Diapers. Cloth vs. Disposable

[cissyhope]

Disposable - cheap, convenient, very little work, don't need to change often, never had diaper rash.
Cloth - too much work for me.

Ewww you DO have to change sposies as often as cloth!!!!! Even more so, the longer a disposable nappy is on the more chance of nasty chemicals leaking out onto your baby's bum!

Is that really necessary?

Its true, and why some people choose to use cloth....

It's true that there are chemicals in disposables, but there are more tactful ways to phrase things.

I didn't think she was tactless?

 

[cissyhope]

Disposable - cheap, convenient, very little work, don't need to change often, never had diaper rash.
Cloth - too much work for me.

Ewww you DO have to change sposies as often as cloth!!!!! Even more so, the longer a disposable nappy is on the more chance of nasty chemicals leaking out onto your baby's bum!

Is that really necessary?

Its true, and why some people choose to use cloth....

It's true that there are chemicals in disposables, but there are more tactful
ways to phrase things.

I don't know how nasty these chemicals are (surely they couldn't be sold for babies if they were too bad) but I know ive seen the gel crystals on LOs bum, I think when I didn't change her often enough! Now as I say I use cloth and frequency of change wise I've not noticed much difference.

Hey iv noticed those gel crystals that your talking about!? what are they? sorry blonde alert! x

 

[punk_pig]

I don't know how nasty these chemicals are (surely they couldn't be sold for babies if they were too bad) but I know ive seen the gel crystals on LOs bum, I think when I didn't change her often enough! Now as I say I use cloth and frequency of change wise I've not noticed much difference.

Hey iv noticed those gel crystals that your talking about!? what are they? sorry blonde alert! x[/QUOTE]

They are what make disposables absorbent. They are dry lightweight crystals (dont know the chemical) that expand and turn jelly like when contacted by moisture. If they are on LO's skin they have burst through the nappy fabric, they are supposed to remain inside the core.

 

[Seity]

Considering he's wearing a diaper 24/7, I don't really see how relevant the chemical argument is to how often he's changed because by that logic he's 'exposed' to those chemicals 24/7 in a disposable diaper. If I actually felt they were dangerous, I'd probably be a cloth user (So, what kind of chemicals are in the wash powder you use on those diapers, clothes, etc???) If you are worried about the chemicals, then by all means be a cloth user for that reason.
And I've never had the gel crystals escape from the diaper either.

 

[cissyhope]

I don't know how nasty these chemicals are (surely they couldn't be sold for babies if they were too bad) but I know ive seen the gel crystals on LOs bum, I think when I didn't change her often enough! Now as I say I use cloth and frequency of change wise I've not noticed much difference.

Hey iv noticed those gel crystals that your talking about!? what are they? sorry blonde alert! x

They are what make disposables absorbent. They are dry lightweight crystals (dont know the chemical) that expand and turn jelly like when contacted by moisture. If they are on LO's skin they have burst through the nappy fabric, they are supposed to remain inside the core.[/QUOTE]

hmmmm that dosent sound good. Another reason to add to why i want more cloth nappies.

 

[violetsky]

Sorry too lazy to read through the entire thread just wanted to get my vote in!

I am 100% a cloth convert! My baby was prem and much too little for the cloth nappies I had bought so for the first 3 weeks she was in disposables. She got awful nappy rash, they leaked and they just felt plasticky and nasty. We had a terrible poo explosion out of the back and sides more than once, AND they were so expensive! I felt like I was just throwing money away.

Once she was big enough we switched to our cloth. They feel so soft, smell so lovely out of the wash and they cleared up her nappy rash and it's never been back since. She's never leaked out of them poo, wee or otherwise, and you literally save a small fortune (especially as I use cloth wipes and homemade solution as well!)

I feel really good knowing that I'm helping the environment, we save away the extra money for her, when we have a second child the savings will be even greater, but most of all I believe it is nicer for her - her little face at bum changes she just loves them (especially all warm off the radiator!) and if I stroke my cheek with a cloth nappy and then a disposable and ask myelf which I would rather wear against my delicate bits, the answer is obvious!!

Plus there are some amazing custom nappies to be designed and splurged on, but that's another story!

 

[scooterchick]

Considering he's wearing a diaper 24/7, I don't really see how relevant the chemical argument is to how often he's changed because by that logic he's 'exposed' to those chemicals 24/7 in a disposable diaper. If I actually felt they were dangerous, I'd probably be a cloth user (So, what kind of chemicals are in the wash powder you use on those diapers, clothes, etc???) If you are worried about the chemicals, then by all means be a cloth user for that reason.
And I've never had the gel crystals escape from the diaper either.

