegrade, it can end up in the human food chain.
• Waterproof coverings on disposables are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). During the manufacturing process, PVC can release phthalates, vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride and other harmful chemicals into the air. Residues of these chemicals may still be present in disposables you buy. When inhaled, these chemicals can disrupt the neurological, respiratory and reproductive systems. 
• Note that sodium polyacrylate (SAP) is used in disposables because it is a very absorbent chemical polymer. But it can be a skin irritant and toxic if inhaled or swallowed and is found even in “eco-friendly” products. The only way to avoid SAP is to use cloth diapers.

BETTER CHOICES

• Chlorine-free (make sure it is TCF, meaning totally chlorine free-rather than ECF, which only eliminates elemental chlorine)
• Biodegradable is a step in the right direction, but note that it can take 100s of years for even biodegradable diapers to fully biodegrade. 
• A couple of companies are starting to use polylactic acid (PLA) plastic in disposable diapers. PLA can be better than petroleum-based plastics because PLA is made from fermented plant starch and is considered biodegradable. However, it is not a “perfect” alternative since it biodegrades slowly and is typically made of genetically modified corn.  
• Try to use cloth diapers (ideally organic cotton, bamboo or hemp). Modern cloth diapers can be as easy to use as disposables. They may add 2-3 loads of laundry per week, but they are less expensive overall and mean you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals. 

DYI

• Make your own cloth diapers. There are dozens of tutorials for making cloth diapers online–even using old t-shirts. It’s creative and lighter on your wallet.