Diaper bags hold diapers. Sure they house many other accessories - but their main function is stated by their name. And a new generation of parents now have a new set of diaper choices. Environmental concerns have led more companies to design better diapers that reduce waste and provide healthier alternatives. The variety of diaper styles now basically revolve around three categories. Cloth diapers with new cloth diaper versions are one type. The old plastic disposables are a second type. And a third style are the new hybrids which combine an outer layer which is permanent along with a disposable inner layer.
I read a statistic recently that stated over 1% of all trash in landfills is disposable diapers. Is that something or what? Here are some other interesting facts to note: Over 27 BILLION disposables are used just in the US alone per year. According to Wikipedia, that translates to a possible 3.4 million tons of used diapers that go into landfills every year. Hmm. That’s not a pretty thought now is it.
Disposable diapers are often required in a daycare setting. Some institutions are concerned about a cloth diaper leaking. Though this could also happen with a standard plastic diaper as well. The convenience of just throwing away a dirty diaper without worrying about washing and drying is why they’ve become so popular. But it does come at a price, like many things in our throw-away society. It’s an individual choice parents must make.
Plastic diapers typically have the best grades for absorbing wetness. But then again, if you’re changing cloth diapers regularly, you won’t have the child in a wet diaper for long anyway. As discussed, the other drawback from an environmental perspective is that a lot more detergent will be used. And thus more chemical waste into the environment. The cost factors for cloth and plastic are debatable but are roughly the same. It really depends on the individual situation.
Cloth diapers are more modern now with no pins and no soaking typically needed. If you’re interested in going fully natural with traditional cloth diapers, be sure to know about all your options. There are many different strategies to help keep them clean on a regular basis which you can research. This includes ways that can minimize your laundry time and still keep diapering efficient for you and the baby.They are also a “hybrid” type of cloth diapers with inserts as well.
Hybrid diapers come in a multitude of options as well. Companies like g diaper provide inner layer inserts which can be thrown away. They have a reusable outer layer which is secure and keeps leaks at bay as well. Other companies use various microfiber which can be washed. Seventh Generation has a diaper which is a throw away. However, it it marketed as having significantly less toxins and reduces waste. This is still a disposable diaper, but you’re getting some reduction in environmental waste. Not the optimum green choice, but still perhaps better than the stock plastic diaper.
Choices are plentiful now for those parents who want to think a bit more about what is going into and out of their diaper bags. The standard plastic diapers may seem the most convenient up front. But this is in fact most often the most costly choice over time. Both in terms of thinking about the landfill use and space, and for the cost of the diapers themselves.