New parents, and upcoming parents-to-be, often debate on whether or not to use natural diapers. Their baby’s bottom is a primary concern in those initial days, weeks, and months. It’s super sensitive, and a little one’s comfort is the difference between a happy parent and sleepless nights.
Natural diapers can either be disposable cotton or cloth. So, which ones are best? Here are the pros and cons of using natural diapers.
Pros:
Made from eco-conscious materials: Natural diapers use more biodegradable materials and leave less waste in landfills, such as bamboo. Their eco-packaging and materials are often certified, recyclable, and created with non-toxic dyes. They’re also created with plant-based materials, such as fluff pulp. This makes for a better home and it also makes the parent feel better about the purchase itself.
Better for the road: As a result of their eco-conscious materials, natural diapers are better to take on the road because it allows parents to easily dispose of them without too much concern. A natural diaper will have less of an environmental impact so that means that they’re more guilt-free to rid of. These days, with all of the nationwide composting available and natural diaper brands it’s easier than ever to dispose of the diaper in either a facility or compost location rather than a normal trash bag or garbage can.
They’re safer on the skin: Hypoallergenic is often a top concern for parents seeking natural diapers. Oftentimes, the inner and outer linings help to keep the baby dry without the rash. With natural ingredients and more careful consideration of how the diaper is made, parents will see fewer rashes along the legs, bottom, and lower abdomen of the baby.
Free of toxic fragrances: Lotions, bleaches, and fragrances that are added to diapers can backfire. Although they’re there to assist with the poopy smells, and other bodily functions, they can cause more harm than good. Unnecessary fragrances cause irritants and reactions in your baby. Long-term, these ingredients are a result of chemicals that interact with one another and can constantly make your baby uncomfortable.
They’re more breathable: As a result of these conscious, plant-based sustainable materials the baby’s skin can breathe better in a natural diaper. Synthetic materials can cause a baby to become uncomfortable and, since they cannot speak for themselves, will leave a parent wondering what’s wrong. With natural diapers, the materials are carefully lined and formatted to create layers that are easier on the skin.
There are disposable and reusable options: If you’re set on a natural diaper know you can choose between disposable or reusable cloth options. Both are suitable for your baby’s needs. These options allow for cost-conscious and eco-conscious buyers, and it’s nice that the natural diaper industry provides both options for the picky parent.
Cons:
They cost more: Being better for the environment comes at a cost, and it isn’t cheap. Natural diapers tend to cost more because they’re sourcing the materials from further places and stricter regulations come with steadier pricing. The more conventional diaper might be a better route for the parent who is trying to cut costs.
There aren’t as many brands to choose from: Natural diaper companies are growing in number and tackling the market slowly and steadily as the demand for them increases. However, there just aren’t as many natural diaper companies out there as there are conventional diaper companies. With that in mind, it may be more difficult to find a brand you trust and like.
The research isn’t out just yet: Natural diapers are still new to the market in comparison to other, non-natural diapers. So a lot of parents tend to be a bit more skeptical of the science and breakdown of how a diaper is made. The natural, sustainably sourced materials look and sound great on paper but some hidden materials may not be seen. Or, the materials haven’t been studied long enough to see if natural is better.
When it comes to your baby, you want the best diaper option out there. And it’s no surprise our baby lives in a diaper for the first months/years of its life. The beauty is, that you don’t have to choose a natural or conventional diaper right away. You can try both for yourself and see which diaper option is best for your baby. Then, you can even go deeper and sort through the numerous brands, on both sides of the spectrum, to see which your baby likes best.
At the end of the day, natural diapers are slowly growing in reputation. They promise better for the environment, more breathable materials, less artificial dyes, and fragrances, and a convenient way to shop and dispose of the diaper itself. Do what’s best for you and your baby. Remember, you can always change your mind.
