Cloth vs. Disposables-Skin and Health

What is the better diaper? Well I guess that depend on how you look at it...

There are pros and cons to BOTH of these, and with my research and study on this subject we recently switched solely to cloth diapers. We still have a few disposables left from when I bought them awhile back, but my husband and I have agreed that we will not be buying anymore disposables. I am glad that he is in this process with me too, supporting me and I have even ordered some cloth diapers with the Velcro tabs just so that it's easier for him and the grandmas to change my very wiggly son. 

However, I prefer snaps just because I believe that the do last longer and don't stick to everything else in the wash if the tabs come undone. Also, my almost 11 month old seems to like to take his diaper off recently, and he can't undo the snaps at all.

So anyway, here is my study on diapers...

Skin and Health Concerns

One of my biggest concerns as a parent is to keep my baby's skin dry, healthy and free from diaper rash. Which surprisingly a lot of thing can cause a diaper rash.

Some concerns about disposable diapers have been about dyes, sodium polyacrylate (the super absorbent gel), and dioxin, which is a by-product of bleaching paper.  Sodium polyacrylate has been linked in the past to toxic shock syndrome, allergic reactions and is very harmful and potentially lethal to pets. Some dyes and dioxin according to the Environmental Protection Agency is known to cause damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver. The Food & Drug Administration has received reports that fragrances in disposables caused headaches, dizziness and rashes.  Problems reported to the Consumer Protection Agency regarding disposables include, chemical burns, noxious chemical and insecticide odors, babies pulling disposables apart and putting pieces of plastic into their noses and mouth, choking on tab papers and linings, plastic melting onto the skin, and ink staining the skin.  Plastic tabs can also tear skin if the diaper is not properly put on the baby. My son had the easiest time pulling off his diaper and all the little beads or whatever get everywhere! They say on the package that its nontoxic but just thinking that apart of that has his urine on it and he probably ate some of it made me sick.

So, let me ask you this, would you want your baby's bottom touching that? 
Don't freak out though, cloth diapers have their issues as well because they can also cause rashes! By not changing their diaper enough or not properly cleaning and sanitizing after becoming soiled. Things like ammonia burn is caused by build up of detergent in the diaper if not properly washed and/or stripped regularly.

It is all a matter of personal preference, how your baby is reacting to a particular diaper and how you feel about other factors that come into play when deciding between cloth and disposables.

The best way to prevent diaper rash is to change diapers, cloth or disposable, frequently.  While disposable diapers can hold large quantities of urine, this slight wetness is still against your baby’s skin, which can lead to rashes.  Cloth diapers should be changed every time your baby wets and then the diaper should be properly cleaned so all bacteria that may be in the cloth is killed. 

So far I have my winnings on the cloth diaper, I like love the fact that I can control what goes on my son's bottom and not have all those other chemicals that can potentially harm him. 

Hearing of a disposable diaper KILLING a baby is VERY uncommon and I have never heard such a thing, but still what would you want touching the sensitive soft skin of your precious little angel?

With love.

-Jess