The Cons Of Disposable Diapers

By Author: Kelly Wels
Total Articles: 4762
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One very important decision that parents have to make is whether or not they will use cloth or disposable diapers. For first-time parents, this can be a difficult task, since there are pros and cons of using both types. Disposable diapers were not always an option for parents, of course, as cloth diapers were the norm up until the late 1950's, when the first disposable diapers were conceived and manufacturing for them was worked out. Now that there was a choice, parents of infants had to consider both the pros and the cons of disposable diapers.

There are many reasons that parents decide to use disposable diapers as opposed to cloth diapers - that is, a lot of "pros." One of the most popular reasons is the convenience of the disposable diaper. You never have to worry about having them picked up for cleaning, since they go right into the garbage. Another reason is the fact that there are stages of the diapers, in that children can transition from one size to another as they grow and the diapers are fitted for each stage of growth that the children go through.

On the other hand...
There are certain "cons" to ...
... using disposable diapers, too, with a few that tend to lead parents to use cloth diapers over disposable ones. First, the cost of disposable diapers can be very high and when purchased on a regular basis can add up significantly. Cloth diapers are more cost-efficient because they can be washed over and over again, eliminating the need to purchase them frequently. The cost for disposable diapers does not seem to change with age either. It seems that the older the child gets, the less diapers they need, but the fewer diapers you get in a box - so the cost remains practically the same as you go along, using fewer but bigger diapers.

There have also been concerns in the past regarding the environmental damage that disposable diapers can cause. Disposable diapers, especially the first few generations of them, are a lot harder on the environment because they take longer to break down. Since they are composed mainly of plastics, when they end up in landfills their components (along with the waste inside of them) could, in fact, contaminate the ground water. It can take quite a while for a disposable diaper to decompose, whereas cloth diapers can be washed time and time again, which eliminates the need to throw them in the trash at all.

Pros of cloth diapers
Some other "cons" of disposables become apparent when considering the "pros" of the cloth alternatives. Although disposable diapers are functional and sensible, in terms of being able simply to use them and toss them, their functionality does not go much beyond that. With cloth diapers you can use them for many other purposes, as washcloths, burp cloths, cleaning cloths and rags. There are plenty of other uses for cloth diapers, especially after your child grows out of them.

When a parent decides to begin potty training their child, they might find it more difficult when using a disposable diaper. This is because children who wear cloth diapers feel the wetness more than a child that wears disposable diapers. Feeling more wetness makes a child want to use the toilet sooner when going through potty training, since the more uncomfortable the child is the sooner he or she will want to make good on the use of the toilet.

Better living through less chemistry
Another "con" of using disposable diapers is the fact that chemicals are contained in them. According to recent studies, the chemicals in disposable baby diapers can sometimes harm children if used negligently. Some of the health concerns include toxic shock syndrome in some children, allergic reactions like rashes and skin irritations in others, and even the possibility of damage to the central nervous system. Studies show that the sodium polyacrylate in diapers, a substance that allows for more absorbency, also causes a certain number of allergic reactions. Although the percentage of these occurrences is low, they do happen.

The best way to decide whether or not to use disposable diapers is to do the research and learn as much as possible about both options. Although there are many things to consider, you can narrow down the deciding factors by considering what will be most affordable, convenient and manageable for you as a parent, on the one hand, and what would be best for your child, on the other. If cloth diapers seem the better choice for you, then go for it. If you would prefer to try disposable, do not allow any unfounded fears to alter your decision to use them, as they can be a great asset to you and your child. Although there are definite cons to using disposable diapers, their cloth adversaries are not perfect, either. It may seem like a toss-up, but it is still your decision to make.
About Author:
Kelly's Closet is committed to providing high quality products and superior customer service that is unmatched in the organic cloth diaper industry. Trusted brands such as Fuzzi Bunz, Bumgenius and Happy Heinys are available along with a wide range of associated baby gear. Visit online today.