Most times, babies are a cute bundle of joy! But they are not just responsible for sticky fingerprints and spit-up stains – their diapers are huge contributors to global pollution on our planet.
On average, babies need nearly 5,000 diapers until they are completely potty-trained and that adds to early 400,000 tonnes of waste. Studies suggest that traditional diapers are extremely detrimental to the environment. They are also one of the reasons for major carbon emissions every year.
If you wish to do your bit for the planet, then switch from traditional diapers to biodegradable diapers as they are eco-friendly and cause less harm to the environment.
Why Should I Change?
Traditional diapers tend to contain various harmful chemicals that can irritate your baby’s skin. You don’t want your kid to have rashes, do you? Natural biodegradable diapers are toxin-free, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly.
Aren’t Regular Diapers Biodegradable?
No! It takes around 500 years for regular diapers to decompose in the landfills (the ones thrown away years back wouldn’t have broken down yet).
Today’s natural eco-friendly diapers are made with biodegradable components, mainly the top and back sheets and the fluff pulp. There are diapers that have biodegradable SAP, however, this type of SAP is not as absorbent. When both top and back sheets are made from plant-based materials they are at least 60% biodegradable and decompose in a landfill when exposed to light in less than a year!
Will Natural Biodegradable Diapers Be Comfortable for My Baby?
Yes, Natural diapers are made from plant-based materials such as cotton, corn, and wheat. However, for a super-soft yet strong diaper, you want to purchase one that is made with bamboo fibers. Why bamboo?
Bamboo fibers are organically smooth and round without chemical treatment, making them naturally soft. Bamboo also permits fresh air to circulate keeping your baby’s skin dry and comfortable in any temperature and reduces or eliminates odor-causing bacteria.
Although bamboo diapers are slightly more expensive than other natural diapers, because they are 60-70% more absorbent than cotton, you end up using fewer diapers in a pack, therefore saving you money in the long run.
Should I switch to using reusable diapers?
Before you spend a lot of money on buying one type of reusable diapers in bulk, try out some options to know which ones work best for you and your baby.
Some of the most commonly purchased cloth diapers include:
- Prefold diapers (rectangular shaped with three sections)
- Pocket diapers (pocket opening for inserting a soaker)
- All in one diaper (with an outer waterproof layer)
- Fitted diapers (resemble disposable diapers)
Are reusable diapers a good choice for you?
Reusable diapers cannot be considered as a completely eco-friendly option. These diapers need to be cleaned repeatedly, which adds up to water wastage. Additionally, reusable diapers are often washed using soaps and detergents, which makes them a non-eco-friendly choice.
Conclusion
Now that you have figured it all out, it’s time to take the eco-friendly leap and start using natural biodegradable diapers for your baby!