Yes, you're right, he is exposed 24/7, however they are supposed to stay contained within the nappy. The longer you leave it on, the higher chance of those chemicals escaping.

'DioxinsMost disposable diapers are bleached white with chlorine, resulting in a byproduct called dioxins that leach into the environment and the diapers. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dioxins are among the most toxic chemicals known to science and are listed by the EPA as highly carcinogenic chemicals. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to dioxins may cause skin reactions and altered liver function, as well as impairments to the immune system, nervous system, endocrine system and reproductive functions.

Sodium PolyacrylateSodium polycarbonate is a super absorbent chemical compound that is used in the fillers of many disposable diapers. It is composed of cellulose processed from trees that is mixed with crystals of polyacrylate. This chemical absorbs fluids and creates surface tension in the lining of the diaper to bind fluids and prevent leakage. Sodium polyacrylate is often visible as small gel-like crystals on the skin of babies and is thought to be linked to skin irritations and respiratory problems. This chemical was removed from tampons due to toxic shock syndrome concerns. As it has only been used in diapers for the last two decades, there is not yet research on the long-term health effects of sodium polyacrylate on babies.

Tributyl-tin (TBT)
Many disposable diapers contain a chemical called tributyl-tin (TBT). According to the EPA, this toxic pollutant is extremely harmful to aquatic (water) life and causes endocrine (hormonal) disruptions in aquatic organisms. TBT is a polluting chemical that does not degrade but remains in the environment and in our food chain. TBT is also an ingredient used in biocides to kill infecting organisms. Additionally, according to research published by the American Institute of Biological Sciences, tributyl-tin can trigger genes that promote the growth of fat cells, causing obesity in humans.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Disposable diapers frequently contain chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These include chemicals such as ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene and dipentene. According to the EPA, VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system as well as cancers.

Other Chemicals
Other chemicals often used in disposable diapers include dyes, fragrances, plastics and petrolatums. Adhesive chemicals are used in the sticky tabs to close the diapers and dyes are used to color and make the patterns and labels that mark diapers. Perfumes and fragrances are used in some disposable diapers to help mask odors.'



Read more: https://www.livestrong.com/article/111348-chemicals-disposable-diapers/#ixzz1TWcnyXGO

It's a pretty frightening list.

 

[cissyhope]

blimey that is scary stuff

 

[stardust599]

For goodness sake why does everything on here have to turn into a debate!!!!

 

[cissyhope]

wouldn't really call it a debate but passionate people

 

[Seity]

^^

 

[aragornlover8]

I've just started cloth today.

I plan on using cloth during the day and a disposable at night.

They're pretty easy. I just take them off, give them a good rinse under cold water to wash out any pee or mess then chuck them into the washing machine with our daily wash at night. No extra work or pennies.

We had our first pooey cloth today. I just emptied it into the toilet then rinsed the nappy under cold water until it was clean and have popped it into the washing machine. You can also buy flushable liners that go inside the nappy to catch the poo x

I take it the liners are biodegradable? Do you have any experience with them? Just curious. I live in an apartment complex, and we're advised to only flush toilet paper down the toilet. If I do decide to switch to cloth, that would seem a nice alternative but I wouldn't want to a) end up polluting the environment anyway or b) clogging up my toilet and making a huge mess.

 

[cissyhope]

I've just started cloth today.

I plan on using cloth during the day and a disposable at night.

They're pretty easy. I just take them off, give them a good rinse under cold water to wash out any pee or mess then chuck them into the washing machine with our daily wash at night. No extra work or pennies.

We had our first pooey cloth today. I just emptied it into the toilet then rinsed the nappy under cold water until it was clean and have popped it into the washing machine. You can also buy flushable liners that go inside the nappy to catch the poo x

I take it the liners are biodegradable? Do you have any experience with them? Just curious. I live in an apartment complex, and we're advised to only flush toilet paper down the toilet. If I do decide to switch to cloth, that would seem a nice alternative but I wouldn't want to a) end up polluting the environment anyway or b) clogging up my toilet and making a huge mess.

^^^ yes my liners are biodergradable,however iv just had a look at the back of mine and it does say : caution liners may cause blockage in old drains so depends on the drains? whether old or damaged.

 

[meg79]

I've just started cloth today.

I plan on using cloth during the day and a disposable at night.

They're pretty easy. I just take them off, give them a good rinse under cold water to wash out any pee or mess then chuck them into the washing machine with our daily wash at night. No extra work or pennies.

