The Great Diaper Debate

New parents are inundated with new decisions, often on topics that have never before crossed their minds; bottle or breast? paci or thumb? co-sleep or crib? Of these decisions, none is more vexing than diapers. It would seem from the great diaper debate that there is simply no eco-friendly way to diaper a child. Sure, cloth diapers are reusable and therefore lighten the landfill load. However, their need for frequent washing uses both water and energy.

Independent studies over the years have consistently come to the conclusion that there is no significant difference in the environmental impact between disposables and cloth. So what’s an eco-minded parent to do? Here are the options:

One alternative to consider is a new product called gDiapers, which combines a washable cloth pant with a biodegradable and flushable insert liner. Unlike disposable diapers, they don’t use any elemental plastics or landfill space, and they require less of the water and energy used to wash standard cloth diapers. These “hybrid” diapers are good in a pinch, but they still require paper and packaging (and midnight trips to the store for refills!)

Some parents have eschewed diapers all together and turned to a method called “elimination communication” where parents learn to “read” their baby’s cues and rush them to the potty when they appear ready to go. Inevitable messes aside, this method is unquestionably better for the environment because it doesn’t require water, energy, or landfill space. However, it is not for the faint of heart. If you can’t devote your full attention to watching your baby for “cues,” save yourself and your baby some frustration and use another method.

For those who prefer a traditional diaper, cotton diapers can take the environmental edge over disposables with some energy and water saving techniques, such as line-drying, skipping the pre-soak, and washing diapers in large loads using low temperatures. And today’s parents don’t have to go old-school with pins and plastic pants. Cotton diapers are easier to use than ever before; and, let’s face it, they are just way cuter than disposables. My pick of the bunch is Fuzzi Bunz cotton diapers...they are great looking, ridiculously soft, and a snap (literally!) to use.

Cotton diapers now come in such a wide array of styles and colors, that green parents may finally be able to put an end to the great diaper think about more important things (like sleep!).