Organic Cloth Diapers

 The strongest argument of advocates of organic cloth diapers is the potential harmful effects of chemicals found in non-organic diapers. With the growing awareness on health and environmental issues, more and more people are having a hard time making a delicate balance between convenience and their health and the environment.

Why go organic? The organic method of farming disallows the use of artificial fertilizers that pollute ground and surface waters. Organic farmers enrich their fields naturally by applying composted manure, rotating different types of crops, and planting crops that naturally supply the soil with nitrogen, all these without the use of chemicals. This way, water pollution is minimized.

Where health is concerned, many non-organic diapers, both cloth and disposable, have been suspected to contain very toxic substances believed to be the cause of certain critical health conditions. For instance, initial tests on a diaper with a well known brand showed the presence of tributyl tin or TBT, one of the most toxic substances ever made. Even in small amounts, it can harm people’s immune systems and impair their hormonal functions. In another scientific study, it was also surmised that disposable diapers could cause male infertility. Since cells supporting sperm production are laid down during the first two years of life, prolonged use of disposable diapers may heat up the testicles to above-normal levels which may have a negative effect to the baby’s ability to produce enough sperm later in life. Yet another investigative research claimed that the inhalation of chemical emissions from disposable diapers is one of the major causes of respiratory diseases, such as asthma, in infants. While these studies are subject to further evaluation, it is prudent to exercise caution or avoidance altogether.

It is not as if nothing can be done. Coming to the rescue is the good old cloth diaper, not just any cloth diaper though, but the organic cloth diaper. Any soft and absorbent fabric may be used for organic cloth diapers but the most common natural fibers ideal for infants’ delicate skin are cotton, hemp, bamboo, flannel, bamboo fleece, and wool for diaper wrap. A truly organic cloth diaper is not only free from toxic chemicals, but the cloth material is of higher quality in terms of softness and strength because no synthetic fertilizers and pesticides were applied that could have stunted the growth of the plant fibers.

Care and Handling of Organic Cloth Diapers

• Newly bought organic cloth diapers should be washed and dried three to five times before use to remove extra oils and waxes.

• Wet diapers should be washed and dried as soon as possible, but stained ones should immediately be washed with warm water to avoid permanent stain traces.

• An all-natural and mild laundry detergent should be used to protect your baby’s skin and maintain the quality of the diapers. Potent bleaching agents should never be used as this may cause fading or weakening of the cloth fibers.

• Use non-toxic ingredients like baking soda to brighten white cloth diapers as well as soften the water so that you can save on detergent.

• Pour one cup lemon juice into the washer during the wash cycle to remove rusts and mineral discolorations and leave the diapers smelling fresh.

• Pour one cup of white vinegar into the washer during the rinse cycle to kill off bacteria that can come from the diapers.

• If possible, washed organic cloth diapers should be dried outside under the sun for a fresher smell and later air dried in the dryer to soften them.