We had our first pooey cloth today. I just emptied it into the toilet then rinsed the nappy under cold water until it was clean and have popped it into the washing machine. You can also buy flushable liners that go inside the nappy to catch the poo x

I take it the liners are biodegradable? Do you have any experience with them? Just curious. I live in an apartment complex, and we're advised to only flush toilet paper down the toilet. If I do decide to switch to cloth, that would seem a nice alternative but I wouldn't want to a) end up polluting the environment anyway or b) clogging up my toilet and making a huge mess.

If you were going to switch to cloth, in your case I would use reusable liners as well, just bung them in with your nappies

 

[Shabutie]

Hi,

We use cloth nappies, but only started at 4months. Before then Amara was in disposables.

I find using cloth SOOOOO much easier. Yes you have to deal with poo, but I dont see any difference to disposables, as you still need to clean it off of them. Disposables do make the bin smell vile, but since moving to cloth the bin doesnt smell. Its nice not having to buy nappies/wipes when we go shopping. Only thing with cloth is that you need the money there straight away, but then you save money as the months go by. We use disposable wipes too (just normal flannels) and make our own solution with camomile tea and baby wash. The camomile tea helps to prevent nappy rash (we made the switch after she got nappy rash, she has never had it since)

With reguards to washing, it only adds an extra 2-3 loads per week, and as you use so little powder the cost doesnt mount up. You can wash them at home fine, if you go into the natural parenting section, there are loads of threads about how to wash nappies etc..

Some people will say disposables are easy because you dont have to wash them etc... but i have found its generally from people who are uneducated about cloth. People who use disposables will be able to giv eyou loads of positives on them and hardly see the negatives... same the other way round with cloth. I think the best way is to look into the upkeep on cloth nappies and try and make a pro and con list yourself about both.

HTH

 

[scooterchick]

I've just started cloth today.

I plan on using cloth during the day and a disposable at night.

They're pretty easy. I just take them off, give them a good rinse under cold water to wash out any pee or mess then chuck them into the washing machine with our daily wash at night. No extra work or pennies.

We had our first pooey cloth today. I just emptied it into the toilet then rinsed the nappy under cold water until it was clean and have popped it into the washing machine. You can also buy flushable liners that go inside the nappy to catch the poo x

I take it the liners are biodegradable? Do you have any experience with them? Just curious. I live in an apartment complex, and we're advised to only flush toilet paper down the toilet. If I do decide to switch to cloth, that would seem a nice alternative but I wouldn't want to a) end up polluting the environment anyway or b) clogging up my toilet and making a huge mess.

If you were going to switch to cloth, in your case I would use reusable liners as well, just bung them in with your nappies

Agreed. I bought a cheap fleec blanket and cut it up into liners. My LO is 8 months now and I need a new blanket, the liners are a bit wash worn, but a cheap blanket every 8 months is pretty good!

You tend to find that people who use cloth are passionate about them and love their cloth nappies. I've yet to find someone who loves their disposables the same. They're like a necessary evil (but not really necessary).

 

[stardust599]

Yep the liners are biodegradable. If you don't want to flush them just wrap them up and bin them with your normal rubbish. I'm sure you could even find biodegradable nappy bags somewhere.

I don't actually use the flushable liners, I've washed an old nacy fleece blanket and am cutting it up to make my own liners. There's no need really but it stops your nappies getting stained. It's navy so stains will be hidden. It cost me around £3.00 for the blanket months and months ago (it's a fleecey dog blanket), I'll likely get at least 6month use out of it. I use old muslin cloths soaked in water as wipes xx

 

[pinkie77]

Yep the liners are biodegradable. If you don't want to flush them just wrap them up and bin them with your normal rubbish. I'm sure you could even find biodegradable nappy bags somewhere.

I don't actually use the flushable liners, I've washed an old nacy fleece blanket and am cutting it up to make my own liners. There's no need really but it stops your nappies getting stained. It's navy so stains will be hidden. It cost me around £3.00 for the blanket months and months ago (it's a fleecey dog blanket), I'll likely get at least 6month use out of it. I use old muslin cloths soaked in water as wipes xx

Co-op do biodegradable nappy sacks, noticed them today! So I'm sure other places must do them too.

 

[punk_pig]

Ikeas cheapest blanket it a pale blue polyester fleece - perfect for cutting up in to liners. I think it is £2.79 or thereabouts!

 

[aragornlover8]

I've always considered cloth diapers, but I've never heard very positive things about upkeep. So this is all very good information; thank you ladies . DH and I are seriously considering cloth now.