Why Should I Choose Cloth?

There's a lot  more to cloth diapering than it just looking ultra cute on your baby's bottom. For one, think of all the money saved not only from your wallet, but, the environment as well. 
Inclusive, there are a number of health benefits associated with cloth diapering. 

Did you know disposable diapers contain:

• Traces of Dioxin, an extremely toxic by product of the paper bleaching process. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists this carcinogenic chemical as the most toxic of all cancer linked chemicals. Dioxin is banned in most countries although not the U.S.
• Sodium Polyacrylate a super absorbent polymer that increases the risk and growth of toxin producing bacteria. This is the gel that forms when the baby soils the diaper.
• Tributyl-tin (TBT), a toxic pollutant well known to cause harmful effects on the hormonal, immune and nervous systems in mammals and aquatic life. Even in the smallest concentrations it can impair the liver and interfere with sexual development.

As well, the prolonged use of disposables on boys greatly increases scrotal temperature; either blunting or completely abolishing the natural cooling mechanism for testicles important for sperm growth (spermatogenesis.)- Archives of Disease in Childhood, May 2000
 

On the environmental side, disposables generate 50% of household waste. Though it is not completely known, it is estimated it takes 250-500 years for a disposable diaper to decompose. 


Now I'm not totally knocking disposables, they have their advantages. The most popular of which is convenience. Disposable diapers can be purchased at almost any retail store and yes when it comes down to it, it is easier to just toss the disposable in the trash. 

If concerns arise with the aforementioned facts, look into alternative choices of disposable diapers such as; the chlorine free, fragrance and latex free eco-friendly brands (7th Generation).

All in all, the decision to use cloth diapers rests with the parents.

References: 
 Dioxin, World Health Organization
 Sodium Polyacrylate, ChemistryExplained.com
 Tributyl-tin (TBT), ScienceDaily.com