How to Choose Organic Disposable Diapers

Diapers are in constant contact with your precious child's skin. Many parents have decided that they do not want the chemicals found in typical diapers to be on their child's skin all the time. With the world becoming more green, there are more options available today. There are three major types of "green" diapers: cloth, disposable, and a hybrid cross between cloth and disposable diapers.

Instructions

Organic Diapers

1. Choose which diaper qualities are most important to you and your family. Some examples are: diapers without chlorine added, absorbent gels vs. wood pulp, convenience, ease of composting, price or availability. The list of possible characteristics are endless. Make a list of those important characteristics and ones that you absolutely do not want in a diaper.

2. With your list of desired qualities in hand, research the different types of diapers: cloth, organic disposables, and the hybrid. For example, if you desire a diaper without chlorine, convenient, and readily available, you might consider a cloth diaper service. A cloth diaper service is convenient and readily available, however, most services do not use organic materials and wash the diapers in chlorine bleach for maximum cleaning. You could also research purchasing organic cloth diapers and washing them at home to prevent the use of chlorine. However, washing all the dirty diapers is not very convenient. You will need to research and weigh your list of characteristics.

3. Once you have the type of diaper narrowed down, research the brands of diapers that fit in that category. Again keeping in mind your desired qualities or dislikes in a diaper, you can further focus your choices to a few different brands that meet your needs. For example, if you have decided to go with organic disposable diapers, there are many brands available. Huggies Pure & Natural says it is made out of natural and organic products, but does not say it is chlorine free. Seventh Generation diapers are chlorine free, but cost more than Huggies. Make a list of several brands of diapers that fit into your desired qualities.

4. Talk to friends, family, co-workers, or others who use the type of diaper that interests you in order to receive trusted feedback of how the diapers work. Just because a type of diaper appears to meet your family's needs during research, it is possible that the diapers do not work as you anticipated. For example, after speaking with a co-worker, one woman found out that the lining of a hybrid diaper did not contain a large mess that her child made during the night. Obtaining this advice might make you consider a different brand of hybrid diaper.

5. Once you have decided on the type of diaper and narrowed down to a few brands, purchase one pack of each and test them on your child. Until you try the brands on your child, you do not know how each will work. Every child is different and one type of diaper that your sister loves to use, may leak when your child uses it. Real world application is the only way to be sure that the diapers will work well for you and your child.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember there is no "magic diaper" that works best for everyone. Every child and family is different and it is very important to evaluate which diaper characteristics works best for you and your family to avoid frustration later.

References

• Organic Baby Resource: Organic Diapers: 5 Easy Steps to Choosing Organic Diapers
• The Diaper Jungle: What Cloth Diaper System Works

Resources

• Parenting: Tested by Moms: Eco-Friendly Diapers