The diaper debate: disposable or cloth?

By Barbara Sims

In the great diaper debate, there are two main contenders: those who favor disposable diapers and those who favor cloth diapers.

Disposable diapers have the convenience factor going for them; they are the choice for most busy moms. Use them and toss them, no mountain of smelly diapers waiting to be washed. However, those disposable diapers that are so convenient also contain chemicals and materials that pull the moisture away from baby's bottom, chemicals that can irritate baby's bottom and the impact of disposable diapers on the environment lasts for years.

The green debate against the disposable diaper and the environment is that it can take generations for the disposable diaper to break down in a landfill. The green debate for disposable diapers is that using them helps the environment by saving on water and electrical power since disposable diapers does not have to be laundered.

Cloth diaper advocates debate their choice of diapers by saying there are no chemicals in cloth diapers to irritate baby's bottom, baby is easier and quicker to potty train since baby feels the wetness in a cloth diaper, no additional waste products going to the landfills since they are reusable, and the amount of energy resources used for laundering the cloth diapers is minimal, making them the best green choice for the environment.

In the great diaper debate, there really is no right way and wrong way, no clear choice winner. Both disposable diapers and cloth diapers have their advantages and disadvantages.

The trend among new moms seems to be a 'meet in the middle' approach with the two kinds of diapers. New moms are using cloth diapers from birth until the time when Baby becomes active, or mom returns to work, then they make the switch to disposable diapers.

Cloth diapers are making a comeback; parents feel that natural fiber cloth diapers are the best green choice.

How to wash your green diapers: Pre-wash diapers and wraps in warm water and vinegar to cut the ammonia and help disinfect the diapers, then wash as normal. Using warm water instead of hot will prolong the life of the diapers and by not using bleach; you prolong the life of the diapers.

Wash diapers in this homemade soap:

1/3 bar Ivory or homemade soap

1/2 cup Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda

1/2 cup borax powder

water

2+ gallon bucket, for storing

1. Grate the soap and place in a saucepan. Add 6 cups of water and heat until the soap melts.

2. Add the washing soda and borax and stir until it is dissolved. Remove from heat.

3. Pour 4 cups of hot water into the bucket. Add the soap mixture and stir. Add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir.

4. Store your laundry detergent in the bucket, covered. (Put plastic wrap on the top of mine, and I also left my long plastic spoon in the soap to stir it briefly before each use.) Use 1/2 cup per load of clothes.

Barbara Sims may be reached via wseditor@robinsonnews.com